by Toni Cox
Maia noticed Riker flinch at her words and felt instantly guilty for having spoken them. She knew he felt that it was his negligence that had allowed the Vampyre to slip into the guest house undetected.
“Riker,” she reached across the table and laid her hand on his. “I will be perfectly safe with you and Rothea by my side. Midnight can follow at a distance, unseen, as he has done since we left Shadow Hall. And Rothea will be sharing my chamber from now on, so I will not be alone at night. Let us be strong for our people. We are here to bring hope, not fear.”
Riker looked down at their hands for a moment, then lifted his head and looked straight into her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat and she held her breath for only a moment. He did not try to hide his feelings any longer, his Eläm glowing brightly with his love for her.
“As you wish, My Lady,” he said, his deep voice full of emotion, and, she thought, respect.
They rode mostly in silence that day. Commander Ridgewell had ordered the Scouts and most of his Regiment to ride ahead, or behind, to prevent any attacks from those directions. The rest of them were riding in such a formation that Maia was always riding in the middle. Fire snorted his displeasure at being hemmed in and it took a lot of Maia’s concentration to keep him walking at a normal pace.
She was tired by the time they rode into Alea Yll; she had been up since when the Moons had set. She had not gone back to bed after the attack; she had been too wrought up; but had decided to get dressed and get the day going early. So she was glad when Lord Plainspar greeted them with just a small retinue of nobles and Elders and then led them straight to their accommodations. The Wheaten Fields was the grandest of the guest houses in Alea Yll and, to Maia’s surprise, the most luxurious so far. Alea Yll was a farming community, taking advantage of the fertile soil of the Yllitar Delta. The area that made up Alea Yll was just as widespread as that of Thala Yll, with some of their fields as far as a three-day ride from their city. Alea Yll lay on one of the busiest Trade Routes in Grildor. People travelling from Bron and Galaban travelled there for their grain as well as all the traffic that came through Braérn from the eastern and southern regions. Although not as populous, Alea Yll was just as influential within the trading community as Braérn.
Maia had been here only once before and that was now almost forty years ago; she just never had the opportunity to go back before. So it came as no surprise to her when Lord Plainspar gave her the itinerary of their stay. It seemed that every segment of the city wanted to hold an event with her and that every noble wanted to invite her for tea. Besides these more private functions, there was also the Elder meeting, the memorial, the war council and finally the feast for the city.
“I am sorry, Lady Maia,” Durinn Plainspar said as he walked Maia into the grand hall of the guesthouse. “I know you must be tired from your journey and the news about what happened during the night arrived with a bird this morning. We have cancelled the function for tonight so that you might rest. Yet it would honour me greatly if you would sup with me and my family tonight. I promise not to make it too late.”
“I would be delighted, My Lord,” Maia replied, duty-bound to entertain the Lord of this beautiful city.
She was relieved when they were taken to their rooms to freshen up first. Then she was even more relieved to find that instead of individual dining tables, one single banquet table had been set up for her and her retinue and she was able to sit with Lord Plainspar and his family to her right and Elder Owen and Riker to her left. The food was excellent and the different juices on offer were more pleasing to Maia than all the wine that had been offered at Thala Yll.
As promised, Lord Plainspar let them retire to their rooms shortly after their meal. Tomorrow they would meet with the war council first, in light of the attack the night before, and then the Elder meeting shortly thereafter. In a way, Maia was glad that the official meetings would be held first; she wanted to gather more information, as well as discuss ways of ensuring the safety of her people. Right now, all she wanted was a hot bath and her bed.
She had already seen to Fire and found that he had been spoilt with good quality Lucerne and a variety of grains; she had seldom seen him this happy in a stable. Now she was sitting on her bed, untying the laces of her riding boots. Although she was wearing the various dresses she had brought along for the different festivities and meetings she was expected to attend, she was still wearing her black leather gear while they were travelling. It was more comfortable and it reminded her of…. She paused. Did she really want to be reminded? Had he not made it clear that he was not interested? She sighed and pulled her boot off. She should just forget about him altogether; she had enough problems to deal with already and the pain she felt when she thought about Blaid was unhealthy.
“Your bath is ready, My Lady,” Rothea said as she came back into the room.
Maia smelled lavender and citrus in the air that Rothea stirred up with her passage.
“Thank you, Rothea, you are too kind to me.”
Rothea helped her into the steaming bath. The hot water felt good on her tired limbs and she sank down into the water with a long sigh.
“Rothea, I want you to know how much I appreciate what you are doing for me. I know that you are a Warrior and not a Server, yet you go out of your way to do everything and more a Server would do for me.”
“My Lady’s words are too kind,” Rothea answered shyly, but then carried on in a stronger voice. “Serving and protecting you is not only a privilege, but I see it as my duty to our people. Sinister plots are underway and I will do everything in my power to assist those who fight against them.”
Maia studied Rothea for a moment. She was tall, with broad shoulders and strong legs. Beautifully arched eyebrows accentuated her narrow face and highlighted her startling eyes. She kept her red hair shorter than most women did, but it suited her well. She emitted an aura of quiet strength and Maia felt strangely safe in her presence.
“What do you think it is that the Vampyres are after?” Maia finally asked her, eager to hear her opinion.
“Our planet,” Rothea replied simply.
Splashing water over herself, Maia contemplated the simple answer for a while. From the beginning, they had assumed that the Vampyres had been forced to come to Elveron due to a shortage of food on their planet. They had defeated the Vampyre army at Greystone and their main worry now was tracking down the few Vampyres that remained within their borders. But what if Rothea was right? What if the situation on Naylera was indeed so bad that the Vampyres were not just looking for another food source, but another planet to colonise? The thought made her shiver.
“Do you think that last night’s attack was not just an opportunity seized by a lone Vampyre, but rather that it was a planned attack with a deeper agenda?” she finally asked.
“I do, My Lady. Vampyre activity has been reported all over Grildor over the last few Moons, but ever since we left Shadow Hall, the number of attacks has increased in the areas that we have travelled through and visited. I believe our presence is directly related to the number of attacks and that we are not only being followed, but directly targeted. Lord Moonswain is right to increase the security around you, as I also believe that you are one of the main targets. I believe that they understand your standing within our society and they have seen the power you wield. They know that eliminating you will make it easier for them to reach their goals. A second war is sure to happen. Maybe not now, but the time will come.”
“You seem to have rare insight. May I ask the reasons for your thinking?”
“I have fought them at Greystone and their determination was unmistakable. If you had not done what you did at the end, we would all have died. I have also spent the winter Moons studying all the reports, even those that came in before the war. Commander Ridgewell and the entire first Regiment have been in discussions with the Guard and your father for a while, trying to guess at the ultimate intent of the Vampyres. I do not agree with everything they have conclude
d so far, but it is not always my place to speak up.”
“I think that what you are saying makes sense. I will see to it that your assumptions are heard when we are back at Shadow Hall. It is unsettling to think that we may not have seen the worst of them yet. I will bring it up at the war council and Elder meeting tomorrow. Can I call on you to speak at both meetings?”
“As you wish, My Lady.”
Rothea looked down, her cheeks colouring, but Maia knew the pride Rothea felt at having been taken seriously as an advisor and at being asked to speak before the lords and Elders.
Although the early morning had been chilly, the day was now uncomfortably warm; not even the slight breeze coming off the great fresh-water lake on which shore Alea Yll was built brought any relief. Maia pulled at the collar of her dress, longing for her loose cotton shirts she usually wore. They had been sitting in meetings all day and Rothea’s ideas had sparked some intense discussions.
“But these are just assumptions,” Kayverii Thornbird, Commander of Alea Yll’s Regiment, had said with outrage. “To make this public would just spark panic amongst the people.”
“I agree,” Lord Plainspar had cut in. “Until we have some kind of confirmation as to what the Vampyres are actually planning, we should keep these thoughts to ourselves. There may yet be truth in it, but until such time that it is proven, there is no need to spread fear. And, if the Vampyres are indeed planning another war, then we do not want them to find out that we are aware of their intentions.”
Maia was relieved when Riker escorted her back to the guesthouse. The discussions today had given her much to think about. If it were to come to another war, would she be ready? She was physically fit and as accomplished with her weapons as the best of them. Would it be enough? The only reason they managed to overcome such overwhelming odds the last time was because of the magic that had taken hold when she had fought alongside Blaid. Then he had abandoned her and she did not know if he would ever come back to her. She did not think she was strong enough to weave that same magic by herself; death was not in her nature; she would surely fail.
She went to bed that night feeling lonely and inadequate. Strange dreams plagued her of Vampyres sneaking through forests and lurking around dark corners. Sometimes the creatures that slunk about in the dark were not always Vampyres; she saw Elves, as well as wolves, hunting, hurting, killing. She woke up screaming with every death she witnessed in her dreams and every time Rothea was by her side. Only when the moons finally began their descent did she finally fall into a dreamless sleep.
Wearily he adjusted his black travelling cloak around his shoulders. He had swapped the heavy winter coat for this lighter one, once he had reached the milder climate. Now he was tired. Tired of the travelling, tired of sneaking around in the dark, tired of waiting and simply tired of it all. He wished things would move quicker. He had gone out of his way to ensure safe passage for them, yet they still complained. He had acquired the beast, mapped the routes, given descriptions, and provided safe-houses all over the country. Yet they still complained some more. As far as he was concerned, it was they that were not performing as promised. He would have to be more firm with them if he wanted to see results any time soon. It was frustrating to watch them be foiled at every attempt. They promised so much and yet failed to deliver so far.
Wearily he climbed onto Shard, adjusted his travelling bag across his broad back and then headed east. The dragon had made travelling so much easier; he was glad he had risked going to the Icelands for him.
Now, he would have to take matters into his own hands. He knew their plans and if he got there in time, he might get the chance to sort the problem out himself. Smiling at the thought about the recognition this would earn him, he urged Shard into flight. His time was coming. He would make sure of it.
The memorial held in Alea Yll was not as elaborate as the one that had been held in Thala Yll, yet it was so full of emotion that Maia found it difficult to speak to the people. After the attack on her and the discussions during the war council and Elder meeting, she found it difficult to concentrate. Memories of her vivid dreams kept resurfacing and it took all her will power not to let the people see how scared she was.
She was now constantly surrounded by Riker and Rothea, as well as Commander Ridgewell and at least one other member of his Regiment. But she was glad for the company; even though she did not have much privacy; as it kept her from moping about the situation and feeling sorry for herself. At night, however, all the things she did not want to think about kept crowding her mind. Was she strong enough to save her people? Was there anything she could do this time around to prevent a war? Should she try to find Blaid and make him help her? Would he help her if she asked him, or would he reject her? She was sure by now that he did not want to be with her; during their stay in Alea Yll, more news of the alleged Werewolf surfaced and from the descriptions, she was sure it was Blaid. And he was pointedly avoiding her.
Riker on the other hand was lavishing his attention on her and she was beginning to worry that people might notice. She was sure that her father would approve of such a suitor, but permission would always have to be asked first. Elven marriages usually lasted millennia and it was necessary for all involved parties to be agreeable to the union in order to avoid friction between the families at a later date. The more time she spent with Riker, the more relaxed she became in his company and she often caught herself being a trifle too familiar with him. She would have to be stronger; Blaid’s rejection and Riker’s advances were messing with her emotions almost as much as the threat to her people. This entire trip was turning into a nightmare for her and she now wished she were already back at home.
“Maia,” Riker said gently.
She opened her eyes and lifted her head off his shoulder. Before her, people were dancing and celebrating in the plaza. Musicians were playing an upbeat tune; one Maia did not recognise. She knuckled her eyes, trying to focus on what was going on.
“I am sorry to wake you,” Riker said with a crooked smile on his face, “but they are almost ready for the final speech.”
Maia thought he was altogether a bit too smug about the situation. She had not intended to fall asleep during the celebrations, but because she slept so badly at night, the days seemed awfully long to her now.
Riker seemed to read her mind.
“Do not be troubled, no-one noticed. And it is our last night in Alea Yll. Tomorrow morning, we will be travelling again. It will do you good to get away from the city for a while. And I dare say Fire could do with the exercise too, he has been enjoying the hospitality of Alea Yll to the fullest.”
He laughed. He had a beautiful laugh, full of rich notes and abandon. Maia liked it and she laughed with him.
Today there was a steady wind from the east, blowing across the lake to their left. The morning had been chilly, but as they travelled, it started to warm up and Maia was almost glad for the wind. They had left Alea Yll just after sunrise, with most of the citizens streaming out of their houses to wave them farewell. Fire had pranced and snorted, eager to be on the way. Maia had felt the same.
Now they were almost at the lodge they would stay at for the night, Traveller’s Rest. It was one of the oldest guest houses in Grildor, situated well along the Trade Route and she suspected that it would be full of people tonight. Although she loved her people, she was starting to long for some quiet time. She had been surrounded by people, all seeking her attention, ever since they had left Shadow Hall.
“Riker,” she said to the handsome Elf riding alongside her, “would it be possible for me to be with Midnight tonight? The lodge is sure to be full of people and I could do with a rest.”
After the Vampyre attack at Oxbow Lodge, Riker had not let her out of his sight. Security had been so tight, that she had not even been able to do her ablutions without Rothea by her side. She understood his need to keep her safe, but she also felt that she was quite capable of looking after herself. With Midnight, she knew, she cou
ld not be safer, so she hoped Riker would agree to her request. She studied his thoughtful face, waiting while he considered the options. She allowed a smile to brighten her face, hoping it would soften him towards her.
“Lady Maia, you know how I feel about leaving you unprotected, but…” He hesitated and rubbed a hand over his worried face. “…I think you deserve some time with your dragon and it might take your mind off the troubles of the past few days. May I make a request though?”
“Anything,” she agreed readily. “If it is within my power, it is yours.”
“May I accompany you? Midnight knows me from the times we helped you train with him. And I promise not to disturb your time together; I just do not want you to be…” He cleared his throat, almost as if he was embarrassed. “…away from me. So I can make sure you are safe.”
Maia considered his request. Although she did not doubt his desire to keep her safe, she believed that his main desire was to be with her. She smiled ruefully. This was becoming complicated indeed. Although she was not in love with Riker; at least not yet as far as she could tell; there was a certain attraction there that she could not deny. Yet the pain about Blaid’s rejection became more difficult to bear every day. Maybe she should let this strong, capable, and undeniably handsome Elf get a little closer; who knew what might develop, if she gave it a chance. The prospect frightened her, but not as much as thinking about her life without Blaid. Maybe she could learn to forget. Maybe she could learn to love Riker, wed him, make a life with him. She sighed; it might not be fair on Riker, choosing him as a second option, but, besides Silas, no-one knew about her indiscretion with Blaid. Silas was convinced that what had happened was only because of their magic; it was over now and would not happen again.