by D. E. Morris
“She was tortured.” Deep sorrow shook Badru’s voice. “Whoever killed her did it in a way that was meant to be painful.”
Cavalon frowned. “Nealie always did make enemies easier than she made friends. When we met her in the jungle...”
“I know,” Badru interrupted. “Please, let us not speak ill of her now. She was my sister.”
“She was ours as well,” Cavalon argued. “I know you were close to her, Badru, but you have to know she prided herself in making people hate her.”
Ignoring him, Badru shook his head. “It woke me from a sound sleep when she was dying. I felt fire had replaced my blood, and the pain of it was more real than I can tell you. Right before she died, I swear I could hear her scream. Whoever had her wanted something...a book.”
Ashlynn looked between Badru and Cavalon, brows drawn together. “You were able to speak telepathically?”
Badru turned deep brown eyes upon Ashlynn. “Not exactly.”
“Then...” She trailed off, thoroughly confused.
“It has happened before,” Badru supplied.
Cavalon nodded. “With Mei and Siobhán. Mei Xing felt your mother die and knew her last thought.”
This was not something Ashlynn had ever heard before and it showed on her face. “Why did no one ever tell me this?”
His expression was unreadable. “What good would it have done you?”
“She was my mother!”
Jaryn touched her arm. “It’s all right, love.”
“No, it is not!” Ashlynn demanded.
“The point,” Cavalon said forcefully with a glance in her direction, “is that Badru could very well have heard Nealie’s final thought.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “A book, huh?”
“It makes no sense to me,” said Badru quietly. “What sort of book would be worth killing Nealie over?”
“A valuable one,” Cavalon surmised. “Maybe something she stole?” He looked at Badru and shook his head. “You know she was not above theft, be it material or personal.”
“I know,” Badru sighed.
“So what now?” asked Jaryn. He looked pointedly at Badru. “Her eldest would inherit her powers, right?”
“Yes,” the darker man answered slowly. “As close as Nealie and I were, she never shared that part of her life with me. I assume she has children, but who and where they are, I cannot begin to guess.”
“Great.” Cavalon frowned. “Knowing Nealie, she wouldn’t have even told her kid what she was.”
“Nealie did not enjoy attachments,” said Badru. “I will know when the child shifts, but until then I remain as in the dark as all of you. I believe she was in Ibays when it happened. When last we spoke it was where she was heading and I know she enjoyed a certain...friendship...with Donnchadh.”
Ashlynn frowned. “You believe he had a hand in her death?”
“Not necessarily. However, I find it hard to believe he would know nothing of it. My suspicions only grew when time and again he has refused to meet with me.”
“How many times have you tried to see him?” Jaryn asked.
“Seven.” Badru grimaced. “It took me a couple of weeks to piece my thoughts together, remember where she said she had been going. I went to Ibays as soon as I remembered her connection to Donnchadh.”
“That is why you came here; for men to take with you.” Ashlynn folded her hands in her lap, the smile on her lips a sympathetic one. “Badru, it is a terrible thing that we have lost another of our kindred, but you cannot simply charge into another country demanding answers with soldiers surrounding you. The accusation alone would be enough to weaken an already tenuous relationship between Siness and Ibays, one that has never been strong to begin with, and that would be at the very least. Donnchadh could see my men at your command as a threat to him and he may try and kill you.”
“I would like to see him try.”
“You are a powerful Elemental. We saw as much during the war. But my men are just men with wives and children.” Badru was staring at Ashlynn as though he could change her mind with his gaze alone, but she was not so easy to sway. “Have you any proof of his involvement?”
“No.”
She didn't reply verbally, but the answer was written on her face. There wasn't a single person within the throne room who could justify sending a company of soldiers to Ibays.
“I suggest we put this matter, and ourselves, to bed for the night,” said Jaryn. “It's late and I'm sure we will all be able to think clearly in the morning.”
“In the morning I will be returning to Ibays,” Badru said plainly, “but I am thankful for your generosity tonight.”
“I'll come with you.” From the side of the room Zarra gave a despairing peep at Cavalon's offer. Her eyes grew wide when she realized she'd made the sound, though no one acknowledged her but Mairead, who bit on a smirk.
“Maybe Donnchadh will be more open to a meeting if there are two Elementals on his doorstep.”
Hope brimmed in Badru's eyes. “Think of what it would be like if we had three Elementals.”
“Ashlynn’s not coming,” Cavalon said before Ashlynn could turn Badru down. “She just had a baby.”
Badru blinked and turned to the couple. “My sincerest congratulations, Your Majesties. Forgive me. Had I known, I would have brought a gift.”
“It’s not necessary,” Jaryn said with a wave of his hand.
“It is.” Badru straightened with a serious expression. “Allow me to right this wrong after I rest. It is the least I can do after my sudden and less than pleasant appearance.”
At a loss, Jaryn glanced at Cavalon. The Badarian narrowed his eyes and glanced at Ashlynn before speaking. “Actually, Badru, there may be something you can give Ashlynn right now.”
“Oh?”
“She's been having attacks at night, something more than just nightmares.”
Badru nodded, gaze thoughtful. “You need a sleep aid.”
“Not just any sleep aid,” said Ashlynn. “Something that ensures no nightmares, no dreams at all. Just sleep.” She looked at the older man with skepticism. “Is that possible?”
“Oh, yes. A shaman in my village taught me how to make something for deep sleep long ago.”
Jaryn frowned. “A magic potion?”
The question made Badru laugh. “No, my friend. Simple science. I assume this castle has a storehouse where I can find herbs I may need?”
“Of course,” said Ashlynn eagerly. “How soon can you have it made?”
“Show me where I may work and I will have it for you within the hour.”
Ashlynn was quick to call for someone to escort Badru to a place he could work on his solution and when he was gone, she almost cried in happiness at the thought of a night of rest. Jaryn reached over and squeezed her arm, a glad smile on his face. “Hear that, love? You'll be able to leave that dreadful tower.”
“I know.” She mirrored his smile, though it was fleeting. “I will need to stay in my own room though. To start.” She saw the change in Jaryn’s expression and was quick to explain. “Just in case it doesn't work. Please, Jaryn. I do not want to risk hurting you again.”
He nodded and she knew he understood, even if it hurt him. She turned to Mairead and Zarra, giving them a nod of dismissal. Both were eager to get to bed themselves, though Zarra gave one last longing look toward Cavalon before being tugged from the throne room by Mairead.
Oblivious, Cavalon cleared his throat. “I suppose I'll head to my room as well.” He nodded to Jaryn but paused when his eyes met Ashlynn's. “It was you, you know. Your mother's last thought was of you and Kenayde.”
Not for the first time that night, Ashlynn felt tears sting her eyes. She nodded but said nothing, and Cavalon bid them both a good night before leaving them alone.
It took a long moment of sorrow-filled silence before Ashlynn rose with a solemn expression. Jaryn did not move as she walked to his throne and ran a hand through his ever unruly brown hair. He pulled her
around so she sat in his lap with her head on his shoulder. Neither of them said anything for a time, both content in the silence. Ashlynn’s hand stayed at the back of her husband’s head, playing with the hair at the base of his neck.
“I've missed you so much,” he whispered heavily.
“I know,” Ashlynn answered, her voice soft. She'd missed him too, missed his arms around her, his silly laugh and easy smile. She missed the way her hand felt in his and now laced their fingers together. It felt like she was where she belonged, though there was the constant fear of what might happen to him if she lost control of herself in her sleep again. It had been happening more frequently and she could only pray that Badru's solution would work.
“I’m sorry I said it was all right earlier,” said Jaryn. Ashlynn gave him a quizzical look. “When Cavalon mentioned your mother.”
“I forgive you.” She paused, taking a slow breath in. “He was so kind to me in the tower. I love this man he is becoming, even if we still fight.”
“Like a real brother and sister.”
Ashlynn nodded with a soft smile, though her sadness came back swiftly. “I know everyone says Nealie was a terrible person, but I wish I could have met her.”
“As an Elemental, she was your kin. It’s only right for you to feel the loss of her.”
“There had to be some good in her if Badru loved her. He is such a complex man, and he obviously cared for her, as did my mother.”
Jaryn simply nodded, then held Ashlynn closer to him as they each became lost in their own thoughts.
“What about this book?” he murmured after awhile. “Did Wessely ever tell you of a book when he told you what you were?”
Ashlynn shook her head. “There were books and scrolls he had me read from, but they weren't anything special...” Her eyes glazed slightly in thought. “There was one scroll he had me read; it was in another language.”
“What language?”
“I have no idea. They were symbols and shapes. I had never seen anything like it before or since.” In truth, Ashlynn had completely forgotten about the old scroll Wessely showed her some years ago. “I cannot believe I didn’t remember that.”
“But it was a scroll,” pressed Jaryn, “not a book. Badru said Nealie’s killer was looking for a book.”
“Maybe the scroll is linked to the book.” Her eyes narrowed. “Perhaps it is time I paid my father a visit. Since I am the only one who can read it, I think it should belong to me anyway.”
Jaryn kissed her. “Let's see if Badru's cure works first. You need a few good nights of sleep and some time with your family here before you go anywhere.”
Chapter Eight
Badru's potion did work. So well, in fact, that Ashlynn was still sound asleep when he and Cavalon were ready to depart for Ibays. When it was reported there had been no fyres during the night, or utterances of fear or despair, Badru nodded happily. “Let her sleep, then. There is no need of her to see us off.” Clasping forearms with Jaryn he added, “I made plenty and showed your own healer how to make more, should she feel she needs more before we have returned.”
Relief was on Jaryn's face as he nodded. “I don't know how we'll ever be able to repay you.”
“Knowing she is resting after such a troublesome time and sparing your elf friend the journey over to probably make a similar potion is payment enough.”
“Jaryn, do me a favor.” He turned to Cavalon as the Badarian was hefting a heavy pack over his shoulders. “Send word to Nuala and let her know what's going on.”
“One of the messengers returned this morning. As soon as he's rested I will send him her way. Once my wife is well enough rested and has spent some time with her son, I'm sure she'll be off to Oceana to see what she can find.” As the men ate their morning meal together earlier, Jaryn mentioned Wessely's scroll to them and they agreed it was worth looking into.
“Be well, my friends,” said Jaryn, walking with them out into the bailey. “If you need anything at all, don't hesitate in asking.”
There was little else to be said. Leaving the young king behind them, Badru and Cavalon stepped well enough away from anything that may catch fyre, then disappeared in a burst of flames. They'd agreed already that finding Nealie's child was just as important as finding out what had happened to Nealie herself, and they would begin in a place the Water Elemental had been well known.
Ibays was not very different from Siness in scenery or architecture, yet when Cavalon and Badru appeared outside a bustling village similar to Altaine Shire, Cavalon knew exactly where they were. It had been many years since he’d visited Nealie’s home town of Cormill. So many years, in fact, that what he knew to be a thriving little town seemed to be turning into a busy little city. The buildings looked the same, though they were taller, grander, and had multiplied in number. The streets were cobbled and everything seemed to be facing the center of town where a single lamp post stood in the center of the large square.
“Have I really been away that long?”
Badru looked at Cavalon. “When were you last here?”
“When Cormill had fourteen houses at most. How did this happen?”
Beside him, Badru chuckled. “Industrial enterprise, my friend. It happens to even the smallest of places. This town has always been the hub of Ibays’ trading and merchant stations. It has grown as Ibays has grown in population.”
“It’s good to see people coming back here,” Cavalon admitted as he and Badru walked the bustling streets. “For a few generations it seemed as though Ibays would be a ghost nation.”
“The land was raped of its people in war after war. The Ibayish were often the cause of the altercations, their egos so easily wounded. I lost count of the years it took for these people to regain some of their pride and admit to their heritage.”
The two men walked slowly so Cavalon could get a good look around. Once Cormill had been small, every family familiar with one another, hospitality to a stranger offered without a second thought. Now it appeared as though gold had become the ruler of the town. Merchants pushing every kind of treasure imaginable lined the center courtyard with carts and kiosks packed with trinkets and oddities.
“I can’t believe Nealie lived here.” Cavalon shook his head incredulously “It’s so loud.”
“Did Nealie ever really live anywhere?” Badru asked evenly. “She needed a place to call home so that her constant wanderings had an anchor.”
After browsing and strolling for awhile, Badru turned down one of the side streets and motioned for Cavalon to follow. As they walked farther away from the center of town, it became quieter. Cavalon looked up at the tall stone and mortar buildings looming over him and felt a little claustrophobic. It made him long for the canopy of trees he’d grown used to in Braemar. Inevitably he thought of Nuala and Lucien, but he forced himself to focus on the task at hand.
“Where are we going?”
“There is someone who takes care of Nealie’s home when she is away. I thought it best we begin there and see what we may find.”
It would have been impossible to find it on his own now, but as they closed in on the outskirts of the town where the buildings were smaller and less clumped together, Cavalon finally recognized Nealie’s house. The mason work was detailed and precise, giving the small home a look of royalty. Nealie was not a queen, but that never stopped her from trying to live like one.
Badru rapped lightly on the door. Less than a minute passed before a small old woman with long dark hair answered. She looked up at Badru and gave him a wide smile. “Badru! To what do I owe this pleasure? Come in, come in!” She held the door open wide, closing it once Cavalon and Badru were inside. She eyed Cavalon with question but quickly looked to Badru. “The mistress is not at home.”
“We know,” he said heavily. “Kira, it pains me to have to be the one to tell you, but Nealie will not be returning home again.” He took a step toward the woman and put a hand on her shoulder. “Nealie has been killed.”
&nb
sp; Kira inhaled sharply, her light brown eyes filling with tears. “When? What happened?”
“We do not know,” answered Badru gently. “It was several weeks ago. I felt her passing.”
“Oh, my poor mistress!”
“Kira, you knew much of Nealie that I did not, and I pride myself in knowing I held many of her secrets. She was never so careless as to not leave an heir for safety’s sake. Do you know how old her offspring would be or perhaps where we could find them?”
With a shake of her head, Kira closed her eyes. “No. She never shared anything that personal with me.” A pained expression crossed her face, wrinkling her brow. “How can this be? What am I to do now?”
“I must ask you to think back now, Kira. When was the last time you spoke with Nealie?”
The old woman kept her eyes closed a moment longer, thinking. “It must have been four months at least. There was still snow in the mountains the last time she was home.”
“Did she tell you where she was going?”
Cavalon’s question made Kira open her eyes. She fixed him with a scrutinizing gaze, looking away only when Badru told her Cavalon was a friend. She turned her eyes out the window. “Lerranyth Castle. She had an appointment with the high king.”
“Donnchadh.” Cavalon’s brow furrowed.
“All signs point in his direction,” said Badru calmly.
“She didn’t tell me why she was going or how long she would be gone,” Kira told them. She wrapped her arms around herself as though trying to ward off a chill. “I’m sorry I cannot be of more help than that.”
Badru placed a large hand on her shoulder. “You have been help enough, Kira.” His head turning, he spoke over his shoulder to Cavalon. “Shall we go next to the capital, then?”
“Ready when you are.”
“Could you give us a moment, please?” Cavalon nodded and went back outside. When they were alone, Badru turned Kira to make her face him. “You were precious to Nealie, even if she never told you as much. I could see the affection in her eyes when you were near. You were like a mother to her.”