“Then why don’t we go, right now? Just go to the stables and ride south, leave all this behind?” she gestured with her free hand, her face pleading.
“You know why,” he responded softly. She shook her head in mock confusion, but he pushed ahead anyways. “It’s not the oaths that I swore today that bind me to this place, but the knowledge that if we go now, if we turn our backs on them and they fail, we will be filled with guilt over our decision to leave, never knowing if our presence might have made a difference.”
“Wow, the ego on you! To think that the two of us could matter that much. It’s not our responsibility! You are a Prince of Lancaster, not Forlorn, and your chief concern should be the welfare of our child, not saving the entire world!” she snapped back, a bit of spit striking him in the face and making him wince.
He reached out and placed a hand on her cheek, his thumb wiping away the tear making its way down her face. “Listen to what you just said. I know you better than to believe you truly believe that.”
“Apparently not well enough,” she snapped as she broke away and walked towards the balcony doors. Throwing them open, she stepped through and into the dying afternoon light.
He followed after and came to stand by her side as she looked out upon the elven city beyond; her eyes drawn west to the hovering storm on the horizon. The tension was thick, the silence deafening, but he refused to say anything further lest another storm even closer raged out of control.
“I know what you’re saying is true in here,” she finally whispered, pointing to her head. “But my heart tells me different.”
“I want to protect our child too,” he offered in a soft voice, trying to reach her. “But I don’t see how running will accomplish that. If the horde wins this battle, they will turn south, and no matter where we run, they will catch up to us eventually, and our lives will be forfeit anyways. At least here we have a chance to make a difference; to fight for our child’s future.”
She smiled weakly as she turned to face him. “When did you become such an optimist?”
“When I found you,” he responded immediately, without any thought behind it.
She reached out and grasped his hand, squeezing it gently. “You’re right, of course.”
“I know I am,” he chuckled back. She hit him in the shoulder and he broke out into a laugh. “What was that for?”
“For being a smartass. You want to stay? Then there is one thing that I ask from you in return,” she said, her other hand reaching out and bringing him closer to her.
“Name it,” he replied instantly.
“If we are going to die, let me do it as your wife,” she requested, her eyes soft and pleading.
He squeezed her hands for emphasis as he stepped closer and put his forehead against hers. “We are not going to die.”
“You can’t know that,” she remarked with a grim smile. “Your daughter will be here soon, don’t let her be born out of wedlock. It will tarnish whatever future she might have.”
He didn’t need any convincing to marry her. It had been his heart’s desire from the moment they met, and all the pretenses and worries of the past were long gone; the result of one of the trials he had been put through. “You know it’s a funny coincidence, but I happen to know an Elven King who might be willing to do it.”
“You don’t say?” she mocked, an eyebrow raised.
“Can you think of anyone better?” he asked in return with a smile.
She shook her head and laughed, pulling him into an embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered softly into his ear.
“No, thank you for always being there at my side and giving me the courage to do what’s right. I couldn’t have done any of this without you,” he responded, holding her tightly within his arms.
“What is that digging into my waist? Are you seriously—?” she asked suddenly, moving away from him.
“It’s my coif. We kind of dismissed my squire before he could finish taking my armor off,” he insisted with a grin.
“So now you need a squire to get out of your clothes?” Willow teased and he felt his blood stir in response.
His smile widened. “Of course not, all I need is you.”
Her face softened as she embraced him, holding him firmly against her. His lips touched hers and the passion of their kiss made him forget everything else in the world but her. When they finally broke away, she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards their chamber door. “Come on, Sir Tristan, let’s get you out of that armor and end this night properly. I’ve yet to put this new body of yours to the test, this is as good of a time as any.”
“Are you sure?” he asked with concern, eyes inadvertently dropping towards her enlarged waistline. He didn’t want to hurt her or their child.
“I’m pregnant, not a piece of glass. I won’t break if you touch me,” she cooed back, yanking him through the doors and out of reach of the fast approaching night sky.
Chapter 16
Ambushed
I
Tristan stood on the balcony leading to Erik’s study, his eyes sweeping the forested city beyond. Erik had sent for him earlier that morning, and now the king was standing by his side; gazing at the western horizon. Amysta had taken it upon herself to show Willow around and the two men had a chance to talk alone for the first time since their arrival.
“You know, I never truly understood why Willow’s ancestors gave all this up. It’s so peaceful and quiet here,” he commented, eyeing the stylish elven architecture woven through the trees below.
“They did what I wish I could,” Erik sighed, “they thrust themselves into the world of Man and actively took a part in the shaping of the world. Something I’ve been gradually trying to get our people to do since this crown was placed upon my head. I admire their ability to adapt and change, which in turn shows that this shouldn’t be as difficult as it has been.”
He nodded, he could understand that. “Still, it is quite beautiful. I can’t see leaving all of this behind for the grit and grime that most human settlements are filled with. Sure, we have our own style, but most of our dwellings are built with utility in mind, not beauty.”
Erik smiled. “Are cultural differences and architectural styles really going to be the focus of our conversation this morning?”
He laughed and shook his head. “I apologize, just a lot to absorb. I don’t want to really discuss it with my fiancé, for though I don’t understand their reasons, I’m glad they did what they did. It eventually led to my meeting the love of my life.”
“It’s a rare thing, knowing who you want and being satisfied with that decision,” Erik noted, waving his hand at the city below. “Elves can be a fickle people, the long lives shortening their patience with others that don’t share their same beliefs; their likes and dislikes. It makes for finding a companion, quite—challenging.”
“I just lucked out, I guess,” he grinned. “I don’t know where I’d be today if it weren’t for her. You called me courageous, but all I was really doing was trying to protect her and the life of my child.”
Erik placed a hand on his shoulder. “Isn’t that what most of us are doing when it comes right down to it? Protecting the ones we love? Whether it’s your home, your work, or your family, are we not each striving to protect them from the destruction threatening from without? That is what binds us all to a common purpose.”
He nodded in agreement, pausing to take in the serene scenery, allowing his eyes to relax and see the city as a whole rather than its individual parts. “Seeing all of this fills me with a sense of dread.”
“How so?” the elf pursued; turning to follow his gaze.
“The idea of the Phoenix’s army outside the city walls, of this beautiful place going up in flames, of what it would mean if it were lost forever,” he answered softly.
“That’s what we’re trying to prevent,” Erik commented with a grim twitch at the corner of his mouth.
“I know and while I have faith that we will, part of
me wonders what real chance we have if she throws everything at us all at once,” he remarked.
It was Erik’s turn to grow quiet as his eyes swept the kingdom he lorded over. “I feel that too, but I cannot allow myself to give into it. They look up to us to protect them, to do everything within our power to preserve their way of life, and self-defeatism will only usher the thing we fear ever closer. Don’t give it life.”
“Kind of hard with that unmoving storm out there,” he muttered, eyeing the lightning flashes in the distance.
“It should tell you something that it doesn’t move, that it remains fixed on that point of the horizon,” Erik observed, nodding his head towards the west. “If it were within her power, you know she’d have that raging over our heads instead. That it doesn’t, gives us some hope that her magic isn’t as great as she makes it out to be.”
“She’s powerful enough,” he blurted, remembering the events of the last couple of weeks and how drastically his life had changed.
Erik eyed him closely. “True, but we’re not exactly defenseless either. Elven armies are marching from the north and east to reinforce us and the druids are working with the army to improve our defenses. You have brought me Excalibur and woken me from a state that would have ended my mortal life. You have healed me and filled me with renewed purpose. I don’t feel that shadow of dread hovering at the back of my mind any longer, you have dispelled that with your acts of courage and faith. I still fear for my daughter’s life, but I know that she’s out there somewhere. When this battle is over, I will march upon the Deadlands and bring her back home where she belongs.” Erik rarely talked about his missing daughter and by the fresh pain on the elf’s face, he could see why.
“And I will do everything I can to see that happens as well,” he added, just not sure yet in what capacity he’d be involved. Merlin was on his way and he was sure the mage was not done altering his path. Erik nodded his thanks. Then they paused to process each other’s commitments and concerns. “Any news of my brother?” he asked suddenly, eyes shifting back to the Elven Lord.
“Last I heard they are still a few days out,” his companion answered, gaze turning towards the southwestern part of the horizon. “They are making steady progress, but the supply trains are slowing their advance. You that anxious to see your brother?”
He fidgeted, he hadn’t really put any thought into it other than realizing such a meeting was eventually going to happen. “I don’t think he’ll even recognize me,” he commented softly. “So much has happened since we last saw each other. I’m not sure where things will stand when we are finally together once more.”
“He’s your brother,” Erik stated simply.
He gave a short laugh. “Exactly.”
“I know that’s not the only reason you asked about your brother’s army, why not speak your mind? We are old friends, after all,” the king said with a smile.
“That ever bother you? Those memories of what was and the doubt about whether it’s truly your emotions or some remnant trying to voice some past echo; to breathe life once more?” he asked. He knew that if anyone could understand what he had experienced, it would be the Elven King by his side.
“My experience was more profound than yours, so I take your meaning and understand. But like you, I have been made whole and I’m at peace with it now,” Erik replied.
“That wasn’t really an answer,” he chuckled.
Erik laughed. “Part of being around politicians, I guess.”
“I try to avoid them at all cost,” he added with a smile. It was hard not to be comfortable around the older elf. Past lives aside, he could feel true friendship building between them.
“I wish I could, got a bit of cleaning house to do on that part as it is. Still, I love the diversionary tactic. I still think there’s something dwelling in that mind of yours in which you’ve been hesitant to speak,” the king pushed, giving him a knowing look. “Why not get it off your chest and be done with it?”
He sighed. He hadn’t known when or if to broach the subject, but it looked like that moment had arrived despite his reluctant comments. “I was going to get there eventually.”
Erik motioned with his hand for him to continue, not allowing him to steer away from it any longer.
“Willow and I were supposed to be married next week and with all that is happening, we thought it best to happen sooner rather than later,” he finally blurted out, blood rushing to his cheeks. He had just met the man two days before and he was still getting accustomed to the other elf’s reactions and moods.
“Is that all?” Erik asked with a raised eyebrow. “You just want to know if I’ll preside over your wedding?” The elf broke into laughter.
He rolled his eyes and looked away. “It’s not that funny. We are going to be parents soon and she’s concerned about our daughter being born out of wedlock.”
Erik’s laughter died off and he gave him a brief smile before he began talking. “First of all, I’m honored that you have asked this of me and I’ll gladly see the two of you married. But there are things you must understand if I am to do this, or I’ll have no choice but to decline and ask you to wait until your own clerics can perform the ceremony.”
His heart hammered in his chest at the Elven King’s words and he found himself unable to speak as his throat had closed up.
“Elven marriages are unlike the ceremonies you’ve heard of or experienced in your past. The Elves of Griedlok adapted our rituals to better suit human customs and I doubt you have any idea what you’re in for if you two are married here,” the elf said with a serious tone of voice.
“How bad can it be? The result is the same, is it not?” he finally managed with a croak.
Erik shook his head slightly. “I said that elves were fickle creatures when choosing their mates, but not what happens when they do. Elves love for life. When they choose to commit themselves to a person, it’s with the knowledge that the decision they’re making will be final and absolute. They will never love another person in that way again, even if their mate dies and they spend the rest of their lives alone and isolated. Although not overtly magical in nature, our spirits are still influenced by the magical ancestry of our past. If I perform this marriage, it would be by our old elven customs and the two of you will be magically bound to one another for the rest of your lives. As I have had occasion to visit your people, I know that this doesn’t apply to your race as well, and such a commitment shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you decide down the line that the two of you aren’t suited for one another and you find another woman to fall in love with, you will destroy Willow to the core and leave her an empty husk of anger and regret. I cannot allow that if you are not truly committed to her. I will not willingly take part in it. And no, I’m not attacking your character or beliefs, but Man has the tendency to change over time and are always wanting the things they cannot have. It happens to the best of them.”
He thought back to the Trial of the Heart and the confrontation with Melissa. It was true that he had an attraction to her before that trial began, but upon making that choice to refuse her, he had been magically changed from within. Now he was beginning to wonder if it weren’t similar to exactly what Erik was describing.
He told the king what he was thinking about, going over the test and what had happened upon his completing it, and Erik’s face softened as he nodded with understanding. “Yes, that’s exactly how it feels, like no other woman will ever matter, and you are comfortable being around them because you will never look at them the way you do your wife.”
He nodded, gladdened by the king’s understanding and softer demeanor. “The wedding will not alter or change what already is. I will love her and only her for the rest of my days.”
Erik smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s all I needed to hear. I take it you want to wait for your brother to arrive for us to do this?”
He hadn’t actually considered that part, but yes it would be nice to have John there. T
oo bad Jenna wouldn’t be by his side. “Actually, I wanted to make sure her father was present when it happened. Though she wouldn’t say it, it would mean a lot to her if Bordin was there to walk her down the aisle.”
“Thinking of her comfort before your own, you truly are in love my friend,” Erik chuckled, nudging his shoulder and looking out at the city once more.
He was about to add something when Jarel suddenly burst into the study, the blue haired druid hot on his heels. “Sire, your presence is requested in the throne room. We have guests.”
Erik turned abruptly and addressed the out of breath aide. “How could we have guests in the throne room? How did they get through the gates without me being notified? Is this Merlin’s doing? Up to his old tricks?”
The last was shot in his direction and he only shrugged. “How would I know?”
As the aide struggled to give an answer, Revan shouldered himself into view and looked at them with a large grin on his face. “My Lord, the fairies have arrived.”
II
Melissa looked at him as he signaled them to come to a halt. They had been riding for the majority of the morning and most of it had been in silence. He had spent the time analyzing the nearing future and that’s when he realized that something was wrong. “What is it?” Melissa asked him and Merlin turned to look to the north.
“The others are in trouble,” he told her after a pause. They hadn’t heard from Kylee or Riska since the night before, which hadn’t really troubled him as he was used to the ranger’s prolonged scouting trips. It never crossed his mind that something might have happened to her.
“Reyna, you and Kore take point,” he motioned to the two warriors as he turned his horse and kicked its flanks, setting forth at a full gallop.
The two warriors took the lead as Melissa rode swiftly by his side. That he hadn’t seen this coming troubled him. Not many things could obscure his vision and that usually meant the Phoenix was making a move against him. He tried to focus on the events that were transpiring around them, but he was drawing a blank whenever he tried to draw Kylee and Riska into the picture. It made him increasingly more nervous the further they rode, the multitude of possibilities too troubling to contemplate.
The New Age Saga Box Set Page 71