Dryad's Touch

by A. W. Graybill

  Furrowing his brow instead, he gently prodded, “What is it, Nara?”

  Clearing her throat, she replied, “Nothing. I’m preparing to meet with the High Elder tomorrow. Today I need to help with the festival. They want me to clean.” After glancing inside her room, she pulled the door closed enough to block his view. “What do you need, Fallon?”

  Though curious, he would not pressure her in this state.

  “Would you have anything against me coming with you when you leave?” Fallon asked. Nara tilted her head to one side, eyes sweeping across his face. “It’s probably too late to be asking you—”

  “I would like that,” she interjected, sounding more and more tired with every word. “What would make you want to though? You’ve always wanted to be a part of the forest guard. You also have your family to worry about.” Her words struck him with bitter anxiety.

  Telling her part of the truth, he answered, “I told my father that I wanted to look for Evert, to see if I could find evidence of his death or bring him back. He told me not to return if I left. What I decided would be the final decision and he would hold me to it.” His jaw became tight, his chest even tighter. At times he envied Nara. She so freely expressed herself to nearly anyone. Something he simply could not do.

  However, they had been friends long enough for her to see straight through his false calm. Soft hands touched his face. Her fingers brushed under his eyes before she embraced him, strong arms holding him. Her light breath passed over his neck, her gentle, lithe body firm against him as her hands squeezed his back. He pulled her hair away from his face and smiled at being so close to her.

  It was when he had pulled her hair back that his eyes traveled through the crack in the door to her bed. Torn fabric lay across her bed, and he quickly realized it was an outfit belonging to her. Anxiety pressured him further, not sure what to make of it, if anything at all. Nara was typically quiet in her sadness, and never had she done anything like that.

  Instead of indulging his curiosity, he wrapped his hand in her hair while his other arm wound around her waist.

  “I’ve made my decision,” he mumbled. “I will accept my fate.”

  The rhythmic beat of drums sounded the beginning of summer, the coming of the festival that night, and the light of the gods that would shine.

  They echoed all through the temple, and Fallon knew other drums sounded all across Vheria. Drum bearers, mostly forest sentries, were posted through the woods to signal to the villages and temples across the island that the festival was to commence. The festivities always began when the sun hung low. The celebration would carry through the night until Ghedril shone high in the sky and the orbs above the statues of Ghedril and Vhedril illuminated the night.

  It was a time for merriment, a time to forget if only for a night. Fallon was grateful, and after offering up a simple prayer of thanks, he went to search for Nara who had been cleaning the floors and statues all throughout the temple. The drums that sounded outside were somewhat distant as he moved through the inside of the temple. Others rushed outside to partake in the food and gaiety of the night. To dance across the gailenia petals strewn about the clearing and rush into the surrounding forest with their lovers. The sounds filled him with much needed joy.

  Turning a corner, he looked up to see the statues that lined the outside wall. The guardians seemed to look down at him. Gods and heroes of the past gazed at him as the drums beat in an attempt to garner the attention of the eldest god. It was their intention, every year, to attempt to summon Kothes back to the Mortal Realm. Everyone wanted Kothes to live amongst his people again, but he only ever gave the sign of his watchful eye.

  Every year was the same. The sun and moon the statues of Vhedril and Ghedril held above their heads would light up gold and silver to last until the month of Eola, when winter began. The lighting of the orbs marked the end of the celebration.

  No matter how many times Fallon witnessed it, the spectacle amazed him and gave him a deeper respect for the gods that created them.

  Hearing a murmur and seeing a shadow stretch across the stones, he slowed even if his heartbeat had not. Almost every year since his arrival he had celebrated this with Nara and Melowyn. This year would be different. Melowyn had left for her village before she would undertake her apprenticeship. This night would be for him and Nara. It would be the last night that they would see the lights on Vheria. Tonight, he would attempt to show her how he felt.

  A skip in his step, he looked at the crevice between two statues, one of Daylor the Great and the other of Berhalis the Wise, but the sight sent a shudder through his chest.

  Nara was not alone.

  Hiding out of the sight behind a statue near to them, Fallon watched Castien embrace Nara, one hand stroking her cheek, the other wrapping around her waist. There was no mounting pressure of mana as there had been in the forest, there was no shock that sent his heart racing, and there would be no talk or presence of dryads to save him this time. Still his heart increased in tempo, matching that of the drums echoing through the halls, and his being burned hot like lava.

  “I am very sorry, Nara,” Castien lovingly said. “I know what happened was wrong. I’ve prayed for forgiveness and for your mark.” Castien kissed away the tears that fell down her cheeks, and Nara touched his face. “I will protect you from any further pain, I swear.”

  Shaking, Fallon fell away from the scene, pressing his back against the other side of a statue. His breathing increased; his stomach turned, no longer excited by the festivities. He had put his life with his family on the line for this, and he was uncertain where it would lead him.

  Still, he could hear them speaking.

  “The drums beat, Castien,” Nara whispered. “I don’t know what it was that brought us together, but if we can get an answer, tonight might be the night.” There was a pause, the sound of movement. When Nara spoke again, she sounded happier. “I should find Fallon. He wants to spend one of the last nights here with me.”

  Taking a deep breath, Fallon moved as if he were plunging into icy waters. Forcing a smile, he rounded the statue to come face to face with the two of them. Releasing Castien’s hand, Nara beamed, eyes still red-rimmed from tears.

  “I’ve found you,” Fallon uttered, taking a step away. “We need to hurry before the sun sets and all the food is gone.” Fallon blinked at Castien, wanting nothing more than to hurt him. “Have you ever been to a Summer Set festival, Castien?”

  Castien narrowed his eyes before nodding. “We have our own temples on Ghela. The sign Kothes gives is lighting Vhedril and Ghedril’s orbs. After Summer Set, it glows for a time. What happens here?”

  Fallon nodded. “The same,” he murmured before he turned on his heel and strode away, calling over his shoulder, “We should hurry.”

  Heavy wooden tables lined the clearing outside. He could smell the intermingling aromas of roasted meat and cooked vegetables. Bonfires cast their heat into the summer air. Apprentices showed off their skills of fire by making those flames dance. Other Apprentices manifested mana into balls of energy and some caused the vines that lined the buildings to dance about. Students and travelers danced to the drums, to the sound of flutes and lyres, while others feasted and drank. The festival boosted the spirits of many, and when Kothes returned the call, a great cheer always rang across Vheria.

  “I will miss this!” Nara shouted over the blaring music.

  The two of them watched her spin around, gailenia flowers leaving many colors streaked across her feet. Spinning once more, she grabbed both Fallon and Castien’s hands to pull them into the frenzy. This was how she was, and he prayed it would always be this way with her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he forgot for the moment about Castien; he forgot their plans and forgot the pain that he would have to endure. The night was alive with joy and love. The woods were reserved for lovers, those who were unbound were allowed to embrace for the night and even marry.

  He looked for ways in which he could show her
his love.

  Blinking, Fallon watched her slip from his arms and into Castien’s. The older elf spun her around before embracing her again. Fallon was determined to make this night of delight his own, not wanting to share that with the one who might have stolen more than a kiss.

  He stepped in between them after Castien spun her away again. It turned into a dance between the three of them instead of the two. Though Fallon and Castien continued to give one another haughty glances, Nara seemed not to notice, her head often rolling back with laughter.

  After so long of this, Castien seized his arms around her, this time not allowing her to be free from them. Narrowing his eyes at Fallon, he leaned in to whisper in her ear, a smirk appearing on his lips while her cheeks burned a brighter shade than what they had been from dancing.

  “I won’t leave Fallon,” Nara said, pulling away from Castien. “I think we should eat and wait out the rest of the night together. I look forward to the sign of the gods.” Fallon nearly laughed when Castien gave him a stony gaze. Whatever it was the other elf wanted, Nara made it clear what was more important to her.

  Now he needed to make her realize how important she was to him.

  Castien bowed his head. “Then please excuse me while I take in one of my last night’s on Vheria. Unless I can have a truce drawn, I doubt they will allow me to return.” Taking Nara’s hand into his, he brought it to his lips, disdain marring his face when he glanced at Fallon. Castien, swift and silent, walked into the crowd that had gathered. Fallon smiled. At last he had Nara to himself.

  Neither said a word while they grabbed food from the tables, meat along with an assortment of cooked vegetables and fruits.

  Sitting close to Nara on the outskirts of the celebration, Fallon glanced at her. The sun had just set, and the fires were blazing high, guarded by Apprentices who wielded the flames to keep the forest safe from them. The fire illuminated her amber eyes. Her messy hair brushed her glowing sun-touched skin. He swallowed hard. Nara was beautiful; she always had been to him. Yet something had changed since he visited his family. Her laughter had some restraint, and she now wore heavy shoulders and a distant expression.

  Fallon cleared his throat. “What did Castien say to you?”

  Nara glanced at him, a streak of crimson once again on her face when she shook her head. “You would not care to hear,” she responded.

  “No, I do. Otherwise I wouldn’t have asked.”

  Nara looked as surprised as he felt. Usually he would have let the issue drop when she wanted the subject to change. Things had changed for him too. Raising her eyebrows, she stared into the dancing crowd. Voice low but loud enough to be heard, she said, “He wanted to steal away into the forest.”

  You don’t want to know why, Fallon told himself, but still he asked, “Why would he want that?” This time Nara didn’t look at him, the life of joy completely fading from her. Again he was sick to his stomach, but he still had strength enough for her. Wrapping his hand around her shoulders, he pressed on. “Nara, I will always be here for you. If anything ever happens, I want to be the one to know.” She refused to look at him, a darkness set on her features that even the lights of Kothes couldn’t touch.

  He set his food aside and pulled her into him, strong but gentle hands taking care not to hurt her. When she didn’t resist, he eased her head onto his chest, lightly stroking her cheek. Though he had no magic that could soothe her as some could, he was sure his embrace calmed her. His heart raced now. He didn’t know where he was leading himself or where she would allow him.

  Drawing his fervent attention, she turned towards him and sat in his lap. Arms wrapping around his neck, she held him in a tight and loving embrace. Nara was so close to him now that her very scent made his hands tremble. The music slowed in tempo, moving to a different song of tradition to allow a break of fast paced hearts. It was almost perfect, this night. In an attempt to take advantage of it, despite whatever it was Castien had done, he gently eased her head back, swallowing hard at the tears that broke her face. Their eyes met in a deep statement.

  Nara slowly edged towards his lips, and his heart raced like never before.

  Damn his inability to do wrong. While she was upset, he could not be with her like this.

  As much as it pained him, he looked down before she could kiss him. “We should return to the festivities. It will help ease you.” Fallon couldn’t look at her while he hated himself, hands falling away from her and allowing her to leave. A few moments passed, seemingly forever, before she stood and waited for him. When at last he looked at her, her downcast eyes darted back and forth.

  Hatred burned deep in his heart, but not for the one that he was sure had taken her.

  “You are right,” Nara murmured, rubbing her arms though there was no chill in the air. At the moment she took a step back towards the fires, their lights nearly diminished. Fallon jumped to his feet, looking towards the Elder Apprentices whose hands moved fervently, attempting to bring the fires back to a raging light.

  “Fallon,” Nara breathed, and he stepped closer to her, looking about the dimly lit space in an attempt to assess what was happening. Never before had this happened, and his mind toyed with the idea that perhaps Kothes was returning.

  Until the howling began.

  Shadows screamed across the skies. Bringing Nara into his arms, he looked towards the temple where the shadows crept across the hardened stone and glass. Soon after came a maniacal laughter, the flames rising and falling with it.

  “Where is she?” wheezed a drawn out hiss sounding as many voices attempting to speak over one another.

  The shadows flew from the temple and to the ground, immediately parting people away from where it touched, swirling to form an androgynous form of darkness and green haze. Fallon moved away with Nara in his arms.

  He suddenly became dizzy and weak all at once. His grip loosened, and he fell away while Nara continued to stand strong. The shade crept closer, towering over her. Wondering why the Elders and Apprentices had not attacked, Fallon looked around to see they too had fallen.

  “You,” the many voices sounded again, its head bending low. “You.” Dark hands that were neither night nor shadow rose to touch her, the green haze swirling about its arms shooting forward. Fallon’s heart raced, and the color left his face.

  At the moment the green haze was to touch her, a white light burst in front of her, sending the haze back towards its creator. Nara’s face was a blank canvas, nothing to show what she thought of this.

  “You,” the many voices screamed before a chilling laughter rippled across Fallon’s skin. “You are the one. It is you. Many will die because of you.” The laughter rang out again. As the darkness grew higher so did the flames, causing the area to heat. “Your gods’ war will begin as all desire. Continue your meaningless honoring but know that death lingers near to you in the form of one.”

  The shadow collapsed in on itself, and the flames sank to their normal levels. Along with its disappearance, the feeling that had seized Fallon vanished. However, he did not move. All eyes remained on Nara who stood still.

  The High Elder spoke from the temple entrance, voice carrying across the silence. “Worry not for what has just transpired. We must continue our celebration. If what the demon said is true, then perhaps tonight is the night the gods will return to us.” Weary eyes fell on Nara for only a brief moment.

  The music returned without another moment’s hesitation. However, people continued to stare at Nara, to whisper amongst themselves even as they danced. When Fallon touched her, she was stiff, her hands in tight fists at her sides, and she trembled.

  “I am cursed,” she said, her voice raspy and her eyes distant. Fallon shook his head and tugged on her arm. “I’ve been cursed. It said I will bring death.” Her eyes were red when they turned on him. “You should leave me.” Fallon shook his head. Bringing her into his arms, he held her close.

  “No matter what, I will be here for you, Nara.” He stroked her hair,
murmuring, “Return to the festivities; it will brighten your soul.”

  She followed his advice, though less joyful. While he would keep his word and not leave her, he was now more afraid of what she would become than he was of losing her to another.

  HIGH ELDER

  The lights of Vhedril and Ghedril were lit the night of Summer Set. They had flashed brightly before turning to a soft glow and signaling the beginning of the month of Kothaven and of summer. Shen Bresa had seen it several times in his lifetime, and it never ceased to amaze him that Kothes loved his children so much. Even for those who had separated and had caused so much destruction, he gave a sign that he would one day return. In the few talks they had had, Kothes reassured him that until he returned, he would send his light the first night of summer.

  The drums had signaled the end of the festival across Vheria, silencing and sending all to sleep in satisfaction of everything that had happened.

  Aside from the demon’s visit.

  The whispers were great, and he had no doubt they would spread far across Vheria. He ached with the knowledge and knew it had something to do with Thaos and his vast power. The demons of Arlania were after Nara, but something protected her from their touch. When he discussed her fate with the gods, they gave him no more information than he needed.

  The night following Summer Set, as the sun set, Nara entered after another left the prayer chamber. Her eyes downcast, she slowly knelt before Shen, hands folded neatly in her lap. Even with the moon shining down on her through the glass ceiling dome, she did not hold her usual radiance. She had been through much over the past few days. She will be ashamed, the gods told him that morning. Their visits had become more frequent, yet they still had not taken physical form. Nor did he believe they had any intention of doing so soon, despite what the demon said.