Castien blinked at her. With a chuckle, he slipped out of his cloak and held it out. “Why would I need weapons, little one?” His comment unsettled her as she took the garment and brooch from him. Though orcs were capable, Taruk was unable to use magic. Any trader that came to Vheria didn’t use magic, and most outsiders who stayed were banned from using magic. Even those born on the island, as of late, had no aptitude for magic. She never had any reason to fear those who visited, especially now when she was armed.
Or so she thought.
This elf had not gone through the guardians. She now wondered how often beings traveled to Vheria undetected. Why were there no guardians in the area? It was not a small island, after all. The guardians should have been there.
Without a word, she wheeled around him and pushed him between the shoulders with her bow. Castien grinned at her before they began their short journey through the forest.
Her mother could have traveled this same path, she thought. In labor, trying to reach the temple, her mother had been unable to finish her journey in time before she delivered Nara. It had been said that the dryads found her and eased her through the labor, bringing Nara into the world with the blessing touch of Kothes. At birth her eyes had been black, but one dryad had swept its hand over them, turning them the bright amber hue they had been since.
She had been nicknamed Nara of the Dryads but was still unable to understand the creatures of old. After Taruk discovered what had happened that night, he showed her how to draw them out of hiding, something no elf had ever been able to do. They would come to her, and she was never fearful of their presence. Walking through the forest, she thought of them and hoped that they would protect her.
Nara tried to discern the look of her old friend who would not look at her. With the orc’s heavy grey features, his emotions were almost hidden. Gazing at him was like looking at a statue whose features were constant. She finally saw it at the corners of his mouth, where tusks showed, and in the creases at the corners of his eyes. The look of worry took him over.
She attempted to break the painful silence. “Taruk, I’m happy you are here.” Her lips turned upwards; the feeling of joy lifted her. “I still plan to leave Vheria soon. I want to learn and explore all that I can. Are you still able to take me?” Ducking a low hanging branch, she kept her gaze on the huge orc. The longer he refused to look at her, the more she knew that something was wrong.
“I prefer,” Taruk began, his voice so low she barely heard him. It was a moment before he continued, “I prefer we speak these things later.” Still he refused to look at her; his eyes fixed on Castien’s back. Whatever was wrong, if anything, she had faith that the Elders would tend to it.
“Elf,” she called.
Glancing back at her, he quirked an eyebrow and slowed his pace. “My name is Castien Dreigsier,” he responded in a surprisingly jovial manner. Looking ahead, he added, “Beautiful maiden.”
Heat spread across Nara’s cheeks. Those simple words caused her heart to race. Quickly she tried to shake herself of it. “Castien Dreigsier,” she repeated, “come through the River Guardians along Gaia’s Pass next time. It might work out better for you.” Rushing ahead to stand in front of them, she stopped and turned, causing the other two to stop as well.
Her words didn’t affect Castien. His amethyst eyes glinted with admiration when he smiled. “While I am not here to stay, I think that I’m going to love getting to know you.” A pause gave her no time to form a thought and respond. “How much farther do we have to go, Nara?”
Swallowing the lump that found its way to her throat, Nara’s cheeks burned as she spun back around. “We’re here,” she managed.
The woods were thick at the edges. Nara had been told it was made that way by the gods to create beauty and protection, to keep the ebon wolf from wandering onto the temple grounds. As soon as it entered a clearing or a walking path, it would run back in, preferring to keep to shadows.
Grabbing Castien’s arm and expecting Taruk to follow, she pushed past the low hanging branches and into a large clearing. Many smaller buildings with domed tops surrounded the temple. Gold and silver crafted vines ran alongside real gailenia vines and flowers on each building. Flowing a few yards from the grand entrance was the River of Gaia, which let out into a nearby lake set off in the forest. Two towers, taller than anything on the island, surrounded the entrance. To either side of the large double doors were the twin goddesses Vhedril and Ghedril with their gold and silver masks. They wore stolas that flowed about them. Raised above their heads was a golden sun and a silver moon, each bearing their respective mark.
“This was their legacy,” Castien said loud enough for her to hear; his voice held the same awe as his expression. There were things she wanted to ask him. But when the eyes of those exiting the temple turned on them, she gritted her teeth. Instead of asking the questions that were clawing at her, she pulled him over a bridge and through the entranceway.
After they entered, Castien reached out and touched her hand. The energy that rushed through her from that touch was enough to have her let go and stop. It was sharp, though for some reason her body and the blood crystals within responded to it, sending a flood of peace throughout her. The look on his face, calm yet lit with wonder, showed that he too had felt it and that he had not done it intentionally. The warmth that spread through her when their skin made contact was unnatural.
“Nara, who is with you?” At the bottom of the grand silver-white stone staircase stood High Elder Shen Bresa, wearing his golden robes. In contrast to him in every respect was his pupil, Elder Apprentice Cirene Aldon in a light shade of blue. Both Elders gave Castien an inquisitive look.
Castien stepped forward, head bowed in respect. “My name is Castien Dreigsier. I’ve traveled from Ghela.”
Shen cleared his throat, keeping Castien from speaking any further. After he descended the final steps, the High Elder cupped his long fingers around Castien’s chin, gently raising it so the younger elf would look up at him. Nara kept her head low, but her eyes followed the action.
“I know who you are, Castien of Ionus,” Shen said. “You’ve the eyes of your mother. No doubt the fire behind them as well.”
Castien’s jaw tightened before he smiled, taking the Elder’s hand into his. “I’m afraid there is no fire here, Elder,” Castien said softly, his hand patting the top of Shen’s. Nara, becoming relaxed in her position, looked from one to the other, surprised at the interaction. Appearing as though they knew one another, the mystery behind Castien deepened. The typical elf, and occasional human, was never greeted like this.
“I speak not of your magical prowess, young one.” Castien’s smile faded for a moment, lips pursing. High Elder Shen looked at Nara. “Where did you find him, Nara?”
Nara bowed her head, forehead becoming tight. “Forgive me, High Elder. I found him near the south eastern shore. I was hunting. I should not have been, and I apologize. I tried to get him to turn back, but even Taruk said—”
“That’s enough, Nara,” said Shen. Nara bit her lip, watching her toes curl. Shen continued to speak. “Why have you come here, Castien? The time has not yet come.” Nara peeked at them through honey-colored strands of hair.
Castien stepped forward, spreading his arms wide. “I’ve come in hopes of peace, High Elder. If peace cannot come from the king, then at least from my family, which has deep roots as well. Roots that are just as influential.” A vein in Nara’s throat throbbed in the long silence. Now she knew why he was known, and she bit her lip in response. She also pondered at the word peace. If Castien spoke true, this could possibly help her in being no pariah to the people she loved when it came time for her to leave.
“Nara,” Shen said, and Nara’s head snapped up, “I think we should show our guest proper visiting arrangements. Show him our hospitality for the next few days while I arrange for him to be seen by the other Elders. I do not want you to miss your final instructions or preparation for your coming ceremony;
however, I would like for you to be a guide for him. Will you?”
Nara’s body burned with overwhelming anticipation. “I will. Should I take him to the guest quarters first? I’m already late for today’s lesson with Elder Theola.” She should have left their meeting as soon as she had introduced them, but her curiosity bested her, as it usually did.
“Do what it is I asked of you. I will see to it that there are no repercussions. Perhaps it would be better to have him follow you to give her proper explanation.” Nara nodded. “You are excused, Nara. Castien, I trust you will bring no harm to Vheria. We will send for you after a few days’ time. Please take in all we have to offer.” Elder Shen paused, eyes shifting to the orc. The large being was visibly unsteady. “Might we speak, Taruk?”
Taruk straightened his back and set his jaw. Just before he followed the High Elder, he looked at Nara and said in his orcish tongue, “We will speak later, Nara.”
Always wanting to visit Taruk, and yearning to know more about Castien, she eagerly nodded.
Nara glanced at Castien before taking the lead, returning his cloak and brooch to him. Advancing up the stairs, she wondered if he was as cruel as most of the separatists were made out to be. She knew that not all could be so appalling. Even on Vheria, there were elves that needed to be brought to the Elders to be tried due to various crimes.
But those crimes were not as common as stories she heard about Ghela.
Feeling a hand touch her own, she jerked away, stopping at a landing on the stairs. “Please don’t touch me,” she said calmly, pulling her bow close to her chest.
He grinned. “Only if you slow down, Nara.” His tone was neutral, but when he said her name her heart lifted in her chest. Why was he affecting her so strongly?
“You outsiders cannot keep pace?” she asked, quirking an eyebrow. “Just as you did in the forest?” The joy on his lips faltered a bit, stepping up. One step down from her, they were now level with one another. Something she took advantage of as she hardened her gaze.
“All born with elves’ blood can move as fast as you, if not faster,” he stated before leaning towards her. “I merely ask you slow down, so I can appreciate my surroundings.” He placed his hand on the marble, floral-etched wall, fingers tracing the spirals of vines then the petals of a gailenia flower. “Did the High Elder not ask you to accommodate me?” His eyes glinted, and mischief streaked across his lips. This time Nara couldn’t help but smile, if only a little.
“He asked me to be your guide. That does not mean to accommodate you in all things. If this is the pace that I choose, the rest is yours to figure out.”
Castien tilted his chin up. “Then I will follow you everywhere so that I might see things more than once, my guide.”
Nara’s cheeks flushed. She shook her head, holding strong in her approach. “I have private things that I’d like to do after I speak to Elder Theola.”
“Then perhaps you ought to be polite and take your time. I understand moving fast if you are late, but you move as though you are in a race, and the High Elder said he would excuse you.” Letting the disagreement rest where it was, she ascended the fifth and final flight of stairs, this time at a slower pace. There was nothing to say to him. For now she didn’t want to provoke a magic wielder whose abilities were uncertain and whose position of power was undetermined.
One advantage was that he too did not know her abilities, only that she was not of age yet. Not having come of age yet, she hadn’t gone through the ritual that would seal in her final abilities, if she were to receive any at all. At the moment she wasn’t able to do much. The powers that she had gained at a younger age were not strong, if she were able to focus on them at all. She could make a plant grow, pull water to her hand, and do other useless things of the sort. But even these things were not focused.
“I want to know more about you, Castien,” she said flatly after coming to their landing. The hallway was empty with light shining through the arched windows. Some of them were open to allow the air to flow freely. Looking at Castien, she saw branches that moved from the soft wind outside dance ripples across his face, lending several defining lines to his already striking features.
“You are very forward,” he replied, stepping up to the level she was on. Again his height caused her to look up at him.
Nara shrugged. “If I am meant to be your guide, why should I not know more about you?” Castien raised an eyebrow, and satisfaction rushed through her before she continued down the hallway, running her fingers against the wall and occasional door with images of elves and the surrounding woodlands carved out against them. “Elder Shen knew you, but I’ve never seen you before. I live here and not just as a student. I would remember you had I seen you in the past.” She stopped outside of a door partway down the hall. Her fingers passed over a burnt spot in the floral etchings.
Castien shook his head but still held a cheerful expression. “You amuse me, little one. I would be happy to let you know more about me, but all in time.” He brushed his hand across her cheek. Such a simple gesture, yet every part of her body burned and she questioned herself as to why she didn’t react as she had before. The spark also gave him pause. “For now, I think, you should let your Elder know what’s happened with you.”
Nara smiled before turning to open the door. The golden handle felt cool in her hand. She would rarely be late for Elder Raenen’s class, as much as she disliked the older elf. Now, even accustomed to it with her other lessons, all eyes on her made her skin crawl. The feeling was amplified by Castien standing next to her.
First, she looked at her two closest friends. Fallon Orindyl and Melowyn Halun sat side by side at a long table at the front of the room. She briefly smiled at them, and Fallon returned the smile, though only after he measured Castien. Melowyn narrowed her eyes at Nara, appearing to completely ignore the newcomer.
Theola said nothing, gaping at the two of them. It surprised Nara. Typically, Theola would have said something long before Nara even had a chance to look at her friends. Instead, Theola stood at the head of the table, book held so loosely in her small hand that Nara thought she was going to drop it.
“Ghelian,” Theola finally said, slamming the book onto the table. “Did you bring him to the High Elder, Nara?”
“I did,” Nara answered immediately. “I took him to see the High Elder, Ma’am.” She glanced back at Castien whose face was as serious as Theola’s. Rays of violet narrowed for a moment before looking down at Nara who turned her gaze back at Theola. “He told me to accompany him for the remainder of his visit. He said that he would call the other Elders for a meeting. I know nothing beyond that.” When Theola’s eyes turned on Nara, she waited for the torrent of angry words that were sure to chide her on her lateness and on her appearance. Nara gripped her bow so tight she thought she might break it.
“The lesson is over,” Theola said instead, quickly putting the book back on one of the shelves that lined the wall. Sweeping past all who sat at the table, her pale blue gown flowed around her feet. Theola stopped before the two of them, looking at Castien first. “Get him to the guest quarters immediately. You and Fallon are to meet with Elder Eidon. I think I would deem it more important than accompanying this one.” Her cheeks red, she quickly took her leave.
“I wonder what that was about,” Castien whispered, hard lines showing in every corner of his face.
“She is always in a foul mood,” Nara replied, not wanting to waste time or focus too much attention on what just happened. Yes, she missed her lesson. Theola taught geography, history, and botany. Whether most memorized it or not, Nara didn’t know. She was only interested in the history and what they knew of Ghela and Arlania. It was where Nara planned to go soon.
Until then, she was still responsible to serve in cleaning and hunting, amongst other things that might be requested of her from any of the Elders.
Fallon and Melowyn crossed the room together as the other students left and Nara couldn’t help but wonder why
she and Fallon had been requested together.
“Who is this?” Melowyn asked, finally looking at Castien. Cautiousness outweighed curiosity on the faces of both Fallon and Melowyn.
Nara shook her head. “His name is Castien Dreigsier. He’s come from Ghela. I found him early this morning along the coast, and the High Elder asked me to guide him. Ehm,” fingers tapping against the wide part of her bow, she nodded at Melowyn, “could you please show him to the guest quarters. Fallon and I have been asked to meet with Elder Eidon.”
Some color faded from Melowyn’s face. Out of all the friends Nara had, Melowyn was the most vigilant. Despite this, Melowyn nodded. “I could.” Her mouth hung open, and she held her hands to her chest, but she stared at Castien and remained silent.
“We will speak again, won’t we, Nara?” Castien asked, quirking an eyebrow. Before she could answer, he took her hand and gently placed his lips on the top of it. Their blood crystals lit up once again. A spark inside her ignited at the point of touch and radiated outwards. This time, Nara was prepared, taking pleasure in it. Her heart beat frantically, and she forced herself to look at her friends. There was confusion about them, and she thought they might have felt it as well.
Without another word, Nara took her hand back with care. Holding it close to her chest, she muttered to Fallon that they should leave. But as she walked away, she glanced back to see Castien staring after her. He left her mind filled with so many raw emotions.
FALLON
They walked through the temple grounds, their footsteps the only sound in the empty hallways and peaceful prayer spaces. When they spotted someone they knew, neither of them spoke, instead choosing a gracious nod.
Dryad's Touch Page 5