Dryad's Touch

by A. W. Graybill

  Allow her to have her rites, he remembered. It went against everything he stood for, ancient teachings he always upheld. He’d had to turn young elves away in the past, having sensed the passion that had filled them and touched them to their very core. He was unable to give his blessings to them, to allow them to take their rites knowing they had forsaken the virtues of the gods. And because of their transgressions, the gods would strip them of all the magic they had even if Shen somehow didn’t know about what they had done.

  But for Nara, they had plans. They had not willed the powers that pushed Nara and Castien together, but they had condoned it.

  In faith Shen willingly followed.

  Shen cupped Nara’s chin, moving her face to look upwards. Her eyes were red and swollen, tears still present at the rims and stained across her cheeks. He was not to let on that he knew her infidelity. But sharing in her pain of doing the gods’ bidding, he wanted to tell her that he knew. He wanted to comfort her, let her know she was being led on a safe path to a glorious end.

  “Have you prayed?” he asked, hinting at the turmoil he knew was in her heart. Glancing at the Elder Apprentices standing at the entrance of the chamber, he hoped they would not hear her if she did say anything.

  “I have,” came her soft reply.

  Shen nodded, releasing her face with much reluctance. “Have you felt anything?” She blinked up at him.

  All color rushed from her face when she replied, “I did.” This was not a lie; he knew the gods comforted her still.

  You are not to coax her to admittance, only your usual questions, Kothes had told him, stern voice shaking any question of disobedience free. “Nara, born of the summer, born of the dryads, and born gifted with a touch of magic, have you done all in your power to remain free of the touch of another?”

  Looking down with tiny fists pressed into her thighs, she cried, “I have!”

  Of course you have, young one, Shen thought with a sympathetic nod.

  “Do you know what is asked of you tonight? Of how much you have to surrender to allow the gods to do their workings?” His hand rested on the top of her head, fingers feeling her unkempt hair, feeling the heat of tension beneath.

  “I do, High Elder,” she replied, tears falling to the floor. As she was told, she recited back to him. “I will release all power I have over myself. I will drink Vhedril’s light, bath in the glory of the waters of Ghedril,” her voice cracked; “I will open myself freely, praying for the wild of Kothes to fill me, to guide me. And when Ghedril’s light shines down, I will wear her light, in hopes it will seal whatever intentions they have for me.”

  Shen inhaled, as satisfied as he ever would be with this situation. Her nails dug so deeply into her palms he could see the indentations from his height. Struggling against long followed practices, he quickly said, “I give you my blessing.” Her head shot backwards, eyes staring wide in disbelief. He said nothing, raising his hands to either side of him. “Rise and proceed to the Elder Apprentices that await you.”

  Her eyes stayed locked on him when she stood. Moments passed before she turned away. With one last look over her shoulder, she left. Nara having been the last in need of his audience, Shen let out a heavy sigh while Elder Apprentices received others for offerings and prayers.

  Shen was tired, but there was more to be done that night. Elders had arrived from the three other smaller temples on Vheria. Shen was placed above everyone. Gaining his position was something he had diligently worked for, and he had lost many things in order to do the gods bidding. In the last few hundred years there had not been an Oracle until he came along.

  The gods’ presence signaled an end he knew would come.

  At this moment, Elders gathered in the grand meeting room that rested at the center of the temple between the prayer chamber and the gardens outside. Some he knew while some were newly elected. As Castien was from a powerful family, it was necessary for Shen to bring such attention to him. He would request peace, but even though Shen knew it was a false path to gain Nara, he had to follow protocol.

  Cirene entered the prayer chamber, her hair pulled away with a piece of leather and her light blue robes shimmering against the light of the candles. “They are waiting, High Elder. I sent another to fetch Castien,” she spoke softly. She was as aware of the gods as he was now. He nodded to her before following her inside.

  He had to protect his people from those who had separated and were unwilling to follow the laws of the gods completely.

  King Alinar Dartmyr had slaughtered Nara’s entire family in the dead of night. A family fighting to see the gods’ laws upheld and peace restored. Alinar felt he did no wrong if the killing was never directly done by him.

  He was sorely mistaken.

  Shen and Cirene entered the antechamber through the door at the back of the prayer chamber, nodding to the five who had not entered the back chamber yet. “Has Castien arrived?” he asked, having been too busy with the comings and goings of several youths to have noticed. Those present nodded but said not a word, instead gesturing for him to enter.

  The chamber itself was large and circular, meant for gatherings such as this. Another chamber like this rested to the east. The other chamber, matching this one nearly exactly, was used for the meeting of troops and guards, housing various weapons, and armors that were crafted by many throughout Vheria over the course of time.

  Shen seated himself at the bottom of the dais that rose in four levels, watching as all others took their seats. Even with a hundred or more present, they still did not take up the whole space of the chamber.

  The Elder Apprentices closed the doors, the loud bang filling the ominous silence.

  “Castien Dreigsier,” boomed High Elder Shen Bresa bringing his hands together in his lap, “you’ve been brought forth to share your petition and be judged.” He closed his eyes, remembering how calm the gods made him feel. “We know who you are. We know of your father and his place as the king’s Guide and commander. Now we wish to know your purpose.”

  Standing in the middle of the circular room, the design of a golden gailenia flower in shell mosaic beneath his feet, Castien kept his hands behind his back. Observed from all angles, he would be unable to perform any magic. But Shen knew there was no need to be so cautious. This was not something known by the other Elders in the room.

  Mana spheres of sparking light made by the Elder Apprentices circled the room. They served two purposes: to illuminate the large vaulted room and defend if needed, sending out streaks of lightning to the intended party.

  “I would be a liar if I said I sent myself,” Castien replied. “I also know you would be able to see through that, High Elder. My father and King Alinar sent me.” His gaze remained steady on Shen, even during a long pause. “I do not know what has transpired on Vheria or what you’ve heard, but certain happenings are coming about. The things foretold when the first elf was born.”

  Through the silence that followed Castien’s words, Shen tilted his head forward and saw from the corner of his eyes the uneasiness on some and the surprise on others. But for one elf, there was nothing but pure hatred undisguised on her face. Theola Raenen. He did not understand the anger towards her own child. To him, such anger should have been reserved solely for his father.

  However, with the stories that revolved around Castien, he was unable to blame her completely. If they were true, he was near like his father, if not worse. If the rumors were true, she would have brought a monster with her onto Vheria as his actions began young. No amount of temple life could have cured the sin that had, allegedly, seeped into his heart.

  “We might have heard,” Shen replied, lowering his hands. “Merging elven bodies with dragons. Warring with the northern lands. And as of late there are more elves across Nudomri. Elves have not been on Nudomri since Daylor and Berhalis traveled there to help our people. Are these rumors hanging in the air as they had for several years?”

  Castien shook his head, the bit of happiness now
gone from his face. He looked around the room. Not a hint of anxiety touched his violet eyes, his composure calm. “They have happened. Our Oracle spoke of other possibilities that, if given a treaty between the two lands, we want to share with you.” Castien focused on Shen once again. Shen knew his words were true, thus far.

  One elf stood. “Why would we make a treaty when these events occurred due to you, your father, and your king?” A rumble of voices washed through the meeting room. Castien would not look at him, but he shook his head.

  “It was no fault of my own. The orcs and the humans wandering were the fault of generations ago, long before Alinar or my father. We now only hold the ground that our ancestors gained.” Castien shifted on his feet, stretching taller than before and letting his confidence shine through. “The dragons that were made to mate with humans and elves were not the fault of either my father or myself. Though this too has come to pass—”

  “It was your father’s fault,” Theola hissed, her voice killing the murmurs. Castien looked at her, and a cold expression swept his face. Keeping his eyes on Theola, he smirked when she continued, “Your father has had a hand in several atrocities, and it started with his grandfather, Mathios. We know these things, Castien. I watched him force slaves and dragons together. I watched him torture captured dragons until they complied with anything he wanted.”

  Castien clasped his hands before him, causing several to stiffen in their seats. Shen regarded him patiently, the same way Castien regarded his mother.

  Castien said, “I did not and do not have a personal hand in that, and I’ve not seen my father participate in these things you accuse him of. Those experiments have not happened for some time now. Though I do have lead over those successfully born of such unions. While I treat them with respect, I expect them to follow my orders. I discipline any who do not, as is expected of any in my position. As I am sure you all have had to discipline the guardians as well as the pupils. Now, Mother, if you would be kind enough to allow me to continue.” He paused, waiting for Theola to speak. When she didn’t, he nodded and crossed his arms over his chest, expressionless until he looked at Shen.

  Castien spoke with hope, “High Elder, all Elders…I come bearing peace. None want the prophecy to be completely fulfilled. Though I would rejoice at the gods’ returned presence, I do not wish to see them go to war over our beautiful land, nor do I want to kill my mortal brothers and sisters. We can change the direction, and that is why I’ve come. If the direction cannot be changed, we can at least unite to aide our gods in battle against Thaos.”

  After a moment of silence, Elder Sinai leaned forward, the sleeves of her gown falling to the floor. Older than Shen, she carried much wisdom. “Peace will come when you and yours have restored order to Arlania. There will be no bloodshed of our own on Vheria. Not ever again. Neither should there have been on Ghela, though I doubt you all have upheld ancient law. I also wonder if the gods have truly given you an Oracle.”

  Castien shook his head. “I misspoke. We have a prophetess. We’ve not had an Oracle in years, unless the prophets have lied about being unable to communicate with the gods. But she, our prophet,” he paused to shift his position, “our prophetess told us of another path, one that could bring peace to both sides, to the Sun Elves and Moon Elves.” Another commotion stirred, some talking over one another to ask him questions and others exclaiming in disbelief. However, it was true; there was another path. The gods had seen it through the prophetess.

  Castien sighed, looking at Shen who nodded. Shen slammed his fist against the table, causing the whole of the large, dark wood to thunder. All came to a quiet, looking down the length at Shen who continued to stare at Castien.

  Castien nodded, admiration appearing on his features. He continued, “The king is offering his hand in peace, and he speaks for several noble houses.” He looked at Theola, his next words taunting. “Even to those who wish us nothing but harm.” His hands spread. “We could open trade, end the divide between families, and work together to gain the respect of humans and orcs. This, of course, could bring Arlania together for the final war.” The room fell silent when Castien did. Though the young elf appeared calm, his posture was rigid. Though Castien’s bare hands were still, uncertainty gathered in his eyes. He was not lying. He was trying to gain more territory for his king and prepare to fight against Thaos in their own way.

  Their own flawed way.

  Shen looked towards the lights dancing around the vaulted ceiling, trusting in the gods’ direction and feeling their presence even now.

  Shen stated, “This is a matter for us to discuss. Before we release you, I desire to speak my mind. I would like to know if your presence here is to gain the princess.” Castien tilted his chin upwards. It was word enough for Shen; of course the gods were correct. He knew most in the room did not understand what it was he spoke of, most didn’t know of the attempt to keep Nara hidden. “I know the king’s intentions with her. As for you, Castien, I fear you may have set more in motion with Nara than you intended, and that cannot be undone. The appearance of demons has shown that. I also feel this hand of peace will turn to a war that will not be in favor of our gods.”

  Shen breathed deeply. Castien’s gaze turned stony, and he pursed his lips. Maybe he wasn’t as skilled at hiding his emotions as Shen thought. It was just the same for Shen, anger rolling through to his very soul as he blamed the younger elf for circumstances neither had control over. For the demon that had appeared and spread rumors across Vheria and beyond.

  “My vote will be a resounding no,” Shen continued. “As for your actions with Nara, I cannot undo them, nor can you. I only hope the best decision will be in mind for her and that you will treat her with all the kindness she deserves. Any more on that subject will be discussed later.”

  “High Elder,” Castien began, but Shen held his hand up, not wanting to hear a word of it. The gods directed him to deny peace. The gods even directed him to allow Nara to be close to Castien, to pull the sentries to allow his presence. Whatever plans they had for her, he prayed the best intentions were meant. Nara was a child of the temple. Whatever pain she felt could not amount to how helpless he felt in being unable to assist her. He could only have faith in the gods and do their bidding.

  “Please leave, and let us converse privately.” Shen glanced at Theola, her fingers digging into her robes and causing her knuckles to turn a shade paler than she already was. “We will take a vote and send for you when we’ve deliberated our decision.”

  “But, High Elder,” Castien said again, taking a step forward with his hand outstretched as if trying to grasp him, “if I were to only explain—”

  “Enough, young one.” Shen’s voice was stern, and his message hit Castien with great force. “There is no explanation needed. You’ve sown your seeds. Something I do not even think your king would approve of. Now, please, leave before you change more minds.”

  Embarrassment, shame, possible defeat, he saw it all in Castien’s eyes and across his rigid body. Silently, Castien bowed before removing himself. All eyes on him, Shen knew he would have to explain though he would not inform them of all that had happened. The night was still fresh, and Ghedril’s light barely hung in the sky. Knowing this would take time, he sent an Apprentice for water and bread.

  NARA

  The air was cool. The distant sound of rushing water echoed across the land, but even closer were the sounds of the dryads, though they were nearly impossible to identify from the natural sounds of the forest.

  The dryads kept a constant watch on the shrine from within their realm and an even closer watch on her. Nara felt at peace here, which was the reason her constant visitations were more frequent than her visits to the prayer chamber. It helped her feel closer to the gods, to feel closer to whatever lingered of Gaia.

  Now, however, Nara had traveled to the lake with the Elder Apprentices and others who would go through their rites. She wasn’t as at ease here in the moment, knowing her misstep with Casti
en.

  If the High Elder had felt it, he would have denied her his blessing. It would have been her soul on the line for her mistake.

  Nara listened to the Elder Apprentices deep in their songs, their voices like the birds floating on the wind, calm and distant. The melody was meant to calm her, to send her back to the creation of the elves, to help her come closer to the gods who used to perform their rites first hand, and even now, with all her worries, she could envision the gods tending to her.

  One Apprentice sat behind her, pulling flowers and ribbon through her hair and forming curls with the passing of her hands. Another rubbed gailenia oil across the bare parts of her body. Thin strips of tanned cloth hid her more intimate parts.

  “Born at Summer Set,” the one fixing her hair whispered, “you should be favored of Kothes or Llethra. But that does not always happen.” Nara smiled, looking at her fingers. They were still red from the scrubbing the Apprentices had given her in the lake; her nails shone in the fire of the shrine.

  Turning her head, she saw the others that accompanied them. Some were already moving into the forest or back into the lake, others were still finishing their bathing. With Ghedril’s light shining large and bright, illuminating everything, and shimmering across the lake, it was a beautiful night. Every soul there had high expectations of being given a path.

  Except Nara.

  Nara’s voice was soft. “I would be grateful to be in favor of Edan, or even perhaps Thena. Edatherin has only just ended. Fire is attractive, almost as much as the versatile light of Thena.”

  The Apprentice tugged at her hair, causing Nara to wince. “Do not be so picky,” she chided, her hands slipping down and across Nara’s shoulders. “I pray that you find any marking.” Nara’s face froze, the smile drifting away with the Apprentice’s words. “So many have not been so fortunate lately. I fear for the elves.”

  “Not all our kind are born with magic,” Nara murmured, smiling kindly to the other Apprentice who was wiping her hands free of oil with a cloth. “This is something that has been known for some time now.”