“Enough,” Holland yelled, watching as Leonetta began to lose strength. “I said, enough!”
Holland grabbed Leonetta’s hands and caught her as she fell backward, stopping in just enough time to survive the ordeal. He reached down and cradled her in his arms, moving to the side and allowing Tyriad to stand next to his wife. Her eyes twitched under her eyelids, and she moaned quietly. Though she was not yet fully awake, she was back to her body and on the way to healing.
“Take Leonetta down the hall to her room,” Tyriad said, pointing toward the door. “She needs rest and food. You have to make sure she has food; it helps the fae regenerate their powers faster.”
Holland nodded and ran with Leonetta from the room, nodding to one of the staff to help him. Tyriad looked back at his wife as she stirred, slowly opening her eyes. She looked around the room, unsure how she got back where she was.
“How did I get here?” Asphodul struggled to talk.
“Shhh,” Tyriad said, leaning down and running his hands over her pale face. “Leonetta pulled you out of the dark space. She came for you.”
“Leonetta…” Asphodul gasped, trying to sit up.
“She will be okay,” Tyriad said, holding Asphodul back. “She just needs rest, as do you.”
Though Asphodul wanted to argue, she was too weak, and she laid back, closing her eyes. She remembered the dark space and Malaya, but she did not remember Leonetta being there. She must have passed out before she arrived. Either way, relief washed over Asphodul as she lay safely in her own bed, the only discomfort being the leftover remnants of the dead magic imprinted on her soul. Like Holland, she would never be completely pure ever again.
Tyriad pulled the covers up to Asphodul’s chin as she shivered from the cold breeze blowing through the room. One of the staff closed the window and pulled the drapes, bringing darkness to the chamber. The frost was almost there – Asphodul could feel it – and once it dropped, she feared everything was going to change.
Chapter Eight: Creatures of the Shadows
Ardontis walked along the dusty streets of Krifton, smiling down at the young children playing in the streets. This city was the first he had been in since leaving the west realms that he had found a form of familiarity in. Long ago, Avalon looked and felt like Krifton did. He was happy to spend a few days awaiting Leonetta and Holland’s return from the Vale. Not to mention, he had his own tasks to attend to. As he made his way past the merchants and shops, he spotted the small temple to the gods just to the left of the entrance to the palace.
Entering, he bowed to the large golden statue of the crown surrounded by fire, signifying the eternal absolute of the gods’ hands in the king’s rule. Inside it was silent, dimly lit, and several praying heads were bowed throughout the pews. Ardontis looked around, spotting an open space in the seating. He scooted down the long wooden benches and kneeled, pressing his hands together and closing his eyes. The person next to him shifted but kept their hooded head down.
“You are late,” the woman’s voice whispered.
“Yes, well, I had to see the young Pike off,” Ardontis said, keeping his head down. “Shall we take our leave?”
“There is a room at the back of the chapel,” the woman whispered, nodding her head toward the back left corner. “We will be able to talk in private there.”
Ardontis stayed put while the woman, dressed in flowing red robes and a hooded cape, made her way toward the back of the chapel, disappearing behind a simple wooden door. He waited a bit, not wanting to draw attention to the movement in the room. After several people had finished praying, Ardontis stood and walked to the room, entering and closing the door behind him. The small closet was dark, but the light from the window shone through like a spotlight. The woman stirred in the corner, stepping into the light, and pulling down her hood.
“Faith Coventina,” Ardontis said, bowing. “You are looking more radiant than ever.”
“It is just Lady now,” she said, looking around the dark room. “When my King Osharus perished, I relinquished my title. What is a Faith without her king?”
“What is a Lady without her love?” Ardontis smiled slyly, knowing Coventina and the king had been in love for many marks. “I am sorry for your loss.”
“We all die,” she said coldly. “I just wish I hadn’t listened to him. I wish I had stayed so that I could have been by his side.”
“Yes,” Ardontis spoke softly. “I was curious as to why you ran before the war even started.”
“I did not run,” Coventina snapped. “The Great King had a vision, and he instructed me to get everyone from the city and to safety before the first arrow was shot. So, I did.”
“So, you’re saying all of Cascading Sea was not lost?” Ardontis furrowed his brow. “They believe there is nothing left.”
“And they will continue to do so,” Coventina said. “The people have found new homes here and in other realms. There is nothing left in a city without a leader.”
“What about Aralea and Georges? Surely, they are capable of running the Kingdom,” Ardontis said, poking for answers.
“The Cascading Seas were meant for one king, and that king is dead,” Coventina replied. “It was his wishes, and so I have seen them out, without question.”
“How very loyal of you,” Ardontis said, picking up small knickknacks on the shelf and blowing the dust off of them. “But how about now? Who are you left to be loyal to without your king?”
“The gods,” Coventina sighed. “Whatever ruler rules the land where I lay my head at night, I suppose.”
“Come now, Coventina, we know you were destined for greater things,” Ardontis said, smiling and stepping forward. “Otherwise, you would not be the only mortal left with your youth. The king sacrificed his own youth to allow you to continue yours for eternity.”
“You are quite the detective, Your Faith,” Coventina said, looking suspiciously at Ardontis. “Why are you so concerned with my allegiance?”
“Everyone knows that, with the arrival of the Dead King, many realms will perish, many kings will die, and in the end, those that stand the strongest will rule these lands with the gods’ blessings,” Ardontis said casually. “The fae queen is not what her ancestors have been, and I see her future short and grim.”
“And your fae princess is that mighty queen? Don’t act like I don’t know how to open my eyes and find the secrets right in front of my face,” Coventina whispered, with a sly smile pulling at her mouth. “Speak plainly, Faith, for I don’t much care for riddles.”
“Leonetta was born to lead,” Ardontis admitted. “We look for your allegiance to only her.”
“And what will this allegiance bring me?” Coventina placed her hands together in front of her and waited.
“You cannot walk these lands unnoticed forever, but in the presence of the fae, you can be believed as one of them,” Ardontis explained. “Your youth could be the end of you if you are caught, but beside our mighty queen, you can live forever.”
“And how do you expect to have this lonely princess rise above all the others?” You could see the interest flash across Coventina’s face even though she attempted to hide it.
“Well that, that is an interesting tale,” Ardontis said, smiling and stepping into the light.
***
“Where are we going next?” Drue walked along the path with a renewed sense of purpose. The cold winds hit his skin, causing goosebumps to rise.
“Well, first we are going to the small town of Lisborn right on the edge of NoSolo and the realm of Edgeborn. We need to get you a fur; the frost is nearly here,” Pike explained, holding the handle of his sword as it swayed under the cloak. “From there, I am not sure. We should be able to see Pero Peaks from Edgeborn and can map out our path from there.”
“Will the princess be coming with us?” Pike could see the crush in Drue’s eyes.
“She will be somewhere near us at all times,” Pike said, smirking. “I do need to stop somewhere when we
get into Lisborn. I have heard of a witch there that can answer any questions you have. She resides deep in the Lisborn woods. I need to know something.”
“Esrielda,” Drue said, stopping and staring at Pike. “You aren’t going there, are you? It is said she was cursed by the gods themselves. She may help you, but she also might kill you.”
“You should not listen to so many rumors, young Drue,” Pike chuckled. “You will soon be afraid of your own shadow.”
“There’s often truth in rumors, you know,” Drue said defensively. “Besides, I don’t have a shadow.”
“What?” Pike looked over at Drue, laughing. “Everyone has a shadow.”
“Look at me,” Drue said, turning into the sun and putting his arms out wide.
Pike looked closely at the ground around Drue, and sure enough, there was no shadow. The prince stepped next to him and stood the same way, watching as his own shadow spread across the ground in front of them. He looked back and forth between them, trying to understand why Drue would lack such a simple thing.
“How long have you been like this?” Pike asked.
“All my life,” Drue responded. “It always freaked my mother out, but she would never tell me why. Didn’t know my pops cause’ Mother said he died when I was a wee baby.”
“So strange,” Pike said, shrugging his shoulders and turning to continue walking.
“Well, my shadow-less friend, you can share mine if the need ever arises.”
“Not sure what I would need it for, but thanks,” Drue laughed.
The two men continued on across the fields and hills of NoSolo until late in the day. Realizing they would not make it all the way to Lisborn before the sun settled, they moved into a deep field, attempting to shield themselves from passing dragons and ogres. They ate some bread and fruit they purchased in the last town and decided to take the chance and continue walking through the night. There were no woods or places to hide, and Pike was hesitant to ask assistance from the locals after what happened with the last family that showed him kindness.
The night seemed to bring a calm and stillness to both the men, and Pike gazed up at the cloudless night sky as they walked through the fields, avoiding the main road. The stars and galaxies shimmered above them as if they were playing a soundless tune. Shooting bursts of light streaked through the night sky as the moon laid a path of light across the land. No foe or ally could be seen in any direction, and for the first time on his journey, Pike felt at ease. With his cloak to keep him warm, he handed Drue the bear skin and walked along, allowing the cold air to refresh his senses.
Drue stopped and looked up at Pike who stared back at him suspiciously. Drue held his finger to his mouth and listened. The still of the night air carried the sounds of the winds across the hills, and Pike stepped closer to Drue. Drue put up his hand, motioning for stillness and listened closer. Through the breeze cut a whimper of a voice. At first, Pike could not tell whether the voice was just his imagination or an enchantment in the breeze. He stood for a moment longer as the sound grew louder and louder. Pike looked up at Drue, his face changing from curiosity to realization in just a matter of seconds. Within the intertwined melody of the wind was Shayla’s voice crying out for Pike.
Pike turned toward the direction of the wind and grasped the butt of his sword, careful not to reveal it until the threat was known. He could see a sparkling mist ahead and began to run quickly toward it. Drue called out his name, but Pike ignored his warning, heading for the sound of his bride in the night. As he approached the mist, he slowed, unable to see through the ball of swirling fog. He came to a stop just a few feet away and called out.
“Shayla,” Pike yelled. “Are you in there?”
“Help,” Shayla’s voice echoed outward like a radio signal in the wind.
“Where are you? I can’t see you,” Pike cried out.
“Why, I am right here,” Ghede’s voice chuckled from behind Pike.
Pike swung around, caught off guard by the Dead King’s response. Towering in front of him was Ghede, dressed in flowing black robes and a distorted golden mask. Atop his head, holding down his long, black hair was a golden crown with his symbol carved in the top. Pike crouched slowly, ready to pull his sword.
“Haven’t you ever been taught to bow to your King, boy?” Ghede yelled, pulling his hand outward and pushing a surge of energy over Pike. “Or are you still getting used to your legs?”
Pike’s knees buckled, and he found himself on his knees, forced to bow to the king. He gritted his teeth and clasped his fists together, trying to fight the power coming from the Dead King. As Ghede laughed a menacing jolly, his face turned to confusion as Pike fought through the spell and pulled himself to his feet, grunting as he rose. Ghede stopped and put his hand by his side, put off by Pike’s unusual strength.
“Give me the sword,” Ghede growled.
“Never,” Pike whispered.
Ghede lurched forward, attempting to take the sword from Pike but stopping suddenly as smoke rose from his hand. He screamed out in pain and stepped back, watching as a forcefield shimmered around the young prince. Pike took in a deep breath, and the energy around him expanded and retracted. Ghede growled angrily as he mustered a ball of black mist in his hands. Before he could throw it forward toward Pike, he screamed out, lurching his back and dropping the enchantment into the ground. Pike watched as Ghede spun around, staring down at a growling wolf standing on its hind legs and retracting its now bloodied paws. Black ooze seeped from Ghede’s torn back, and he swished his arm toward the wolf, sending it spiraling backward and sliding across the ground. The Dead King turned back toward Pike as the wolf lay in a pile, whimpering in the background.
“I will get that sword. You just wait,” Ghede yelled out before evaporating into thin air.
Pike dropped his arms, breathing heavily once the Dead King was gone. He looked around the yard for Drue, but all he could see was the pile of fur in the distance. Slowly, he walked toward the injured wolf, unsure of what he was encountering. As he approached, the beast began to morph, its fur retracting and its face twisting on its skull. Finally, when it was done, where the wolf once laid was now nothing more than Pike’s friend, Drue. His skin was bleeding, and bruises were beginning to form across his chest. Pike dropped beside him and felt his pulse. It was weak but still there. He didn’t understand what just happened, but he picked Drue up in his arms and began to walk quickly toward the farmhouse in the distance.
When he got to the front steps, there was an older woman standing on the porch, looking down at Pike and Drue. She had seen the Dead King and what had happened. She motioned to him to come into the house and moved to the side as Pike struggled to carry Drue over the threshold. Once inside, Pike laid Drue down on the rug in front of the fire and stepped back.
“You boys are lucky,” the old woman whispered. “The Dead King is nothing to mess with.”
“You know of the Dead King?” Pike moved to the side as the woman rushed to the kitchen fire and pulled hot rags from the pot.
“He may have been banished centuries ago, but he never died,” she explained, rolling up her sleeve and showing Pike the mark of the fae. “And your shadow bouncer friend here is lucky he isn’t dead.”
“Shadow bouncer?” Pike repeated what she said, not sure what she was talking about.
“Your friend, he is a wolf shifter. They call them shadow bouncers because their shadow can only be seen by the light of the moon,” she explained, rubbing the cloths over his deep bruises.
“How do you know so much? And why aren’t you in the Vale?” Pike didn’t understand who this woman was.
“Can’t a queen retire?” The old woman chuckled and motioned toward the mantle on the fireplace. Glimmering in the light was the crown of the fae.
“Asphodul and Leonetta are my great-great-great grandchildren,” she said, smiling. “Not all fae meet such a sticky end. Some of us retire and live our lives peacefully in the fields.”
“The mer-prince? You still are, just with legs,” she replied, a kind chuckle in her voice. “I am sorry about your people. It is very sad.”
“Thank you,” Pike said, looking down as Drue began to stir.
“You two are lucky you aren’t dead,” the queen stated, running her hands over Drue’s body in an attempt to heal him. “Especially this one, who probably doesn’t even realize he is a shifter. Often times, the shifters do not have a recollection of what happens once the change occurs. Has he ever mentioned it?”
“No, in fact, earlier this afternoon we joked about how he did not have a shadow,” Pike replied. “I didn’t know anything existed like a shadow bouncer.”
“There are many curious creatures walking these lands, young prince,” she stated as she lowered Drue’s body back onto the mat. “Many only talk about the ogres and the fae, but there are animals that walk among us, thirsting for another way of life.”
“How can I know?”
“You can’t; you just have to keep your eyes open. Now, let’s get this young pup a blanket, and we’ll grab some stew. I’m sure you are starving.
Pike looked around for a nearby blanket but found none. He turned back toward the queen and watched as she waved her hand through the air, a throw appearing thread by thread. She pulled the throw down and over Drue, looking up and smiling.
“I never was very good at sewing,” she chuckled.
Pike and the queen warmed some stew and sat on the porch outside, enjoying the calm weather. Pike was nervous as he didn’t know when or where Ghede would show himself again. He sat up nervously in his chair as the wind blew across the fields.
“Relax,” she cooed. “Ghede did not see me here. There once was a time that everyone understood a fae’s true power is much greater than even death itself.”
War of the Realms Box Set Page 43