“That is absolutely true,” Leonetta smiled.
“Take care of her for me while I am gone,” Pike said looking over at Leonetta.
“I will keep her safe, I put my own life on that,” she replied. “When are you heading out?”
“Tomorrow morning,” he said, breathing deeply. “I don’t want to become complacent, I know I will never leave this beautiful place.”
“Well, you are always welcome back here, and I think by now you know how to find me if you need me,” Leonetta said with a wink. “We will miss you.”
“I will miss you as well,” he smiled. “Thank you for all that you did to keep me safe.”
“It was my fate,” she replied.
“What will you do now?”
“I’m not sure,” she said. “Try to find my sister, rule a Kingdom maybe. Mostly just sit back and enjoy peace across the realms, at least for as long as it lasts.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” she smiled. “But the answer is yes.”
“You don’t know what I was going to say,” he laughed.
“Sure I do,” she smiled. “You wanted to know if killing the Dead King brought you immortality, and the answer is yes. It is up to you whether you think that a blessing or a curse.”
“Only time will tell,” he sighed looking out over the canyon. “Only time will tell.”
***
The flight from The Vale to wherever the Wild was taking Asphodul and the child took days. They tried to stay above the clouds during daylight, but when it was clear they had to hunker down in hiding and wait until night to travel. It was a hard and arduous journey especially with a small babe in her arms. Before they got too far out, Asphodul had the dragon stay in the woods while she, cloaked in dark robes, visited a far off town, retrieving milk for the baby and other provisions for the trip. The Wild assured her that their new home would be completely ready for them and that they wouldn’t need for anything. When they left the village they headed off, continuing past the farthest mountains and deep into the forbidden forests at the far edge of the land. It was a place other’s considered cursed, but Asphodul was brave, and knew Aralea wouldn’t send them into harm’s way.
Around the ten days into the trip, the sun was bright overhead and they swooped down lower over the forests. There was no one there to see them, so Asphodul felt safe as they ran over the canopy. The baby cooed in her arms and smiled as they passed through the thick of the woods and began their decent into a large clearing in the center of the forest. Asphodul held tightly to the child with one hand and the other on the Wild, watching as the wind whipped through the trees. The dragon came to a footing beneath them, touching the ground below and settling his wings to the side. Asphodul stood up and stretched, carrying the child down the dragon’s back.
You are home, the dragon said.
Asphodul looked around the grounds, almost excited by what she was seeing. In front of her was a small cottage with a large stone chimney and moss covering the roof. The shingles were rugged but quaint and the color was a soothing yellow. There was a large red door on the front of the house and flowers growing in boxes hanging from the window sill. Asphodul turned and looked out at the area cleared in the forest. To the right was a garden with a plethora of food growing strong and to the left was a small fenced in area full of cows. There was plenty there to keep them comfortable, and plenty of work to keep her busy. Though she didn’t know what the plan truly was, she had a feeling that she would be there for a long time, raising the babe in her arms and preparing for something she did not yet know.
Asphodul looked back at the dragon and smiled, walking through the lush grasses beneath her feet. It almost felt like the lawns in the Vale, only there was no one else anywhere around. They would be safe there, especially after she created some charms to keep the watching eye away. She turned back to the Wild and walked up to him, putting her hand on his snout.
“This will be our home?”
Yes
“What is your name?”
Tygart
“And will you stay here with us?”
I will and so will a good friend of mine, a dragon that knows the importance of that child’s future. His name is Barimus and he will be arriving soon.
“Good,” Asphodul said. “I have a feeling I will need the help. Do you understand what is happening?”
I have seen the future. You will one day know the truth. For now, you are to care for the child, raise her in your spirit, and when the day comes, you will know the answers.
“Right,” she sighed. “Understood. I guess I should get to work on some privacy charms.”
The property is already charmed, by the wizards.
“I should have figured that,” she said. “Well, I guess I will go get settled in with the baby.”
You will see that there is plenty set up for the child, and you may have everything that was Aralea’s. This was her secret cottage, the place she came to get away, to be with her husband, or to just relax and plan for her future child. This was her favorite place, and a place of honor for the baby. You will find everything you need is here, and if you are missing something it is enchanted so that all you need to do is ask.
“Wonderful,” Asphodul smiled.
One thing.
“Yes?” Asphodul said turning back around.
You may not contact anyone on the outside. This is sacred.
“I understand,” she said sadly, thinking about Tyriad. “If it is in the stars, one day we will be reunited. Thank you Tygart.”
Asphodul bowed to the dragon and turned, walking into the home. It was beautiful, with everything that she could ever imagine she would need to raise a child, but there was still a sorrow in her chest, knowing she may never see her home, or her husband ever again. This was her cottage now, and Aralea had known she would be comforted and safe there. She walked into the baby’s room and laid her in the bassinet, smiling down and rubbing her finger over her cheek.
“Your name is Aerwyna,” Asphodul said with a realization. “I will call you Aerie, your name means friend of the sea. And that you are.”
The child looked back up at Asphodul, her eyes now the color of the sky and smiled. Asphodul’s heart swelled and she realized that she finally had a child, something she thought would never happen. She looked around the magical room, noticing the charms that had been cast. The ceiling looked like the bright blue sky and the smell of roses floated through the air. She let out a deep breath and smiled, finally feeling free.
17 Years Later
Chapter Eleven: In the Mind
For seventeen years the lands through all the realms, on both coasts of Fortune saw peace and prosperity. The tumbling hills of the Cinder Territories sprouted, the ash bringing nourishment to the soils, producing crops, rebuilding the once barren lands. Across the seas the fae, and others alike, watched as Pero Peaks swallowed itself, sinking into the boiling lavas that flowed beneath it. The rest of the realm was beautiful, with blossoming flowers, clear blue skies, and winters that only touched the land with frosts enough to create a new fresh beginning every spring.
The Vale was no different, the abundance sprouting forth giving the beauty of the landscape that much more vitality and growth. Communities began to spread, children were born, and the life that had seen destruction and chaos slowly pushed those dark times to the back of their minds. There was no fear in the land, and that alone created an atmosphere of wealth beyond imagination. Every sprout, every babe, and every creature became accustomed to that way of life, a life that was reminiscent of old ages before, where there were no wars and no battles raging. It had become a vision of perfection on the lands, one that no one ever wanted to see come to an end again.
Aralea had passed during those perilous days and with her passing gave way for a new era for the wizards. Her husband took hold of the Kingdom once again, pulling in people from all over to work, live, and prosper within its walls. The ports were rebuilt, str
onger and sturdier than ever. No war ships were built, only commerce, as none of them foretold any dubious happenings on the horizon. They transported seed and wheat, crafts and arts, clothing and building materials, back and forth across the always calm oceans. Trade was at its peak, and everyone who lived and worked in the ports did so in a life of abundance, both in riches and family. To be poor was a state of mind as there were always others looking after you. No one went hungry, no one went scared, and crime was only something talked about in stories of the past.
Though the Mer-People were extinguished when the Dead King raged, the shimmering of their golden city beneath the waves of Fortune still sat as a reminder and memorial to their bravery and service to the realms. There was no way to bring them back, but that would be part of history, a reminder to always look, as trouble never ceases to eventually creep into those golden towers and large ports. The people were full, their lives, their souls, their hearts, but they would never forget those dark days, even if just a memory in the back of their minds.
Through the deep forests and over the cliffs, at the edge of the Kingdom of the Vale, Leonetta stood in her flowing purple gown, gripping the railing of her terrace, looking out at the Kingdom. She had become Queen, and only days after her sister had left. They all knew Asphodul would not be coming back. Leonetta proved a strong Queen, keeping all signs of evil at bay, reaching her hand across the boundaries of the realms, and helping those across the lands. She saw no differences in wizard versus fae, human versus troll. She believed in a love that transcended species, and that was exactly how she built her rule as Queen. There was never a hungry hand or crying child as long as she was on her throne.
Leonetta sighed, watching the clouds pass overhead, remembering a time when her sister would send her messages written in the sky. Those days were long since passed but she knew Asphodul was alive, she just couldn’t find her. Her connection was broken, and she knew it would stay that way for a very long time. She missed her sister, despite their differences and their past. She missed the way they would talk for hours, the way she would sit comfortingly at her side. She missed having that part of her family behind her, but it was gone, and that too was the fate of it all.
“Mommy,” a little voice said, the princess’s tiny hands tugging on Leonetta’s dress. “Look what I made. She is a Queen just like you.”
“Let me see that,” Leonetta said, lowering herself down and taking the doll from her daughter’s hands. “That is beautiful. But it isn’t me, what Queen is it?”
“It’s the old Queen, Aunt Asphodul,” she smiled innocently.
“Oh,” Leonetta smiled. “Did you see that from the painting in the hall?”
“No, she visits me in my dreams,” the little girl said, turning as Holland walked in. “Daddy, daddy, look what I made?”
“That’s beautiful sweetheart,” he said scooping her into his arms. “I think, though, it is time for you to prepare for dinner.”
“I am clean,” she said with a pouty lip.
“I am sure you are but let’s go with your hand maiden and double check that,” he smiled, kissing her on the nose. “And then get your brothers before you meet us in the hall.”
“Yes, daddy,” she said jumping down out of his arms. “You smell like dragon by the way.”
“Do I?” Holland asked watching her run off and then looking over at Leonetta.
“It’s a becoming smell,” she laughed, leaning forward and kissing his lips.
Leonetta and Holland had gotten married, just as they always wanted to. Through magical workings they were able to conceive three children, two boys and one girl. The children were the future of the Fae, and though they weren’t fully Fae, or fully shifter, they were the beginning of a new race of beings, strong and magical, valiant and tough. They were welcomed with open arms into the Vale by shifter and Fae alike. It had not been told who would rule after Leonetta, but regardless, her children would be looked after for the ages.
“Are you excited about the celebration in a week?” Holland asked putting his arms around Leonetta.
“Oh sure,” she laughed. “All the realms piling into the Vale, fireworks, loud music, dancing, and me trying to plan all of it. I am ecstatic.”
“We could always sneak off and make another magical baby,” he said kissing her on the neck.
“You want a whole battalion of children, don’t you?” she laughed, putting her hands on his chest and pushing back.
“Sure, why not?” he smiled. “I am personally looking forward to another year of peace and remembering the battle for what it was.”
“And what is that?” Leonetta smiled as Holland moved over to the railings and closed his eyes.
“The beginning of a reign of peace and tranquility that I don’t remember having since I was a child,” he smiled, his eyes still shut, looking up toward the sun. “Knowing our babies can sleep tightly in their beds without the Dead King lurking over their shoulders. Knowing that my wife is safe, that I don’t have to feel the need to follow her everywhere.”
“I like that one too,” Leonetta laughed.
“To know that the people are taken care of, fed, both spiritually and physically,” Holland continued. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
“It is,” Leonetta smiled. “I just hope it lasts a lot long…. oh!”
Holland turned and watched as his wife grasped onto her hands and fell to her knees. Everything felt as if it were in slow motion and he looked up as dark clouds began to swirl above the Vale. Leonetta groaned, her head snapping backward, her eyes opening to show nothing but white orbs. She was having a vision, but this one was worse than anything he had seen before. He looked up at the guard who had stepped forward, not knowing what to do.
“Get Ardontis,” Holland instructed. “Fast!”
The guard nodded and bolted out the bedroom door. Holland looked around, unsure of what to do, knowing there was no stopping a vision like this. She had to work through it, get to the end, and let it run its course. What she was going through didn’t scare him as much as the possibility of what she was seeing. Visions didn’t really pop up like that showing sunshine and rainbows, there was usually some sort of warning attached to them, something ominous in the wings.
Holland reached down to help his wife, not wanting Leonetta to hurt herself. As soon as he touched her arm, he let out a groan, his knees buckling underneath him as he hit the floor beside her. His head flew back, and his eyes frosted over, staring deeply into the same vision that was rolling through Leonetta’s mind. At first, he couldn’t see a thing, only flashes of memories, faces, laughter, quiet talking. It was like falling through a vortex, trying to catch your bearings but everything was moving through his head so quickly. His hand stayed latched to Leonetta as his heart beat faster and faster in his chest. Blood trickled from his nose and his other fist clenched tightly in his lap.
Ardontis ran into the room, looking around but finally finding the two of them on the floor. He had never seen a shifter fall into a vision like that, but after noticing his hand on Leonetta, he knew that he couldn’t touch either of them. There was something coming, something huge, something that both of them were meant to see, something he knew he had already dreamt of. It was the next part of the vision, the part that she hadn’t seen seventeen years before.
Inside of their mind’s eye, visions flew through both Leonetta and Holland’s conscious. Slowly the visions came to a halt and Holland looked down, finding himself standing in a grassy field, an orchard to one side, a farming area to the other. He didn’t see Leonetta anywhere, and before he could even step forward to look, the visions started rolling again. He found himself falling more aware now, stopping momentarily to see flames and fire, then flowers, a field of flowers, stretching far beyond the imagination. He felt his heart breaking, his soul catching ablaze. The visions rolled again, this time quicker and when they stopped, he stared into a set of ice blue eyes, more beautiful than anything he had seen before. However, before the
comfort could set in, deep laughter ran through his head and the eyes flashed red, a deep crimson, a color he had only seen once before, and that was in the eyes of the Dead King.
He gasped, letting go of Leonetta and falling to the ground. Slowly he opened his eyes, staring up at the dark clouds quickly dissipating. Ardontis was beside him, patting Leonetta on the hand, trying to bring her to. Holland grabbed the railing and groaned, pulling himself up to a sitting position and wiping the blood from his nose. He quickly turned to his wife, looking up at Ardontis for guidance.
“She is alright,” he said. “She is coming back.”
Suddenly, Leonetta took in a deep breath and sat straight up, grasping onto Ardontis’s robes. She looked him in the eyes as if relaying a message and then slowly fell into Ardontis’s arms. He stroked her hair gently, wondering if they had seen the same images, the same heartbreak, the same ominous warning.
“The others will be here soon,” Leonetta whispered, turning her head toward Holland. “We must begin to prepare. Something dark is coming, it is written in the stars. This was a warning, maybe from the Elders or maybe from my sister, but it is meant to call us all to one place. I have never seen this vision before, and it feels as if it is closer than I would like to admit. Darkness is returning, but this time, it comes for us all. We are all in danger, and we must be ready, or it surely will be the end of days.”
Chapter Twelve : The Gardens
The bright sun cascaded gently down into the clearing deep in the woods. As you looked across the small oval grassy knoll you could see the rays of light individually kissing the blades that whispered gently in the breeze. Asphodul reached up, picking an apple from one of the trees. She set it in her apron, her eyes shifting to the dew barely hanging on. The breeze blew over her and the drop shuttered before falling to ground. It was a magical place, but not as much as her home.
War of the Realms Box Set Page 55