The Blue Flame [Book 1 of the Daradawn Series]

by Barbara M. Hodges

"In the forest gathering herbs."

  "We need more of her salve..."

  "I don't know if we can spare any,” Darrian cut in.

  "It is for Regan's hand,” the dwarf said, smiling sardonically.

  Regan opened her mouth to object, but clamped it shut at Angus's quick glare in her direction.

  "For Regan? Then of course,” Darrian said, looking at her as if she were tonight's dessert.

  "It would make no difference if it was for the woman or that delightful animal. When I have it, you're welcome to it,” a musical voice said from behind Peter.

  Regan glanced up to see a smooth, ageless face with eyes of quicksilver.

  "Margeaux, you are as generous as you are beautiful,” Peter said as he turned and reached to take the lady's hand.

  Like a young girl she hid both hands behind her back. “Don't you even think of it,” she said, laughing. “At least not until I've washed away the first layer of dirt."

  Peter reached behind her and drew her slim, dirt-smudged hands to his lips and kissed each palm. “Brown as the earth, they are still the gentle hands of a healer,” he said, then released them and looked up. Margeaux smiled into his eyes.

  "There's no need for flattery, Peter. I'll give you more salve."

  "No flattery, just truth."

  The elven healer reached out and tweaked the mage's nose. “Your tongue is even more honey-coated than usual.” Her gaze went over Regan's head and a strange expression flitted across her face. “Who is this?"

  Regan turned and saw Ben walking toward them.

  "My lady,” Peter said. “Allow me to introduce Brother Ben, who is Regan's protector and Maggie's master."

  Regan watched in surprise as Ben's gaze fastened on the elven lady. A look of wonder spread across his face. In bemused silence, he walked by Regan and extended his hand to Margeaux. She laid her hand in his, her gaze never leaving his face.

  "I knew you'd be a cleric or a healer,” she said. “There was always such gentleness in your soul."

  "My Lady ... I can't believe you're real."

  "Then you know me also? I thought maybe the dream was mine alone."

  Ben smiled. “No, you've made me eager for sleep for the past year and a half."

  "I have waited so long for you—a lifetime, it seems."

  Darrian glared at his aunt. His winged brows pulled together in a frown. “What are you blathering about?"

  "The prophecy, foolish boy."

  "What prophecy?” Darrian demanded.

  Margeaux closed her eyes. “When the man dark as the night comes, all will be united. Man and fairy shall walk arm in arm with dwarf and elf and all of Daradawn shall be as one."

  Darrian's face filled with color. “Equal? Never."

  Angus snorted. “Dwarves walking hand in hand with fairies? Not while I breathe."

  Margeaux reached her hand out and touched Ben's cheek. “It must and it will. Ben, you will stay with me as the dreams foretold?"

  Ben nodded. “At least for awhile."

  "But, Ben,” Regan said.

  Ben faced her. “I must stay. I feel it."

  Margeaux smiled at Regan. “Don't worry, magic-wielder. You will be together again soon. I have seen it."

  "But what about Maggie and Kelsey?” Regan said, and me, she silently added.

  "I give Maggie to you until my return and Kelsey has you,” Ben knelt and stroked the dog's head. “Guard Regan well, Maggie."

  "And I will guard Maggie,” Angus said. “She will ride my back, black giant, until she's safely back on yours."

  "And ride we must,” Peter said. “'Until we meet again, healers."

  "God go with you,” Margeaux said. She reached into the pocket of her sea-green robe and handed Peter a leaf-wrapped ball.

  He took it gratefully. “Thank you, gentle lady."

  "Nonsense,” Darrian said. “All nonsense.” He stood, then reached down for Regan's hand. “I will reveal to you the shortcut. Would you honor me by accepting my escort to the river crossing?"

  Regan sought Peter's gaze, but he had turned his back to her. “I'm sure we would all be happy for an escort,” she said and grasped Darrian's hand. He pulled her to her feet and then pressed a kiss into each of her palms. “You will not see us, but you will be surrounded in a circle of protection."

  "Why do we need protection here? I thought only your magic existed in Vilsathor?” Regan asked.

  "Elven magic is just as deadly as Dirkk's. Our forest is full of surprises for those who stumble off the path."

  "But we had made it just fine..."

  "Only because you were watched and recognized. If by a slight chance you had slipped by unseen...” he let his voice trail off.

  "I see."

  "Do not worry. Just stay on the path.” Darrian pointed to dense underbrush. Regan looked from the thick wall of green, and back to him. “What path?"

  The elven prince laughed. “It's only the fog that affects the minds of those who are not elven.” He reached forward and swept his fingertips across her temple. The underbrush vanished. A tree-flanked path appeared, wide enough for two horses to travel side by side.

  "Until the river, sweet lady.” Darrian bowed to her, and sauntered toward the woods. The call of a whippoorwill sounded and one by one the elves vanished into the trees.

  Margeaux smiled and shook her head. “You must forgive my nephew. It seems he forgot to remove the fog from the rest of you.” The elven lady moved from person to person and touched their temples, bending last to touch Maggie's nose. She returned and cupped Regan's cheeks with her palms. “Ride quickly. Much more than Kelsey's life depends on you."

  Regan drew back. “What do you mean?"

  "All will become known in its right time.” Margeaux turned and walked into the forest. “Come, Healer Ben,” she said over her shoulder. “We have much to discuss."

  "Until we meet again, fellow travelers.” Ben smiled at them, then turned to follow Margeaux.

  Peter and Angus raised hands in farewell. “God be with you."

  Regan took a step in Ben's direction, then stopped. “Take care of yourself, Ben. Maggie and I will be waiting for you.” She watched until he disappeared into the forest. “He didn't even look back,” she whispered. “She'd better not let anything happen to him."

  Looking from Regan to Angus, Maggie whined and took a step in Ben's direction. Angus scooped the dog up. “No, Maggie. You must stay and guard Regan."

  Peter turned and walked to Skylar. “Come, let us ride."

  Regan moved to Gilda's side. “We each have a horse now. I'm sure you'll be glad to have Skylar all to yourself."

  Peter glanced at her, but said nothing. He lifted Maggie into the backpack and helped Angus adjust the straps over his shoulders.

  "Just a little longer, Maggie,” Regan promised the pleading brown eyes and then mounted Gilda and waited for Peter and Angus.

  Peter turned Skylar eastward. “The river is an hour's ride and Kelsey's camp an hour beyond that. With Darrian's archers we should encounter no problems until the river. After that, be on your guard. I will take the lead and Angus, you will protect our backs.” As the three of them rode from the clearing, a whippoorwill called.

  They rode through a world of green, the silence broken only by the crackling of dried oak leaves beneath the horses’ hooves and the occasional scolding of a blue jay. Tall lacy ferns grew thick along the edge of the path. Clusters of pale-yellow berries hung from vines twisting up, around, and through the ferns. Regan inhaled rain-fresh air and then smiled as a gray squirrel scurried to the end of a limb and chattered its displeasure at their intrusion.

  The sun reached its zenith as they rode, and pools of darkness formed beneath the spreading oaks. Their path skirted an open field, and Regan recognized the pink faces of Tika flowers. Her heartbeat quickened and she scanned the flowers.

  Angus rode Zax up alongside her. “I know what you look for, but you'll not see any here in Vilsathor. The elves’ ancient magi
c prevents it."

  "If Ru'taha and Black Vipers can't come here, why have the elves joined in the fight against Dirkk?"

  "Margeaux. Darrian was against involvement, but Margeaux convinced her brother, King Timothias, that it would be deadly to ignore Dirkk. If Dirkk succeeds they will be prisoners in Vilsathor.” The dwarf's eyes surveyed the forest. “A beautiful prison, but a prison still."

  Peter rode a few feet ahead of them. He had not glanced her way since they had left Darrian. Regan watched him sway in the saddle and a small smile curved her lips. He sits a good seat, she thought, almost as if he and the horse are one.

  As if he felt her eyes, Peter shifted in his saddle and then turned and met her gaze. She broadened her smile, but his expression remained remote as he turned away. “Tell me about him."

  "Peter? I've known him since he was a babe. His father was my best friend, and his mother stole my heart the first time she smiled at me."

  "Was his father a mage also?"

  "William was a soldier. One of King Bernard's royal guards."

  "King Bernard?"

  "Queen Tessa's father. Peter's mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of Tobias, High Mage to King Bernard; it was from her that Peter inherited his power."

  "His mother was a sorceress?"

  "Elizabeth? No, she had no power.” Angus's voice grew harsh. “If it had been so, she and William would still be alive."

  Regan remained silent and waited for Angus to continue.

  "After Dirkk's banishment, Tobias became his first concern. Revenge wasn't possible with a High Mage in the castle. Peter was young, still learning from his grandfather, and posed no threat.

  "King Bernard fell ill. Tobias tried everything, but the king was dying. In desperation he turned his nursing over to Tessa and made plans to visit Vilsathor and consult with Margeaux, just as Dirkk knew he would. With the High Mage away, the wards protecting the castle weakened.” Angus's voice broke. He raked his white beard with shaking fingers, then continued.

  "There's no way we could have known of Dirkk's hell-spawn. He'd been silent such a long time. We thought he'd accepted Tessa's decision. That he...” Angus's voice faded. He reached for the silver canteen that dangled at his side, twisted the top off, and poured a long draught down his throat. Silently he replaced the top and let the canteen drop back into place.

  "They swarmed the castle that eve, both Ru'taha and Black Vipers. Then we didn't know what they were called, but we knew they were evil.” Angus closed his eyes and when he opened them he stared straight ahead. Regan wondered what he was seeing.

  "Peter and I were in the stables. Skylar's mate, Misty, had foaled. Peter was rubbing the birth fluid from the little fellow when Skylar threw up his head and trumpeted a challenge. With lightning reflexes, Peter wove a protection wall. The same wall you saw earlier in the field of Tika flowers.

  "Then we sat back and watched the black snake-like things bounce off it.” Angus paused, licked his lips before going on. “Then a Ru'taha came into the stable. In one hand it gripped a spike-riddled mace. The other was wound tight in the blonde curls of the severed head of Peter's mother."

  "Oh, my God,” Regan said in a strangled whisper.

  Angus went on, not even glancing her way. “It sniffed the air and turned in our direction.” He frowned. “Somehow, it knew who Peter was. When it met Peter's eyes, it held Elizabeth's head high and smiled."

  "No."

  "Peter screamed. I'll never forget the sound. It was the cry of a wounded animal in a killing rage. Even now my skin crawls at the memory.” The dwarf shuddered.

  "The Ru'taha dropped Elizabeth's head just outside the wall and kicked it across the floor. Peter snarled and leapt forward. The Ru'taha, its eyes on Peter, raised its mace. I knew that Peter was no match for the beast facing us, and as he charged by me I grabbed both his arms.” Angus straightened in his saddle. “He fought like a crazed man, leaving me no choice. I made a fist and sent him to sleep."

  Angus met her gaze. “I sat there for hours with his head cradled in my lap. Peter slept the sleep of deep shock. Once in awhile he'd toss and whimper. I was glad he slept and was spared the night of continuous screams. It was only as dawn lightened the sky that all quieted."

  "But the wall? How did it remain while Peter slept?"

  Angus shrugged his wide shoulders. “I don't know. It seemed that even in his sleep Peter knew danger surrounded us."

  "What happened?"

  "At last I laid Peter aside and ventured out.” Angus fumbled for his flask. He took a long drink and replaced the lid.

  "Blood soaked the ground. It smelled like a slaughter yard. Across the training arena a stable boy lay. I thought he wore a breastplate of black but, as I neared, a swarm of flies rose and I saw his ripped-open chest. At the door to the kitchen a scullery maid sprawled, her body covered with puncture marks, her face black and swollen.

  "I walked through the silent tomb of death the castle had become, hoping for some sign of life. Twice I turned over the fallen, but one look at a slashed chest, or a battered face..."

  He cleared his throat. “Upstairs, at the entrance to King Bernard's chambers, I discovered William, his body half-buried by dead Ru'taha. He had fought hard for his king.” Angus's voice broke.

  Regan leaned across and touched his arm. “You don't have to go on..."

  "No, I want to. This is the first time I've spoken of that night and the morning after. Inside the chamber I found the only ray of hope for the day, a white-faced Tessa. She stood rigid, staring down at the body of her father. She raised her glazed eyes to me as I entered and in a quaking voice told me what had happened.

  "She and Elizabeth had heard fighting outside the door. Tessa ran toward the door, but Elizabeth grabbed her, pushed her inside a closet and then slammed the door. Tessa said she screamed and pounded on the door, but over the din coming from the room she wasn't heard. She tried to open the door, but something held it closed. It wasn't until later she discovered it was Elizabeth's headless body.” Angus growled low in his throat and spit into the bushes along the path.

  Regan's eyes shifted to the man riding ahead of them and she asked. “And when Peter woke?"

  Angus frowned. “He hated me for a long time. He couldn't admit there was nothing he could have done. That was eight years ago. For one of those years we were prisoners in Raya while Ru'taha and vipers roamed the countryside. Then Kelsey came."

  "I still have a hard time with that one,” Regan said.

  "Wait, you shall see."

  Peter reined in Skylar and waited for them. “The river crossing is just ahead.” From behind them a whippoorwill called and was answered. Peter's mouth tightened. “Your protector is still with us."

  Regan took a deep breath before answering. “He's not ‘my’ protector."

  "I doubt he would have shared this shortcut if not for you. For that we thank you."

  "You're welcome."

  "I give you the honor of going first."

  Regan stiffened. “Fine with me.” She kneed Gilda forward, then winced as a branch grabbed her braid. Peter leaned from his saddle and untangled her hair. With a stiffer “Thank you” she rode on.

  The Queen's River was wide and flowed lazily around gray rocks that jutted from its middle. Regan rode to the river's edge and looked down through clear water to where silver fingerling fish darted in and out of mossy crevices. Suddenly, Gilda snorted and laid her ears back. Regan turned as Darrian and his elves emerged from the forest.

  The elven prince sauntered to Gilda's side and stared up at Regan. “The river is lowest here for crossing, my lady, but you will still get wet."

  Regan heard Peter and Angus approach. She slid from Gilda's back and smiled her brightest smile into Darrian's eyes. “Thank you for your concern, but I've been wet before."

  "She will remove her trousers,” Angus said from behind her.

  "Do what?” Regan said.

  "Remove your trousers. It is what we always do.” Wi
th Peter's help, the dwarf dismounted with Maggie. “Here, hold Maggie's pack away from me so I can loosen mine."

  Regan's mouth dropped open.

  "What's wrong with you, woman? Help me, then get out of your own trousers. Do you want to catch sick?” Angus said.

  "I ... uh..."

  "It is different in her world, Angus. Kelsey has told me. They go to great pains not see each other unclothed,” Peter said with a wry smile. He turned to her. “There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Your shirt will fall to below your knees. If you wish, you may go into the trees to remove them. We will wait."

  Peter unbuckled the belt at his waist. With cheeks on fire, Regan watched as his pants slid to his ankles. His shirt hit him mid-thigh. He glanced at her, a clear challenge shining in his eyes.

  Regan removed her belt and let her trousers fall. She heard a sharp intake of breath and saw Peter's eyes shift to a point beyond her. A frown creased his forehead. She kicked the pants from around her ankles and turned to see what his problem was. Darrian stood there, his gaze fastened on her bare calves. His look traveled upward to her face. Men, she thought with a slight smile and a shake of her head.

  The elven prince returned her smile and started forward. Oh no, she thought, that wasn't an invitation. She glanced at Peter. He looked from her to Darrian and then turned and walked away, his retreating back stiff and unyielding. She took a step in his direction, but Darrian grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

  "Promise me you will return once you've seen your sister."

  "I don't know. So much can happen,” she said, her eyes still watching Peter's back. Darrian's grip tightened on her arm. “Promise me or I will not let you go."

  Regan looked at the elven archers surrounding them. Could he force her to stay? Would he? And what about Peter and Angus if they tried to stop him? She squeezed a laugh through stiff lips. “Of course I promise."

  The grip on her arm relaxed. “Then allow me to assist you into the saddle.” Seething, Regan followed him to Gilda's side and then stepped into his laced fingers. With an upward thrust, she was in the saddle. Darrian placed a slim hand on her bare thigh. “Until we meet again, beautiful lady."

  "Good-bye, Darrian,” she said, then rode to Angus's side.