by K. T. Webb
“Is everything okay?” Legacy could not pretend they had not overheard the exchange from outside the door.
“It will be. This is what I need to do, the boys will see that one day,” Theon’s brow furrowed when his eyes landed on his son and wife. “I only hope we are all reunited when this is over.”
“I cannot express how deeply I am hoping for the same outcome. Our families deserve a little peace after everything we have faced,” Legacy touched Theon’s forearm gently.
“I appreciate that. I am prepared to leave whenever you are ready,” Theon nodded to his sons who had followed him into the room.
Legacy was unsure what to say to ease the minds of the young men who would be left at the bedsides of their mother and brother. There were no words to make the situation easier on them. Legacy decided the best gift she could give them was some indication of how they could find their younger brother.
“Calix, Rune? I do not know much about Arkin, but I believe he was threatened and that is what has kept him hidden. My father was a terrible person, we all know that; I do not know what he held over your brother’s head. Noble believes his mother is dead, but it seems to me Arkin must know the truth. Please, ask Renata to show you how to get into the hidden tunnels beneath the castle. I believe that is where you will find Arkin.”
Both young men looked at her with hard determination reflected in their eyes. She knew they would stop at nothing to find their brother. Legacy only hoped both boys were prepared for what they may encounter. Arkin would undoubtedly be a very different boy from the one they remembered.
“We will do everything in our power to find him. Watch out for our father, we need him to come back to us,” Rune told her as he tried to hide the tears forming in his eyes.
“I will do my very best,” Legacy offered a sad smile.
Evander stared at his own mother as she lay on the bed, fast asleep. Legacy knew leaving her would be more complicated than he would admit. She wished she could get a message to Honor and Rowan. No matter what they were facing, Legacy felt confident they would want to be with her as she searched for Noble. In a perfect world, they would all be together, and no one would have to go on treacherous missions in the name of Alderwood. One day that would become a reality, but for the time being, they would have to accept the truth—the Shadow Mages were back and would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
“I think we should leave as soon as possible. The sun has only been visible for a few hours; leaving now would give us the most sunlight for traveling. The trouble is, we are not even sure where we are heading,” Legacy explained, “They took him to a strange forest that no one seems to recognize when described. I have been there myself many times in my dreams, but that will not help up find it.”
“Renata said to head south,” Evander explained to Theon.
“Then I guess we travel south until we find something to lead us elsewhere,” Theon agreed.
Legacy left them to say their goodbyes to the family members in the infirmary. She wanted nothing more than to find Noble and bring him home, yet she felt wholly unprepared for the task. There were too many questions that needed to be answered regarding the relationship between the Shadow Mages and Noble. They played such a significant role in King Junius’ decision to bring another child into the world that it was nearly certain they had marked the boy in some way. Legacy shuddered to think they had laid claim to his soul before he was even born. He was only a child, innocent and untainted by the things his father had put in place before he was conceived. Legacy was not going to stand by and let him be devoured by the demons Junius had left behind.
“Are you ready?” Evander offered a half-smile.
Legacy nodded as Theon joined them in the hall. The silence between them spoke more than any words would have shared; the time had come to venture out on the journey that could change everything. Each step reminded Legacy of what she was leaving behind, what she may never see again if her visions came to pass. Nikita and her woldigo pack bowed their heads in respect as the trio of humans passed through the courtyard and into the town square. News of their travels had spread through Pallisaide at an alarming rate based on what they encountered once outside the castle walls.
Villagers lined the road leading out of Alderwood. Some cheered, some held wares they intended to offer as gifts for the travelers. Legacy laced her fingers into Evander’s waiting hand. As they began their procession, someone began singing a song that most knew from their childhood. A song of hope and well wishes swelled from the crowd, more people joined with each line. Evander and Theon accepted food, tools, and packs from those they passed. Legacy’s eyes burned with tears that seemed to materialize without permission from the deepest parts of her soul. The people of Pallisaide knew Theon and Evander, they were faced with the possibility of never seeing those men again. So much emotion hung in the atmosphere that the mixture of feelings left Legacy unsure if she should be crying or laughing. In the short time she’d been Queen of Alderwood, the people in Pallisaide had come to show her their hearts; they wanted nothing more than to be free from the tyranny of King Junius and be granted the ability to live their lives without interference. Legacy wanted nothing more than to give them those things. In order to do so, she must travel into the unknown forest she’d seen only in her dreams. And there, she must defeat the Shadow Mages.
The three adventurers began their journey with confidence, even though it felt like a farewell from their people. Theon offered handshakes and nods to the people who had been his friends and neighbors for his entire life. Evander squeezed Legacy’s hand gently as he watched silent tears trickle down her cheeks. She tried her best to smile back at him, but the weight of their task seemed to weigh her down more than she expected. This was about more than just saving her brother. This was about saving every citizen of Alderwood from the threat of extinction. As long as the Shadow Mages were leeching wild magic from the world they loved, everyone and everything would be in danger.
On the other side of the stone wall, Legacy felt a moment of reprieve in which she was able to take a deep breath. Her traveling companions also sighed deeply, though none acknowledged the humor in their synchronized exhale. The road leading away from Pallisaide followed the slight slope of a hill and ended at a bridge that traversed the surrounding river. Beyond the bridge their journey would turn toward the less-traveled southern regions of Alderwood. As long as Legacy could think through each step in the journey, she knew she would be able to make it to Noble. There were no guarantees in her visions, no certainty she would find Noble in time to stop the Shadow Mages from inflicting whatever harm they planned for Alderwood or her brother.
As they approached the river that wound around Pallisaide, Legacy noticed a man sitting astride a horse on the opposite side of the bridge. From their vantage point, it was impossible to determine who waited for them. They had not made anyone outside of Pallisaide aware of their plans. How could anyone know they were leaving the city? Aside from the man and his horse, three other horses were saddled. The mystery rider brought steeds for them to ride. Theon and Evander were discussing the appearance of another party when on Legacy recognized who their guest was.
Lord Justice Mahuron had returned to his place in Goldenlark after Legacy’s coronation as Queen of Alderwood. Legacy immediately thought of the connection between her mother and the man who helped them storm Pallisaide months ago—he was her uncle. She had no idea if he was aware of their familial relationship and decided it best not to discuss it for the time being.
Renata must have sent word to him regarding the mission they were embarking on. If Renata asked for his assistance, he would not hesitate to join them.
Neither Evander nor Theon had interacted with the man who had the entirety of County Hare under his wing. There was no reason their paths should have crossed before the Resistance came to Pallisaide and there was little possibility they had encountered one another during his brief stay in the city. So, w
hen they were close enough to speak to Lord Mahuron, Legacy spoke.
“Lord Mahuron, I am pleasantly surprised by your appearance. What brought you back to Pallisaide?” Legacy asked with a smile.
“Please, call me Justice. I got a message of sorts. I was told you would be going on a journey and that my presence may be appreciated.”
Legacy offered him a knowing smile. He was not keen on giving away the details of what had brought him back so soon. No matter, Legacy was more than happy to invite him along for their mission. Lord Mahuron knew Alderwood well and would be a useful addition to their travel party.
“Well, allow me to introduce you to my friends. This is Evander; he is my personal bodyguard,” Legacy did her best not to make the nature of their relationship evident to Justice before either was ready. She gestured for Theon to come forward. “This fine gentleman is Theon. He is a woodcarver in Pallisaide and has taken a special interest in helping me find my brother.”
“Noble? Is he missing?” Justice seemed surprised.
Legacy nodded, “I was not sure how much information you received in your message. It appears as though Noble was taken by the Shadow Mages.”
“I came to offer my services in any way possible, but now I must insist that I accompany you wherever your journey may lead. Where are we heading?”
Legacy glanced at her friends; she was reluctant to tell Justice they did not know where they were heading. How could she explain to him that they were leaving Pallisaide with no strategy? She was even beginning to have doubts about the lackadaisical plans they made for the journey herself. Head south. How could that even be a plan? As she played it out in her mind, Legacy grew more and more uncomfortable with the idea of moving forward without the only person she felt was strong enough to make such a journey—Honor.
When Legacy left the caves of Kilgore, the decision had been easy. Her sister was a force to be reckoned with, thrust into the leadership role that led them to victory. Legacy herself had resigned to being Queen of Alderwood from her youth, but that was all she planned to be. In her mind, she would be expected to be the figurehead of a reformed land; setting out on a mission of her own had never crossed her mind. Without Honor, how was she supposed to be strong enough to find Noble and defeat the Shadow Mages?
“We are searching for a forest that no one seems to have seen,” Evander explained when Legacy remained quiet.
Justice glanced between each face, “I am not sure I understand.”
Legacy sighed; it was time to confess. “I know it is not customary to discuss the visions we have when we receive a mark, but that is the only way for me to explain this to you. It sounds insane, but the forest where the Shadow Mages have taken Noble is the same one I have seen every night since my sixteenth birthday. The only trouble is when I explain what it looks like, no one seems to know where it is.”
Justice listened patiently as she described the woods and explained how Evander had joined her there in her dreams. He seemed enthralled by the idea that their minds had mingled in such a way. Legacy felt as though a weight lifted from her with each detail she shared. Part of her wondered if it would be easier to tell them everything, including what her mark indicated. But she knew that would be imprudent. There was no need to test fate while she was placing herself into a dangerous war with the Shadow Mages.
“So, we head south. If we travel along the road leading south, we will undoubtedly come to either a village or a settlement of some kind that can give us information about these woods. Do not worry, Legacy, we will find your brother,” Justice placed a hand on her shoulder. “I brought these horses to spare our energy and help us cover more ground. I also packed each horse with plenty of supplies. I have a feeling we will not be back within a day or two.”
“Thank you, Justice. I admit my confidence has been boosted by your appearance,” Legacy smiled while the other two agreed.
They had traveled for three days before they began to notice a difference in the terrain. The weather was changing gradually, but they were still constantly reminded that it was early spring. A bitter wind from the north seemed to give her a gentle push in the direction they were supposed to be heading. With her eyes closed, Legacy inhaled through her nose, catching the spicy scent of each northern tree contained in that single stream of wind.
Something else lingered with the aroma, something familiar and comforting. Legacy could feel Honor in the very air around her. The side of her mouth tugged up in a half-smile at the idea of her sister sending her presence along with the breeze. She received the message loud and clear; Legacy was strong enough to stand against the Shadow Mages. It was her turn to fulfill the fate laid out for her by the wild magic. Alderwood needed her to do this, and Noble’s life was depending on it.
“Legacy?” Justice drew her attention.
The Queen fell into step with the man she knew was her uncle. It was unclear whether he knew of their familial connection. Legacy considered if she should tell him. She questioned what to say to him when all she wanted was ask him about her mother, but it seemed too personal. Legacy decided it was best to let him lead the conversation.
“I wanted to apologize for showing up the way I did,” Justice scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably. “The truth is, I was sent to help you.”
Legacy furrowed her brow. “What do you mean? Very few people knew we were leaving before our actual departure.”
“This is going to sound insane, but my sister sent me. Does that mean anything to you?”
“I think it does but please share what your sister told you to convince you to come to our aid. I’m interested.”
“I have not had the pleasure of speaking to her in nearly two decades. Elysia was my little sister. She was beautiful and brilliant, but she caught the eye of a dangerous man,” Justice glanced at Legacy as though gauging how much she already knew.
“King Junius,” Legacy offered.
Justice nodded. “He wanted her, and our father was too afraid to deny him. The day we got the news of her death was the day I swore to find a way to destroy Junius, and all he held dear.”
“Justice, do you know how your sister died?” Legacy probed.
“For years, I knew nothing of the circumstances surrounding her death. Junius told my family she fell ill and never recovered. He burned her body to prevent the spread of whatever illness she contracted. After my encounter with Elysia in my dreams last night, I now know that is far from the truth,” Justice placed a hand on Legacy’s upper arm to stop her. “I know who you are now. I woke knowing that I would keep the promise I made to my little sister.”
Legacy bit her lip to keep the tears at bay. Part of her was relieved Evander had wandered over to Theon when her uncle began speaking to her; this was a conversation she had wanted to have privately. She had known her father was never going to be in her life from the moment she began learning about her future. It had always been the elusive presence of her mother that kept her from fully embracing the role she was to take in the revolution of Alderwood. Now that she knew a little about the circumstances that led to her birth, it was easier to understand her purpose.
“Legacy, I am sorry I did not know about you sooner. Had I known my sister brought a child into the world as her final act of life, I would have moved heaven and earth to raise you as my own.”
“I appreciate that, Justice. I believe we both ended up on the paths Alderwood needed us to follow. Had I been raised knowing my family, I do not know I would have been prepared to become Queen. Had you known the truth about what happened to your sister, you may have tried to deal with King Junius yourself rather than joining the movement that brought him to his demise. Everything was set in motion before either of us were born. Perhaps we have both come to this moment in exactly the way we were meant to,” Legacy stared ahead.
“You are wise beyond your years, Queen Legacy,” Justice bowed his head and raised it.
Legacy laughed at his response, “
Just Legacy is fine. I have learned to look at things from outside of my own selfish wants. It is the only way I will effectively lead Alderwood, and the only way I can hope to save Noble.”
“I was proud to call you our Queen from the moment the crown was placed on your head. Now, I can say I am proud to call you my niece. Elysia loved you. Of that I have no doubt. She would have been a wonderful mother.”
“Thank you, that means so much to me.”
They fell into a comfortable silence as their horses continued to trot a few paces behind Evander and Theon. Knowing she would face whatever was to come with the support of people who loved her helped boost Legacy’s spirits immensely. They may not know where Noble was, but they were going to find him; she could feel it in her bones.
Flames raged around them again. Legacy and Evander stood shoulder to shoulder, preparing to confront whatever hid within the forest . . . whatever was trying to feed them to the fire. Evander intwined his fingers with hers. A voice called to Legacy, faint but desperate.
“Noble?” she called out against the blaze.
“Be careful, Legacy!” Evander warned.
“We cannot keep coming back to this moment over and over without ever venturing past this point. How will we ever find Noble?” she cried out.
“Maybe this vision is about more than finding your brother. Stop and think about what could be on the other side,” Evander tried to be the voice of reason, but his words fell on deaf ears.
Without another thought, Legacy charged toward the wall of fire waiting amongst the forest. She was going to find out who was calling her. With a huff of frustration, Evander allowed her to pull him along in her wake. There was nothing left to do but see what lay beyond the flickering blue and black flames. Something about the voice in the forest felt familiar, as though she knew who was calling to them through the suffocating smoke. With a steely resolve, Legacy walked directly into the fire.