by Ben Alderson
“If you have a suggestion please do share,” Vianne asked politely. Every now and then she fiddled with the serpent bracelet on her wrist, turning it around and around.
My own ideas brewed within my mind as fast as a strike of lightning. “Without the Staff of Light, Gordex would have no means to raise the trapped souls of druids.”
We all knew it was the main factor to his plans. He’d risked a lot retrieving it. He moved Hadrian, Emaline and me like pieces of a game just so he could re-enter the Druid keep in the mountains to retrieve it. Ever since then the Staff had been by his side.
“Then we break it,” Simian said, anger lacing each syllable. “Snap the twig in half and call it a day.”
“That is an option. We return, somehow get the Staff from Gordex and destroy it. Then we are left with stopping him.” Although I didn’t truly believe we should return, I said it only to please Simian, to make him feel that I was actively listening and agreeing to his points.
Kell spoke up next. “We end him like he has ended so many. With steel.”
“Gordex is smart. He wouldn’t let anyone he deems a threat close enough to end him.” I rubbed my side on top of the scar he’d left me. “I would know.”
“How hard is it to kill him?” Simian practically shouted. “Why can’t you just say it? You are dancing around the fact that we will have to kill him. Spill blood, murder. Speak it aloud with conviction. He is no more than a man. How hard can it be to stick him like he has my friends. Our friends.”
“Simian, lower your voice,” Hadrian said, voice deep and threatening. “This is no place to shout. Everyone has their turn to speak.”
“Hadrian, it’s fine,” I said, beckoning for him to stop. “We will have to kill Gordex. I just want to make sure that he has no room to return once we do.”
Simian looked pleased with my answer.
“I regret to bring this up,” Kell said, her gaze piercing straight through me. “But what of Marthil, and you both? The Druid has control over your powers, right?”
I looked at Hadrian, lost, who was already gazing up at me. Kell made a good point. But the answer was hard to explain.
“To a point we are linked with the Druid through the Heart Magick we three possess. That is why we are keeping Emaline away. But he does not control me, nor Marthil, nor Hadrian. He is able to call upon our magicks, use them, bending them to his own will. I am sorry I can’t be clearer but, in truth, I do not know what it means entirely.”
Did I mention the anger I felt when using my Heart Magick? How it could take over, tainted with Gordex’s touch?
“Then we must count that as a risk,” Kell said, closing her eyes. “I believe you all have your best intentions, but it is highly important we understand the extent of his power if we ever have a chance of going against him. I do not want to tell my people to fight alongside you if you could turn on them at any given moment.”
Fadine coughed, waving both hands in dismissal. “Hold on, that’s not a fair judgement to make so flippantly. I know Hadrian so can only speak on his behalf, but he has given me no reason to believe the Druid is lurking within him.”
“Then, Goddess forbid, until something happens that suggests otherwise, we keep the worry to the back of our minds,” Kell replied. “I did not mean to cause offence.”
“You have not,” I added quickly. “You are only looking out for the good. I understand.”
In that moment I should have told them of the anger I felt when I linked with my Heart Magick, or the phantom voice of the Druid that always followed. But without speaking to Hadrian on the matter first, I would never admit it. It could have all just been in my own mind.
“And what of those left behind in Lilioira? I speak on behalf of King Dalior and the many more civilians in the city. When do we fight for them?” Vianne said. “The few Alorian soldiers I have brought with us are days away from being up in arms about leaving their own. They worry about the families they left behind within the city and of what state they are in now.”
“My suggestion is when we arrive in Morgatis, we negotiate a deal of protection for Emaline. Kell, I hope you can help us with this next request, but we need more soldiers. Our numbers are staggering, but we have an army of dead waiting for us in Gordex’s shadow. Then we take the fight to him. Destroy the Staff first, then destroy him.”
“Then, as we end each meeting, a vote. Raise your hand if you agree with Zacriah’s plan?” Hadrian commanded.
To my surprise, everyone but Vianne raised their hands high into the room. I released a sigh of relief and thanked them all, unable to hold Vianne’s eye contact for a single moment.
“I understand this plan is still fresh and many problems could arise. But I appreciate your cooperation.”
“What next?” Simian said. “We deal with Marthil?”
I ignored the mention of Marthil. “Next, we tell our soldiers. Everyone. I want to be as transparent to them as we are to each other. It will mean they keep trust for us if they feel that their voices are being heard and considered.”
Simian tipped his head.
“Then this council meeting is ov—”
“Wait,” I interrupted Hadrian from closing the meeting. “Vianne, something is wrong. Please, tell us what it is that bothers you.”
I could tell she was not one to cause a fuss from her ability to keep silent when she disagreed. A skill that Simian lacked. But she looked up, smiled weakly and spoke with a clear tone. “Forgive me, I do believe your plan is desirable in your eyes. But I still have a worry. It is a risk, taking armies across seas for a fight. It is a long journey, one that could drive them to feel weak, tired and unprepared. We have already spent days on sea, and even I can see their attitudes faltering. They will need time when we arrive in Morgatis to rest. We are also at a disadvantage. What if the Druid ambushes us beyond land? We have limited space to fight and could lose many. Besides that, I worry that taking an army back to the city of Lilioira threatens the lives of those stuck within. Their homes have been turned upside down, forcefully made into a battle field. We do not need to bring any more suffering to their doors.”
Everything Vianne said registered in my mind.
“I do have a suggestion, you might not agree with it, but I want you to think on what I have to say as I have with what you have spoken about.”
“We are here to listen,” I said, mimicking what Hadrian had told me the night before.
“What the Druid wants more than anything is Emaline, hence why he sent Zacriah and Marthil to Morgatis in hopes they would retrieve her. However hasty of a plan that was.” Putting Marthil and me on a ship with no clear direction was strange. Almost, rushed.
“At least that is what I can understand from that strange decision of his. Since that plan failed, I am certain he would do anything to get her,” Vianne said. “What if we lure him to Morgatis? Bait him. We intervene before he can get Emaline by laying our own trap of sorts. That way the fight is kept away from Lilioira. It would be his army that has to travel, and our soldiers will be rested, ready and strong enough to fight.”
There was a paused silence after Vianne finished talking. I didn’t want to admit it aloud, but risking Emaline as bait for a trap did worry me. It could go wrong. Something Gordex has said to me rang around my mind like a bell of warning. Everything I do has a purpose. Whether you believe it or not. For this is my game, board and players. I will succeed.
“Then we shall vote on it,” Hadrian said. “Just as we had with Zacriah’s suggestion. Raise your hands if you agree with Vianne.”
Kell raised her hand and said, “It is a smart decision. There is much land on Morgatis, untouched by life. Plenty of space for a battle.”
Simian and Fadine also raised their hands together.
“Lilioira and the cities people have suffered enough,” Fadine added.
Even without my and Hadrian’s hands raised, it had already been voted. I surprised when Hadrian raised his own.
Sta
ying in Morgatis prolonged our attempt to retrieve his father.
I didn’t have a chance to question it when shouting from the deck reached our room. A single word rang out above the rest.
“Land!”
In unison we turned to the grand window at the head of the room. Beyond it, an orange sliver waited upon the horizon. I had to squint to check it if was land or just an apparition caused by days of travel.
Morgatis. We had arrived.
KELL WENT IN the small wooden boat first. Everyone else stood aboard the ship, surrounded by our fleet who’d taken command and lowered their anchors. Hands raised to block the intense sun, we watched Kell arrive on shore as she was greeted by a huddle of figures.
All I could see of Morgatis thus far was sand. Deep orange and blood red dunes that raised around the group that waited on the beach for us. Beyond that, the bright sun made it hard to see anything else.
I had stripped my jacket off and pulled the sleeves of my shirt up to my elbows. The heat of the penetrating sun had made the little material I had left stick to my skin.
Hadrian did not seem bothered by the heat. Not a gleam of sweat was seen on his forehead, nor did he remove his clothes to cope. Even the entire crew of soldiers and sailors had followed my suit, some even bare chested. Many peered into the sea. I could read the intentions behind their longing stares. I too wanted to jump into the cool embrace of the ocean to wash off the sticky humidity.
Kell told us that she must return to land first and converse with the welcome party who waited for us.
We had to wait, then take it in turns to filter into the many small vessels that carried no more than twenty bodies at a push. Hadrian had passed the command that when the time came, anyone who could shift into an animal with wings would fly alongside the Dragori, excluding Marthil. She was being kept in the ship farthest from land with her own personal guards that would keep watch on rotation. They’d be changed at random, so those on the ship had time to rest on land with us. That was my suggestion.
I caught Tiv out of the corner of my eye cowering within the limited shade the mast post made across the ship. His eyes were squinted tight against the sun, and his familiar was nowhere in sight. His expression screamed with discomfort, yet no one was around to comfort him.
Picking my jacket up, I wadded through the busy deck to him.
“Why are you over here alone, Tiv? You’re missing the fun,” I whispered to him.
“It is too bright. I don’t like it,” he said, pointing to the sun with his eyes closed. His top pulled back from his wrist slightly, and I noticed the red marks that circled his pale skin. When he brought it back to him he began itching at it.
“Let me see,” I whispered, taking his hand and lifting up to get a better look. I was careful to keep my touch gentle and away from anything that could cause him pain. His skin looked on the verge of blistering. It was red, sun marked and burned. To the touch, he was hot. “You’re very warm. When did this start?”
“This morning. It was so warm and sunny, so I stayed down in the galleys with Spots. He doesn’t like the sun either,” Tiv explained.
I had noticed the sudden change in weather yesterday. Within miles, it had gone from bearable to scolding. With not a single cloud in the sky, it was impossible to get shade. Even the air seemed still and burned out. Breathing was difficult.
“Put this over you,” I said, wrapping the jacket around his shoulders. It would keep the sun away from him, even when we had to leave for shore.
Tiv squirmed instantly. “It’s too warm.” His tears pooled with tears and his voice choked. A few soldiers turned to see what the fuss was, but no one intervened. This young boy would have been left alone if I had not seen him. My heart could have shattered at the thought.
“It’s okay. Stay still, I’m going to try something to help you.” I brought my palms together and closed my eyes. Concentrating was key for my idea. I didn’t want to use too much power all at once for fear of hurting Tiv, but I had to try something to cool him down. I would have called for the air around me, but that was warm from the sun’s kiss, so I called for the winds that lived inside, deep in the pits of my body. I controlled their temperatures, breathing out only the coldest of breaths to bless Tiv.
All at once my lungs were full. Making my mouth into a small oval shape I blew out, letting the steams of silver tinted wind escape from my lungs and envelope Tiv.
His face relaxed almost instantly. Wrinkles around his eyes smoothed out and his brows flattened. I watched as the silver strands danced around him, lifting his white curls and blessing his skin with its cool touch. A chuckle escaped him, making my heart leap. I had never had experience with children, nor did I think I ever wanted to. But there was something about Tiv that made it easy to care for him.
“How is that?” I asked as the silver strands faded into nothingness.
“Cold,” was his reply.
I leaned in. “What about your magicks? The ice you conjured when you saved us. Can you call on it in this heat?”
“I cannot find it,” Tiv said, raising his hands beside him as if he had lost something. “It is too hot for me. It doesn’t want to come out.”
Far away from Lilioira, which had an abundance of snow to pull from, Morgatis was no place for ice. This sun blessed place was a kingdom of heat and fire. Hadrian was literally near his element.
Hadrian’s familiar shadow covered both Tiv and me. “I was wondering where you had gone. Kell has given signal for us to start our travels to shore, and I was not ready to go without you.”
Soldiers began filtering towards the port side towards the rest of the small row boats.
“Tiv is struggling with this heat, Hadrian,” I said, trying to say more with my gaze. I didn’t want to admit in front of Tiv that I was worried about him. “Go ahead without me, and I will get a boat over with him. I don’t want to leave him alone.”
Tiv hugged onto me from the side, resting his cheek on my shoulder. “You are not going to leave Tiv?” he asked, voice muffled as he pressed himself onto me.
“Not at all,” I said, stroking a hand over his head. It was not as hot as before, but the warmth was returning.
“Then we will go together,” Hadrian said, extending a hand for Tiv, who took it eagerly. “You stay by Zac’s side for the time being whilst I go and get us a boat. How does that sound?”
Tiv nodded, sticking in Hadrian’s shadow.
Then Hadrian looked over to me and pressed a kiss on my cheek, whispering in my ear. “You have a way with children. I did not expect that from you.”
“Nor did I,” I replied.
Tiv’s gaze darted to both of us, smile plastered on his face.
Hadrian found us a boat quickly. There was grumbling of some soldiers who were not pleased they had to wait even longer for the next boat to return for them, but none would have said it too loud. Hadrian was their acting King, but it was clear the days at sea had washed away most of their previous values. I made a mental note to talk to Hadrian about it. Now the New Council had a plan, it was only fair the entire crew heard about it.
The short journey to shore was filled of Hadrian rowing, his back to me and Tiv, who peered over the side of the boat. I held my jacket above him, my arms aching as I kept them high.
Every now and then Tiv would shout out and point. I would follow his finger and see fish with colors so bright and beautiful, flow through the glass-like water. The ocean was bright sapphire and incredibly clear, so I could make out every grain of sand below. The only one missing being was Spots, who we left in the dark of the ship. Tiv was certain when night fell, Spots would come looking for him. I only hoped he was right.
A collection of Niraen soldiers had lined up on the lush beaches, more filtering in with each new vessel.
When we breached land and climbed out of the small row boat, we walked straight towards the New Council, who stood waiting alongside Kell and the Morthi welcome party. I jumped into the shallow waters, caus
ing my boots and lower slacks to dampen. The cooling relief was welcome.
I kept Tiv close. Nestled under my shoulder, I held my jacket over his head and shoulders, keeping him firmly in my shadow. It was the least I could do to keep him comfortable until we reached whatever destination waited ahead of us.
“Welcome,” the two Morthi woman said. They both wore deep earth-toned robes, hoods covering their heads. Their skin was pale and eyes piercing blue, glowing through the shadows of their hoods like burning orbs. “We have awaited your arrival and look forward to showing you great hospitality.”
Kell stood to their side. She had her face raised to the skies, smiling with pleasure as she took in the warmth.
As they spoke in unison I couldn’t help but notice their voices sounded emotionless and scripted. Kell showed no sign that she noticed, but Hadrian’s eyes told me all I needed to know.
“Thank you for your greeting,” Hadrian tipped his head in respect. “We appreciate your help in this dire situation. As you can see, our soldiers have spent days upon the sea to get here, and I would appreciate if we can offer them some time to rest under protection.”
The two women looked towards the sea of soldiers that stood behind us, so many that even I couldn’t gage a number. Then they looked to Kell, who nodded subtly.
“I regret to inform you all that they are not welcome to follow you into our city. This is for our own peoples’ comfort.”
That was not what I expected to hear.
“But, to accommodate, we will ask for food and supplies to be brought over as soon as we can pass the message on. Our people will help set up an adequate camp and ensure they are well rested. I do hope you understand; our own peoples’ comfort is most important at a time like this. The threat of war is already thick in the air, seeing your army will only set them on edge.”
Hadrian paused for a moment, looking to Kell they shared an unspoken word.