Aurora's Heart

by V C Sanford

  “So that’s where we are going?” Nikiva inquired. She leaned back in her saddle, following his gaze. Despite the distance, she could make out the hazy outline of an enormous stone building, perched high above the valley. She was assailed by emotions; especially the exciting news that they had finally located the homestead…anxiety over what they would find once they arrived. Somewhere up ahead lay the burned out keep where Alex had been born.

  Over the last few days, Alex had told them the entire story. His grandfather Olen was the keeps blacksmith. Aurora, his grandmother, worked for the laird as a housekeeper. She was one of two women responsible for the upkeep of the interior of the holding.

  Alex had been born while his father served his time in the district prison. After being turned away from her job when his father was arrested, his pregnant mother had returned, seeking help from her parents. The wizened old sorcerer Ammaonth had been enchanted by her beauty, welcoming her into his home and doting on her young son.

  “It was the best time of my life, Alex had said, I can’t remember ever being happier. Then my father returned, and everything changed.”

  Nikiva smiled. She hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed. Reality rarely lived up to our memories. Some said Ammaonth was powerful but sadistic, a conjurer ruled by self-indulgent desires. Others claimed him a broken-hearted romantic who’d secluded himself away from civilization after a necromantic spell failed to revive his wife lost in childbirth. No one remained that knew the truth. I’m certain of one truth. I was sick of setting in a classroom listening to old biddy’s drone on and on about dead people and archaic spells. I wasted an entire year and still only have a basic understanding of magic, and absolutely no control. Her instructors refused to discuss why her spells kept going so terribly wrong, implying she would gain control with experience. Well… I bet this trip is one experience they never expected.

  Glimpses of the scarred and desolate battlements of the abandoned keep could be seen in the distance, standing in defiance of the extreme conditions. A narrow, overgrown trail of scrub bushes and stunted grass led upwards, winding through the wind-worn rocks, like broken teeth in a two-copper hag’s mouth. Alex was surprised that any of the old keep still stood, given the force of the wind that never ceased its relentless howling. Night was rapidly approaching, and the distant keep was slowly fading from view. Maxx suggested they make camp for the night, but he assured them that they’d easily reach the keep by midmorning. He’d been pleasantly surprised to find even an overgrown path to follow. Most seasoned travelers avoided the Alaoreauna Mountains as their dark and foreboding crags were the home of the Feyriian witches.

  Rhianwen shuddered as Maxx talked about them. It was hard for her to believe the dainty creatures dancing among the flowers in her favorite painting were based on the vile, sadistic creatures Maxx described. She found herself peering into the shadows as they walked, watching carefully for any movement.

  “I agree, Alex said. I could use the rest. Let’s set up here for the night, get good night’s sleep and then start the climb in the morning.”

  Maxx nodded. “I’ll search for wood to build a fire if one of you will cook. I really could use a hot meal.”

  “I’ll join you, Rhianwen offered, I’m not in the mood for cooking. Nikiva can handle it.”

  “I think I can manage. First, something hot to drink,” Nikiva declared. “I think we still have some kava. We’ll have to drink it black, the sugar melted in the water, but it’s better than nothing in this weather.

  Rhianwen shuddered and her smile faded. She could handle the cold and the wetness. She could even handle the aching muscles from walking all day. But kava without sugar was wrong!

  Alex studied Maxx as the usually dour Duaar and the tiny Shii girl walked away. They were best friends, as close as brothers, but no matter the circumstances they never pried. If Maxx wanted him to know something, he’d tell him. He’d been acting oddly for the last two days. Now he was whistling. During their last dice game, his attention hadn’t been focused on his throws. He didn't want to consider the possibility that they were growing apart. It had to be something else. He sighed. Whatever it was, it would work itself out.

  ********

  Alex delighted in the clear blue skies that deepened all too soon into the rich darkness of a moonless night. He sat watching as the light from second of Omissions’ twin suns gradually diminished, fading bit by bit before finally vanishing over the northern ridge of the distant purple mountain. The sight of his friends as they bustled around the new campsite, smiling, even whistling as they worked to make the clearing a bit more comfortable was a welcome change. Nikiva was stirring something she had cooking in their only pot, giggling and dodging Rhianwen as the young girl snuck a taste, adding her own bits and pieces to the mixture, before tasting it again.

  Maxx dropped the last load of firewood next to the fire pit before challenging Alex to a round of Fokker, the latest craze in dice games making the rounds of their favorite taverns. Rhianwen drifted in their direction, eager to join in if the opportunity presented. She wasn’t familiar with the rules of the game, but she enjoyed games and figured she’d be able to follow the process enough to learn the basics after two or three rounds. Her concentration was broken by Nikiva announcing that dinner was ready.

  Alex snuck a peek at the girls’ special dessert and the fruit and nut cobbler looked delicious. He was tempted to forgo the main course and dive straight into dessert but only tempted. Hot venison stewed with root vegetables and wild onions and Nikiva’s fresh bread was worth fighting for. Considering the way Maxx was drooling, he just might have to take him out.

  ********

  Rhianwen offered to take first watch. Just after sundown was her favorite time of the day. She enjoyed the faint whispers of nocturnal activity, the solemn hoot of an owl seeking prey or the soft rustling as squirrels and chipmunks foraged in the underbrush. Maxx had enticed Alex into a game of dice earlier. She wasn’t sure what the two had wagered, but from the self-satisfied grin on Maxx’s face, something would be lighter tomorrow, either Maxx’s load or Alex’s pockets. One way or another, the trek up to the keep would be entertaining.

  Alex was puzzled at Rhii’s offer but didn’t make an issue of it. Nearly drowning was traumatic. He was surprised she slept at all but Rhianwen showed no sign of distress after her recent ordeal. He could imagine Nikiva’s reaction, she’d have tried to turn them both into toads…or something worse. The thought made him smile. Nikiva had slipped off to sleep earlier, curling up in their only blanket as soon as the evening meal was complete, leaving him to do the cleanup. He called out to Rhianwen before she stepped away from the light, “I think I’m going to lie down myself. Don’t forget to wake me for my turn at watch.”

  “Sleep well. Maxx, you should join them.” Rhianwen grinned. “I’m too hyped up to sleep anyway. The warrgs are miles away and I doubt they can swim. Jumping into the river may have been the smartest thing we’ve done since beginning this mad adventure.” Accompanied by the ever-playful Mir-dragon, she set out to walk the perimeter of their camp. Tweet was excellent company, he listened without comment and never repeated anything her heard. Plus, he made an outstanding night scout. Besides staying up all night and sleeping during the day, he preferred hunting once the forest grew shadowy… though it was better not to wonder what mystery meat he was enjoying. The first watch gave her a chance to think and she had a lot on her mind.

  Maxx had a lot on his mind, too. He tossed a few more chunks of wood into the pit, hoping to build the skimpy blaze into a fire warm enough for them to get some sleep. Without tents or blankets, it was going to be another long cold night. Nikiva usually claimed the lone blanket, and Rhianwen had her heavy robes. But even when everyone huddled together to share body heat, the ones on the outside were never warm. Not that he expected to get much rest. Every time he closed his eyes a vision of curly black hair and doe brown eyes wouldn’t stay out of his mind. The fact that those heavy black draperies sh
e called clothes covered such a perfect little body kept distracting him from whatever he was doing all evening. Despite everything, I don’t regret coming at all. This treasure hunt hasn’t been the golden opportunity I expected, but overall, it’s been fun. Chances are, all we’ll get out of this adventure is a few scars and a lot of memories. Tomorrow, if we’re lucky, we’ll find out if it was all a waste of time.

  Chapter 16

  Dawn brought with it a dense fog that made it difficult to see much beyond arms reach. An ominous iron-gray haze blanketed the mountain, offering occasional hints of sunlight but never enough to brighten the dreary day. The moisture-laden air felt heavy and chill, bringing goosebumps to any exposed skin. Rime coated trees emphasized the eerie feeling, the icy wind twisting their stunted limbs into a fog-shrouded dance. Everywhere the land appeared faded, as though the very life itself was being stripped or sucked from it by the onslaught of winter. Overnight the welcoming vale had developed a malevolent atmosphere, initiating a heated argument over whether they should delay the climb until the imminent storm had passed.

  “The climb is difficult in good weather, Alex said. I’m certain they’re still icy patches remaining from the last squall. You know what winter is like in the mountains, it could be weeks before the sun warms enough to melt them all. We can’t afford to wait.”

  “I hate to admit it, but Alex is right, Maxx replied. We stand a better chance if we leave now. There’s no shelter here. Despite the fire, there must be one or two usable rooms in the keep. The smart thing is to go there.”

  “But the fog is so thick, don’t you worry about falling,” Nikiva asked.

  “I worry more about freezing,” Maxx stated.

  Alex fidgeted impatiently, eager to get started. If he could find the pendant and return it to his uncle, he could finally put his ghosts to rest, along with the dubious honor of being named Lord Baldric’s heir. Equally anxious but for entirely different reasons, Rhianwen and Nikiva waited nearby for Maxx to lead off. Even encumbered with the additional weight he was stronger and easily the best woodsmen of the group. The trail would not be easy going, but knowing he was the leader would somehow make it seem that way.

  Maxx was doubtful, finding it hard to believe that that the decrepit manor on the ridge crest was hiding a secret worth killing for. He was certain they were doomed to disappointment, but he decided to keep his own council and wait and see what might develop.

  Rhianwen sniffed a bit, then sneezed. She was fighting a cold, and the idea of getting caught halfway up when the snow, or worse, ice storm began scared the hells out of her. Still, once Maxx started climbing, the others fell in behind, hoping to reach the sheltered plateau that the old keep had been built upon before night fell.

  “Are you scared,” she whispered to Nikiva.

  Nikiva shook her head. “I passed scared a long time ago.”

  Resigned to her fate, Rhianwen gave Nikiva a brief smile. Logic told her that neither boy would allow her to come to harm. But she couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom.

  *******

  “I can see why you loved this place.” All her anxieties of the past few days seemed foolish. Recklessly, Nikiva perched at the edge of the cliff, the wind blowing her hair around her face, her fingers stretched overhead as she exulted in the warm afternoon breeze. She motioned for Alex to join her, indicating the view with a wave of her hand.

  Alex peered over the edge, and then pulled her back a step, making a conditioned effort to respect the safe boundaries Maxx had designated on the crumbling cliff edge. Noticing his step back from the corner of his eye, Maxx nodded his approval, pleased that Alex was finally starting to acknowledge his far greater experience when it came to stone or rocks.

  They stood close together, taking in the view of the twin suns on the distant horizon, enjoying the warmth as the twin suns dried out the fog that had beleaguered them for days. The storm had followed the valley, leaving only a light dusting of snow on the high plateau that was rapidly melting in the warm suns light.

  The view from the top of the cliff was magnificent, stretching all the way across the forest and out to the open sea many day’s travels in the distance. She could see the snow-covered remains of cultivated fields in the valley below, the unkempt rows spiraling outward from the natural boundaries of the mountain and lake. From above it was easy to make out sections of overgrown stone walls and long-neglected roads. One road led off to the east, possibly leading to Alliance as Alex had surmised. The gusting wind was blowing from that direction, the steady breeze carrying the pungent smells of salt and fish.

  Alex sighed. He loved the free and easy way that Maxx and Rhianwen worked together and hoped to someday realize that same degree of companionship with Nikiva. He’d never hid his attraction to the young mage, but he wasn’t sure about taking the next step. For now, he pulled her close against him, enjoying the feel of her warm body against his. Tipping her head up, he melted into her eyes, sinking into their jade green depths. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and even, tightly controlled, as if he feared to speak.

  “Looks like it’s almost over now, he whispered. Soon enough it will all be back to normal, Rhianwen back home with her parents and you back at school. Nothing has changed.”

  Nikiva’s eyes darkened. He could tell she was thinking, but she didn’t seem happy with her thoughts. She was smiling, a warm kind of tender smile, but as he watched a single tear slid down he face. When she finally answered, her words were filled with passion and a real sense of despair. “Change is always progress, but at least it shows an effort. I’m happy that we’ve had this time together, but I’ve resigned myself to ---“, she paused, “let’s agree that all good things come to an end.

  Startled by her statement Alex stepped away, uncertain what he should say next. He struggled to find the words, but he couldn’t think of anything that would loosen the tightness he was feeling as he looked into her teary eyes. His usual response was not to answer at all. Somehow, he knew that wouldn’t work with Nikiva. When he spoke, his words were extremely gentle, if he hadn’t been standing so close she might not have even heard them.

  “Don’t cry, it makes your eyes go all puffy, and I don’t have a silk handkerchief handy.”

  Nikiva sniffed noisily, trying not to laugh as she pictured Alex with a silk handkerchief, dabbing ineffectively at the tears flowing down her face. Failing this she covered her face with her hand and then replied between giggles, “I’m not crying, that would be weak, and I so despise weakness.” Her voice was harsh, but as she looked up he could see that her eyes were soft and moist, sparking from the laughter she unsuccessfully tried to hide. Red-faced, Alex laughed too and then turned her around to enable her to look directly into his face.

  “Of all the girls I’ve ever known, you’re the last that need ever worry about being weak. I’ve been breaking my back to impress you. Instead, I’ve barely managed to keep up with you. I think we’re both trying too hard. It’ll work out, I know it will.” But the fear was never far away.

  ********

  If Alex was right—and so far, Maxx had seen little to prove he wasn’t, then the family treasure was hidden somewhere nearby. Blackened timbers and heat shattered rocks strewn amongst the burnt out remains of the once proud keep offered few hints to a possible hiding place. One decrepit tower still stood, but it looked like a strong wind could change that at any time.

  Oh well, it is called a treasure ‘hunt’. He shrugged, then turned to Nikiva, “I don’t suppose you know a spell that will help us locate this thing? If we need to search this wreckage, it could take weeks to find it.”

  “Magic doesn’t work that way. It will be years before I’m good enough to cast that type of spell.” She shifted uncomfortably. I should have researched search spells before we left Cabrell. I packed everything I thought I might need for the trip but never thought about the actual search. Rhianwen and I never talked about anything except how much fun we would have. So far, we haven�
�t had much fun.

  “At least we won’t be out in the cold. Alex said his mother mentioned a caretaker cottage.” He looked toward what remained of the fire damaged keep. “It must be beyond the tower. It’s the only thing large enough to hide it.”

  “If we’re in the right place, and if Alex got the story right, and if it’s still standing, you’re probably right.”

  “That’s a lot of ifs,” Maxx replied. “Let’s just go and see. We can worry about the rest later.” They made their way around the tower, then stood absorbing their surroundings.

  The quaint bungalow was made of stacked stone, probably scavenged from the scattered remains of the old keep, with a thatched roof and a small wooden door in front. There were two small windows on either side, edged by stout wooden shutters to keep out the weather. The building appeared to be relatively new, the roof thatching was mildew free and the chinking around the stones had not cracked, neither had seen more than one or two of Omission’s unpredictable winters. Someone had started building a fence, but something must have interrupted the work before it was complete, the carpenter’s tools were still lying nearby as if he’d return at any moment to finish the job.

  “Careful,” Alex cautioned the two girls who were eagerly walking in the direction of the tidy building. “We don’t know who’s living there. They may not want to be disturbed.”

  “Nonsense, anyone this house proud can’t be a bad person. Let’s knock and introduce ourselves. Come on Rhianwen,” Nikiva said. Rhianwen wove past Alex and Maxx with a nonchalant wave. They walked directly to the door of the tiny cottage and knocked loudly, waited, but there was no response from inside. Rhianwen tried shouting, and then knocked again with no better results. Frustrated, she gave the men a glare of pure exasperation as her efforts continued to get no response.