Queen of Wands (The Tree of Ages Series Book 4)

by Sara C. Roethle

  Ealasaid sighed, then nodded. “I suppose there is no way to move forward without risking lives. Though this time,” she flicked her eyes to Maarav, “I will be out fighting with my people.”

  With a nod to Keiren, she turned on her heel and left the room.

  Maarav was about to follow, but Keiren sidled up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  “You should exert your influence on her more often,” she crooned. “She listens to you, and must be made ruthless if she hopes to survive.”

  He stepped away and her hand fell from his shoulder. He leveled his gaze at her. “I like Ealasaid just as she is, and I can be ruthless enough for the both of us.”

  He didn’t mean it as a threat, but Keiren seemed to take it that way. “Let us hope it is enough,” she muttered, then left the room ahead of him.

  He watched the empty doorway for a moment before departing. He sincerely hoped his brother was having better luck on his quest. Then again . . . if by some twist of fate Finn was to become their enemy, he should wish them ill.

  He shook his head and strode down the hallway. He was not sure what he would do if Finn and Iseult turned against them. He was used to looking out for himself above all others, and while he had no intention of altering that habit, he wasn’t sure who he would choose second. Iseult was his brother, but Ealasaid, was, well Ealasaid. A hard-headed farm girl who would have already gotten herself killed if it weren’t for him. Could he truly abandon her when the time to choose came?

  Leaving the meeting room behind, Keiren diverged from the path Ealasaid had taken ahead of her, then hurried down a flight of stairs.

  She sincerely hoped Óengus had told her the truth about Oighear, and that she would not be approaching the burgh with her Aos Sí. She did not sense any great power nearing, but would not be surprised if Oighear was capable of hiding her presence. The power of ice could do many strange things, and hiding a single caster was no great feat. Ealasaid was not yet ready for such a confrontation, and Keiren would not have her most valuable pawn perish so soon.

  She reached the bottom of the stairs and looked both ways, catching sight of a few mages hurrying out toward the courtyard. They would all prove useful pawns, really, and so it benefitted her to keep them alive.

  Once the mages had all exited to the courtyard, she darted across the entry room and down the next hall, peeking into rooms as she went.

  Eventually she found what she was looking for, and dove into a darkened room with an ornate, full-length mirror.

  She silently closed the door behind her, leaving herself in near darkness, but it was no matter. She was used to lurking in the dark.

  Approaching the mirror, she held out her hand, waving it in front of the reflective surface. The glass seemed to ripple, then Niklas’ sharp features and bald head slowly came into focus.

  He smiled, showing his sharp white teeth. “Does all go according to plan?” he questioned.

  She nodded. “Yes, and this plan better go more smoothly than the first. I received word this morning that the Aos Sí will attack the day after tomorrow. We will defeat them, and in doing so, I will earn Ealasaid’s trust.”

  Niklas snickered, raising one of his long-boned hands to his lips. “I do hope your confidence is warranted. The Aos Sí may surprise you.”

  She narrowed her gaze at him. “Do you know something I do not?”

  He shook his head. “No, my people can see little where the prophecy is concerned, but there has been little word of Oighear lately. None seem to know what she plans.”

  Keiren scowled. She too could see little where the prophecy was concerned, something that vexed her more and more.

  She glanced over her shoulder. “I should go. I don’t want anyone to catch me lurking around the estate, but that sty of an inn doesn’t have any proper mirrors.”

  He smirked, then whispered, “Good luck,” before fading from sight.

  With a heavy sigh she crept toward the door, opening it a crack and peering both ways before exiting.

  With any luck, she wouldn’t be staying in that dirty little inn much longer.

  “Do you think they’re close?” Finn asked excitedly.

  Iseult did his best to offer her a smile, but he’d never been talented at forcing emotions he did not feel. While he would be glad to see the return of some of their companions, he did not like working so closely with the Faie.

  Finn seemed to trust them. He never would.

  They had reunited with a few of Eywen’s surviving Aos Sí who had been tracking them. They now waited patiently for the return of their commander, if he still lived. Iseult hoped he did. Eywen had already proven he’d lay down his life for Finn, and so, he could be trusted more than the Pixies or Trow.

  “The Pixies have returned,” one of the Aos Sí muttered.

  Iseult turned just as the vibrant swarm flew into the clearing, then dispersed as the individual Pixies darted about, finding perches in the trees. A moment later, Kai, Anna, and Eywen walked into the clearing, leading a single horse behind them.

  Before Iseult could caution her that they could be Faie charmed, or worse, enthralled by the Dearg Due, she raced forward and flung herself into Kai’s arms, nearly knocking him off his feet.

  Iseult approached in time to hear him mutter, “Glad to see you awake.”

  After a moment of squeezing, Finn pulled away from Kai, then hugged Anna, who patted her back awkwardly.

  In her excitement, Finn pulled away from Anna and began to dive toward Eywen, then seemed to think better of it. Iseult thought Eywen almost seemed sad at the exclusion, or perhaps he was simply projecting his own emotions.

  He wanted Finn to hug him too, but at the same time, he knew he must push her away. The kiss the other night had been a mistake, a brief break in his normally iron resolve.

  Grinning, Finn took a step back from their newly found companions. “Tell me everything,” she demanded. “What happened? Where were you?” She hesitated, glancing around the clearing. “Where are Bedelia and Sativola?”

  As Kai and Anna both shrugged, Eywen stepped forward. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to speak with my remaining soldiers.”

  Finn fluttered her hands in the air, clearly flustered. “Of course! My apologies.” She stepped aside for him to pass, and he did so with a bow.

  Kai began recounting his adventure as Finn led both him and Anna to sit on a nearby log, dragged into the clearing for that purpose. Likely drawn by the sound of voices, Naoki trotted into the clearing, a freshly killed crow hanging by its neck from her beak.

  Iseult leaned against a tree, withdrawing his attention from the conversation, though his gaze remained on Kai. Was something different about him? Iseult had a keen sense for the Faie and their magic. Kai did not seem Faie charmed, but there was definitely something off.

  Keeping his speculations to himself, he began to pace the perimeter of the clearing. It was unfortunate Bedelia and Sativola were still missing. They needed to move on toward Sormyr before more dark Faie were sent after them. Hopefully if the Pixies’ search proved fruitless, Finn would allow them to move on without their final two companions . . . though he would regret the loss of Bedelia.

  He ducked as a small swarm of Pixies flew perilously close to his head, then cursed under his breath. The tiny creatures had proven useful, and perhaps would continue their use in the future, but he was prepared to be rid of them for the time being.

  The only Faie-like creature he could truly bear was Finn.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The little Pixie shook her head. “No sign of any others, my queen. Some dead Aos Sí, but no humans.”

  Iseult watched as Finn sighed, then turned her gaze to him. “What do you think could have happened to Bedelia and Sativola? If they still live, and aren’t behind us, then how could they travel so far ahead of us in such a short span of time?”

  He pursed his lips. He thought it likely Bedelia and Sativola were dead, and their bodies had been hidden. Th
e Pixies scouted from the air, so would only notice what was visible below them. If the bodies had been buried or dragged to a cave, they would easily miss them.

  Of course, he could not say that out loud.

  “Perhaps they continued on toward Sormyr,” he consoled, hoping to inspire her to do the same. They’d spent too long in the forest already. He had no doubt the Cavari would strike again, as well as the Dearg Due. They needed to reach civilization were they could at least blend in with a crowd and buy themselves time to escape.

  Finn nodded, her expression somber, then turned back to the tiny woman hovering in the air. “We will depart immediately,” she sighed, “but please, continue your scouting.”

  Iseult’s shoulders slumped in relief. The sooner they reached Sormyr to confirm their final companions were indeed lost, the sooner they could move on to defeating the other two queens. He did not like that these other women were being given more time to assemble their defenses, but he supposed in a way Finn was doing the same. If the Pixies and Trow could gather more benevolent Faie, and if Eywen could recruit more of the Aos Sí, Finn might just have the most frightening army of all.

  After exchanging a few more words with Finn, the Pixie flew away. Anna, Eywen, and Kai entered the clearing, finished with saddling the remaining horse and unicorn, being led by the three other Aos Sí. Unfortunately, with only the two mounts between them, travel would be slow.

  Finn moved to join the others, her head hung low, shielding her face in a veil of long hair. “The Pixies will continue to search for Bedelia and Sativola, but we must move on.”

  Iseult watched as Kai and Anna each put a consoling arm around her and led her toward Loinnir.

  “You should ride,” he heard Kai say. “You’ve had a rough few days and need the rest.”

  With a final glance at his surroundings, Iseult followed them. That Finn allowed herself to be so easily coerced onto Loinnir’s saddle meant she really did need the rest. She was looking thinner than ever, with dark bags beneath her eyes. Come to think of it, he couldn’t recall the last time he’d managed to convince her to eat more than a few bites. He did not know if it was worry about their companions that stayed her appetite, or perhaps the haunting memories of the past. All he knew was he was glad to have Kai and Anna back. They were her friends. They knew how to cheer her up in a way that Iseult would never understand . . . as much as he wished he could.

  Sativola had lost consciousness, putting them no closer to escaping the marshes. Àed sat across from Bedelia at the fire, munching cured venison. He watched her with a keen eye, and she was quite sure he’d managed to divine all of her secrets by now, even though they’d barely spoken.

  The murk in the swamp had increased as the cool air of evening set in. If something crept up on them, she’d never see it, so she was glad for the relative silence, even though it made her uncomfortable.

  “So,” Àed began, “Ye know both Finn, and me daughter.” His cornflower blue eyes shot daggers at her.

  She gulped. Yes, he definitely knew all of her secrets.

  “Yes,” she replied softly. “I was traveling with Finn when we were attacked. Keiren and I have a . . . past. She found Sativola and I unconscious and brought us here.”

  He took another bite of venison, slowly chewing as he eyed her up and down. “Ye were attacked by the same creatures as the lad,” he nodded in Sativola’s direction, “yet yer wounds don’t fester, and yer well fed.”

  She bit her lip, unable to think of anything else to tell him but the truth. “I believe Keiren was trying to get back in my good graces, likely to get to Finn.”

  “Ye were there on that island,” he observed.

  Her sharp inhale gave her away before she could lie. How had he known?

  “Why are you no longer a tree?” she blurted. “I told Finn what happened. I swear it. We were coming to rescue you when we were attacked.”

  He chuckled, completely catching her off guard. “She was coming to save me, was she? Silly lass.” He shook his head, a rueful smile on his face.

  Bedelia was growing more confused by the moment. He wasn’t going to ask her why she was on the island?

  “I never was a tree,” he sighed, gazing into the fire. “Ye’d think someone who knows me daughter as well as ye seem to, would know her magic is mostly illusion. That’s not to say she isn’t powerful, but turning men into trees is not a talent she possesses.”

  “But why create an illusion for no one to see?” she asked, then hung her head. She was such a fool. “The illusion was for me,” she sighed. “She wanted me to think you were turned into a tree, and perhaps she wanted Óengus to think the same. She knew one of us would eventually tell Finn.”

  Àed nodded. “It was a ruse to lead Finn astray, nothing more. As was kidnapping the lot of us, I imagine. I do not know what she wants from Finn. All I know is she hopes to prevent her from fulfilling her true role. Keiren is buying time for . . . something.”

  Bedelia bit her lip. She felt almost guilty telling Àed something Keiren had told her in confidence. Then again, perhaps Keiren had planned even this. Perhaps she’d ordered Niklas to aid in their escape so Bedelia could tell Àed what Keiren planned . . . but why?

  She shook her head. She was not a dumb woman, but Keiren’s schemes could boggle even the greatest of scholars.

  “Say whatever it is yer thinking,” Àed instructed.

  Bedelia sighed. “Keiren wants to use Finn to break the barrier to the in-between. She believes her mother, your late wife, is trapped there. She told me about how she died . . . ” she trailed off.

  Àed hung his head for a moment, then snapped it upward. “Something approaches,” he whispered, climbing to his feet.

  He remained hunched as he walked, as if his entire body throbbed with pain. She watched as he hobbled toward their horses, then held out a hand toward Bedelia, gesturing for her to join him.

  “Quickly,” he hissed, waving his hand.

  She hurried over toward him. He held out his withered hand to her, and after a brief moment of consideration, she took it.

  “Be still,” Àed ordered.

  She obeyed, not asking questions because she could now hear what he’d sensed. Rhythmic suctioning noises approached as something large made its way through the sticky mud.

  Her heart raced. The mist seemed to shift as the creature entered the small clearing. It was massive, with craggy green skin and yellow belly scales. It walked upright like a man, but the body was all wrong, almost like a giant, fat lizard, covered in patches of the sticky brown mud. It paused and whipped its head in their direction, scenting the air with bulbous nostril pods. Its eyes were mere slits, occasionally opening wide enough to reveal pure milky white orbs.

  It sniffed again, then thudded toward Sativola.

  Bedelia tensed, and Àed squeezed her hand, warning her.

  The creature hunched down toward Sativola, cradling its small arms against its chest. Smacking its wide mouth, it took a deep whiff, then recoiled.

  It grunted to itself, then straightened, moving its ugly face in each direction as it scented the air. It turned and seemed to look right at Bedelia with its slitted eyes, then took another deep whiff.

  That’s it, she thought. We’re done for.

  The creature seemed to shiver, turned to give Sativola a final whiff, then hobbled away.

  Bedelia let out a shaky sigh and received another warning squeeze from Àed. He was right, they weren’t safe yet. She could hear more thuds from other nearby creatures. There must have been an entire herd of them combing the marshes.

  They remained still for what seemed like hours, until the last of the creatures could no longer be heard. Finally, Àed released her hand and she slumped to her knees on the soggy ground.

  “What in the gods were those things?” she breathed. She’d been to the marshes before, but had never seen such creatures.

  “Ballybog,” Àed muttered, returning to sit by the barely simmering fire. “Nearly bli
nd, so they use their noses to guide them. I’ve enough magic left in me to obscure our scents, so it’s lucky those were the creatures we encountered.”

  She flexed her hands to stop their shaking, then stood to join him as he restoked the fire. “Why did they ignore Sativola?” she questioned.

  “He’s been touched by Dark Faie,” he explained. “The Ballybogs may be frightnin’, but they’re not evil. Most Light Faie don’t like the stink of the Dark.”

  She shivered at the thought, grateful Keiren had cleansed her wound even if it made her more appealing to the Ballybogs.

  Àed leaned over, peering down at Sativola. “Lad won’t last the night in his condition.” He turned back to Bedelia. “What did ye say bit him?”

  She shrugged. “The Aos Sí knew what they were, but I can’t recall the name. They appeared to be women, but with long white hair and reflective eyes. They ran faster than horses.”

  “Hmph,” was Áed’s only reply. He sat in silence for a few minutes, then finally looked up at her. “I’ll make ye a deal,” he began, “since ye did get me out of that dungeon.”

  She nodded for him to go on.

  “I’ll do me best to keep ye alive in these marshes,” he explained, “and we’ll find Finn together, but we’ll not tell her anything of where we’ve been and what we know until we can figure out what me daughter is up to.”

  “I don’t want to lie to her,” Bedelia began, her old guilt rearing up in her heart.

  Àed narrowed his gaze at her. “Omissions are not always lies, especially when they’re for someone’s own good.”

  She frowned. Perhaps that was true, but . . . “Don’t you think though that it’s best for her to have any information we can give her?”