by K.N. Lee
Her smile widened and she nodded. Her long black hair was pulled back into one long black braid that hung to the small of her back.
He stroked his chin, now free of the beard he’d grown during his comatose state. He’d cut his long dark brown hair as well, leaving it short and neat.
Dragnor stepped forward. He wore his customary black cloak, and dark tunic and pants over boots. Skinny, fairly tall, and with long black hair that hung straight, he was a creature from Nostfar with immeasurable power.
He looked to the open archway as a sweet-smelling breeze wafted in. On it, he could still smell her.
Maybe Wexcyn wouldn’t show on this day. He hoped that were true.
“Where is he?” Kavien asked, gazing out the open archways and glass windows for a trace of the Ancient who wished to change all of Ellowen.
He knew all about what how the Goddess of Law allowed him to walk free within their world, simply because a fairy broke the rules to save the life of a Tryan friend.
Before Sona or Dragnor could reply, the room darkened, and the air was sucked from the room as Wexcyn materialized in front of him. Kavien went to stand, only to find himself frozen in place. The harem girls gasped and tried to scramble away—but like him—they were unable to move. The force and pull of the Ancient’s power was too strong.
Bronze skin, dark silver eyes, and a few feet taller than even Kavien, Wexcyn resembled a stone soldier, equipped with a brass spike and glowing armor.
“Kavien,” he said. His voice seemed to vibrate Kavien’s bones, low and deep.
He flickered a look up to his father’s eyes, a sensation of dread filling his belly.
“Welcome back to the world of the living.”
He forced a smile. “Thank you for bringing me back.”
“There is work to be done, and I’ll not have you sleeping through it. We’ll conquer this world, side-by-side.”
Kavien nodded. “As you wish. It’ll be so.”
Wexcyn cracked a grin that stretched over his sharp teeth. “Centuries ago, I built this world, and gave it life. The other Ancients arrived from Aden shortly after, convinced we could make this world the best of them all. I went along with it, because I was a young god, naïve and thirsty for companionship. But, they betrayed me, and now, I believe it is time I reclaim my throne as the god of highest authority over this world. I was the first,” he said, clenching a fist. “And I will be the last.”
“Master,” Sona called, stepping forward. “What will you have us do to help you?”
Instead of answering her, Wexcyn raised his arms toward Kavien.
With a gasp, he was lifted from his throne. Heat filled him from the inside, burning through his veins and seeping into the pores of his flesh. Crying out, black light shot from his mouth and skin, into all directions. Two shadowy figures were pulled from his body, materializing from the black light.
His eyes widened as he hovered in the air and the shadows made it appear as though Kavien had multiplied.
Kavien fell back to the floor with a thud as he landed on his feet.
The two shadowy men figures flew to Wexcyn and bowed before him like dutiful servants.
Dumbfounded, Kavien fell to his knees and watched them, his mouth ajar. Were those the spirits that tormented him all of his life? Was he free?
“These are just two of your spirits, Kavien,” Wexcyn said, as if he’d read his mind.
Kavien wondered if his father had indeed done such a thing and tried to clear his head of all of his intentions and secrets.
They were just as Kavien, but thin, with expressionless faces of dark eyes and a faint semblance of a nose and mouth. They both looked at Kavien, and sneered, sharp teeth jutting from their ghostly mouths.
“Hello, Ka-Vi-Ennnn.”
Those voices, they sent shivers up his spine. Kavien looked to Wexcyn. “How is this possible?”
Wexcyn’s grin was unsettling. “Anything is possible,” he said, and opened his arms. “Rise.”
They rose to their feet and into the air. They no longer resembled Kavien, but morphed into dark, smoky figures.
“Find The Flame and The Storm,” Wexcyn said, and they darted away to execute his wishes.
The realization that his father had just sent the spirits that had tormented Kavien all his life to the only woman he’d loved aside from his mother nearly crippled him. There was nothing he could do or say to stop this. Not yet.
“Now,” Wexcyn said, as his body began to dissipate. “You lead your army to Auroria at dawn.”
Kavien nodded, but a pang of guilt filled his heart. Wexcyn could read the truth in his soul, that he never wanted to hurt Lilae, even after her betrayal.
Now, he had no choice.
It was then that he wished he’d been left to the cursed beings inside his head—at least then Lilae was safe.
15
“Nearly there,” Delia said, her voice carried away by the heavy wind that blew at their faces.
“Promise?” Risa asked. “Because, you’ve been saying that for hours.”
“Risa,” Jaiza hissed. “Enough.”
Delia ignored her, not even looking back.
They were all tired, cold, and weary and couldn’t wait to rest somewhere warm.
Nani flew above them, her translucent wings flapping in the frigid wind. She shot back down. “I see it. Its not far,” she said, and Risa smiled at her.
“You are remarkable, little fairy,” she said, and Nani grinned, instead of being offending by being called little.
“Why, thank you,” she said. “Jaiza number two. Less pretty Jaiza…Jaiza—”
“That’ll be enough,” Risa said, cutting her off. Her smile faded and she narrowed her eyes. “I take my compliment back. You’re a pest. Like a gnat.”
With a laugh, Jaiza nudged her in the side. “The fairy does have good eyes. I am the prettier twin, after all. I think we can all agree on that.”
“Of course, you’d say that. Vain little wench,” Risa mumbled.
Nani chuckled, her smile taking over her little face. Lilae couldn’t help but laugh with her as Risa seethed.
“Keep pace, and we can make it inside before it gets colder when the setting of the sun,” Delia added, marching ahead of them, with her staff held upright.
Lilae nodded, desperate for warmth as they weaved their way through the vast, icy forests. Traveling by foot proved slow and brutal in the rocky, ice-encrusted terrain. It had been ages since she and her family would walk for miles in search for a new home.
Hope sparked within her as she glanced up at walls that awaiting in the near distance. With the gloomy, gray sky above, they finally made their way to Leedun, a city outside of Auroria’s capital.
It was just before sunset when a worn road led them to the fortified village with tall walls of dark stone and towers lit with fire that looked out in each direction. They were let in without question, yet the eyes of the guards and sentries focused on them as they did so.
The city was vast, with buildings that lined the stone roads, and people selling, and buying goods. Wearing bonnets or cloaks with hoods, they reminded her of the people she lived amongst as a child.
Entering an Aurorian village was a surreal experience for Lilae. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked to her people. Since childhood, she’d been an outcast—someone who simply didn’t fit in no matter where they traveled.
Now, she looked upon pale-faced folk with fiery red hair, or bright blond locks. Here, brown and black hair was sparse, which was a drastic change for Lilae.
Here, she saw her features prominent on the people around her.
Here, she was home.
They looked to her as well, and though she was a new face, she didn’t cower away as she’d done in the past. She removed the hood of her cloak and held her head up high.
It was time to gather supplies and complete their trek to the Shadow Tower, where fate would be decided.
Liam walked ahead with Rowe, th
eir inner Tryan glow muted by the weeks they’d been in Eura. In this northern territory, their skin almost matched that of the pale humans who inhabited it.
Nani, Grand Master Neru, Ayoki, and Kenichi waited outside the city gates, untrusting of humans and their prejudice against races outside their own. At least Liam and Rowe appeared to be human, and barely elicited a second glance their way by the Aurorians.
“We cannot stay here long,” Delia said. “We rest, get supplies, and begin our trek to the Shadow Tower.”
Lilae nodded. “Very well. I do worry about the others. They should be free to join us inside the village walls.”
“This is true,” Delia said. “They should. But, I do not blame them for their fear. No matter where you go in all of Ellowen, there will be prejudice against those the native people have never seen. The barrier has just been destroyed only weeks ago. These humans will not have seen any elves, or fairies, and may seek to cause them harm.”
Sighing, Lilae’s shoulders slumped, but she knew that what Delia said was true. She’d seen how the humans had acted in a village outside of Avia’Torena. It was there that she witnessed discrimination toward Liam and Rowe, not to mention the Shadow Elf bodies hanging outside of that same village.
“They know what they’re doing,” Liam said. “After we purchase some skins, I’ll take it out to them so that they can set up a warmer sleeping area to wait out the cold nights.”
“Very well,” Lilae said. “I’ll head to secure us a room.”
“And, I’ll search for potions you all can use within the tower,” Delia said.
Risa and Jaiza shared a perplexed look, but it was Rowe who questioned the Elder.
“What kind of potions?” Rowe asked, crossing his arms over his broad chest as he eyed two gruff looking men watching them from just before a cart of furs.
Lilae noticed they were carrying daggers, and shot a glare back at them that was so fierce, it made the men return to their business. She licked her dry lips, and continued to keep a look out for anyone who was a bit too concerned with their arrival.
“Nothing too complicated,” Delia replied, searching through her waist purse for coins. She handed them each a few silver pieces, and hid it under her cloak. “Just a few vials to help you all make it through the tower without getting losing any vitality or energy. It is a large place, and can be quite complicated once you’re within the labyrinth. It is unsafe to rest there. So, I’d rather give you all artificial stamina to keep going.”
“Well,” Rowe said, lifting a brow. “Something like that could have come in handy when Liam and I were fighting in the wild lands against the Shadow Elf invaders back in Kyril.”
“I’m sure, but the humans do what they can to make life easier, and survival in this part of Auroria can be tough. Although, not everyone can afford a potion from the rare alchemists,” Delia explained.
“Besides,” Liam added, cracking a grin. “Tryans are naturally born with more stamina than humans.”
That made Rowe chuckle as he nodded. “True words, my friend.”
“Rubbish,” Risa said, rolling her eyes, but cracked a grin, nonetheless.
Liam joined in the laughter. His laugh was cut short by a dry cough. When he could barely catch his breath, Lilae put an arm around him. “Perhaps we should get you inside,” she said. “Ellowen wasn’t made for Tryans. Even if you were born with more stamina.”
She offered a smile, but looked to his palm to see splattered spots of blood. Their eyes met, and fear gripped her by the throat.
“Are you all right?”
Liam nodded to her, wiping his hand on his pants. “Of course. It’s just a little cough. Nothing to worry about,” he said, forcing a smile which Lilae knew was false.
“That doesn’t look like nothing…” Jaiza added, frowning.
“He’s been in the cold too long. His chest is probably tight. Take him to the inn and get some hot soup into him,” Delia said.
“Come,” she said, leading Liam away from Delia and Rowe. “Rowe, you may have to purchase the furs and take them to the others. Risa and Jaiza can help you. Liam needs to get warm and to rest.”
“I’ll come with you two,” Jaiza said, leaving Risa’s side to join them as they began into the crowded streets of Leedun.
Rowe watched them walk toward the inn, concern in his eyes as he and Lilae exchanged worried glances.
They walked down the uneven stone roads, and toward a three-story building that stood near the center of Leedun. A sign hung from the wall, just outside the large door which had been painted red.
She read the sign.
The Sleeping Bear.
Yes, that’s what he needs, Lilae thought, opening the door to head inside with the man she’d grown to love—the man who had joined her in her dreams.
She only prayed to the Ancients above that sleep and warmth was all he needed.
16
Jaiza pushed the door to the inn open for them, and the warmth of the room caressed their faces.
Once inside, they were met by a tall woman with long red hair braided into two large braids that hung over her shoulders. She wore an apron, and eyed them with curiosity.
She couldn’t have been older than Lhana had been when she died, just a young woman at the age of thirty-seven.
She wiped her hands on her apron, and nodded to the fire crackling in the center of the room. It’s smoke wafted away from the inn’s tavern, and out through a chimney that puffed it out into the gray morning.
Liam began to cough again. The sound worried Lilae. It was dry, but tiny specks of blood were left on his lips. He wiped them with the back of his hand.
Green eyes locked with Lilae’s, then looked Liam up and down.
“Take your man to the fire, and I’ll fetch some hot soup and have my daughter bring a few blankets,” she said, and turned away.
It wasn’t a request. It was an order.
She did as she was told, and walked with Liam to a bench set before a wooden table. There, she and Jaiza sat on either end of Liam.
The place was quiet, with only a few older man sitting at tables, eating something that smelled delicious, and drinking from mugs.
She hoped it was ale within those mugs. She could use a sip of something to refreshing.
When she glanced at Liam, she noticed his face had paled.
She stroked his back, a tug of warning in her belly. Her voice shook as she spoke. “You’re scaring me.”
He lifted a brow and glanced at her. “You’ve nothing to worry about. It’s nothing more than a cough.”
“With blood,” Jaiza added, quietly, her brows furrowing. “That’s never good.”
“My throat is dry. We’ve been in the frigid cold for days. Trust me, its nothing but a chill.”
Nodding, Lilae chewed the inside of her bottom lip. “I do hope so.”
She wondered if he knew that in Eura, people died of chills, laying in a pool of sweat and rags soaked with blood. Perhaps his Tryan power would keep him safe.
“I really do,” she added, sharing a look with Jaiza.
After she whispered those words, the innkeeper returned with a tray of hot soup, chunks of brown bread, and a tin of soft butter. After setting it down, she put her hands to her hips.
“Dinner comes with lodging,” she said, as her daughter—a girl as tall as her mother with even more vibrant red hair, and dark freckles—brought them two wool blankets, as promised. “It costs a bronze each night. How long do you all plan on staying?”
Lilae pulled the blanket over her shoulders and held the ends tight under her chin. She looked up to the tall woman.
“Just a few days, ma’am. We’ve come for supplies and potions,” she said.
She lifted a brow. “I see. I would ask where you’re going, but its no business of mine. Elsa’s the name. I run this place with my daughter Kells.”
“A pleasure,” Lilae said, handing the woman a silver. “That’ll cover our stay.”
K
ells tucked the coin into her pocket. “It will. I’ll take you up to your room once you’ve had your fill and are ready to rest. This one seems about ready to pass out,” she said, nodding to Liam.
“Ah,” he said. “I’m fine. Thank you for the food.”
She smiled for the first time since they’d entered her inn. “Enjoy,” she said, and headed back to the bar where she and her daughter filled mugs with the amber liquid that made Lilae’s mouth water.
She knew the flavor, having had it once, and had been disgusted by it. Despite the flavor, that night with her dear friend, Anic had been one of her favorite memories. The first taste of freedom would never leave one’s tongue.
Instead of seeking out Kells, she poured herself and Liam a cup of water from the pitcher she’d left on the table.
It was hot as she drank it down, pleased by the way it trailed down her throat and warmed her from the inside out. Then, she and Liam took to the pea and lamb soup.
Lilae closed her eyes after the first bite, and moaned with delight. “This is divine,” she said as she chewed a chunk of tender lamb.”
Liam nodded. “Indeed. A strange blend of flavors, but delicious nonetheless.”
“I could eat this all day,” Jaiza added, slurping the soup from the bowl instead of using the large spoons provided.
Lilae lifted a brow. That wasn’t a bad idea at all. She placed her spoon onto the tray and picked up the bowl like her sister.
It didn’t take long for them to polish their bowls of the soup, and dab the remaining broth with the soft bread that perfectly sopped it up.
Once they finished their meal, Delia arrived with a satchel full of what Lilae assumed were potions. They stood from the bench seat and were led up to the second floor to their room.
Kells didn’t seem to mind that they all shared the small space, where only two thin cots were set against the far wall, with a small table was positioned in between with an oil lantern. A wash basin was just beneath the long, rectangular window that looked out to the busy streets of Leedun.