by J D Abbas
Opening a narrow compartment, Celdorn pulled out a sealed parchment with Elena’s name on it and showed it to Silvandir, his body concealing the actions from the rest of the room. “This contains the explanation and proper legal documentation for Elena, if the need should arise.” He slid it back into the cubby and closed the small, wooden door. He hoped he’d thought of everything.
Silvandir met his gaze, his jaw tight. “You will return.” He slid the ring into the pouch that hung from his belt. “I will hold this for you until then.”
Celdorn looked up as Sasha barked and darted out of Elena’s chamber. When Elena and her escorts emerged, the dog pranced around excitedly either hoping for her morning meal or a chance to romp around outside.
Moments later, Elbrion entered from the corridor. When Elena saw him, she stood tall and braced as if for battle, making a great effort to be brave. Sasha dutifully sat by the girl’s feet and leaned into her side, offering her support.
“Good morning, Sheya.” Elbrion kissed her forehead. “Did you sleep?”
“I did, though my dreams were dark. Except for one.” She turned toward Celdorn. “If you have to leave, then you must take Zhalor as your steed.”
Celdorn frowned at the strange request. “I have Malak.”
“Trust me, Ada.” She reached for his hand and gazed up at him imploringly. “Zhalor has pledged his service to me, and what I want most is for him to protect the two of you. I know in my heart that he is to carry you. Malak will understand.”
Celdorn’s scowl deepened, but something in his gut urged him to comply. Without looking away from her, he said, “Silvandir, come with us to speak with Zhalor,” then motioned for Elena to lead the way. “No, Sasha. You stay.” He pointed the dog to her bed.
Sasha nudged her way under Elena’s arm. “I’m sorry, girl. You have to stay here. We’ll be back soon.” Elena kissed the dog’s brow and motioned toward the hearth. Sasha slunk away as if she had received the strongest rebuke. It warmed Celdorn’s heart to see how devoted the dog was to their daughter—especially with Elbrion and him leaving.
~
Elena had to nearly trot to keep up with Celdorn and Silvandir’s long legs as the three walked the length of Kelach in silence and descended into the underground passage. When they came out of the gate by the stables, Zhalor awaited them, clearly surprising both men. Elena, however, had expected it.
“Thank you for coming, Zhalor,” she said as the stallion bent his head toward her.
“He says he heard your heart calling during the night,” Silvandir relayed.
Celdorn and Silvandir both raised their brows in surprise.
She ignored them and turned to the stallion. “Are you willing to bear Celdorn in this quest?”
The stallion lowered his head and placed his forelock against her heart.
“Zhalor says he vowed to serve you and is yours to command,” Silvandir said.
Just as in their previous encounter, Elena felt a deep sorrow enter her heart at the stallion’s touch. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she lifted Zhalor’s head and looked him in the eye. “Bring them back to me safely, I beg of you.”
Elena startled when a deep voice spoke to her mind. “Oh. I heard you!” Turning to Celdorn and Silvandir, she repeated, “I heard him ...inside my head.”
The men looked as surprised as she felt.
I will not leave you orphaned, yet again. Zhalor directed his thoughts to her alone. I pledge my strength and my life in defense of your adai. I have already spoken with Malak. He will cede his responsibility to Celdorn, if the Lord Protector is in agreement.
Silvandir softly repeated this to Celdorn. His brows arched, but he gave Zhalor a solemn nod.
The stallion stepped in front of Celdorn and pressed his forehead into her ada’s. Lord to lord they stood for some time. A hush fell over the fields, as if even the creatures recognized the power of this moment.
Silvandir moved next to Elena and grabbed her hand. His jaw was tight and his eyes glistened as he watched the two lords. Elena knew how much Silvandir respected Celdorn and that he considered Zhalor the most glorious creature on Qabara. Emotion seemed to lock his voice, and he was unable to relate Zhalor’s thoughts for Celdorn.
Elena exercised her new skill and repeated the stallion’s words. “I know you do not understand as yet what has been entrusted to your care.” Silvandir nodded his appreciation as a tear escaped and disappeared into his beard. “Even I do not fully understand, my lord, but I know that our partnership is essential. With my life and my whole heart, I will serve you well in whatever you command me to do, but come a time I ask you to heed my warning, do not question me.”
There was an ominous tone to Zhalor’s words that Celdorn took to heart. “I’ll do my best to remain humble and work in full cooperation with you, Zhalor. I trust your wisdom and your integrity. It’s an honor to serve with you.”
“As it is for me, my lord.”
Elena hugged Zhalor’s neck before they left. “Thank you for hearing my cry.”
The stallion turned his dark eyes to her. Learn what you must while we are away. He nudged her shoulder with his muzzle. Break the fetters of the lies. You are not free to live your destiny while chained in Anakh’s darkness. His gaze pierced to her soul, as if searching for something. He nickered, and she felt a sense of wonder wash over him. Innocence is powerful, my lady. Guard her well.
“I don’t understand,” Elena murmured, though on some level she felt as though she might.
You will in time. And if it were possible for a stallion to smile, she knew that he did.
“Your words are always so mysterious, as if you speak in riddles.” She shook her head with a grin and kissed his muzzle. “Return to me, Zhalor.”
Do not fear, my lady. I am destined to serve you to the end, he said, before trotting off to join the other Ilqazar in preparation for the journey. Silvandir related the final words to Celdorn.
Zhalor’s message sent chills through Elena. She found herself grasping Celdorn and Silvandir’s hands as they escorted her back inside. She pondered the stallion’s foreboding thoughts as they wound their way through the halls of Kelach.
~
Once they were back in his chamber, Celdorn turned to Elena. “We need to say our farewells now, little one.”
The room wavered and the air suddenly seemed too thin to breathe. Elena curled her hands into fists and willed herself to be strong. As if sensing her distress, Sasha trotted over and nudged Elena’s right hand until she was forced to unclench it and rub the dog’s ears.
“Remember, you’re not to leave this floor, for any reason, until we return. You are to have two of the men with you at all times. Cooperate with everything they ask of you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Ada, I’ll be a good girl,” she said in a mocking tone. At his scowl, she broke into a warm smile. “They’ll have no problem with me, truly.” Sasha’s tail thumped as if she were happy to hear a lighter tone to Elena’s voice. She hugged the dog’s neck.
“It will take us a little less than three days to arrive at the Tulegar Gap between the Mangor Mountains and the Belzear Range, which will lead us into Penumbra. From what we learned from the intruder, the new gathering place is a few hours the other side of that narrow ravine,” Celdorn said as he hoisted his pack onto his shoulder. “I anticipate we’ll be gone six or seven days at least. We’ll send word as soon as there’s any news to tell.” He took her hand in his. “These are only estimates, little one, so please don’t fear if you don’t hear from us within that time span. I’ve only ventured into Penumbra once before, and it was a long time ago.”
Elbrion embraced Elena. “Trust these men we have chosen to be with you. They are here to care for you, as well as protect you. If your heart becomes troubled, speak to them. They love you nearly as much as we do.” Then he pulled back and looked in her eyes. “We will return to you, Sheya. Until then, I carry you in my heart.”
Elena maintained her
composure until those last words. She buried her face in Elbrion’s chest, and the tears came. Finally, working hard to regain control, she stepped back and put her hand over Elbrion’s heart. “I love you, Ada.” Though there was an unwelcome tremor in her voice, she lifted her chin and stood tall. “I can say those words now because of your love, because of all you’ve taught me.” She gazed at each of her fathers in turn, while a sense of smoldering defiance grew in her belly—she refused to be broken by this.
~
Celdorn stepped toward their daughter and wrapped his arms around her. Though Elena was in her normal state this morning, she still seemed so small. The top of her head came only to his heart, which somehow felt appropriate. He longed for this mission to be successful so he could assure her that her sire would trouble her no more. But he also feared to leave her, remembering what happened the last time.
He cradled her face in his hands, which covered most of her head. “I love you, little light of my heart. There is no severing the bond between us; you go with me, and I stay here with you. Cling tightly to that, as I must.”
“I love you too, Ada, and I will hold you firmly in my heart.” She held her head high in spite of the tears that dropped from her chin. Sasha leaned into her side as if to offer her support. “And I will be brave.”
Celdorn smiled and laid his hand on her head, whispering an Elnar blessing. Elbrion did likewise. As they turned to go, he didn’t dare look back.
~
Elena stared at the closed door, fighting the dark thoughts that vied for her attention. Her hand gripped Sasha’s scruff so tightly the dog whined and pulled away.
Silvandir came behind her and gently grasped her shoulders. “Are you all right?”
“No.” With a muffled sob, she turned into his arms. “I tried to be brave, but my heart says I’ll never see them again. I can’t bear the thought.”
“I believe that’s your fear, not the truth,” Silvandir whispered into her hair. “But either way, I know it’s painful. We’ll do whatever we can to help.”
“Thank you, Silvandir. You’re such a good friend.”
His embrace tightened. I long to be so much more.
Elena looked up at him with surprise. She’d heard his thought as clearly as Zhalor’s, as if he’d spoken aloud.
Silvandir’s brow wrinkled as he gazed down at her. “What is it?”
“Nothing,” she lied. “I-I’m just grateful you’re here.”
Silvandir’s face lit with joy.
Elena wished she could share it, but she didn’t dare open her heart any wider. The dark gloom of loss settled over her, and she turned her face into Silvandir’s chest and wept.
Sasha tried to nuzzle between them, but Elena pushed the dog away. I can’t let you in either; don’t you see?
There was a cost to loving someone: the inevitable agony when that one was forever torn from you. Her gaze went to the closed door. Like now. She felt Silvandir’s arms tighten around her as her tears renewed.
Chapter 7
Celdorn’s company traveled east on the road that passed through Proso then onto Rhamal. As they trotted toward the center of Elena’s home village, they paused at the doqajh compound.
“It was a great loss to Rhamal—indeed all of Qabara—when Father Toreno was killed,” Celdorn said to Elbrion.
“One of the few lights in this place of growing darkness. I regret that I did not have more time to become better acquainted with him. He had a great depth of soul. I also wonder what other things he learned from Yaelmargon that he held close, things that might have helped us now with Elena or in battling Anakh.”
“The Yadar was a mystery. I wish he’d been more forthcoming.” Celdorn glanced at the empty streets as he prodded Zhalor to continue.
The villagers had withdrawn as soon as the Guardians reached the edge of town, leaving the normal bustling thoroughfare desolate. Many still did not understand why Celdorn’s men had descended on them weeks earlier, and why so many of the villagers were executed. He knew they feared the Guardians’ judgment and their swords. On the other hand, there were also many homes experiencing peace for the first time in a score of years.
When they came to the homestead of Elena’s family, Celdorn drew the company to a halt. He dismounted and signaled to the others to wait while he ventured into the house. The curtains were pulled tight, leaving the home dark and full of shadows. Celdorn startled when he heard something rustle in one of the back rooms. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword.
Stepping cautiously, he moved down the hall toward the furthest room and peeked through the door. A small girl darted out from under the bed and climbed into the corner of the wardrobe, burying herself under a blanket. Her tiny fingers reached out and pulled the door closed behind her.
Confused, Celdorn eased closer.
“Please make me invisible,” a barely audible voice pleaded.
Celdorn heard footsteps in the hall and stepped into the shadows behind the door.
“I’ll find you, you little wench, and I’ll teach you some obedience,” a man hollered, his boots pounding on the wood floor.
When the man passed through the doorway, Celdorn planted himself squarely in front of him. To his surprise, the aggressor stepped right through him as if he were a vapor. Only then did Celdorn realize what was happening.
The girl’s single, shrill scream rang in his ears as the man found her and dragged her to the bed. Celdorn attempted to flee, not wanting to witness what was about to take place. When he stepped through the doorway, however, he found himself moving back into the same room from which he’d just come. Baffled, he turned to find the identical room behind him. Escape was impossible.
He closed his eyes, but the images were just as vivid, forcing him to watch in horror as the man who should have loved and protected Elena ripped the innocence from her yet again. When the man was finished, he rose and laced his pants; the girl rolled to her side and curled into a shuddering ball.
An older woman suddenly appeared. “Give her to me.”
“No, mother, this isn’t your home. And she’s mine.”
“She was never yours, fool; she’s not even your seed.” The woman, who must have been Vargona, sneered at her son with a mocking gleam in her eye. “She has need of training, and I’ll see that it is done properly. You have no idea what you are doing.”
At once, the man transformed into a small boy, and the room shifted to a barn. A younger version of Vargona grabbed the boy’s ear and pulled him toward two men who waited inside a horse stall.
“Teach him his place,” she ordered then stormed out, leaving the men to ravage her son.
Again, Celdorn couldn’t flee or shut out the sight. For some reason he was being forced to witness these atrocities to their horrific conclusions.
Then Celdorn was back in the bedroom with Elena’s father, who was again at the bedside, this time with his own son before him.
“Enough!” Celdorn forced himself out of the trance into which he’d fallen. He turned and dashed down the hallway and out of the house. Leaping onto Zhalor, he drove the horse to a full gallop as he fled the homestead and its phantasms.
A quarter of a mile up the road, Celdorn leapt from Zhalor, drawing his sword as he hit the ground. He swung with all his might at the solid tree before him. The blade embedded deep in the tree’s flesh, but unlike a human, no blood spewed. No satisfaction followed. Celdorn yanked on the hilt, but the sword held fast. He pulled his dagger and stabbed at the tree, over and over, muscles rippling with his rage. He hacked until his wrath subsided and the tears began. He dropped to his knees and leaned his head against the tree’s trunk, silently begging forgiveness for his misplaced wrath.
A short time later, he heard soft steps behind him. A hand rested on his back as his body shook with sobs.
“Memories take on a life of their own in that house,” Elbrion said as Celdorn wiped his eyes on his sleeve. “Take heart, my friend. You have freed her from that torment.
”
Celdorn sat down and leaned against the tree, his legs not yet ready to hold his weight. “How does a man do that to his own child—to any child? Not even animals treat their own in this manner.” He hugged his head, resting his elbows on his knees.
Elbrion patiently wriggled Celdorn’s sword free from the tree and handed it to him. “With a mother like Vargona, he must have endured repeated maltreatment himself. He is a product of those who raised him.”
“There’s no excuse for that man’s behavior, whatever he endured,” Celdorn countered as he sheathed his sword. “He had a will of his own, could have chosen differently. He knew what it was like to be violated. He could have protected her. Instead, he perpetuated the evil and crushed his own children, as well as countless others. I will take great pleasure in ripping that man’s heart from his body.” Celdorn’s words came out like a growl as the now-familiar lust for vengeance rose again.
The rest of their company caught up with them but stayed on the road, at a respectful distance.
Celdorn’s anger built to a furious, uncontainable roar of energy. He jumped to his feet and leapt onto Zhalor’s back. “Let’s leave this place,” he called as he continued down the road at a full gallop.
From Rhamal, the company rode south toward Neldon. By the time they reached the village, Celdorn had regained his composure and slowed his pace. Shatur pointed out the grandmother’s compound, where the buildings remained leveled to the ground. Apparently, there were no other relatives who wished to rebuild the place.
Neldon was the last village in what was called the civilized part of Qabara—though given the recent discoveries, that now seemed a misnomer. From there, the road continued directly south until it passed through the Tulegar Gap, the narrow ravine that stood between the lofty Mangor Mountains to the west and the Belzear Range to the east. There was no other way into Penumbra without traveling weeks through nearly impassible mountain trails.