by K.L. Bauman
I must be the weakest guy on the face of the planet! Ayden thought as he regained consciousness. How many times have I passed out now? Three? Four? Ten? Weird what goes through your mind when you're waking up. Ayden slowly opened his eyes. He was expecting to be lying on the ground where he'd fallen. Instead, he rested on a lush bed in a soft white room. Large, glassless stone windows let in a playful breeze. Plants and flowers were everywhere; along the window sills crept beautiful vines, much like the ones at Hosgrow.
Ayden checked the wound on his arm. It was wrapped in a silky bandage, and no blood seeped through.
"I am glad to see that you are waking, young Ayden," the soft voice that Ayden had heard before he'd passed out emanated from an elegant looking elf. He reminded Ayden of the elf he'd seen with that girl in Thildin, the one that had been watching him catch the dead sorcerer; the elf's hair and eyes were the same chocolate color. "You and your friends were only half a mile from Andor's outside border. Lucky for you, we patrol the area constantly. And," he continued as he poured steaming clear liquid into a cup--pink, green, and blue steam spiraled upward and vanished into the air, "lucky for me, Volos was strong enough to carry two of you. My companion and I did not have time to call for aid when we found you."
The elf smiled gently and Ayden couldn't help smiling back. He took the cup from the elf and breathed in the colorful steam. The smell of peppermint and hot chocolate filled his nostrils. "What is this?" he asked.
"It is a special elvish drink, yulnae. It has a different smell and taste for everyone, but its effects are the same for all. Please, drink," the elf said and motioned with one hand as if tipping the cup to Ayden's lips.
Ayden took a deep drink of the clear, hot liquid. As it traveled down his throat, he felt stronger, even invigorated. In fact, he was ready to jump out of bed and fight Degus herself.
"Be careful, Ayden. You may feel empowered, but your body still needs rest. You may arise, but take things slowly," the elf cautioned.
"Thanks, uh," Ayden didn't know the elf's name.
"Forgive me. I have failed to give you a name. I am Luthien." The elf leaned over and placed his hand on Ayden's shoulder in greeting. Ayden returned the gesture and then they parted.
"Where are the others? Are they alright?" he asked.
"All of your friends are well. All have woken now except for the young sorcerer. He had many wounds, but he will recover," Luthien said hastily at Ayden's look of concern. Then the elf's face sobered. "We did have to house your friend, Sabina, in a more secluded area. Vampires are not allowed to enter here, but she was insistent."
Ayden cast his eyes to the floor as he thought of Sabina having to be separated from everyone. She was self-conscious enough already, this couldn't be helping her. "Isn't there any way that she can join us?" he said as he looked to Luthien's face.
Luthien's eyes held sympathy as he replied, "I understand your concern. But I am afraid we cannot take the risk. She has been made most comfortable, I assure you. Now, I have placed some fresh clothing here for you, and your weapons are on the table over there; but you will not need to carry them during your visit. Our city is well protected. I will wait for you outside. When you are dressed, please follow me, and I will take you to your friends."
"How did you get Phantom and Whisper away from me and onto the table?" Ayden asked.
"If you are referring to the elvish dragon weapons, very, very carefully." Luthien smiled and then turned and walked gracefully out of the room. Ayden rose and stumbled not so gracefully to the pile of clothes on the chair next to his bed. His muscles were still weak, despite the invigorating drink that warmed his veins.
Ayden lifted the clothes from the chair and inspected them. They were tan like pale leather, but much softer to the touch. Ayden pulled on them to test their durability. They seemed strong in spite of their light weight. He slipped into the shirt and pants and walked to a mirror imbedded in the wall above the weapons table.
A strange feeling washed over him as he looked at his reflection. The elves must've washed, trimmed, and combed his hair as it was now shorter and free of twigs, leaves and tangles. It was healthier and shinier than Ayden had ever seen it. His face (which had been shaved clean) and body were much leaner, but the elf clothing fit him perfectly, and the color accented his amber eyes. Ayden smiled smugly at himself and nodded his approval. Nice! Very nice!
He turned back to the chair over which a new cloak was draped. The cloak was green and silkier than Sabina's black one. Ayden caressed the fabric for a moment, enjoying its soft, cool touch. He left the cloak where it was and then took stock of his weapons, making certain none were missing. He noticed that Luthien had thoughtfully folded his old, torn cloak and laid it beside the other weapons. He touched his grandfather's old cloak lightly with his fingertips, and then turned and left the room.
Luthien waited serenely at the bottom of a flight of white stone stairs that led to an outdoor arena. The sun shone cheerily overhead, and numerous fountains tinkled musically as clear water spouted from their centers. The buildings were supported by simple but elegantly carved pillars covered with flowering vines. Graceful elves, none of which looked any older than their mid- thirties, walked elegantly through the city, inclining their heads and smiling warmly whenever they passed Luthien and Ayden.
"Your city is beautiful," Ayden said in a whisper. The city was not only beautiful, but stretched before them like a vast sea of white stone, flowers, and vines. Hordes of butterflies fluttered through the city, lingering over the plants and water.
Luthien replied, "Thank you. We enjoy it. It has been here for many generations, and we hope it will be here many more. Which reminds me, I met your grandfather once, long ago. And your grandmother. She was quite special. I have never met another human like her."
Ayden jerked his head and stared at Luthien. "You met my grandparents? How old are you?"
Luthien chuckled as he replied, "Much older than I appear, I assure you. But a good elf never tells his age," he said with a wink.
"What was he like, my grandfather?" Ayden asked as they walked toward another set of stairs. Freya had told him countless stories of his grandfather, but it would be interesting to hear about him from another point of view.
"Amros was what every elf defender admires--strong but kind hearted, brave but gentle. He was truly a hero among the elves, and among many others. Ah, here we are." Luthien came to a closed door made of the same silvery wood that Ayden had seen so many times before. He was sorry to have reached their destination. He would have liked to have continue talking with Luthien about his grandfather.
The elf opened the door and stepped through. Ayden followed, expecting to enter another room. Instead, the door opened into a vast garden bursting with every flower, bush, and tree imaginable. Sweet, wonderful smells tickled the air, and butterflies and birds fluttered around playfully. Ayden was so entranced by the garden that he almost didn't see Da'ewyn and Volos sitting opposite one another on smooth stone benches. Volos was meditating, and Da'ewyn was painting something on the underside of her forearm with ink and a small stick.
Ayden might not have recognized Da'ewyn had she not been sitting opposite Volos. She wore an ice-blue, silky gown that trailed across the ground where she sat; her silvery hair had also been cleaned and combed and was nearly blinding in the bright sun. Ayden had never seen her so beautiful. She truly looked like a princess.
Luthien made his leave after Ayden thanked him. Then Ayden approached his friends just as Volos opened his eyes. He was wearing clothing similar to Ayden's, but his were more of a reddish-brown. Volos stood and smiled broadly as Ayden approached. "Well, well. Don't we look handsome?" he said and then nearly smothered Ayden in a bear hug.
Ayden's muffled voice trailed into the air, "You look good, too, Volos. Uh, could you let go now, I can't breathe!"
"Sorry," Volos said and then released Ayden. He continued, "I
was just worried, you know. I was scared we were too late getting here."
"Well, we did get here, thanks to you. Good thing you're as strong as you are," Ayden replied.
Volos chuckled heartily, "Yeah I'm strong alright. As soon as I knew we were at the city, I fell like dead elephant and nearly crushed you and Pax."
They chuckled, and then Ayden turned his attention to Da'ewyn. "You're being very quiet. What are you doing, anyway?"
Da'ewyn looked up and the color of her eyes, highlighted by her gown, leapt out at Ayden. "I'm making note of all the enemies we have faced so far. See?"
Da'ewyn held out her arm and showed Ayden where she had made several squiggly lines with circles on top of them. They looked like funny lower case i's. "You remember how many, exactly?" Ayden asked as he sat down next to her.
"Of course. Don't you? I have to get credit for facing them when I return home."
"How will your dad know you actually faced so many? Why couldn't you just lie and add a few extra on there?" he asked.
Da'ewyn's eyes widened as she stared at Ayden. "Lying is punishable by death in my father's kingdom! We are warriors; we cannot afford to be dishonest. I suppose it's rewarded in the Other World?" she asked dryly.
Ayden thought for a moment. "Well, actually, it seems that way sometimes. But it always causes more trouble than good."
Da'ewyn stared at him for a moment and then whispered, "Stupid humans." Then more audibly, "No wonder the Other World is falling apart."
Ayden was about to defend his homeland when he heard the familiar cooing of Endia. He'd thought Da'ewyn's shining appearance had been a shock, but nothing prepared him for the sight of the siren. For once, Ayden's eyes weren't drawn directly to the bird, but were captured by Nya's form as she gracefully walked toward them. Her gown was similar to Da'ewyn's, but in a beautiful lavender color that softened her eyes more than ever. Her hair was no longer mousy, but cascading waves of brown hair, highlighted by the sun, caressed her face and neck. She did not hold her staff, but allowed Endia to rest on her shoulder. The bird's tail feathers trailed behind Nya's back like a colorful veil.
Nya smiled and her eyes sparkled at everyone as she approached. "You all look?well," she said, stumbling over her limited English.
Volos and Da'ewyn returned her greeting while Ayden stared. He vaguely heard Da'ewyn behind him whisper, "Stupid human!" And then she punched him on the shoulder.
"Ow!" Ayden growled at her as he finally tore his eyes away from Nya. Da'ewyn smiled at him, satisfied that she'd caused pain.
Ayden was glad when Nya spoke directly to him so that he could look at her without anyone getting testy. "I am on my way to see Sabina. Would you all like to join me?" she asked in her own tongue. Ayden translated and Volos and Da'ewyn agreed to come along.
"Do you know the way?" Ayden asked.
"Yes. I was there earlier. I am worried for her. She is not content."
Ayden was concerned. Luthien had said that she'd been made comfortable, but what did elves consider to be comfortable to a vampire when they weren't usually allowed in the city?
After making their way through to the edge of the city, they reached the door leading to Sabina's room and Nya knocked, calling to her. Sabina opened the door and looked anxiously to her friends. She also wore a flowing gown, but bright green, and her wavy red hair shown like fire. "Oh, thank goodness you're here! I can't stay here another minute. They won't let me walk around the city and the food they've brought makes me sick. I need to get out of here!" she said hysterically.
Ayden tried to think what to do. Pax still hadn't woken, and they couldn't leave without him. Nya spoke, "Sabina. You and I may leave the city and wait for the others in the forest. But we will have to go far enough to not disturb their patrol or any of their wildlife. We will be outside their protection and our companions' protection. Do you understand?"
Sabina nodded vigorously and answered Nya in English, "Yes! Yes, I understand. Get your stuff and let's go." She then disappeared into the room and Ayden could hear her shuffling around as she quickly gathered her belongings.
Ayden turned to Nya, "I don't know if this is such a good idea. Jared is still out there somewhere looking for her."
"If you're worried about them, Ayden, I can go with them. I'm getting bored here anyway," Da'ewyn offered.
"Oh that's great. Let's send all the women out unprotected into the forest," Ayden said without thinking.
Da'ewyn flashed her most threatening look and curled up her fists. Ayden took a step back, "Sorry. I forget how tough you all are."
"I'll go, too. I've already seen some old friends, and I really am no use here," Volos said. "You go and find Pax. As soon as he's ready, come and find us."
"I will leave Endia with you, Ayden. She will lead you straight to us," Nya said after Ayden had translated the plan. Then everyone separated to their rooms to gather their belongings.
Ayden felt strange with the beautiful bird perched lightly on his shoulder. He couldn't resist glancing back once or twice to make certain she wasn't leaving droppings on his new elf clothes.
As he entered the elf room, Endia flapped off of Ayden's shoulder and roosted on the bed post. He put on the new cloak, which was surprisingly lighter than his old one. A large leather pack had been left on the table, and he stuffed his old cloak inside of it; he knew he was being stupid and sentimental, but he just wasn't ready to let go of his grandfather's cloak just yet.
Finally, he was ready. He whistled and motioned for Endia to get on his shoulder. The bird ignored him. Great! Nya didn't give me the command for 'come'! Endia suddenly flapped through the air and landed on Ayden's shoulder. "Okay. We'll go with that," Ayden said aloud and headed out of his room
Ayden chuckled at the strange bird as he came to the outdoor area. Luthien was just approaching as Ayden's foot touched the grass. "I have been informed of your need to depart as soon as possible. The others have gone. Your sorcerer friend awoke several minutes ago and, I believe, will be ready to depart as soon as he has eaten. I will gather some food and water for your journey after I take you to him. "Luthien, you are most efficient," Ayden said.
Luthien mirrored Ayden's wide smile and replied, "I do my best."
Once again, Ayden was nearly shocked when he saw the difference in his friend. Pax's neatly trimmed hair shown bright gold, and the maroon elvish clothing made him look more like a prince than a stuttering amateur sorcerer.
Pax smiled excitedly when he saw Ayden and stuttered almost incoherently about his clothes and the drink and the beautiful city. "I-I th-th-thenk I-I c-c-could lllive here!" he finished. He was like deprived boy seeing Christmas for the first time.
Ayden couldn't help chuckling. He'd never seen Pax so excited. Then, clearing his throat, he spoke, "Pax, I know this is very exciting and all, but we have to get going."
Pax's face drooped. "But, w-we just g-got here! I-I'm nnnot ready to l-l-leave!"
"Pax, Sabina couldn't stay here. The food made her sick; she had to go back into the forest. The others have gone ahead with her, and we need to go find them." Endia cooed and Pax looked at her as if he'd just noticed she was there. "Endia will lead us to them," Ayden explained.
"L-Let's go th-then!" Pax said and leapt up to gather his things. Ayden smiled, but said nothing as he watched Pax. I knew you couldn't say no to Sabina!
Pax had been given a new bag along with some new reading material. Ayden wondered how many books the boy could carry. They had to be getting heavy.
Ayden and Pax thanked the elves, especially Luthien, one last time before they turned away from the beautiful city. Endia took flight and soared ahead of them, leading the way. She fluttered from tree to tree, resting briefly as those on foot caught up to her
"D-Do ya th-thenk she's a-alright?" Pax asked nervously. "I-I mean, th-they-do ya th-thenk they're alright?"
Ayden answered, "Yes, I'm sure th
ey're watching each other's backs." They're far more protected than we are at the moment! Ayden kept that latter thought to himself. The last thing he needed was Pax getting into a panic.
After following Endia for two hours, Ayden and Pax stopped to have a quick snack. Pax was restless and only nibbled on his bread. "Aren't you hungry? It's been a long time since you ate," Ayden asked.
"N-No."
"Look, she'll be okay. Calm yourself and eat. You'll get weak without food," Ayden said as he handed Pax a peach.
Pax took the fruit without really looking at it. Instead, he surveyed the trees warily. "S-Somethin' doesn't f-feel r-right."
Ayden's spine tingled. Pax was right. The trees had grown too quiet. Birds had been singing cheerily just moments before.
Pax leapt up and purposefully walked away from their resting area. Endia flew silently ahead of him, as if to guide his direction. Somehow, Ayden felt that Pax wouldn't have needed her at this point. He wondered at his friend's strange behavior as he followed, keeping his hands close to his weapons.
Pax stopped abruptly where Endia had landed on a low branch of a tree. "What is it?" Ayden whispered.
"I-I f-feel magic. I-It's comin' f-from up ahead," Pax whispered without looking at Ayden. Goosebumps crawled over Ayden's skin.
"Good or bad magic?" he asked warily.
"I-I don't know," Pax replied and then slowly made his way through the trees. Ayden followed him closely, ready to defend him if necessary. He didn't like the way Pax was staring strangely as if seeing past the trees ahead of them. Endia made a small sound and refused to move forward.
"I don't like this, Pax. Maybe we should get away from here," Ayden said as his heart pounded against his chest. If Endia doesn't want to go in there, then neither do I. But Pax slowly continued forward as if mesmerized by the magic he felt.
As the two of them came into a clearing, both teens drew a sharp breath. Volos, Nya, and Da'ewyn were pinned against the trunks of three large trees by invisible ropes. Ayden yelled as Pax was suddenly yanked away from him; Pax grunted as his body slammed against another tree.
Ayden had no time to react as his own body was suddenly pulled forward by strong, invisible arms. He lost his breath as he was thrust against the bark of the same tree next to Pax, his arms pinned to his sides. He couldn't reach his weapons!
Ayden looked about frantically, trying to comprehend what was happening. He attempted to speak, but felt like someone had glued his lips shut.
"Leave them alone!" Sabina's voice screamed out. Ayden looked to the ground below. Sabina stood rigid with her arms to her sides as if she, too were bound by invisible source. But it appeared that she was allowed to speak, at least.
Ayden searched for their captor. A voice reached his ears before he saw a man saunter casually from behind another tree. He held a haughty grin and his dark eyes shone with triumph. "Well, well. It seems, my dear, that we have more company. Are there any other friends that you forgot to tell me about? Or will this be all? You know how I hate surprises."
Sabina's eyes were flaming as she glared at their captor. He ran a hand over his thick, black hair, revealing a pointed ear, and then adjusted his well-groomed clothing. "I must make myself presentable for our company. Oh and where are my manners? I've gone and forgotten to introduce myself," he said as he smiled with mock civility. He walked to where Pax and Ayden fought to break free of their binding. Looking straight into Pax's eyes, he smiled broadly and introduced himself. "My name is Jared. How do you do?" he said and then bowed low, keeping dark eye contact with Pax as he did so.
Chapter Thirty
Double Trouble