by M. Gregg Roe
Almera put down her cup and stood. “But where were you? You are covered with dirt.”
That was because constructs never bothered to dust. “The Gray Forest. I’ll explain this evening.” Audrey gestured at the window. “It’s nearly noon. I need to get going.”
Almera left shaking her head, but at least she had stopped asking questions.
Audrey made it in time to teach her class, but not by much. Between classes she apologized to Bennet and Zalina and assured them it wouldn’t happen again. But at the same time she worried that it might. She had new responsibilities now. Important ones.
On the way home, she ran into Aliva, and she couldn’t help but wonder if that was more than a coincidence. Over dinner at the Blue Hammer Tavern in a private booth, she told her friend about the ring’s new abilities and what she had done that morning.
“Are you going to tell Petra?” asked Aliva.
“I haven’t decided.” Petra had nearly ended up in the Collector’s collection, but telling her meant revealing secrets.
Aliva hesitated, briefly pursing her full lips. “I’m not sure if you need to. She doesn’t seem worried about it. She’s apprenticed to an alchemist now.”
Petra was also still in a relationship with Audrey’s ex-boyfriend, Erwin. “Then I won’t say anything for now.”
“Did you tell the ring to list all of its powers?” asked Aliva, leaning forward.
She had, and the list had been frighteningly long, not to mention containing a number of things she didn’t understand. “The ring is telling me that you’re a spell-caster, and that you’re an outsider?”
Aliva nodded. “That’s the general term for creatures that originate on other planes of existence, and that includes demons.”
“Can you tell that you’re being probed?” asked Audrey.
“No, and the ring isn’t radiating any magic that I can detect. But considering who made it, I’m not surprised.”
Audrey sighed. “I keep asking ‘Why me?’, but I know it’s because I’m Andoran’s great-granddaughter. I’m still having trouble believing that. I’m not even a spell-caster.”
“You know that’s not how it works,” scolded Aliva. “And the ring more than makes up for it.”
That evening, after the three girls had gone to bed, Audrey told Draymund, Almera, and Saxloc about what had happened, but she only mentioned a few of the ring’s capabilities.
Even though she had complained all day about how tired she was, Siljan still trudged up to the river overlook after dinner. Autumn was her favorite time of the year, and some of the leaves were already quite colorful. Even better, the scattered clouds should make for a beautiful sunset.
Siljan came to a standstill after reaching the top. Even viewed from behind, she recognized the person staring north past the river. Audrey suddenly turned around, but her expression was odd.
“I was not expecting to find you up here,” called out Siljan as she walked up. “But it’s really good to see you, Audrey.”
The smile was encouraging, but Siljan was startled by the painfully tight hug that followed. After releasing her, Audrey said, “I’m here to tell you what happened to me after I disappeared. And to ask for your advice.”
“Why ask me?” said Siljan, before she could stop herself.
“Because we’re friends. And you already know about the island.” Audrey hesitated, briefly chewing on her lower lip. “I also need to limit who knows my secrets.”
What Siljan really wanted to know was how Audrey could not only be up there on the bluff, but clearly be waiting for her. That explanation would hopefully be part of it.
Siljan pointed east. “There’s a nice spot to sit not far from here if you don’t mind dangling your legs over a sheer drop.”
“That’s fine with me.”
That spot did make Siljan a little nervous, but if she were to fall, it would be into the Valena River. The river was deep enough that she’d probably survive. And, as far as she was concerned, the magnificent view more than justified the slight risk.
Siljan had been waiting to receive letters from her friends, and she very well might in a few days when the next caravan arrived, but this was far better. Audrey did a decent job of telling her rather bizarre story, and Siljan kept her questions to a minimum.
“I was having enough trouble believing that you were Andoran’s granddaughter,” said Siljan, “and now you’re telling me that you’re in charge of safeguarding Andoran’s Realm?”
“It’s great-granddaughter,” corrected Audrey. “And the responsibility scares me to death. If something does happen, I’ll be asking for help from lots of people, including you.”
“I’m honored,” said Siljan, really meaning it. Then she grinned. “And really envious. If I could teleport, then I could sleep in my own bed at home every night.”
Audrey laughed, then smoothed her hair with her right hand. There was a definite breeze where they were. “That does sound like you,” she said. “I still walk everywhere. Well, not to here, obviously.”
Siljan thought about what Audrey had described. “You were watching me this evening?”
“Not quite. I asked the crystalloids to let me know when you were somewhere private where we could talk. They signaled me by viewing my cottage. I can detect that.”
Siljan found herself wondering if the crystalloids had been watching those times when she had engaged in outdoor sex. The thought of it was actually kind of exciting.
“So, is there anyone else you think I should tell?” asked Audrey.
“No,” said Siljan, swatting at a fly that kept landing on her thigh. “Don’t tell anyone who doesn’t need to know right now. And tell people as little as possible.” Hankin had once lectured her about the right way to keep things secret.
“Okay.” But Audrey began to chew on her lip.
“Audrey, you can come talk to me whenever you want. I’ll start taking more walks.”
“Thank you, Siljan. It’s going to take me a while to adjust to this situation.”
They ended up talking until well after dark. Siljan was tempted by Audrey’s offer to teleport her back to the temple, but she declined. Instead she cast Darksight and walked back. She envied Audrey her new abilities, but not the tremendous responsibility.
In hindsight, she really should have expected it. Older people’s houses were often filled with the things that they had collected over the course of their lives. Sometimes everything was neatly displayed, but often it was just consigned to closets or storage areas. The ring had led her to where Andoran stored things, and he had lived for over two millennia.
After touring the entire cavern, Audrey went to the clear area in the center, laid down on her back, and stared upward at the unnaturally smooth ceiling over twenty yards above her. It was just too much. “I’m not even twenty-years-old yet,” she said aloud, then listened to the echoes. Then she coughed. The air in the cavern was not only cool, but so dry that breathing it irritated her sinuses and throat. Next time she would bring along some water.
The huge cavern was divided into discrete areas. All the racks and bins and shelves were made from what she now recognized as Kylar steel. One area was all precious metals, some in the form of coins but others as simple ingots. There were coins of all sorts, some tarnished and worn with age. Even the ones made from common metals such as brass were probably valuable because they were so old.
Next was an area devoted to precious gems and jewelry of all sorts. And some of the gems were as large as a bird’s egg. They had to be worth a fortune.
Another area housed the products of artists and craftsmen. Sculptures, paintings, carvings, rugs, tapestries—enough to fill a hundred houses. And these were just the ones that Andoran had consigned to storage.
Knowledge was the theme of another area. It was all books and scrolls, but so many that her mind quailed. She had only looked at one book, finding it filled with incomprehensible writing. The ring told her it could translate the text,
but she declined. She was no scholar.
The next area is where she had spent most of her time. Armor and weapons of all kinds were neatly displayed. Some were so ornate that they had to be ceremonial. And many of the weapons were unfamiliar to her. But she recognized the fighting staffs. She was sorely tempted, but ultimately decided to just leave them alone.
The final area was the smallest. Some of the armor and weapons were magical—she could sense that clearly now—but everything in this area was enchanted. There were rings, bracelets, necklaces, wands, staffs, and more. She was scared to touch any of it.
The sheer level of wealth and power that she now had access to was horrifying. With what was in the cavern, she could create an unstoppable army and conquer all of Andoran’s Realm, not that she was planning to. She wished that she had never seen it.
Audrey was on her feet and in a fighting stance before she even realized why. There had been a noise like stone scrapping on stone. “Scan vicinity.” A powerful spell-caster had entered the cavern through what had obviously been a hidden door, and they were now walking directly toward her.
Turning to face her visitor, Audrey relaxed. She trusted both the ring and her own abilities as far as protection was concerned. And so far whoever it was hadn’t cast any spells.
She soon saw that the visitor was a mature female elf, but not like any elf that Audrey had ever seen before. She had the sharply pointed ears and narrow chin, but her skin was jet black. Her long hair was pure white, and her large eyes a vibrant orange. Her black leather armor was elaborately decorated, but one particular design stood out to Audrey’s eye. On the woman’s left hip was slung a thin sword in a dark gray scabbard. Her stride was purposeful, and a smile was visible on her dark lips. She stopped four yards short and dropped to one knee with her head lowered.
“Eye of Andoran, I am Ryala, and I am at your service.” The liquid voice was lilting.
“I’m Audrey, and I’m not an Eye. There aren’t any more Eyes. Please stand up.”
Ryala obeyed instantly. “As you wish, Lady Audrey.”
Being addressed that way was kind of nice. “I’m not an Eye,” she repeated, “but I’ve been given similar powers. Do you know what a crystalloid is?”
“I do not, my lady.”
That complicated things, but it didn’t really surprise her. “They’re creatures that Andoran created that watch over the Realm. I work with them. I’m known as a guardian.”
Ryala hesitated. “I had thought your youth a result of magic, but you truly are young. Still, your very presence in this place is proof of your worth. I am your servant, Guardian Audrey.”
“What do you do here, Ryala? And where is here?”
“I am one of many dark elves that are loyal to Lord Andoran. Where we are is part of the Underrealm.”
“Do you really call yourselves dark elves?” asked Audrey.
Ryala’s cheeks dimpled. “That is what others call us. You would have difficulty pronouncing what we call ourselves in our language.”
Audrey mentally queried the ring. It had way too much information on dark elves to read at the moment. What she needed was just a brief summary, but that didn’t seem to be available.
“Some six years ago,” began Ryala in a resonant voice, “we were called upon by Lady Josara to aid in the rescue of a human woman who had been taken captive by a group of dark elves loyal to Yalk, the god of death. Josara was accompanied by four women from above, each powerful in their own way. Together, we were successful in our endeavor. I tell you this not out of pride, but as evidence that we are both capable and willing to serve.”
There was something familiar about that story. “Tell me the names,” Audrey ordered.
Ryala nodded formally. “The four from above were Asria, Medea, Carlinda, and Grasapa. The one rescued was—”
“Ermizad,” said Audrey, suddenly remembering. “And she was pregnant. I never met Josara, but I know all the others.”
Smiling, Ryala said, “I am pleased to hear it. The birth was successful? There was some concern because this region is under a strong enchantment that is inimical to males.”
“Inimical?” Audrey had never heard the word before.
“It means harmful. Fatal, in fact.” Ryala frowned. “Andoran was the only male who could safely visit here.”
Audrey was briefly lost in thought. Was being exposed to that enchantment why Ermiana was so freakishly smart? She desperately wanted to talk to Ermizad about it, but that would mean revealing her secrets to the woman.
Forcing herself to smile, Audrey said, “Yes, Ermizad’s daughter is fine. Are you a priestess, Ryala?” In addition to Andoran’s symbol, she had spotted another familiar one etched into the woman’s armor near the left shoulder.
“I am. I serve Lady Lasrina. Is something wrong?”
Audrey realized that she was now frowning deeply. “Just … a coincidence. I’ve always prayed to Lasrina.”
Ryala’s smile was radiant. “How wonderful.”
Audrey’s head was swimming. Aliva served Lasrina, and Morton had served Yalk. Did that mean something? Were the two deities at odds? Had Aliva been fated to kill Morton? It was too much to think about.
“I should go now,” said Audrey. “It was nice to meet you.”
Ryala bowed deeply. “It was an honor to meet you, Guardian. If you need us, simply return to this place. Either I or one of my companions will soon arrive.”
Audrey flashed her a smile and then teleported home. She spent all evening reading about dark elves.
After Audrey finished examining the last of the drawings, Medea stacked them up neatly and put them aside. “Are you sorry that you missed that part?” she asked.
Audrey chuckled briefly. “After seeing these, no. Saxloc told me the drawings were good, but I think they’re amazing.”
Medea agreed, and she was now actively urging her son to continue to develop his skills. He wasn’t all that good at depicting faces, but she felt certain he would improve with practice.
Audrey said that she had come to the Witch’s Castle to speak to Ermizad, but the woman was currently in Rohoville along with her daughter and Piran. The three of them were celebrating, but the reason was still a secret. Well, not from Medea. She knew that Ermizad was pregnant.
“Is there something wrong, Audrey?” The girl’s confusion was written on her face.
Audrey opened her mouth to speak, then snapped it shut. She put a hand to either side of her face and rested her elbows on the table. “Gods, I hate keeping all these secrets.”
“Do you mean about you being Andoran’s great granddaughter? Most people wouldn’t believe it if you told them.” They would either think it was a joke, or that Audrey was delusional.
After a long exhale, Audrey sat back, the very picture of calm. “I have a question about when Ermizad was held hostage in the Underrealm.”
That was unexpected. “Where did you hear about that? From Almera?”
Audrey smiled. “I think she was the one who mentioned it one time, but I heard the details just recently. From Ryala.”
That was beyond belief; dark elves never ventured aboveground. “And where did you meet this Ryala?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t recognize the name,” scolded Audrey. “You met her when you went on that mission to rescue Ermizad.”
Medea remembered all too well. “Audrey, how did you get to the Underrealm?”
“I’ll explain, but first I want to know if you think that being in that place affected Ermiana.”
Medea grimaced at the memory. “Either that or the torture.”
“Torture?”
“They beat Ermizad, cut her with knives. She hardly got any food.” It was unconscionable.
“They knew she was pregnant?” Audrey’s shocked face was ashen.
“She was almost six months pregnant when she was abducted!” Medea paused to get control of herself. “Ermizad hid her abilities. When she finally knew that her rescue was near, sh
e unleashed them. She tore her captors apart. It was horrible.” But the worst part had been the look of satisfaction on the woman’s blood-spattered face.
“Ermiana was born over a month early, and she was underweight and sickly. We think being in that place changed her, increased her intelligence and greatly increased her abilities as a witch. And we have never told her about any of this.”
“I won’t say anything,” said Audrey, close to tears. “Josara was the one who found where Ermizad had been taken?”
“Josara was the one who first abducted her,” growled Medea. “Then a group of rogue dark elves spirited Ermizad away. And finally, half a month later, Josara came to us for help. I hated that woman.”
“And I’m glad I never met her,” added Audrey, looking even more shocked. “Is this a bad time to mention that I now have most of the powers of an Eye of Andoran?”
After staring in surprise for a moment, Medea laughed and relaxed. “So that’s how you were able to meet Ryala. I want to hear all about it, but first I’ll get us some rice wine.” Gabriel and Marryn were both out on dates, so they didn’t have to worry about being disturbed.
“That sounds good. Just don’t let me get too drunk to teleport home.”
In fact, Audrey only stayed long enough to tell an abbreviated version of her story and then left the normal way. And she barely touched her drink. She just wasn’t herself, and that was a huge problem.
Medea was tense as she went to the kitchen to wash the cups. Audrey was strong in many ways, but was anyone strong enough to not be corrupted by such power? She was a teenage girl suddenly saddled with enormous responsibility and god-like abilities. But then she thought about something that Audrey had said: There had been a long delay before the ring announced itself. Maybe it had been evaluating her, trying to decide if she was worthy. Maybe Andoran had a plan for what was effectively his heir. The Eyes had been instruments of his will while Audrey was a Guardian. Maybe everything would be fine. But they needed to be prepared if it wasn’t. She was going to have a long talk with Ermizad when the woman returned to her city.