Fret trembled as he stumbled closer to the dark elf. Katrena appeared unsettled too, which made him worry about his fate. Was this it? Was Lyra going to get revenge on him for losing her? He stood just out of arm’s reach. He immediately focused in on the necklace. It began to pulse.
Da’Lynn looked down at the palm-sized pendant hanging from a silver chain. A crystal casing enclosed the mirror fragment. “You like? My daughter made this for me.” Fret stared at the fragment as the pulse of color intensified. His fear softened, and he thought he could hear her voice again. Lyra…is that you?
“Again, why is my slave involved?” Kerlick’s annoyed words brought Fret out of his trance.
“Because, he helped bring this new power I possess to the Territories. He will be the key in bringing down the council. He will help bring down Shalaydis.”
Kerlick stared from Da’Lynn to Katrena, and then Fret.
“Is this true, slave?” When he didn’t get an answer, the elf turned Fret to fully face him. “Answer me, is this true?”
Deep in his subconscious, Lyra’s voice came to him. It whispered, Lie to him. Tell him all I say is true. The tone cut deep into him, making him very afraid as he followed the advice.
“Yes...yes it is true.” The elf’s hands slowly released him.
For the first time today, Fret saw Kerlick smile.
Chapter Two
“I think the wizard’s getting stressed lately,” Snow said as she climbed a small rise.
Ra’na and Snowbell talked as they made their way through the forest. They had gone to pick up some supplies for an afternoon meal, and now headed back to Ynob’s tree. The forest was unusually quiet for such a beautiful day. When in the company of the others in the group, a serene walk would be out of the ordinary. But snow sensed something was a tad peculiar.
“Stressed? I thought he always seemed stressed. Or annoyed,” Ra’na jokingly stated. Snow glanced at Ra’na over her shoulder.
“No, really. I think all this pouring over Guilaud’s diary, or whatever, is wearing him out. I am glad Lourak decided to leave for the week. He was really getting under Ynob’s skin.”
The dark elf laughed. “That’s Lourak for you—crude, rude, and sometimes foul. But he is very handy to have watching your back.”
They were almost back to the tree. Snow hoped Gantha and the wizard would not be fighting, again. She enjoyed these moments with Ra’na, out in the woods. Life had been so different before that human girl came along. Kara. How long ago that seemed.
But then, she recalled that night and Dante and Grace. Had she almost forgotten about them?
“Snow?”
“What?”
“I was saying… Are you alright?” Ra’na paused, taking a hard look at the girl.
“Yes…I was thinking how different life has become ever since Kara.”
Ra’na nodded. “Hambone still talks about her. Must have been a special human. Pity I did not get to meet her.”
Snow looked at her. “You still can. It’s not like she died or anything…” But Dante and Grace did. Sadness filled her eyes and threatened to spill over. She looked away and began to move.
Ra’na seemed to sense Snow’s anguish and placed a hand on her back. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to dredge up the past.” Snow spun and hugged the elf tight.
“I miss them so much. The way they made me laugh…” Tears fell, and Ra’na squeezed tighter.
“Grace and Dante were the best.” And the two stayed like that, lost in their memories of dear departed friends.
CAW! CAW!
The sound made them both jump. When they realized it was a crow sitting in a nearby sapling, Snow began to laugh. Ra’na soon followed, all tears forgotten.
“Let’s get…” Ra’na began, before an avian call cut off her words.
CAW! CAW!
Snow looked at the bird. It stared back with beady black eyes. “What a rude little….”
CAW! CAW!
Ra’na looked at Snow and then back at the animal.
“It’s a carrier crow. But who would be….”
CAW! CAW!
“Alright already!” Ra’na screamed at the bird as she approached. When she neared, the crow jumped onto her arm. Carefully, Ra’na extracted the note from the compartment on the bird’s leg. As soon as the message was out and the container closed, the bird flew off.
CAW! CAW!
“Good riddance to you as well,” Snow said in reply. “What’s it say?”
Ra’na unrolled the paper and read. “It’s from the council. They are looking for a report from Gantha. He needs to return immediately.”
Snow looked down at the message. “I wonder why it was sent to you.”
“Maybe the crow couldn’t find Gantha or Da’Lynn.”
“Heck, we can’t even seem to find Da’Lynn,” Snow said, but then noticed the look that came over Ra’na’s face. Almost similar to the one she herself had a moment ago.
“Come on. We better let them know.” And the dark elf was walking again.
***
“Finally, will you tell this imbecile that I know what I am talking about?” Ynob greeted them at the door this way, followed by Gantha who was ready to chime in to defend himself.
“All I am saying is that….”
“Stop!” Ra’na yelled. Ynob looked taken aback, but both men closed their mouths. “Here.” She handed Gantha the slip of paper. He read it. Snow and Ra’na slipped by the two as they stared at it.
“Where…?” Gantha turned to ask.
“Crow,” Ra’na said as she started preparing the meal.
“A crow? You have got to be kidding me. The council still uses crow carriers?” Ynob looked astounded. He partially laughed at the annoyed look on Ra’na’s face.
“It says there is a meeting in two days. But why another?” Gantha asked no one in particular. He left the wizard to his own humor and sought out more answers from the women.
Ra’na was already warming the bread she had brought, and Snow was busy slicing some cheese. Gantha watched them for a moment, hoping one would say something more about the memo or the crow. Neither did.
Gantha looked down at the scrap of parchment. Report…but he really had nothing to report. He possibly had found the wizard of races, but good lot that did. The savior from the prophecy, so far, was not that helpful.
“You probably should start to gather some of your things if you have to reach Shalaydis in two days,” Ra’na said. The councilman kept staring at the note.
“Um, right. Are you going with me?” He hoped his pleading look registered with her.
“Um no. I wasn’t planning on it.”
Gantha was crestfallen, but then glanced to Snow. “Same here. Why don’t you take Ynob?”
“What?” both the wizard and Gantha exclaimed.
Ra’na smirked. “Yes, he could explain your progress to the council.” Ynob had made his way to the conversation. He looked bewildered.
“Just what I want to do. Plus I have so many pressing matters here.” He swept his hand outward to the room. Snow watched the gesture, surveyed the room and then straight at Ynob. His strong resolve started to crumble. “What?”
“You haven’t had a customer in over two weeks. The last one here? I literally had to drag you away from Gantha and that stupid book, and force you to offer your services.”
The wizard fumbled with his hands nervously. “Well, we were at a crucial part, and I didn’t think a cure for Lillyworm wart was anything that needed my immediate attention.”
Snow simply stared at Ynob, a full-blown you’re-full-of-it stare. After a long moment, she went back to chopping an onion. “You’re going. Pack a bag.”
It was Gantha’s turn to stifle a laugh, which he did with a greater effort when he saw Snow glare at him. The wizard began to rebuke the order, but Snow’s look cut him off. He dropped his head and moved to gather things.
Gantha watched him go, and then realized he should be doing th
e same. “Oh, and if you don’t hurry you probably will have to spend the night at Niava’s Niche,” Ra’na said offhandedly as the elf passed. Gantha’s instant reaction caused the girls to finally laugh. The elf bolted for his things, knocking a table, skipping over a bowl on the floor, then ultimately tripped by a stool.
“Make sure you get there in one piece,” Snow yelled and giggled again.
***
Kara found the nighttime to be comforting in Willow Haven. Everything came alive to her after sunset. The glow bugs appeared out of nowhere, guiding fellow travelers with their built-in lanterns. Stars decorated the dark sky—and if allowed to, she would stay there for hours gazing up at them.
Tonight was no different. She lay in the grass looking skyward. Jesset hadn’t come back yet from his deliveries. Her father had gone with him. It was nothing too concerning for her. Sometimes they would stop and talk on end with friends and neighbors. That was one of the reasons why Kara stopped accompanying them on their shipments.
It wasn’t that she was a hermit and hated talking to people; she wanted to be alone and away from the castle and town life. Too much had changed in the last year; actually, it wasn’t even a year yet. That thought made her remember even more. A tear snuck out her left eye and ran into her hair. She let it go, but then the other eye followed with its own expression of sadness. Kara sat up and hugged her knees.
The air was suddenly cool, and tugged at her hair. She rubbed her eyes and looked out along the field. Her eyes found the graves, two right next to one another. Two great friends she had only known for a short time.
A horse and cart came rattling down the lane. Kara quickly swiped at her eyes again, not wanting Jesset or her father to know, and stood up. Jesset was directing his horse toward her. He waved, and she ran to meet him.
“Sorry I’m late. Got caught talking again. Help me put the cart away.”
Her father emerged from the back. “We’ve got news from the castle.”
It took them five minutes to store the cart and unhook the horse. Jesset whispered to the animal, it neighed in response. Her father set a pot of water on the fire for some tea.
Ruff, ruff, ruff!
Birch ran from somewhere in the woods. He was into exploring the forest more, rather than hanging out at Kara’s side. But whenever Jesset was home, Birch was sure to be close by.
“Hello, Birch. Settle down.” Jesset put out his hand trying to stop the little dog from springing up and down. “I did bring you a treat. From the butcher.” He withdrew a bone freshly cut with flesh still hanging from it. Birch locked his jaws on it, barked his thanks, and ran off.
“You spoil him too much,” Kara said with a laugh.
Jesset nodded. “He tells me I spoil you too much.”
“I can see that.”
Her father snuck an arm around her to give a squeeze.
Once they took a seat, a cup of tea each, Jesset told her of his day. Most were trivial details, but he got around to the important news he wanted to share.
“Something’s up at the castle. Something’s different.”
“How do you mean?” Kara leaned in.
“There’s talk about Euphoria going off to war.” The words came out as if he wasn’t sure they were correct.
“War? With who?” Concern started to roll into her words.
“From what my connections say, it’s the Territories. The other races.” Her father watched for Kara’s reaction.
Kara sat back, and sipped her tea. “What?”
Jesset shook his head and laughed. “That action you just did, with the tea, reminded me of the wizard, Ynob.” Kara shot a slight disapproving look at him. She hadn’t cared too much for the wizard, even if he had given almost everything to save her.
“Is it back?” She asked in a whisper, knowing Jesset and her father knew to what she referred.
“How can it be? The mirror was broken. Taylon and the queen were going to dispose of the pieces.”
“Then why this war? That doesn’t sound like the Euphoria that walked out of here that day. What’s different?” Kara said. She stared into Jesset’s eyes, hoping to find some answer, but the old man had nothing. She looked to her father, but also didn’t find a response.
After another sip of tea, Kara spoke again. “Should we go find out?”
Jesset thought about this, but shook his head slowly. “I don’t think we should go to the castle. The army’s leaving soon, or so I have heard. Maybe we should try to go find Hambone or Snow. Warn them.” His suggestion was simple. Kara had been through the death of her mother, a kidnapping, and the death of two friends. And throughout the whole time she had been at Willow Haven, she spoke very little of any of it.
Kara sat back and pondered the situation. She now had a mixture of emotions to sort through. Her uncle watched and waited. “Okay.” The word felt like a boulder, but she had decided. This time in the Territories, she would be with family at least, and her friends again.
She just hoped what she dreaded was not true. But something told her it was so.
Chapter Three
The whole spire was in an uproar that morning, even Lachad. Perhaps it was because the council was meeting and they were shy two members. Ever since the prophecy, the citizens of Shalaydis had been on edge not knowing what to believe or trust. Was this just some silly political game, or was the dooming prediction true? The elves did not know, but it only took the elf mind a day to put trifle things aside and deal with the tasks at hand.
“Where is he? And for that matter, where is Da’Lynn?” Barth burst through the doors unceremoniously. He made his way to his chair and sat down like a stubborn child. Currently in the room, Lachad, councilman for the Wuiltrea Tribe, lounged in a chair looking bored. The head of the council, Outhsola, remained at peace.
“Patience,” was all Outhsola said. He sat there calmly as if all was right in the world. Barth could not be still.
They waited, but Lachad spoke up. “Should we not talk of the rumors about the humans?”
Barth sat up and looked at Lachad and then at Outhsola. “What rumors are these that they need to concern the council?”
“Patience.” The leader’s tone was the same, but came with a stern underlying message to obey. Barth sat back, knowing his place.
A knock came at the door, and an elfin guard entered. He bent and whispered something to Outhsola, waited for a reply, and then exited. When the guard left, Outhsola unfolded his arms and spoke.
“They are here. Gantha has sent word he just entered the city.”
“And Da’Lynn?” Barth asked, but the doors burst open. All members of the table looked at the party that entered.
“Present.” Behind her, Katrena brought Fret in followed by another elf, hooded and head bent low.
Barth’s outrage showed upon his face, but Lachad spoke up. “This is highly irregular to have outsiders in our council meetings.” He blurted out trying not to sound rude.
Outhsola waved a hand at him. “Da’Lynn, we welcome your guests. I see your daughter is of your essence.”
Katrena bowed her head, accepting the complement.
“But why this human?” Barth asked, his words dripped with hate.
Da’Lynn smiled as she made her way around the table. “I found us a human prophet to train in the Palace of Nine.”
Lachad gasped, unable to stop himself. Barth chuckled. “A human prophet? And why would we allow it into the sacred palace?”
Before Outhsola could interject, Da’Lynn stopped the leader. “If I may address his concern?” Outhsola nodded. She turned back to Barth. Her eyes showed a bit of malevolent enjoyment that angered Lachad even more. “Because, this boy will be our salvation from the prophecy.”
“Again, where is the proof? You speak a good game, but how can this mere human be our savior?”
Lachad watched as Da’Lynn walked behind Barth. She bent down low. “He wears the ring the prophecies spoke of.”
On cue, Katrena raise
d Fret’s hand for all to see. A gold ornate ring shone from his index finger. Light reflected back from it in flashes of brilliance dipped in shadow.
The table was silent as all looked at the boy’s hand. Lachad looked on dumbfounded, while Barth still appeared to hold his contempt. Outhsola was emotionless. No one spoke, at least for the moment.
“What trick is this? So the human has a ring. A little elfin magic to sparkle it up. Make it mystical. That is no proof to allow this outsider in.” Barth scoffed as he turned to look at Outhsola for some confirmation. The leader did look at Barth but said nothing, only listened.
Da’Lynn straightened, clearly unhappy with Barth’s mocking. Her smile still graced her lips. Just as she was ready to speak, the doors opened. Gantha walked in, head down. The wizard was still in the hallway.
“I’m sorry I’m late, but I do bring good news. I brought the wizard…” He stopped as he ran into Da’Lynn’s hooded servant.
As soon as the doors opened, a human dressed in odd robes—the referenced wizard, Lachad assumed—drew back, his hands raising, his face filled with surprise and determination. He locked eyes with Da’Lynn, surprise filling his, while anger and bloodlust filled hers.
Her hand came down upon Barth’s shoulder quickly, and from her side she drew a knife.
“Fool!” All happened so quickly, no one had a chance to react. Da’Lynn slit Barth’s throat, a spray of elf blood coating the table and Lachad. Her hooded servant cried out as well, throwing back the disguise.
“Kerlick.” It was the first reaction to come out of Outhsola.
Ynob shouted something that was lost in Lachad’s cry. The wizard quickly began chanting. Kerlick threw Gantha to the ground as he rushed toward the fallen Councilman.
Da’Lynn laughed. She licked the knife’s blade before throwing it at Lachad. It pinned him to his chair by his clothes. He cried out, flailing his arms and legs wildly. Outhsola rocked back in his seat, chanting.
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