Crown of Destiny

by Small Bertrice

  “Why do you insist on believing Cronan’s prediction,” Lara demanded angrily.

  “It is not Cronan’s alone. It was written in the stars aeons ago, Lara, my love,” Kaliq said, and wrapping them in his cloak, he returned them to Shunnar. “Remember the tale that Master Bashkar told you when you studied with him. He told you how Hetar began as a world of fog and clouds. How we Shadow Princes came from those mists, how the Forest Lords descended from the tree spirits, the Midland folk from the earth spirits as did the Outland Clan families, and the Coastal Kings from the sea. The Terahns descend from a combination of earth and hill spirits. And when the mists cleared the world was revealed to be beautiful beyond any other. But its beauty eventually attracted evil spirits. They came to claim the part of Hetar that is now called the Dark Lands, but they have always wanted it all.

  “It was then that the battle between light and dark began. The light has always had the advantage for it had most of this world before the evil discovered it. But as the mortals grew more intelligent, less simple and pure of heart, evil began to exert its influence. Wealth is not a bad thing if it is shared with the less fortunate. Greed, however, is evil in its purest form. Some mortals are more fortunate than others. But those who are, cannot count themselves any better than their less fortunate brothers and sisters. Are all Hetarians equal? Only in the eyes of the Celestial Actuary is that so. Those who work harder and succeed are entitled to greater stature, provided they do not abuse those who are not as lucky,” Kaliq said. Then he continued.

  “In the beginning Hetar’s neat division of its citizens was good. The people were never hindered from advancement based on the caste into which they were born. But then Hetar became fixed in its own system, using wealth for power, holding back men who might advance its world. Evil grew stronger. We Shadow Princes, and the Faerie Races sought to give Hetar a final chance. You were born to save them, but when it became evident you could not, then your destiny was turned to another direction. Cronan has not condemned Hetar. They have done it themselves.”

  “What will happen to Hetar then?” Lara asked.

  “Before a year has passed the Magic Races who have protected this world will be gone from it,” Kaliq said.

  “But I have stopped Kolgrim,” Lara protested once again.

  “You have delayed him,” Kaliq repeated. “That is all, my love.”

  “I cannot believe there is no hope for Hetar,” Lara said. “I will remain until I know it for certain.”

  “And I will be by your side,” he promised her. “Our fates have now been joined.”

  “If we cannot remain in Hetar where will we go, Kaliq?” she asked him.

  He shrugged. “I do not yet know,” he told her.

  “If you do not know, then perhaps it is not meant we leave,” Lara said hopefully. Her faerie green eyes were filled with unshed tears. “I am so ashamed to have failed Hetar.” The tears overflowed and slid down her cheeks.

  “You have not failed, my love,” Kaliq said, taking her into his arms to comfort her. “It is Hetar, and its people, who have created their own fate by following a well-traveled path that they have traveled before. For twenty-five years after the Hierarch came and went, Hetar improved itself. But as their world grew prosperous once again, they began to fall back into their old ways. Hetar has been come bloated with greed, and ripe with its own debauchery. They have put magic from their lives in an effort to make themselves all-powerful. They have forgotten and ignored their own history. The magic surrounds them, and yet they deny its existence. They give the Celestial Actuary lip service, but nothing more. They have become a people without belief, for if they believed in anything at all they would be afraid. Very afraid.”

  “There is still hope, Kaliq,” Lara persisted. “Tell me there is hope.”

  “I still believe in miracles, my love,” he told her. But he hid his thoughts from her, for he knew for certain what she could not yet come to accept. Hetar was doomed. Then changing the subject he said, “You should speak with Dillon, for Belmair will need to host Hetar’s magic. You have done all you can do here for now, Lara. I think a visit to a world that still believes will renew your spirits.”

  “Tomorrow,” Lara said. “I will go tomorrow, my lord. Tonight I would spend with you alone.” Reaching up, she touched his handsome face, smiling when he caught her hand to kiss the palm.

  “Let us go to Zeroun,” he suggested, “and watch the moons rise. They will all be visible tonight before they return to their usual cycle. We will eat, play in the water and make love the night long, my darling.”

  “Yes!” Lara agreed, and before she could say another word he transported them beneath the awning before the silk tent at the oasis.

  Laughing, Lara dissolved her garments, ran across the soft golden sand and flung herself into the water. Kaliq quickly joined her, and they played together, splashing each other like children. She dove beneath the waterfall, and he followed, catching her in his arms, their bodies melting into one another, their lips meeting as they kissed and kissed. Beneath the falling water the pool grew shallow until they could stand on the sandy bottom once again.

  Sliding his hands beneath her buttocks, Kaliq lifted Lara up as she put her arms about his neck. His kisses touched her lips, her cheeks, her eyelids as his manhood slipped slowly, slowly into her sheath. His control was amazing. Inch by gradual inch he deliberately pressed himself forward. When he could go no farther he stopped, standing so still he might have been a stone statue.

  Lara could hardly breathe as she waited. His superior length and thickness pulsed within her. She squeezed him with the muscles of her sheath. His manhood throbbed with a fiercer beat. Lara clasped him more tightly, and a small groan escaped him. “Ahh,” she responded, well pleased with herself.

  Faerie witch! he scolded her softly. Walking from beneath the little waterfall, he put them onto the sand of the pool’s edge laying her upon her back as he crouched between her open thighs. He unclasped her hands from about his neck, pressing her arms back over her head and beginning to piston her with slow deep strokes of his manhood.

  Lara sighed, wrapping her legs about his torso, her ankles locking themselves. Her eyes were closed, and she let herself experience the delicious nuances of each thrust as he delved deeper into her sweetness. I adore you, my lord, she whispered to him. Ahh, yes! That is perfect! Do not cease, I beg you, my darling Kaliq!

  He brought her to perfection once, and then withdrawing from her gathered her into his arms so he might stroke and kiss her. He loved her round breasts, and could have suckled forever upon them. The contours of her body were familiar, and yet he never grew tired of caressing her. Her skin was so soft, and never failed to arouse him.

  Lara returned his ardor, her own hands unable to remain still. She clutched at his strong shoulders. Her nails skimmed down his long back. She smoothed her hand over his tight hard buttocks, then reached beneath him to fondle his sac, her palm rippling beneath the soft and tender flesh as she moved the tiny jewels within about.

  Do you mean to slay me, faerie witch? Ahh, how I love you!

  Their lips met again, the kiss deepening until she was almost faint with the simple pleasure his hands and mouth were giving her. And then he was inside of her again, and Lara cried out with delight as they climbed passion’s peak together, and their lust exploded in a wild burst of satisfaction that left them both weak and sated for the moment within each other’s bodies. They lay together upon the warm sand, dozed for a short time and then awakened hungry for the evening meal. Entering their pavilion, they found themselves garbed once again in soft silk and wool robes, for the desert nights were cool. Awaiting them was a meal of roast lamb, minted rice, warm bread, butter and fresh fruit upon the low table. Lying among the pillows, Kaliq and Lara fed each other, talking softly to each other as they ate and drank the sweet apricot frine.

  Why could it not be like this always, Lara wondered? Why had she not come back to Shunnar sooner when these days mi
ght have seemed as if they would go on forever? Now they were once again engaged in a battle with evil. And it was to be a far more subtle conflict this time. Lara knew exactly what her dark son was doing. He meant to conquer Hetar by insinuating himself into their society. Unlike mortals he had the time that they did not. She found she had a grudging admiration for Kolgrim in this. But what would happen to Terah?

  “What are you thinking?” Kaliq asked her.

  “If you are right we but delay Kolgrim,” Lara began. “But when this marriage is finally accomplished, what of Terah and its people? What of the Clan families in the New Outlands, my lord? What will happen to them?”

  “Kolgrim has not the military might for war, and neither has Hetar any longer. What remains of the Mercenary Guild is used to guard the caravans of the Taubyl Traders, or litters of the rich these days. Their ranks are decimated now for there are better ways of earning one’s bread. A mercenary’s life has never been an easy one. As for the Crusader Knights, they have grown old, and there hasn’t been a tournament in decades to recruit new potential leaders. What was once a well-trained military force is now a remnant of elderly men practicing upon a parade field once a week. They collect their pensions from the government, and are content. If Hetar learned one thing in the time of the Hierarch, it was to keep their population fed, housed, warm and entertained. If the people have no complaints, then they have no will to rebel against authority,” Kaliq said wisely. “And in the end it is less expensive for those in power. They may continue to make their profits with no one to gainsay them.

  “Now they have begun to infect both Terah and the New Outlands with their greed. Once the Taubyl Traders discovered the Obscura, and sailed across it to explore what might be there, the New Outlands were doomed. The Ore and the Jewel gnomes bring their goods directly to the docks that the Felan have built on the sea for transport to Hetar. They now compete with the Terahn artisans for Hetar’s business. The gnomes can sell their goods cheaper because they not only mine them, they create the jewelry and other goods. And the gemstones and ores they sell to Terah now cost more because the gnomes keep the lion’s share for themselves,” Kaliq told her.

  “I did not know this,” Lara said. “I kept to myself because my family had become so wary and uncomfortable of me. I stayed mostly within my own chambers and gardens, but for rides with Dasras. If the Dominus had but come to me, I could have suggested ways to mitigate the damage to Terah.” She sighed. “Oh, Kaliq, how I have failed them!” Tears sprang into her eyes.

  “Nay,” he said, brushing the droplets from her cheeks. “They drove you away, and even had you known, it is unlikely they would have listened to anything you said. Remember the Terahns’ stubborn insistence that women are not wise enough to advise. And as their population has never been a large one, without strong leadership they, too, were doomed.”

  “How could it have come to this?” Lara wondered aloud once more.

  “You are dealing with mortals, my love,” he reminded her.

  “There is mortal blood in me,” Lara said.

  “Not enough,” Kaliq told her. “But even if you were pure mortal I should love you,” he said gallantly.

  She gave him a quick kiss and a smile, but then grew serious. “What will Kolgrim do when he discovers Nyura missing?”

  “I suspect his first emotion will be anger. Then he will realize that we know his plans,” Kaliq said, “and it will become interesting. Cronan said we have a year, but no more. We may not even have that. But we need time to evacuate the magic to Belmair. Will you speak with King Dillon?”

  Lara nodded. “I have borne four sons,” she said. “One was ordinary, but dear to my heart. One is good. Two are evil. And I have Marzina to consider, as well. If she cannot contain her curiosity about Kolgrim, I fear greatly for her fate.”

  “Marzina has her own destiny to follow,” Kaliq said. “And while she will be curious about Kolgrim she will be careful, too, for she knows he is dangerous.”

  MARZINA WAS CURIOUS ABOUT this brother she had suddenly learned she had. She sat in the little hall of her home and stared into her green malachite reflecting bowl. Show me Kolgrim, she ordered. The water grew cloudy and dark, then cleared, and she saw him. She thought him extraordinarily handsome, but she could also feel the danger that emanated from him. His powers were strong, and growing stronger. Let me hear what he would say, but keep me safe from him this day, Marzina softly murmured the spell.

  “She knows!” Kolgrim shouted. “Only my dear faerie-woman mother could have done this, would have dared to do it, Alfrigg! How in the name of all the demons living and dead did she find out?”

  “You are certainly correct, my lord,” Alfrigg said calmly, ever the voice of reason, “but how she learned of your plans is not important. What is important is that we find the Lady Nyura before the season of the mating frenzy comes upon you.”

  “She is certainly at Shunnar,” Kolgrim said slowly. “And it is one place into which I cannot gain entry. So I must bring my dear mother to me. But how?”

  “That is simple, my lord. You must gain her attention by taking something that she holds dear,” the elderly chancellor said.

  Kolgrim snorted. “What?” he said. “The Terahns no longer know or respect her, and it is the same everywhere. She frightens them all, and so they pretend she doesn’t exist. Her children are all dead but for the King of Belmair. Since he is half-Shadow I cannot touch him without bringing down the wrath of the princes on myself. Even Nyura is not worth that, Alfrigg. We will simply have to find her.”

  “The faerie woman, Lara, has another living child,” Alfrigg said softly.

  “Indeed,” Kolgrim said. Then he thought. “Surely you don’t mean Magnus Hauk’s youngest daughter?” he said. “The little half-faerie girl I once saw? She must surely be dead by now, Alfrigg, or a doddering elder at best.”

  “Magnus Hauk was not her father,” Alfrigg said quietly. “Kol was.”

  Marzina swallowed hard. Her identity revealed, she could be in danger, but fascinated, she continued to watch and listen to the conversation between Kolgrim and the old dwarf, who was now smiling at his master for having revealed to him something previously unknown but of great value.

  Kolgrim’s mouth fell open with genuine surprise. “How?” he asked.

  “Your faerie mother was newly pregnant with Magnus Hauk’s son when Kol caught her on the Dream Plain and ravaged her. He loved her, and was angry she preferred her mortal mate to him. Princess Marzina was conceived then. That is why your father was imprisoned, my lord. He broke the law of the Dream Plain. When your sister was born her maternal grandmother, Queen Ilona, declared she strongly resembled a Nix ancestor with her dark hair and pale skin. No one considered arguing the point. It was believed that the two children born from the faerie woman’s womb at the same time were fraternal twins. How could it be otherwise?”

  “Another sister,” Kolgrim said slowly, and his gray eyes darkened.

  “Not a half sister as the Darkling Ciarda was, my lord. You share both parents with Marzina of Terah,” Alfrigg pointed out. “She is true blood, not half blood.”

  “What of her powers? Could our mother use her against me, Alfrigg?” the young Twilight Lord asked his chancellor. “Is she beautiful?”

  “I have not seen her since she was a child,” Alfrigg said, “but her untrained powers were then great. Now I would imagine she is a power to be reckoned with, but your faerie mother will not use her against you. Remember, she is the light, and she loves this daughter well. But if your sister were in your power, my lord, I imagine that your faerie mother would reveal to you the location where she has hidden your betrothed.”

  Marzina stood. Picking up the reflecting bowl she emptied it with shaking hands into a planter. She needed to reach her mother, and quickly. But suddenly in a clap of thunder and flash of lightning Kolgrim stood before her, smiling. Marzina shrank from the hand he held out to her. “I will not go with you,” she said.

&nb
sp; “Ah, you were listening to us, were you?” he replied. “In mortal society they consider it rude to eavesdrop, but we don’t consider it that at all, do we, my pretty one? How on earth would we learn what we need to know if we didn’t listen at doors?” He laughed at the guilty flush suffusing her face.

  Mother! Mother! Hear my plea! Cease all else and come to me! Marzina said.

  “She can’t hear you, Marzina. I put a spell about your house as I came. I certainly don’t want our mother interrupting us. You know, of course, who I am.”

  “You are Kolgrim, the Twilight Lord,” Marzina said.

  “And your brother,” he added with a charming smile.

  “I did not know that until recently,” Marzina replied.

  “How did you learn it? I would have thought our mother would not want to share that information with you,” Kolgrim remarked. “Unless, of course, she means to use you against me, little sister. Does she?”

  “I overheard her speaking with Grandmother,” Marzina said low.

  Kolgrim burst out laughing. “You were eavesdropping!” he chortled. “It must have been quite a shock to learn that the revered Magnus Hauk was not your sire.”

  “He was my father!” Marzina cried angrily. “Do not ever say he wasn’t!”

  “I will agree that he believed you his own child, and raised you thusly,” Kolgrim said. “But it was my father’s seed that gave you life. We are blood kin, little sister, and as such I can never, by our own laws, harm you.”

  “Yet you murdered your own concubines and their children without a moment’s hesitation or remorse,” Marzina surprised him by saying. “You violated your own laws, my lord. There is no way in which you can justify such bestiality.”

  “I wanted my son to have no sisters threatening his rights as the Darkling Ciarda threatened mine and my brother’s,” Kolgrim responded. “Other than Ciarda the women were no kin of mine.”

  “And the children?” Marzina pressed him. “They were your blood.”

  “Females, and barely formed most of them,” he said casually. “They had some of my blood in them, but you, Marzina! I look at you and can see that the light does not claim you entirely. Stand with me little sister, for I mean to conquer this world of Hetar.” His gray eyes blazed with excitement. Reaching out, he caught her hand in his, and before she might protest there was a flash, and Marzina found herself standing in the middle of a strange room.