“You have far more power than that.” She gave him a mysterious smile. “Your blood is strong; you only need to unlock it.” Then she bowed her head and closed her eyes as if pained. “But Na’tyr blood is also cursed… poisoned by an ancient enemy. The name curse is so old that some have even forgotten that there was a time before. It is this; if one speaks a Na’tyr’s true name, that Na’tyr is bound to do as they say.”
“Wait, I met someone who was cursed like that.” Ralis sat up. “She was half Na’tyr like me, like us. I didn’t understand at the time but… There was a man who was using her full name to take advantage of her…” Ralis felt a pain in his chest as he recalled his memories of Raigh.
“That was the intentional purpose of the curse, to control Na’tyr. All with our blood suffer it. I am sorry about your friend.” She reached out and cupped her hand over Ralis’s. “Tell me of her, perhaps I can send one of my runners to bring her here.”
Ralis nodded, hopeful that he could fulfill his vow to rescue Raigh. He told Mistress Avia about his time at the Carnival of Dreams and as much as he knew about Raigh. His fists balled tightly as he recounted the events.
“I will do what I can for Raigh. Although, my reach beyond Esper is limited.” Mistress Avia frowned and pulled her hand back.
Ralis felt a weight rise off his chest and sighed in relief. Then a thought crossed his mind with a chill. “Ralis isn’t my real name?”
“A nickname.” Mistress Avia nodded in confirmation. “A necessary tradition born of the name curse. Na’tyr parents who love their children give them long and complicated true names, then from that, a nickname is used to protect the child. In the case of your friend, her Human parent must have named her without knowledge of the curse. Or her Na’tyr parent cared nothing for her. Your father on the other hand, cared very much about you and did not even tell your mother your true name. Forgive me, but in my visions, I have seen it. But I assure you, it is safe with me. I can think of nothing more vile than to use such power and control another.” She then tilted her head curiously to the side. “Do you wish to know it?”
Ralis considered for a moment. The idea that someone could control him, or anyone like him, just by knowing their birth name was terrifying. He considered the safety that was to be had through ignorance, then again curiosity compelled him to answer.
“Yes.”
Mistress Avia nodded and then responded in a low whisper. “Ralianaranis.”
Ralis felt something deep in his blood react to the word and his frame stiffened against his wishes. The hairs on his body stood on end as the blood awaited a command. It felt terrible, like he was nothing more than a puppet on a string. Mistress Avia waited in calm silence until the effect faded and Ralis’s body relaxed again. He shuddered and never wanted to experience such a thing again. He couldn’t imagine what Raigh’s life had been like if she had to feel that all the time.
“I swear to keep your name a secret. If you do decide to share it with anyone, only do so with people you trust explicitly. You have seen the harm that can come if the wrong person knows such things. But as such, sharing your true name with someone is the highest form of trust our kind can express.” Mistress Avia leaned back against her chair and rested her hands upon her lap. “You are not the first to come to Alumeen with little knowledge of your blood. I usually take it upon myself to explain as much as I can. Another fact you may not have known, is that our blood makes us immortal, you will not grow old and could live for all time if luck permits. I myself was born long before the Chaos Gate was opened, when only a few Na’tyr lived in hiding.”
Ralis looked over Mistress Avia, she looked no older than him. “Doesn’t that get lonely?”
She smiled sadly. “I can think of nothing more heartbreaking than to watch friends or lovers grow old and die. Because of this, most Na’tyr keep to our own. But as you well know, there are exceptions. I do not assume to know why an immortal would choose to bond with a mortal, but it happens more often than I would have guessed.”
Everything that Mistress Avia told Ralis felt like another weight upon his shoulders, a burden of knowledge that he would have to carry for the rest of his life. He would outlive all of his friends, except Raigh if he ever found her again.
“Now, do you have any questions for me?” She asked with a sympathetic smile.
“What exactly is the blood feud?” Ralis’s brow furrowed.
“I have only caught glimpses of the story and heard sparse rumors, but this is what I have learned. Be warned, I am not entirely certain of the accuracy of my words. Long ago, when Razmir was the young King of the Na’tyr he was kind and tried so very hard to make the right decisions. His father had been murdered and he was crowned before he was ready. Always at his side was a lover, one who encouraged and gave him the confidence he so desperately needed. When the Chaos Gate was first opened, centuries ago, King Razmir followed the dark Goddess. She led a charge through Madaria, but it would not last, as I am sure Miri has told you. When the Chaos Gate was sealed, not all the Na’tyr returned to that plane of darkness. Razmir and his lover were separated by a barrier that neither could cross. The years apart affected them both. From the Na’tyr I have spoken with, it turned Razmir to madness and he became cruel. While the other found love in a mortal, a Human. Together they had a child and would have been happy for many years had the Chaos Gate not reopened. Razmir saw the act as the greatest betrayal and vowed to kill all those who were born of Na’tyr and Human blood, as well as the Na’tyr who willingly formed such bonds. As King-Regent he had the power to make such a vow the law and so it was made. And thus, a great schism was formed between our people. Not all Na’tyr are loyal to the Mad King, most wish to see such a childish ruling abolished. Yet his connection to the Queen has prevented any from standing against him.” She sighed and looked down at her hands. “And that is why your father chose to hide you and your mother. Why he had to flee or risk your death when he was discovered.”
Ralis felt an anger like he had never felt before. Because of the King-Regent’s jealousy his father was kept from him and he had been forced to live in hiding. If his father had been able to stay with them, his mother likely would still be alive. His fists curled into balls as the anger flowed through him, and yet he did not know what to do with it. There was nothing that could be done to bring his mother back. No amount of revenge would bring Ralis the peace that he longed for. And his father was still alive, he only needed to find him.
“I have seen that your presence here could bring an end to the blood feud.” Mistress Avia whispered in a reverent tone. “I know not how, only that it is a possibility. One future that myself and all the residents of Alumeen would do anything to help you achieve. But first you must bind to the power of Wind. All of my visions have made it clear the importance of this event.”
Ralis swallowed nervously. “Can you tell me anything about the Shrine of Wind? Will it be like the Shrine of Flame was?”
“As I mentioned before, the guardians will be a greater challenge, for they cannot be killed. And the ancient Hero of Wind has lost his mind to the mud and isolation, he must not be released. You need to mentally prepare yourself to take that man’s life.”
Ralis shuddered. “And if I can’t.”
“You must.” She leaned forward with a strict expression, leaving no room for misinterpretation. “The Hero of Wind must die at your hand so that you will acquire the power.”
He shook his head. He had never killed anyone before and the idea made him sick, yet the stern glare of Mistress Avia made it clear that he had no choice in the matter.
“Anything else before we depart?”
“What about my friends? Amri, Browen and Ezra. You and Miri both said that a darkness is coming after Ezra, can we do anything to help her?”
“With the power of the Wind, you will be able to help her.” Mistress Avia nodded.
“And what about Browen and Amri?”
“As I have seen it, The Rogue is precisely where she is supposed to be, and The Protector will keep her safe until his very last breath. You need not worry about them for now.”
Ralis felt a shiver traverse down his spine at her words but nodded in understanding.
“One final word of wisdom from the chaos that guides my visions.” She leaned forward and whispered to Ralis. “Your heart is the key; in darkness you will find kindness. Do not let the evils of the world turn your gold heart black. Your card is The Lover for a reason.”
He blinked, confused by her cryptic words, and Mistress Avia frowned as if equally uncertain of their meaning. Then she stood and collected a bag from beneath the table as well as a tall walking stick that leaned against the wall. It was decorated in the same ornate markings as the bow Miri had been gifted.
“If that is all, we should return to The Guide.”
Wordlessly, she led Ralis out of the building and back into the pungent air of the swamp. Miri had waited with her back leaned against the wall and had a pensive look on her face. She stood up straight as Ralis exited the building and looked worriedly between him and Mistress Avia.
“I prepared the boat as requested, Mistress.” Tylo beamed as he bounded over to Mistress Avia.
She rested an affectionate hand upon his head and made towards the edge of the small town. “Then we shall depart immediately.”
“Now?” Miri gasped as she followed behind Ralis.
“As I have said, time is not on our side cousin, and it will take us at least a day to arrive at the Shrine. Unfortunately, this is the only opportunity that you will have before the Queen arrives.”
“The Queen?” Miri whispered; her voice wavered with terror. “When will she…”
“For the Masquerade of course.” Mistress Avia smiled mysteriously over her shoulder. “We have much to prepare for before that fateful night.”
Chapter Thirty
Amri
Amri struggled to fall asleep in the massive plush bed. But sleep did eventually find her, and she grumbled with exhaustion as the heavy curtains of her room were thrown open. She winced against the sunlight and frowned as she noticed her handmaids hurry around the room.
“Up, up Lady Kirra, we need to prepare you for breakfast.” Milli spoke in a cheery sing song voice as she continued to open more of the curtains around the room.
Amri groaned as the memory of her current predicament returned to her and she scowled at the iron band on her wrist. “Is it true what they told me yesterday? That this thing will kill me if I try to escape?”
Milli gasped at the question, but some of the other girls looked between each other with grim expressions. Adirra spoke up from her place at the closet where she had been flicking through the collection of dresses.
“It works… a girl tried it once… it… it was pretty bad.”
“Just wait for your year to be done, it isn’t so bad if you’re smart.” Joslyn snapped as she gestured for Amri to join her by the vanity.
Amri shuddered and pulled herself from the warm soft blankets. She was surprised at how comfortable she was that morning, despite how overly soft the bed had felt last night. Eva instantly moved to straighten the sheets and, before Amri could react, Eva’s fingers had wrapped around the hilt of one of the daggers Amri had hidden under her pillow. She pulled it partially out and looked at it with a bewildered expression, then she looked back to Amri. Amri shook her head slightly and Eva’s eyes narrowed. Then she returned the blade beneath the pillow and busied herself with her work again as if she hadn’t seen anything.
Joslyn got up with a frustrated sigh and grabbed Amri’s arm. With surprising strength for her slight build, Joslyn dragged Amr over to the vanity. Before Amri could protest Joslyn got to work scrubbing her face in preparation for the layers of makeup. Wordlessly Sabrin moved behind Amri and started work on her hair.
“Has anyone ever gotten out?” Amri asked as the two girls fussed over her head.
“Not in the way that you’re meaning.” Eva responded sourly as she tucked the bed’s blankets tight beneath the mattress.
“Some girls decided to… end things themselves, if you get what I mean.” Joslyn added as she padded Amri’s face in thick powders.
“And then there are the executions.” Adirra contributed, laying down a selection of four dresses on a chaise lounge. “Otherwise, you’re stuck here just like the rest of us.”
“It really isn’t so bad.” Sabrin was gently brushing Amri’s hair as she spoke. “I didn’t have much growing up, so this is almost a dream come true. I get to wear pretty things, live in a beautiful castle, eat amazing food, and meet interesting people. The only thing I regret is not having my family here.”
Eva scoffed loudly and, after she finished with the bed, moved to look at Amri through the mirror. “Sure, being a slave is great, I wouldn’t change a thing.” The sarcasm was thick in her voice.
“Hush all of you!” Scolded Milli from across the room. “The King-Regent is very generous. He has allowed each of us to live in his home and enjoy the comforts of the castle. Don’t ever forget that.”
Eva leaned down next to Amri’s ear and whispered only loud enough for the girls working around her to hear. “She’s just afraid.”
“One of the King-Regent’s advisors can turn invisible and has a reputation of spying on people.” Joslyn added with a hush.
“Oh.” Amri felt a shiver go down her spine.
After a few more moments of fussing, Amri’s hair was twisted into short braids that tangled together at the back and her face was thoroughly caked in makeup. Her skin had been made to look far more pale than it was, aside from the cheeks which had a slight artificial blush to them, and her eyes had been darkened. As Amri looked at herself in the mirror, it was like a doll version of herself looked back. While the face in the mirror was conventionally pretty, Amri felt uncomfortable to be so dolled up. Before she could examine her new face closer, Amri was then brought to the chaise lounge where Adirra excitedly presented her with a selection of dresses.
“I think yellow would be a nice colour on you and I thought you would appreciate something a little lighter today.”
“Oh, that would look adorable on you dear.” Milli beamed as she looked over the light yellow sundress that Adirra held up. “What do you think, Kirra?”
“I really don’t care.” Amri crossed her arms over her chest. The dress, makeup and hair felt as much like shackles as the iron band around her wrist.
“Well in that case, let’s go with this one. Good job Adirra.” Milli smiled and Adirra curtseyed. “Let’s give her a moment to get dressed then ladies. We’ll meet you in the sitting room.”
Her handmaids left in a hurry and closed the door behind them. Amri sighed in frustration and tried again to remove the iron band. She used everything she could find, but short of cutting off her own hand the band seemed fixed in place.
Temporarily defeated, she removed the sleeping gown she had been provided and pulled on the yellow dress. As she had yesterday, she belted on her daggers beneath the skirt and adjusted the folds to conceal them from view.
There was a knock on the main door and again Mr. Darwood presented his arm, ready to escort her to breakfast. They walked together in silence. After her conversation with her handmaids, Amri had to resist the instinct of imagining an invisible enemy stalking her wherever she went.
“After breakfast your lessons will begin.” Mr. Darwood casually mentioned as he led her through the labyrinth of halls. “We haven’t much time and you’ll need to learn how to sit, stand, speak, dance and even think. You must be like a proper noble woman before the Masquerade.”
“When is that?” Amri asked with a frown.
“Three days.” He answered while he nervously
checked an ornate pocket watch. “Ideally however, you’ll be at least somewhat presentable for when the Queen and her company arrives in two days.”
“Wait, the Queen is coming here?” Amri gasped.
“Of course, it is a celebration of her rule after all.” Mr. Darwood answered resolutely.
Like dinner the previous night, Amri was placed at the end of the long table across from the King-Regent himself. His four advisors sat on his left and right, and they all ignored her as she arrived. She looked between them as they talked about the state of the kingdom and wondered which one could turn invisible.
The meal was the most elaborate thing Amri had ever eaten. Waffles with an assortment of jams, fruits, syrups and flavoured whipped creams. Again, she had hesitated, but the cruel twisted smile of the King-Regent combined with the many warnings she had received, brought a few forkfuls into her mouth. She had never felt so full in her entire life, and it made her feel sick.
Thankfully, the meal concluded without incident and Mr. Darwood presented his arm again. As she stood, the King-Regent finally acknowledged her and looked up from his tea.
“No outbursts today? I had hoped that you would be more fun than this.”
Amri scowled, but kept her mouth shut. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of playing his games.
The King-Regent smirked as if reading her mind. “Off to your lessons now my pet.”
Amri opened her mouth to curse at him but was hurriedly pulled from the room by Mr. Darwood. She was still fuming by the time they reached an opulent sitting room where her handmaids waited.
They got to work right away. Today’s lesson was focused on standing and walking like a lady. Milli instructed formally as she demonstrated how to walk with one’s shoulders pulled back and chin tilted up. She moved in a perfect line, with one foot in front of the other. Amri grumbled as she was made to repeat the absurd way of walking.
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