Heritage- Legends of Shadear

by Elina Vale

  “What you’re suggesting is treason,” Aigon said. “You’re planning to circumvent all of our laws, declare supremacy, and leave the Island with our best warriors regardless of what our current leader decrees.”

  “You don’t get it, do you?” Javid said, jabbing Aigon’s shoulder with his finger. “We have bigger problems than your laws and customs! The real danger comes from the Spike!”

  “We have never had problems with the Spike,” Aigon said. “High Master Aldemar was always content to trade with us.”

  “The new High Mistress, Shea Ziragh, isn’t likely to be so hospitable,” Teron said.

  “The new High Mistress is on the verge of declaring war against the entire world!” Javid shouted. “Aigon, if Shea has her way, we’re all finished! Not just the mainland: your islands, your kinfolk, and all those customs you hold dear will be swept away by her madness!”

  “And what gives this woman such power?” Aigon asked.

  “The Black Star,” Shri uttered.

  Aigon faced her. “What did you say?”

  “Shea has the Black Star,” Shri said. “It used to belong to Aldemar, but now Shea has it.”

  “It’s an item of unspeakable power,” Teron said, “and great evil.”

  "Yes...” Aigon murmured, pacing thoughtfully. “I’ve heard of it.”

  “We Mairas have stories of the Black Star,” Roxana said. “Ancient stories that go back. I can’t even say how far. But we’ve been taught that they’re just legends!”

  “The Black Star is real,” Javid said. “I promise you that much. I have...” His face squeezed with anguish. “I have experienced it personally. Aldemar Krun had a reasonable hold on its power. But Shea is nothing more than a drokashai who was bonded to the relic by a dying Aldemar. Ever since she received it, she has been descending into chaos. Soon, it will control her entirely.”

  Aigon clasped his hands together. “This changes everything.”

  “Shri, why didn’t you tell me?” Roxana wondered. “Great Mother, the Black Star!”

  “I really didn’t think you would care,” Shri said. “You Mairas are so wrapped up in your own affairs.”

  "This war is coming, Aigon,” Javid said. “You can hide all you want, but if Shea isn’t stopped, the Black Star will wipe everything from the face of Aviden, including your fair city. Even Shea’s closest advisor is concerned. She believes that the stone will soon possess Shea completely.”

  “Advisor?” Roxana said. “How many senatai are in that tower?”

  "Many,” Javid said. “But Doria Tamarian knows more about the Black Star than anyone, possibly even Shea herself.”

  “Doria...” Shri scratched her chin. “I forgot about her. Javid, she almost killed us both inside the Gates!”

  "Wait a minute,” Roxana said. “Thinking back over your story of the Gate Run. You talking about the woman who could command the earth?”

  “That’s her,” Javid said.

  “I beat her once,” Shri said, “entirely by chance.”

  “Shri,” Javid said. “I... I know her better now. You don’t know how strong she really is. Her fountain... I swear, it’s nearly limitless.”

  “I know,” Shri said. “Eavan told me about her. She and Doria were dubbed the most powerful senatai of their generation.”

  “This earth-mover,” Aigon said, “she is a close ally of the High Mistress?”

  “She is,” Javid said. “But it’s worse than that. I believe she wants the Star for herself. And...” Turning his face to the shadows, he declared, “...I’m afraid she may be able to wield it properly.”

  “If Shri isn’t allowed to face them, one of those two will end up with it,” Teron said. “Eavan believes that you’re the only one who can destroy the Black Star, Shri. Do you happen to know why?”

  “Yes.” Shri lowered her eyes. “I can’t say if there’s any truth to the theory, but we’ll discuss it later.”

  Roxana shifted her eyes to Aigon. “Aigon?”

  “I am sorry, Shri,” Aigon sighed. “It seems we are in greater danger than I realized.”

  “I’m not asking you to join me, Aigon,” she answered. “Or you, Roxana. You owe me nothing. I’m only asking that you let me do what I must. The stakes are so high now.”

  Roxana snorted. “Keep acting like that and you’ll never get the Mairas to join you! Of course I’m in. This is, after all, my fault.”

  "How?” Javid asked.

  “Who do you think sent her to Emba?” Roxana unsheathed her small blade and twirled it to face Shri.

  Shri smiled at Roxana. The Maira woman had become a true friend in such a short time. Roxana was reckless, brave, honorable, and fun to be around. How could she imagine a better friend?

  Roxana looked at Shri with one brow high. “I was the one who told you about your heritage and Emba. You think I would have sent you off if I wasn’t unhappy with Tarinna Goldring and her politics? Let’s just say that it’s time things change around here. No more cruelty, no more piracy. It’s time that us Rogues become what we were supposed to be: The Mairas, noble Warriors of the Sea.” Prodding Aigon with the butt of her knife, she insisted, “You go ahead and turn me in! I ain’t taking it back!”

  Shri took hold of Roxana’s hand. “One Maira converted, several thousand to go. Well, Aigon? Will you tell Tarinna Goldring all my secrets?”

  Aigon frowned, pushing his hands under his cape and turning his back to them: a clear sign that he had much to consider.

  Javid set his hand on the hilt of his sword. “You’re either with us or against us. Your choice.”

  Shri studied Javid with a concerned eye. He looked different than he had inside the Gates. Perhaps her memories of him had been twisted by the horrors and the pain, but he lacked the gentle sympathy that had first attracted her. When she looked once more into his eyes, she saw that the twinkle was gone, replaced by shadows. She wished to talk with him more, but this wasn’t the time or the place for it.

  Aigon faced Shri. “When I was a boy, I sneaked into Emba.”

  Roxana whistled in amazement.

  He continued, “I was foolish and brave. But I am a distant cousin of the Coldwaters, a family line that ended some decades ago. The previous clan leader, Rågan Goldring, was a cruel, arrogant man. He was Tarinna’s father. He forced us to kill people, hunt mermaids, and slaughter whales. His ambition was to be known as the most feared pirate of the Salty Sea. I wondered if I could somehow replace him, become the next ruler. I would give the Mairas back their honor. I entered the woods, and when I swam across the Pond of Pearl and came to the meadow, I saw nothing. I sat there for hours. Then, just when I was about to leave, a woman appeared. She told me her name was Solige.”

  Shri nodded. “I met her too.”

  “I thought she was the most beautiful woman ever,” Aigon said, “but she told me something.”

  “What was that?” Roxana asked.

  “I remember her words like they happened yesterday. She said, ‘I’m sorry, young Aigon. This is not your path. You cannot see Emba.’ I remember getting angry at her, but she only smiled at me and said, ‘One day, you will change the fate of your people. You will never be their leader, but without you, the people are doomed.’ ‘How will I know what to do?’ I asked. ‘You will know,” she said. ‘You are the last drop in the Coldwater bloodline. And that drop may be strong enough to revive a storm.’ She vanished, and I was left alone in the meadow.”

  “You never mentioned this,” Roxana said. She smacked his arm. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”

  “I didn’t want to become an enemy of the throne,” he said. “Emba was no place for a boy like me, and if the Goldrings had known, they might have executed me.”

  “True.”

  Aigon looked at Shri again. “For years, I have pondered that riddle, wondered what fate Solige has set aside for me. What did it mean to ‘revive a storm’? Why had she used that word? I think I may finally know. I’m no fool, Shri Moongale...
Moon-Storm, that is... but I do believe in gods.”

  "So, I can count on you?” Shri asked.

  Aigon paused, then nodded. “Yes, you can count on me.”

  “Good,” she said. “Truth be told, I’m glad to have you on my side, Aigon.”

  “I know a lot of men and women who have the same fire inside as our Roxana here,” Aigon admitted. “They are unhappy with Goldring rule. They want change. You bring that change. Show them those markings; I will back you up.”

  Shri took a deep breath and lifted her jaw. Now that she was reunited with Javid and Teron, now that she had Roxana and Aigon on her side, she felt invincible. She wasn’t alone anymore. They had her back, she was sure of it. Now, she could do what was expected of her, whether or not she wanted to. She looked at them... Roxana, Aigon, Teron, and Javid. “Let’s get going. I want to confront Tarinna tonight.”

  “No,” Roxana said. “We need people behind your cause first.”

  Shri shook her head. “There’s no time for a slow conversion. What we need is a rebellion. Now. We’ve already lost too many allies.”

  Teron cleared his throat. “Shri... About Eavan.”

  “We’ll deal with Eavan once we’ve rid ourselves of Tarinna Goldring and gotten an army on our side,” she said.

  “You’re not being smart,” Aigon said. “Let me find some men and...”

  “I’m doing this now. I feel...” Shri tried to explain. “Urgency.”

  "What sort of urgency?” Teron asked. “Like a second sight? A premonition?”

  “I don’t know,” she said. “Something I’ve never felt before. A pressure. But I am certain that something’s about to happen, and we need to deal with Tarinna before it does.”

  “Interesting,” Teron said. “Eavan often spoke that way when she discussed her visions.”

  “We’ll play it your way for now,” Aigon said. “But we must be prepared. It seems that losing you might be a tragedy not just for the island, but for the world.”

  Shri exited the house and marched toward the courtyard. The wind hurled her hair wildly around her face, fluttering her coat and making her shiver. Her skin crawled with building pressure. She didn’t know what was about to happen, but she knew that something was coming.

  Roxana, Javid, Teron, and Aigon followed her.

  They came to the feast. Tarinna Goldring sat on her throne, surrounded by flowers and torches, her robe fluttering in the wind. Music echoed through the courtyard. Shri hesitated. The people looked happy. She was about to change that.

  She pulled back behind the corner, closing her eyes. She felt hands on her arms. Strong, comforting hands.

  “What are you thinking?” Javid asked.

  Shri realized the others had moved away to give them some space. She studied Javid for a while. “Am I being selfish? What I’m about to do will change the lives of these people, drag them into a war across the ocean. Many will die.”

  “You are not forcing them; you’re giving them the truth and a choice. They can continue the way they have lived, or they can join you and become something more.” He stroked her arms. “When I was in the Spike... many things happened. But I realized that these are important moments in the time. Not just for senatai but for the world. And some of us are in the place where our decisions can make a difference. They are not easy to make.”

  Shri sighed and gave a small smile. “I’m happy you’re here. You were so amazing in the Gates...” She noticed his face tightening and let the issue go. The Gate Run was not a topic to discuss today.

  “You can do this. I’ve got your back.”

  She rested her cheek against his warm hand. “Thank you."

  Javid took a step back, nodding to the others.

  Shri straightened her posture and faced them. “Javid and Teron, keep your eyes on me in case I need magical assistance. Roxana and Aigon, I want you to mingle with the people. Don’t reveal our purpose yet. I don’t want to make you the targets.”

  “Very well,” Aigon said, sneaking into the crowd.

  “I believe in you,” Roxana said, “and so will many others.”

  Shri felt for the Heart to make sure it was there. She didn’t need any swords this time. “Let’s do this.”

  They entered the courtyard. Nobody stopped them. Some noticed Shri’s firm strides and confident demeanor, but soon turned their eyes away. Long tables were filled with people, feasting, celebrating the return of their husbands and friends. Walking towards the wooden platform reminded Shri of the day she entered the Gate Run. All those people had had eyes on her, all those accusing stares and disappointed headshakes. She pushed the memory from her mind; she needed to set her fears aside and do this. Everything would happen for a reason. She felt confident and felt like this was the right path.

  Without receiving permission, Shri climbed the platform. Tarinna stood, and her guards stepped forward to defend her. “What’s this?” she demanded. “Who invited you up here?”

  Shri boldly locked eyes with Tarinna. “I’ve been to Emba.”

  Alarm flashed in Tarinna’s eyes, and her nostrils flared. “How? How did you...?” Her eyes narrowed as she searched the crowd. “Roxana.”

  “Leave her out of this,” Shri returned, hoping to keep her friend safe. “The Gods guided me there.”

  Tarinna’s mouth pressed into a tight line. Her voice low and menacing, she hissed, “You’re lying.”

  “Am I?” Shri rolled up her sleeve.

  “Those are the markings of Emba!” one of Tarinna’s guards shouted.

  The music stopped, and all eyes turned to the platform.

  “But they’re so large. Much bigger than...” The guard silenced himself when Tarinna flashed him a threatening look.

  Tarinna’s grey eyes burned with hate. “So. You lied about wanting the throne.”

  “No, I didn’t,” Shri said, “at least not before Emba. Now, I know what really happened to my family. I know how your grandfather came to possess the throne.” Her fountain glimmered inside, and she knew she could touch it if she wanted to. It gave her such comfort. “I know everything.”

  Tarinna grabbed Shri’s arm and squeezed tightly. “They are not going to believe you,” she warned, nodding at the crowd.

  Shri smiled wickedly. Tarinna’s grandfather had deliberately destroyed two family lines to get the throne. When the word got out, the Goldrings would lose all support.

  “They will believe me,” Shri said. “I’m going to—” Her words were cut short when an energy pulse exploded inside her. All the pressure she had felt throughout the whole day suddenly burst. A sudden rumble shook the ground, causing her to stumble.

  Dong! Dong! Dong!

  A single bell started clanging on the shore. Immediately, several others joined its call.

  Another explosion made the podium tremble.

  A single fireball flew over the castle’s outer wall and hit the building’s gray stone wall. The force was too weak to cause any damage to the castle, but the fires fell like hot rain from the underworld. The Mairas scattered.

  “It’s an attack!” Tarinna glared at Shri. “This is your doing!”

  “No!” Shri returned. “I was going to challenge you, but this is not my doing!”

  Rushing over to a decorated festival pole on her right, Shri began to climb. When she reached the top, she turned her eyes towards the shore, gasping in horror as she saw bright columns of fire dotting the outskirt of the city.

  Mahox climbed onto the podium, straining to see over the wall.

  “How did they find us?” Tarinna asked him.

  Shri slid down the pole. She had to get to the shore if she wanted to defend the city. Teron and Javid would work with her to stop this.

  Tarinna and Mahox were talking intensely. The old senatai snatched Shri’s arm and examined the glittering marks. “You’re not wearing your ma’tera. Where is it?”

  Yanking her arm away, Shri said, “I removed it! I refuse to be a prisoner of...”


  “That bracelet was masking your presence!” Mahox shouted, snatching Shri by the collar. “They found us because you removed it!”

  Tarinna put her hand on Shri’s throat and squeezed. There was such rage in her eyes that Shri was certain the queen would kill her if she didn’t act quickly. Luckily, Mahox intervened. “Tarinna, let her go! Shri has power, and we’re going to need all the help we can get to turn away this attack!”

  Even then, Shri knew she could have easily used her magic to slay Tarinna Goldring, but destroying the city’s defenders was a bad move until the attack was repelled. Beyond that, Shri wasn’t even certain that openly killing the queen was a good move. Would she be seen as a conqueror or a murderer? “I will help to defend the city. Even if I wasn’t one of you, I would do it.”

  “This is not over, Moongale,” Tarinna said.

  “That’s Moon-Storm,” Shri declared, jumping down from the podium. Soon, she was accompanied by Roxana, Javid, and Teron. Aigon had already vanished, leading his forces into battle against the invaders.

  “What happened up there?” Roxana shouted as they left the courtyard and raced into the streets. Hundreds of people were running towards them, fighting to enter the safety of the castle.

  “I’ll let you know later!” Shri yelled. “Is there a shortcut to the harbor? Anything? We’ll never get there in time with all of these people coming at us!”

  “Shri! The rooftops!” Javid shouted, climbing on top of a grass-covered mount that gave him access to the roof.

  Shri ran to the mount, laughing at herself for not thinking about it. After all, she was an expert at running the rooftops. “Let’s go!”

  Javid took her hand and pulled her up. Soon, they all had followed her onto the roof, staring at the coast in horror. There were five enemy ships on the shore, and small boats were moving towards the harbor filled with senatai and drokashai. Shri could sense an immense force of magic pouring out of them.

  She jumped from rooftop to rooftop, her friends behind her, as destruction spread through the lower city. Already, the wind was spreading the fire across the buildings. Awful flashbacks from the Gate Run troubled Shri, but she shook them away. She looked at Javid, who landed next to her. His face was pale, like he himself had just been ripped.