“I was wise in my council,” Ziradon clipped, “on the night you laid our fate. She was a sweet and kind dragoness, and you have transformed her into a monster.”
“A monster,” Gwirwen continued to prod, basking in his ability to torment his predecessor. “I should kill you now and be done with it. I grow weary of your presence.”
“Kill me… don’t kill me. It matters not. Every choice you have made has brought us closer to the edge of destiny.”
“If my choices are poor and I such a fool, what does that make you? I was your adviser, after all,” he laughed airily, enjoying their téte-à-téte.
“No, you were my friend, and you betrayed me. I did not keep you close because of your ability or cleverness, but the truth is always hidden from those who refuse to see. Kaliwyn has returned, and in your stupidity, you have allowed her to grow strong. She has surrounded herself with friends, followers loyal to her command and her cause. The destroyer has come, and Eriden will fall.”
A Meeting of Means
“I need a moment,” Piers informed his young crewman, watching him as he gathered necessities for his assignment.
“With me?” Reynard asked anxiously, glancing around to see who else was close enough to overhear.
“With the siren,” the Mate replied, giving the tiny creature a smile.
Her hands folded in front of her chest, Oldrilin stared up at him with wide blue eyes, her small frame slouched timidly. He would never harm her unless provoked, as Piers Massheby was not that kind of man. But there had never been real friendship between them; she knew he had tolerated her at best. “Yes?” she replied, her lip trembling.
Kneeling before her, Piers ran his hand roughly over his beard, smoothing it as he took a few deep breaths. “I have much I need to say, but only a small part of it will matter. First, I wish to apologize, both to you and your kind. When you stand before Olirassa, please tell her my distrust was misplaced. After our travels through Eriden, my eyes have been opened to the truth.”
“Yes, this will be said,” the siren agreed. Offering her hand, her surprise at his words quickened her pulse.
Clasping her tiny fingers, he stared down at her round face with a small nod. “Next, you must let her know that the fight is finally coming. We will need all who will stand on our side, and I believe that includes the sirens. As I said, I think I understand her reasons for helping us when we came here, and that makes her a part of our cause.”
Lin nodded slowly, “I shall say this as well.”
“And lastly, tell her not to give up hope. Amicia… Kaliwyn… grows strong and understands the importance of her place. She will do all that she can to preserve the realms of her homeland,” he finished with a strained smile.
“Of course,” the mermaid agreed, matching his grin.
Using the appendage, he drew the creature close, wrapping her in a warm embrace. “Be safe, Oldrilin. Be quick in your journey and return to us with what news you can of your friends.”
“Are we ready?” Meena interrupted as the group gathered on the other side of the northern part of their shelter.
“Yes, I believe we are,” the Mate agreed.
Lifting Oldrilin into her pouch with her back against his chest, Rey prepared to leave by slinging his pack over his shoulder. Inside, it held his blanket, a waterskin, and a few days rations; enough to tide him over while he awaited their miniature spy’s return. Following, as the group began their trek through the marshes to stand before the elders of the gnomes, he watched for his opportunity to duck away and take his own path.
Tromping through the swamp in single file, Amicia guided them through the trees. “How do you know the way?” Zaendra asked as the sun disappeared, and darkness brought a chill to the air.
“I feel them. These are very powerful creatures,” Ami explained. “I believe more so than any we have encountered yet.”
“Or perhaps you are simply more sensitive to their presence with the discovery of your own power,” Meena theorized.
“That could also be true,” the blonde agreed with a sigh. Pausing, she indicated the dancing firelight ahead. “This is the village, either way.” Glancing around at those who gathered around her, she noted that Rey was not among them. He had split off to make his way to the coast and would not return until Lin’s mission was complete.
“What exactly are we going to ask for?” Animir inquired.
“The world,” Amicia giggled. “Don’t worry. I have a speech prepared.”
Grinning at her, Piers nodded, “You have become a fine leader and diplomat.”
Hayt snorted at the word, “I thought it would be me who parlayed for our truce.”
“And indeed, it shall,” Ami stated confidently, offering him her arm. “Walk with me and let us show a united front. If they remember your alliance of old, it will help us gain their confidence today.”
Sliding his appendage through hers, the dwarf walked beside her through the last of the thicker forest. Before them, the area opened into a clearing, where small stones and logs sat scattered in a set of rings around the fire. Seated upon them, dozens, maybe hundreds, of small bodies sat awaiting their arrival. The woods around them thick and old, large trees had been hollowed or the ground beneath sculpted to create small dwellings like the one Sevoassi had held in the northern woods.
“My queen,” Thirac greeted with a slight bow of his head.
“Good evening,” she replied crisply, her green eyes flittering over his people. “I did not expect so many.”
“Word of your arrival has spread,” the gnome sneered, sending her heart into a flutter. “All wished to lay their eyes upon you.”
Coming in behind, the rest of their group huddled together. The air heavy inside their village, they had come to expect a warm welcome, as almost all in Eriden had proven to be less venomous than rumor held.
Not this time, Amicia observed silently. These creatures are just as dark and ominous as promised. Squeezing Hayt’s arm, she gathered her nerve, then pushed forward, “You remember Hayt?”
“Yes, of course. But it is your words we shall hear, princess,” the short leader replied, wafting his hand around at his company. “We have waited many moons for you to stand within our presence.” More than she could know.
Her eyes searching again, his words gave her gut a twist she could not place. “As you wish,” she whispered, reluctantly releasing her grip. Licking her lips, her mouth felt dry as she stepped forward, leaving her companions. Glancing back at them, she could see their fear evident in their huddled mass. Grinning at the Mate and Animir encouraging them to relax, she felt calmed by their regard for one another and for her.
“Good gnomes of Falconmarsh,” she began, holding her arms wide and presenting herself before them. “I am Amicia Spicer, mortal of the rim,” she introduced herself confidently. Hearing the ripple of small voices, she added, “also known as the dragoness Kaliwyn, heir to the throne of Eriden.”
The crowd erupted into louder unrest as her words were measured. Not to be dissuaded, she continued, “As you are aware, we have been in Eriden for some time, traveling on a great quest. As I have learned of my identity and my ability, I have also found my place, a position of great importance throughout the land.”
She paused, casting her eyes across the sea of bodies. Their presence strong about her, it was hard to discern their intentions as their powerful emotions rose and fell, but she carried on. “To fulfill our task and make things right within the kingdom, we require the support of its inhabitants. Great evil looms over us all, and only by working together may it be defeated. Therefore, we have a few requests of your people. First, we seek refuge here in the marsh until we have prepared for the battle ahead. Second, I am in search of a cure for the curse that has bound me in this mortal form.”
The whispers louder, the air crackled as anger and distrust filled the clearing. “She is weak.”
“She can’t regain her form?”
“This is a lie
!”
“How will she fight?”
“We cannot interfere.”
“Gwirwen will never allow it.”
Their voices overlapping, their doubts remained obvious. Listening to them bicker among themselves, Ami drew a deep breath, unsure what she could say that would allay their fears and win them to her cause.
Amid their unrest, a large form swooped in and sent them scattering. Diving low over the rows of gnomes, Lamwen released a deafening roar before pulling up and landing beside the self-proclaimed queen of the land.
“You will hear and obey!” he shouted, snarling at the creatures who had scattered at his displeased entrance. Hiding among the trees, the whispers rippled once more before small pockets of gnomes trickled back into the central location.
“You declare her words are true?” a small voice shouted.
“Of course they are true! Can you not see the dragon’s light within her?” he snapped. His large head panning, his eyes roamed, peering into the darkness. “I once held rank as captain of the king’s guard! I am Lamwen, and you know my words are just. I stepped away from that place in favor of our queen and devoted my days and nights to her protection since her discovery. If you do not trust her words, trust mine, for I have stood before you many times. Gwirwen is not invincible. Kaliwyn will be his downfall, and we only need have faith that our future will be secured.”
The conversation rising once more, the gnomes poured into the courtyard in even greater numbers, as those who had hidden among the trees before joined their brothers. “Speak then. What would you have of us?” a loud cry beseeched.
Her voice shaky, Ami tried again, “As I said, we need shelter, and any who have knowledge that could be useful in my restoration are called forth. If you are willing, we will ask you to fight as well, when the time comes to make our stand.”
“Fight,” Thirac laughed. “Do we appear as warriors to you?”
“You appear as the inhabitants of Eriden,” Ami countered more confidently. “This is our home, and Gwirwen threatens to destroy it. He has turned against our realms one by one. Eventually there will be none left to stand against him, while the rest cower in fear. If you intend to remain here, then you should have no hesitation in the fight to restore our beloved Eriden. Let no realm hold more worth than another, for all are equal in my eyes.”
Her words sharp, silence fell across the sea of small bodies. Thinking of the night they had stood at the center of the sacred rings of the glen, Amicia smiled. Spreading her arms, she drank in the power of the small creatures surrounding her, lifting her chin and closing her eyes as the moonglow splashed across her delicate features.
“You are a powerful queen,” Thirac observed, disrupting her trance.
“Then you will do as I have asked?” she replied without altering her position, still sapping their strength in the cold white light.
“We will consider you our guests in the marsh,” he acquiesced. “As to the rest, we will discuss joining your fight.”
“And what of my imprisonment?” she snapped, pulling her head up to glare at him.
“We have no power over such things,” the king confessed. “However, we have tools at our command which may aid in your recovery and your cause. Soon, you will be given service in these things. You have my word on it.”
Next to her, Lamwen had been studying the gathering, and at that moment realized their group to be incomplete. “Where is the siren?” he growled. Turning in a slow circle, her presence could not be confirmed.
Looking past them, Thirac also studied their group of newcomers. “You did have a siren. Where has she gone?”
Glaring at the dragon, Piers waited until their eyes met, then leveled, “She has made a journey but will return as quickly as possible.”
“And where has she gone?” Lamwen pushed, his glowing orbs narrowed to slits.
“To Riran,” the Mate informed him calmly.
“You do not trust me,” the dragon hissed in disbelief.
“Well,” Piers shrugged, “prudence demands caution. If you have spoken the truth, our friends will return with confirmation of the mermaids’ situation.”
“What situation?” Thirac shouted, disturbed by their seeming to be divided.
“Lamwen has seen that the elves are moving to claim Eriden for their own,” Amicia informed him flatly. “We have dispatched our siren to verify this and to deliver a message to our allies. We will need to gather our forces as much as we are able, but I am afraid time and distance are against us in this cause.”
“And you did not feel the need to speak of such treachery?” the king spat, glaring at Animir.
“I –” the elf began, but Amicia cut him off with a wave of her hand.
“We would have shared the intelligence once the invasion has been confirmed. For now, I have spoken of what must be completed at this time, for if I am unable to regain my dragon form, then all our plans for the future will be affected.”
“I see,” the gnome glared at her, impressed with her strength. “Very well then. Return to your camp and bring us news when it has been won. We will likewise search our history in case a transformation has ever been achieved in days gone by. If we can help with that regard, we will inform you at our next meeting.”
Bowing to him slightly in agreement, Amicia could tell the king was upset. His small frame hunched, he gathered his cloak around him as he disappeared into the trees on the far side of the crowded clearing, the rest of the gnomes reluctant to vacate the area.
“Wait,” Animir called, taking a step forward as if to chase him down.
“Let him go,” Ami commanded, catching his arm and preventing his pursuit. “We have what we came for, and that is permission to reside in the marsh. The rest, we will formulate without the help of these creatures if we must,” she declared, shifting her eyes to take in the small forms that again spoke to one another in whispers.
“Let’s get out of here,” Piers agreed, his arm around his wife as he guided her the way they had come.
Tromping through the thick marsh, Rey made small talk with the siren strapped to his chest. “Are you excited about returning home?” Catching a limb, he held it away so she would not be struck as they passed.
Facing away from him so she could see where they were going, Oldrilin grinned, “Home to Riran.”
“Yes, Riran,” he agreed, testing his footing on a slick-looking expanse of moss-covered stones. Taking it slow, he observed, “Man, this place sure is treacherous.”
“Gnomes are small,” she replied.
“I guess,” he chuckled. “Does that mean they don’t have far to fall when the earth gives way beneath them?” Reaching the other side of the hazard, he again picked up the pace.
“Rey Daye funny,” she giggled. “Lin has an important message for queen Olirassa. We must hurry.”
“Yeah, I know,” he grimaced. “I’m doing the best I can. But don’t hang out there too long. We’ll be waiting for you to get back, and I’m not looking forward to laying around alone while I do.”
“Rey safe,” she sighed. “Oldrilin will hurry most certain.”
Ahead of them, the trees parted, and a wide rocky shore spread before them. “Well, it’s about time,” Rey grinned. “Ok, this is it. Let me get us to the water, and you can be on your way. And we need to find a landmark, so you will know where to come ashore when you get back.” An idea springing to mind, he gasped, “Man, I wish we had perfected that telepathy thing. Then you could just let me know you’re back.”
The siren had spoken to him once, but only once, and the message had been short at that. “I will try,” she agreed, doubtful they would be able to connect, as neither of them were practiced at using it.
Moving down the shore, the pair searched for the right location for her to enter. It needed to be one she would be able to recognize when she returned. Seeing a peninsula that stuck out a fair distance, he pointed, “Looks good, huh?”
“Yes. Looks like land,” she
agreed.
“Looks like land,” he mocked. “I know it’s land, but will you see it from out there?” he asked, swiping a hand to indicate the dark water before them.
“I see it good, Rey Daye,” she agreed.
“Then this is our spot,” he discerned with a shrug.
Dropping his pack at the edge of the trees, Rey pushed forward. Reaching the water, it crashed in huge waves against the shore. The moonlight splashing across it, the air felt cold, and the boy was glad he wouldn’t be the one going in. “Are you ready?”
“Ready, Rey Daye,” she sang, feeling joy at the prospect of returning home after so many moons away.
Pulling the bindings to her pouch from his shoulder, he lowered her to the ground and helped her step out of her carrier. “This is it,” he beamed, hoping she would be reassured at her first attempt to transform.
Swinging her hands in a wide arc, she clapped a few times before her, then stepped into the water and dove into the rough surf. Gone in an instant, the speed of her disappearance sent his heart racing.
“Lin!” he shouted, having at least expected a goodbye.
A moment later, a large black fish turned straight out in front of him, a few yards from the rocks of the shore. “Oh, thank God,” he breathed.
Turning a few times, the ebony fins slapped the water, and he laughed. “I see you. You’re good. Go on, and I’ll meet you here at this point when you get back.”
The point he referred to was the small peninsula of land that jutted out a bit farther into the sea. Standing upon it, water flanked him, and a cold wind beat against his thin frame, adding doubt to the back of his mind. Turning to face the beach, he hoped that she would see it, as the line of trees on the shore held no discernible features as far as the eye could see.
Staring at the abyss for a few minutes, she did not appear again, and he knew that she had gone. How many days it would take her uncertain, all that remained was to return to his gear and make camp. Normally a patient man, he knew this wait would be particularly difficult, with so much of importance hanging in the balance, not to mention his special little friend who might never return.
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