Her sister had made a horrible mistake, but so had Elsifan. She wished they would have followed their hearts. Part of her wondered if Elsifan wouldn’t have become so evil if her sister had been there. But then the other part was grateful that Merryth hadn’t seen him that way at the end. “Elsifan changed over the years, Merryth. He killed Father and studied black magic. But before he died, he offered to trade me the key for the location of the Cave of Knowledge. I didn’t know why he was offering, and I didn’t trust him, so I didn’t tell him where you were.”
Merryth’s mouth opened, and Kiersten wondered if the confession would make things worse again. But then Merryth closed her mouth, brushed away her tears, and rose. “Well, he’s gone. And there’s nothing left to do but fulfill my task. Let me get the chest. Even though you’ve already gotten the crystal, there is still the third task.”
To their combined surprise, there was a third crystal inside the box. It was large and clear, with tiny veins of gold running through the center.
“A truth crystal,” Kiersten breathed, unable to believe it was really there. “I’ve only heard of these. It will tell you if someone is hiding something.”
“So, it reveals secrets. Once again, it makes sense,” Durstin said, taking out the crystal. “Since to pass the test, you had to reveal your secret.”
Kiersten looked into the empty chest. “But there are no more vials.”
She and Durstin looked at Merryth.
“Don’t look at me. I’m just the guardian.”
A noise from the adjacent cave made them turn, and they realized the door had popped open.
As they walked toward it, a golden light began to emanate from it, glowing more brightly as they neared it.
Inside it was an elf.
Kiersten wasn’t sure if she was really there, or if she was simply a projection, or perhaps she was a spirit. But when she spoke, her voice was clear and sharp as crystal.
“Kiersten and Durstin,” she commanded, and they walked closer. “You have succeeded in opening the Cave of Knowledge. The last test is not a test, but a task. Throughout your lives, you must find a way to ensure that this knowledge is shared with all, that it is never kept secret, and that all may find joy in its use.”
When her gaze fell on Kiersten, she nodded.
Then it moved to Durstin, who murmured, “Of course.”
“Then I hereby grant you this knowledge, with the understanding that if you do not fulfill your task, your lives will be forfeit and it will pass to someone else.” Then the golden elf took a step forward, motioning for Merryth. “Come here, child.”
Merryth’s steps were hesitant, but she did as the elf bade until the woman could put her hands on Merryth’s forehead. She kept them there for long moments, until Merryth began to shake. Then the elf enfolded her in her arms.
It felt like a lifetime that she held Merryth to her, myriad expressions crossing her sister’s face. But when it was over, it felt like no time had passed at all.
The elf released her and nudged her back toward them, then raised a hand in farewell. She disappeared into a puff of golden light.
Merryth turned to them, her face wet with tears, but at the same time, she looked younger.
“What happened?” Kiersten asked her.
“I saw the truth. It wasn’t your fault. Elsifan did love me,” Merryth said simply. “And I love you.”
Moisture went to her eyes, and Kiersten swallowed. “I love you, too.”
Five chests appeared where the elf had been, their lids open. Hundreds of crystals stood on end in neat rows within them, glowing with different colors.
“This is it? The entire Cave of Knowledge?” Durstin surveyed the five trunks of books and crystals. “We waged two battles and risked life and limb for this?”
“Yes.” Merryth frowned. “I don’t think you understand how much knowledge one crystal can hold.” She opened the nearest chest and held up a crystal the size of his finger. “This crystal alone can hold the entire knowledge of every being in this galaxy alone.”
He eyed the crystal skeptically. “I guess I’ll have to trust you on that one.”
“Well, maybe not. Now that you’re a cyborg, Tordan said you’ll have the ability to download a lot more knowledge into your head. You might be able to see it for yourself someday,” Kiersten offered.
He shook his head, staring at the mostly empty cave. “I can’t believe this. I had just imagined it being so much larger.”
“It isn’t the size of the crystals, it’s how you use them.” Kiersten nudged him.
He barked a surprised laugh. “I hope that’s the truth. Because this looks pretty small to me.”
Kiersten turned to her sister. “Shall we take the knowledge to the palace?”
Merryth surveyed the cave. “I guess. I have no idea what to do now.”
For the first time, the necklace felt heavy, weighing her down. Memories of how angry Merryth had been about her abdicating the throne came back to her. Merryth had been ready to rule, and it had been taken from her. Kiersten had already worn the necklace for a thousand years. It was time for her sister to have it.
Without further thought, Kiersten reached behind her neck and unclasped it, then held it out to Merryth. “What about ruling a kingdom?”
Merryth stepped back, paling. “I . . .couldn’t. I’ve been gone for so long. And now Elsifan is gone, too. No one will want me to rule.”
She eyed the necklace but didn’t take it, so Kiersten stepped forward and put it around her neck. “Why don’t you just think about it? I also abdicated the throne, and I already have a kingdom—although it’s a kingdom without a castle at the moment.” A thought occurred to her. “You must have an incredible wealth of knowledge in your head.”
For the first time, Merryth looked pleased. “Yes. I have studied much over the past thousand years. Although I had no company, I was given a few crystals and books when I became the guardian. So I had knowledge, and ancient books to read.”
“Well, I know of some children who really need to learn. What would you say to taking this knowledge to the Garthurian palace and teaching the merchildren how to use their powers there? They need to learn so much more than magic. They need to learn their history, their place in the universe, how to channel their newfound magic in positive ways. And as for the other. . .maybe we could even rule the kingdom together.”
Merryth was silent for a moment. “That would be . . . it wouldn’t be bad. In fact, I might like it.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Durstin
The fact that he was the guardian of knowledge weighed heavily on Durstin’s mind as they traveled by portal back up to the palace at the village. A village his wife was the rightful ruler of. That was something else that settled heavy on his shoulders. He’d felt the weight begin to lift when she’d offered it to her sister, but Merryth’s reaction had been hesitant.
How could she be the ruler of two realms? As much as he wanted her to regain her throne, half of him wished that she wouldn’t so she would have to stay with him. He didn’t want her to be torn between them.
Kiersten had portaled them directly into the palace, and they waited for the people to gather. Now she stood before them on the dais, both Merryth and Durstin standing in the first row before it. She opened her mouth to speak, but a shout from the middle cut her off.
“I don’t think you should be queen,” Liath yelled. Somehow that bastard had survived the fight. “You should have stayed in Garthurian before, done your duty here.”
Another elf raised her voice. “You left us to be ruled by Elsifan, who was a monster!”
Kiersten inclined her head. “It is true. However, if I had stayed, Elsifan would have killed me as he had killed my father. When I fled, I had no idea Elsifan was as dark as he was—even if I had known, would you have believed me?” She let her gaze slide over the group gathered in front of her, pausing briefly on those she knew to be supporters of the dead king. “Would you
have stood by my side? Would you have died in the fight that would have ensued?”
This earned her low murmurs, and some elves dropped their attention to the floor. When she continued, her voice was strong. “I would have been forced to marry that monster for the good of our people. I would have likely died by his hand, and if that future had been left to unfold, the people of Garthurian would have been lost. When I left, I knew the court was divided. I knew that half of this village saw Elsifan as a leader who would usher them into greatness—”
“Most of us don’t even think that way anymore,” Evindal said, glancing at Theoduin. “And those of us who do are becoming fewer in number.”
Theoduin held his hands up. “Don’t look at me. I’m just as willing to advance as the rest of us. And the Ardaks make that an imperative.”
“Yes, but back then”—Kiersten turned to Geeeroo—“do you think the people would have accepted me as queen that night if Elsifan had contested it?”
Geeeroo tilted his head, thinking. “I don’t believe so. Elsifan’s influence over his followers was almost magical. I don’t believe they would have stepped aside.”
She turned to Theoduin. “Back then, you would have condemned me to a life mated to Elsifan, but now that you know what he was really like, would you make the same choice?”
Slowly, Theoduin shook his head.
“I understand how angry you all must be, but please understand that I didn’t have the power to face him at that time, and I didn’t want us to have a civil war. I did what I had to in order to survive, and at the first chance that I could raise and army and face him, I did. Now, he is gone, and we have to decide what to do with the future.”
“What do you want?” Geeeroo asked. “Your mother gave you the necklace, but we all knew you didn’t want the throne, even after Merryth left to become the guardian.” His eyes flickered to Merryth. “And now she is wearing it.”
This was the moment of no return, and the look on Kiersten’s face said she knew it. “You’re correct. When she first gave me the necklace, I didn’t want to rule. I had been raised to believe I would never have to. But there were many centuries after Merryth left where I had time to ponder it, to come to the understanding that it would be me who ruled. The only thing that held me back was Elsifan, because in the eyes of the council, I could not rule without a male by my side and everyone was pushing for that male to be him.” She paused, her eyes bright. “But now, Merryth has finished her work as guardian of the Cave of Knowledge. So I have a different proposition—perhaps we could rule Garthurian together.”
A palpable ripple of astonishment went through the crowd.
“What about the River people? And the fact that you’re married to a cyborg.”
Her slim eyebrow rose at the hinted disgust in the elf’s tone. “I am married to an honorable man and a just ruler of Vierten, the River people. A man who has fought for his people and has put himself and his own wants aside for the betterment of the whole. A man who has given up part of what he is so we could have a chance for a future. So, I will say this once and only once, I will not tolerate anyone speaking of my husband in that tone. But as to that, what about it? Both the River people and the cyborgs have just fought a war for your kingdom. I’d say we’re all on the same side.”
There was a moment of stunned silence where the elf who had asked the question bowed his head in admonishment.
“She is queen of a people whose homes the Ardaks have destroyed, and we have a realm with no queen, and half the homes are empty.” It was Geeeroo, his voice calm and certain. “I would say the way forward is clear. And for the record—” he paused and looked directly at her “—I don’t believe the elder queen gave you the necklace by accident.”
Kiersten’s eyes filled with tears, and she nodded, and Durstin found his own throat tight. Could it be that easy? Would the elves allow his people sanctuary so they would have roofs over their heads again? And would the two sisters rule the people together?
There was silence among the elves, and Durstin wondered what their decision would be.
Slowly, the elder council members came forward. He didn’t know them by name, but one could tell their age by the fire in their eyes and the firmness of their gaze and gait.
Geeeroo raised his voice. “All in favor of allowing Merryth and Kerryth, or Kiersten, to take the crown?” There was a resounding aye throughout the chamber.
“All opposed?”
The silence was deafening. Perhaps not everyone had said aye, but no one wanted to speak out against it.
“All in favor of allowing the citizens of Vierten to come to Garthurian?”
This time the resounding aye was less forceful.
“All opposed?”
Two nays split the air, and for a moment, Durstin held his breath. How many votes did they need to pass?
“Then it is decided.” Geeeroo turned to them. “Welcome, Queen Kiersten and King Durstin. You and your people are welcome to Garthurian and to call this place home.”
A streak of joy so profound it was pain shot through him, and he brought a hand to his chest. He’d gone from hating the elves for abandoning them to the Ardaks to owing them more than he could possibly repay.
He wasn’t exactly sure how he felt about it, but then Kiersten turned to him, overjoyed with tears streaming down her face, and he knew that this was fated.
“We did it, my love,” she cried joyfully. “We can be together, and our people have a home.”
And at that moment, he knew that he would spend the rest of his life in service to both their peoples, giving it his best shot.
Chapter Thirty
Kiersten
The rest of that day was busy as they moved the River people into empty homes in Garthurian. addition of the men and women, and especially the children, brought the place back to life in a way she hadn’t seen since before the split with Renwyn. That night, Kiersten, Durstin, and Merryth brought the trunks from the Cave of Knowledge into the palace at Garthurian, placing them in a special, magically sealed room. Merryth took her old rooms next to Kiersten’s. Their father’s chambers, which was where Elsifan had been living, remained empty for the time being.
After that, Kiersten slid into bed, barely kissing her husband good-night before falling into a deep, dreamless sleep. Before she knew it, he was shaking her awake.
She opened tired eyes. “Yes?”
“Tordan and Aielle are here. Tordan wants to speak to me about the cyborg upgrades, and I believe you wanted to take Aielle to see the knowledge crystals.”
She sat up and yawned. “Is that what we’re calling them?”
He chuckled. “Yep. That’s what we’re calling them.”
She forced herself out of the comfortable bed and staggered into the shower. “Tell her I’ll be right there.”
She took a freezing shower to wake, which was a trick her father had taught her when she had to be alert in a hurry. When she emerged a few minutes later, she was ready to face the day.
Aielle and another elf were waiting for her in the adjoining waiting chamber, drinking a cup of tea. The younger queen was beautiful as always, but there was a tightness around her lips and dark circles beneath her eyes that Kiersten hadn’t seen before.
When the second elf turned to her, she recognized Fayelle. She started forward with her arms open to embrace the healer she hadn’t seen in so long. Merryth joined them just as Fayelle released her.
“How are you doing?” Kiersten asked their two visitors.
Aielle and Fayelle exchanged glances.
“We could be better,” Aielle admitted. “The Ardaks are almost on our doorstep, and for some reason, the crystals from the Crystal Cave have been blocking our magic. We’re hoping to find the answers in the Cave of Knowledge.”
“It’s the Chamber of Knowledge now,” she said, gesturing for them to follow her. “Durstin officially renamed it this morning. We’ll take you there now. I’m eager to look into the chests myself and see
what’s there.”
They journeyed through the palace, and when they were inside the throne room, Kiersten waved her hand to open a hidden staircase that descended below the dais.
“You have a room below your throne room, too?” Aielle asked excitedly as they descended.
“Well . . .” Kiersten said, “it isn’t exactly like Renwyn’s.” She waved a hand to bring the lights up, and both Aielle and Fayelle drew in a gasp.
“What is it?” Aielle asked, her eyes taking in the details of the room.
“And why didn’t I know this was here?” Fayelle asked.
“This is what’s left of the first elven outpost on Aurora,” Kiersten responded.
“This looks very much like the Ardak control room,” Aielle commented. “But if you have all this technology, why aren’t you using it?”
“No one knows how,” Kiersten replied. “My father said they used these things when they first arrived, but much of it stopped working in that first century after we lost contact. None of the elves knew how to fix them when they broke, and eventually the whole system simply shut down. When I saw the Ardak control room, and your palace at Renwyn, at first I was afraid of it. But now I wonder if together, we might get this place to work again.”
“I wonder what these machines might do,” Aielle mused.
“Or what other knowledge they might hold,” Kiersten added.
“Who else knows about this place?” Fayelle asked.
“No one else besides the elders. They decided to build the palace on top of it so it would never be found by outsiders unless the last elf had perished.”
She led them to a table where the three of them had placed the chests the night before.
“This is the Cave of Knowledge?” Aielle asked.
“Why does everyone keep asking that?” Merryth complained as Kiersten opened the first chest, viewing all of the crystals that stood on end inside. “Yes. This is everything. And the crystals contain more knowledge than we could hope to learn in our lifetimes.”
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