A man to the side introduced each of them, and their gifts, by the noble houses her father had mentioned. Anja Brightwood, a human from House Brightwood with curls spilling out of the netting in her hair, brought with her a golden gailenia brooch. Liana Gailen, an elf from House Melruth, gave a shy smile with her clumsy curtsey. Her gift to Nara was three thin, long chains of silver, gold, and black, each carrying different enchantments of water-breathing, illusion, and a simple glowing halo.
Nola Verinia, sent by House Availon, stepped forward next. Dark blue skin like the night sky contrasted against the Dwarven-made sun and moon dagger she presented. Beside her Mary Sparrow, a short human sent by House Eveningfall, gifted Nara a brindle colored horse whose mane she lovingly stroked.
The last two, a Moon Elf and Sun Elf, stepped forward together. The Sun Elf was taller than the other women and maidens. The pearls strung in the deep red netting against her hair were nearly invisible against her pale blond locks.
“Phyras Eroth is one I chose for you amongst many presented to me, Nara,” Alinar proclaimed, holding his hand out to the Sun Elf. “With her, you will acquire much knowledge that will serve you well. Even if you do not wish to memorize much, she will have everything for you. As for your gift, I’ve chosen a guard who will not have to be so close to you, which I understand you will enjoy greatly.” He pointed towards the balconies overlooking the hall.
Looking up, she saw a being who appeared just like the personal guards her father had. A dragonling, her clawed feet held tight to the railing of the balcony, her wings spread wide. Her silken black hair fell loose save for the occasional braid that had metal arrowheads affixed to the ends of them. She wore less armor than Alinar’s guard, exchanging it for weapons instead. Her intense gaze locked onto Nara while beautiful, yet reptilian, features twitched to the beat of the music.
“Scoria is better than any other you will find,” Alinar said. “Even surpassing her would-be commander, Castien. She has a few more years of experience and is trained to fight against large groups, so you will only need her. She can keep a distance yet still sense any danger coming towards you.” Nara continued to stare at Scoria. Scoria’s slit, dragon-like eyes narrowed at her. Still, she did not move or make a sound. “The half breeds are few, but of course my daughter deserved this blessing.”
“Thank you,” she said at long last, smiling and unable to say much more.
“You requested the guards be gone,” he joked, squeezing her shoulder. Then he gestured to Castien and his father, Qildor. “I hope that in giving you the honor of being last, we will not be disappointed, Qildor. What does House Dreigsier offer?”
Qildor stood alongside Castien, their sun-colored hair shining as they walked around the table.
Qildor said, “No gift can outdo what you’ve given your daughter, Your Majesty.” He bowed. “We offer Exis Lhoril who, skilled in the art of music, will serve as entertainment. My son handpicked a drake for her to have as another companion.”
Castien winked at Nara before loudly whistling. The drake swept down from the balcony. Its scales shone like fire, never settling on one color. It landed on Castien’s shoulder, its head barely above his own, its long neck moving about, vibrant blue eyes curious. Though slightly larger, it nuzzled and moved about Castien as though it truly were a cat. She marveled at it, just as she had marveled at the dragons.
Nara smiled wide, looking forward to the entertainment that lay before her.
“Are you satisfied, daughter?” Alinar asked after Castien came to stand before them.
Her heart filled with much joy. She nodded, leaning over the table to stroke the drake’s scales, which were smooth as feathers. In that touch, much like with the dragon she rode the other day, she felt its emotions. It was curious and excited, just as she was, though something about it felt much older than it appeared. Still, the two of them locked eyes, and as it leaned into her hand, she could feel its love for her already.
Castien leaned forward, took her hand, and gently kissed it. Afterwards, he bowed to the king, sending the drake back to the air. Nara’s heart fluttered as it passed over the heads of the guests before it vanished to the balcony. As Nara’s gaze returned to the table, her smile faltered when she saw the Orindyl brothers seated side by side. While Fallon refused to look at her still, Evert’s gaze stayed locked on her.
As soon as Evert grinned at her and raised his goblet, she looked away and attempted to kill the memories she had with him. Her heart remained unfulfilled in many ways. But she tried to be content for now.
ARISA
Demons haunted Arisa’s sleep.
The Thrason siblings knew from the day they came to Elona and Thaos’s service there would be darkness throughout their lives. While each of them had some kind of selfish desire now, their original intentions had been pure. They had wanted to unite the Darso Kingdom with Thaos and Elona, to keep peace in the land of Nudomri and the world over.
While the allure of more power was strong, and the Thrasons made their pact with their goddess, they knew their quest came at a price. They had seen many come and go. Others took many great things from Thaos. However, the god always had some way to take their lives. The Thrasons knew, and were thankful, they had been fortunate to be bound to Elona.
With Elona, there was a balance, a stern hand given with a soft voice.
Yet Arisa had still accepted a dark path from Thaos, allowing herself to study as a bloodmage under Hathus. While he lured her into his bed, bit her shoulder, and marked her as his, he had also taught her many things.
The first rule he’d laid down was to be cautious of demons.
The demons that lay at the mind’s edge would always tempt them, more so in their sleep when the spirits of other realms could easily pass through the consciousness if Llethra left one unguarded. The shadow realm was where dark magic’s power derived. Arisa’s use of blood, the life force of those living, was more susceptible. Hathus taught Arisa that her mind had to be shut to the demons who would tell her to take more, to cause more destruction. While some succumbed to their will, a possession of sorts taking place and turning them into vampires, Arisa had never allowed herself or those who followed her to fall prey.
She destroyed any mages who even started to drift away.
But now the demons pressed her in her rest. They demanded she take Valia’s blood.
Arisa Thrason had more control.
The sound of the bolt thundered against the stone and wood. Suddenly awake, Arisa sat up on her curtained bed, smoothing her long white hair. As a guest, they accommodated her. As a prisoner, they constantly spied upon her and visited without warning.
Valia swept through the doorway, her golden hair falling in waves. As always, her Maiden guard closely followed her. Spotting a tiny hand against Valia’s skirts, Arisa’s hands involuntarily drew to her chest and what little color she had left her.
Near the queen stood a girl, blond curls cascading around her face matched against the gold and white of her gown. The child mirrored the queen in every way, from her bright blue eyes to the embroidered sun on the fabric she wore. So young. Arisa could not understand why Valia would bring such a precious and delicate being into the presence of a supposed demon.
Valia spoke. “We request your company in our meal this evening.” The queen paused, eyes passing over Arisa before stating, “Resentment aside, I apologize for leaving you here yesterday without another interaction. I had much to think about and to pray for. Thena grants me strength and wisdom.” Wrapping her arm around the girl’s shoulders, Valia pulled her close. “This is my daughter, Ilyia. You stated you would bring no harm. I felt no need to keep her from your presence. Perhaps this will keep our tempers in check as well.”
Arisa swallowed hard, eyes continuing to dance over the little girl who appeared no older than four. It had been a long time since she had come into contact with a child, and the very sight made her writhe beneath her skin. In Talamnar, Arisa kept her distance from the childr
en of the land, waiting until they were at least twelve before taking them into her service.
“The decision is yours, bloodmage,” Valia solemnly stated, turning away and gliding from the room with child and Maiden in tow.
Lips parting, Arisa sat on the edge of her bed. While she did not want to risk contact with hostile people or place herself in a situation where she was tempted to cause harm, if she did not accept, she would lose an opportunity to help in Elona’s quest for peace.
Quietly, she followed.
She was led through the white and gold halls of the castle. Its walls, constructed by Thena and her angels so long ago, were built with great height. Arisa marveled at the decoration and grand design. Carved wings sat over each entryway, lightly touching the gold blown glass that arched high overhead. Arisa found herself thinking of her childhood and of the peace she’d had then. She thought of the many times her family had stayed in Thanis. Many did what it took to keep Thena’s alliance.
All of that was lost now.
Arisa reveled in the moment of being allowed in the sanctuary despite the circumstance.
When they arrived at the great hall, several people sat at a large table surrounded by banners of golden griffins lining the walls. Twenty sets of eyes moved in unison towards the bloodmage. Arisa knew any type of mage was taboo within the city and strictly banned within the castle walls. While humans used to posses magic just as the elves did, those in Thanis had never touched it. The decree banning magic passed shortly after the Thrasons swore their allegiance to Elona. She was certain those seated were afraid of a mage of her age and perhaps were praying that she would hold to their laws.
Valia sat in a gilded, winged chair with her smiling child on her lap. The queen gestured to a seat beside her and Arisa couldn’t help but stare. Normally such a seat, through most kingdoms, was reserved for those of high esteem. Not for one that was taken as a captive.
Watching the others for any indication of dissatisfaction or disgust, she seated herself and saw as no one became upset. While she took her place with grace, conforming to standards and etiquette of old, her insides crawled.
When servants set food before them, Arisa held a hand over her stomach to muffle its growl. She had been given food, but it had not been much. The heavy scent of roasted turkey mingled with the sweet scent of wine, and Arisa fought the urge to take food before the queen was served.
The servants placed golden wares laden with food in front of everyone seated before they picked up pitchers and served the wine. Arisa knew nearly every fixture set with gold was not of vanity on the queen’s part. Thena’s followers had wealth and were looked after in kindness. Everyone wanted to trade with them, to set alliances, and most were allowed to do so.
All except Katharos. Willed by the God of War, Suvius, the kingdom warred with anyone. With so much turmoil within their land, Arisa marveled at the fact the only thing binding them together was blood.
“I’ve informed everyone who you are,” Valia said, passing a hand through her child’s hair. When Valia gestured to her other side, Arisa looked and saw a man in his late thirties seated with one child in his lap and another beside him. “This is High Commander Jonus Novinus and his children, Vistori and Melada.”
Arisa nodded to the man and boy, who appeared the same age as Valia’s daughter. The girl in Jonus’s lap slept curled in a ball of golden skin and thick blond hair that contrasted against her father’s leather. She was beautiful and looked nothing like her dark-haired, fair-skinned brother.
More children, Arisa thought, finding it odd that a man of his stature, or any man, would keep a girl cradled close to him. While it was custom in Ilystaria to keep children close at all times, usually the women tended to the girls.
Peering down the length of the table, Arisa became aware that Valia took only a few high ranking officials to dine with her this night. The other seats were reserved for her Maidens, ten in all. It was interesting to note. Arisa was familiar enough with their customs to know that a queen did not usually keep more than a few by her side at a time. Maidens would switch shifts and only the Valkyrie would always stay near the queen.
Arisa nodded to each of them as they were introduced, from the High Priestess Lazune Avis, down to Lucius Melonus, the queen’s counselor. Arisa gave only a courteous greeting, understanding that the way she felt was probably mirrored in their hearts.
When the queen took her first bite, Arisa wasted no time following suit. Mixing meat with vegetables, she closed her eyes as the flavors came together on her tongue. She had not had a fully cooked meal since she had left Talamnar and her body welcomed the nourishment.
Jonus spoke, his deep voice not disturbing the child at rest in his arms. “Pardon my rudeness, but I was expecting the girl to look more…”
With his words trailing off, Arisa looked down at the wine in her goblet. “Demonic?” She smiled at Jonus, his trimmed dark hair showing patches of grey. “I do not work for Thaos, Sir Jonus. Had we stayed with him, perhaps I would look as his daughter. Also, you may call me a girl if you like, but I assure you I am much older than any soul seated here.”
“I will acknowledge that.” Jonus returned her smile in kind. “As I understand, it is my bloodline that will continue to walk Arlania while the Thrason’s stops with you and your siblings. Is that true?”
Arisa raised her brow. “That is not known,” she replied before taking a drink.
“There are legends of children born before The Chosen took their seal,” Lazune said, long fingers running the course of the veins on the wood. Clear blue eyes framed by honey toned hair gazed at Arisa. “Is this true?”
“There were,” Arisa replied.
“What happened to them?” Lazune pressed on.
Arisa adjusted her shoulders. With all eyes on her, she bit into her bread, taking her time before responding. She looked over everyone seated there. “I will tell you all you need to know, to see truth from lies about my family.” She cleared her throat. “I was fourteen when my brother Drudan decided to make a pact with Elona and Thaos. While he convinced two of my older brothers to travel with him and had yet to take the crown, my sister and I were still under our father Devon’s rule, alongside our first god, Darsus.” Arisa stared down at her plate, trailing her fingers around the rim as she recalled all the events. “Though I was the youngest daughter, I had been promised to someone who became impatient in waiting for me. I was wed and conceived while my brothers were away.”
One Maiden quietly said, “It is said that you offered your child as a sacrifice to Thaos.”
Arisa narrowed her eyes at the Maiden, but she forgave her ignorance. “Dead,” she stated, hands clasped tightly in her lap, “my child was born dead, long before Drudan even returned to Darso. My husband, angered and convinced I had caused it, which I assure you I did not, beat me for it. Darsus did nothing to the man but Drudan killed him as soon as he returned.” The only sound at that moment was that of the boy Vistori eating, unaware of the tension. Heat rose in Arisa’s chest, and she tried to ignore it. The memory was long suppressed, something she had not told Karasim.
“I am very sorry for your loss.” Lazune nodded, eyeing the queen then Arisa. “If I had known—”
“A three thousand-year-old wound,” Arisa whispered. “I understand how you view us, and your gods do nothing to dispel those lies spoken about us. Thankfully, I was the only one to have a child at the time, as my older brothers had yet to take wives.”
“Why thankful?” Valia asked. “Children are a blessing. Perhaps if the others would have, your family would not have been so torn.”
“They are a blessing. But had they had children, our family would have fought harder with one another. The desertion of our father was bad enough, but children could have been used against us in many ways. Innocent blood would have been caught in the middle. Many lives were lost when we separated and ended the Darso Kingdom, but we did our best to keep the children safe in our departure. Believe me or not
, Thena took in some of our people, and any of you could be descendants of my kin. I praise her for that.”
Arisa began eating again, her hunger not yet satiated. Though immortal, her body still grew weary and hungry, yet admittedly slower than a mortal’s.
The others gave her a reprieve in questions, and she wondered if it was out of kindness, fear, or disbelief. Any way, she was thankful and tended to the wound in her heart. The sores of her soul were more painful and not as easily healed as the ones she inflicted on her body.
Valia offered a biscuit to Ilyia.”How old were you when you became immortal?”
Arisa looked at her hands and smiled, seeing the youth still fresh in them compared to the queen’s. “I was eighteen,” she replied with a nod. “My eldest brother was twenty-eight. We served four years before sealing ourselves to Elona. It was Thaos who put us through hell, beating, raping, and endangering us, but we were devoted to Elona, seeking her guidance, protection, and power.”
“Why would you subject yourselves to such a cruel god?” Lucius asked, his presence nearly forgotten.
Arisa straightened her back, her finger trailing over the golden-etched fork. “The same reason we never conceived children. Our sense of duty is high above ourselves for most things. When we offered ourselves to Elona it was in hopes of peace between the kingdoms. Though others would come to Thaos or Elona asking for things of a selfish nature, giving into human flaws, we worked towards peace across Arlania.”
“Then why is your goddess not giving peace, Arisa Thrason?” Jonus inquired, his tone polite but his words scathing. “If Elona seeks peace, why do demons stalk our countryside, the dead walk amongst us, vampires turn or kill in the night, and wars still rage on? I myself have witnessed firsthand the horrors. Before my son was born, I spent much time traversing and aiding villages and cities to the north that border Nordin.”
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