by Vella Wolf
“By the way, if you hurt him, I will kill you!” and with a wink, she was off, following Verona into the night.
I gulped deeply, and Nyx came up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“What was that about?” he asked.
“Nothing. Just sisterly love,” I smiled, and together, we returned to the inn.
Chapter 15
A letter arrived at my door as the weekend rolled in. I had managed to convince Nyx to let me sleep alone in my room last night, considering he had done nothing but keep me awake every other night. The courting between my sisters and Raest had progressed well, and everything seemed to be going smoothly for once. Walking to my dresser, I tore open the letter revealing beautiful calligraphy, similar to a letter I had read before.
Dear Sabyr Feros,
I hope this letter is not too late. If it were of your convenience, would you be interested in meeting me this afternoon for that talk? I know you are very busy, but I am eager to be able to discuss the topic of your mother. Send word as soon as possible, and I will make the arrangements.
Regards, Raest Nightsong.
I had not been expecting that so soon. I had already taken care of the plans for the following week, leaving today open for rest. But this. There was no way I could refuse. Pulling parchment, ink, and quill from my draw, I hastily scrawled a reply handing it to the next servant who passed my door.
Raest agreed to meet me at two near the lake, open but private enough for our conversation. I convinced Nyx to leave us alone for our talk, ensuring that the patrolmen and I were enough guards for our short discussion. Right on the stroke of two, Raest arrived at the lake, Nyx in tow. After a few words, Nyx began to leave, only turning once to frown at me. I already sat on a bench overlooking the lake. With his usual grace, Raest walked over to me, sitting down to my right. This was the first time since he arrived that I had seen him in casual attire. Grey pants, black boots, and a loose, white button-down shirt. His long hair was tied in a tail behind his head, and his diadem was missing.
He looked at me a little concerned. “Are you alright, Sabyr?” he asked.
I must have been staring again. “Yes, apologies. I just haven’t seen you looking so casual before,” I admitted.
He looked at me a little sombre. “Does it look bad?”
“No! No! It looks great, I mean fine. I was just surprised is all,” I spluttered.
He smiled at me gently, and we sat with nothing but the sound of the breeze for a few moments.
“Tell me everything,” I said to him.
Raest turned to the waters, watching the waves lap at the shore.
“I met your mother when I was still a child. My parents would often send me south to Karsten, a small city, it’s just on the border of Naedis and Seranel. I’d spend every summer with my mother’s cousin and her family there. Laette, where your mother is from, is also very close to the border. Laette and Karsten would often trade with each other, and it was in the market one day we met.”
A calmness seemed to wash over him as he recounted his memories.
“After that day we would often meet to play and talk, along with our other friends. Even as the years rolled on, and we grew into adulthood, we continued to enjoy our friendship.”
I couldn’t believe that she never told me any of this. Vast parts of her life just omitted from anything she ever said to me. I was beginning to wonder if I really knew my mother at all. Raest spoke so fondly of her, almost a little too fondly.
“This is a bold question, but I have to ask it. Were you involved with my mother?” I stammered. A wistful expression came over his face, and my stomach churned as I waited for the answer.
“No. Never. We were just friends. There were other people she had her eyes on,” he smiled.
I let out a breath of relief. Knowing someone who had been involved with my mother and was now to marry my sister made me feel uncomfortable.
Raest let out a little sigh. “But eventually Ysara was married to Torsen, and my brother Kyo passed. We were both forced into rule, and we never really saw each other again.”
“That is the price people like us pay in our positions. We may have lavish things, but we bear the burden of our people on our backs. Sacrificing our happiness and freedom for the benefit of our kingdom is just part of the role,” I said bluntly.
What I said seemed to have sparked amusement in Raest.
“Can I ask you something?” he said.
“Of course,” I nodded.
He adjusted himself on the bench, sitting up straight, turning to look me in the eye.
“What do you think motivates the Solair? What drives their dominion?”
This hadn’t been the question I anticipated. I thought it would be about my sisters or family, not this. What was his game?
“Ego and selfishness. They want everything for themselves,” I spat as I consciously brought my hand to the scar on my neck.
Raest looked a little disappointed. “You don’t really believe that, do you?
“No, I don’t,” I sighed, “But saying that makes it easier to hate them. I have seen firsthand the terrible destruction they have wrought, but I have also seen the same cruelty at the hands of my own people. Therefore, it’s hard for me to believe they are all like that and harder to see them as my enemy.”
His icy eyes glimmered. “Then what do you believe?”
“Our world is changing or dying. Things have already changed so much here, and I have heard rumours, it is worse in the south. The area the Solair lived in was already a reasonably arid region. If their climate has degraded to the point they cannot feed their people, that would be a good reason to go to war. They need to take land to continue to survive, and they will continue to take it as the lush land recedes.”
Raest clapped his hands in front of him. “Good. Very good. Another question if I may?”
“Go ahead.”
He stroked a finger, across his pale, smooth chin, conjuring up his question.
“How would you deal with the Solair? If it was up to you.”
This was something I had pondered often, even before my first encounter with them. It had often tormented me in my sleep. With the Solair’s continued dominion, they would eventually come to our lands, and I would be asked by the council for my judgment.
“I would try to make peace. Offer a solution to share resources and labour. Our land has plenty of room and farmland, but we lack the workers. Suppose they came to work and populate some of the areas and the bounty was shared. In that case, I believe it would be a very fortuitous opportunity,” I said calmly.
Raest titled his head. “An excellent solution. But. What if they refused to make peace?”
I balled my hand into a fist. “Then, the next step would be simple. I would take two teams comprised of our most powerful warriors and casters and sneak into Teirsal. From there, we pursue the leaders of the dominion and destroy them, one team to perform the task and the other to finish it if the first fails. This will leave the Solair in disarray and hopefully lead to new rulers who are far more open to the idea of peace,”
A sharp grin spread across his face, his eyes practically glowed. The look he gave me was indecipherable. He chuckled lightly.
“Well, that is interesting. I never expected an answer like that from a child of the forest. Brilliant choice though, cutting off the head of the snake while avoiding civilian involvement.” The glee from his face started to dissipate. “Although when it comes to the Solair, it’s more like trying to cut the heads off a hydra. For all their flaws, they are unified like no other. But I supposed that’s what extinction will do to people. I do envy them sometimes. I can only imagine the things my people could accomplish if we could just agree on something.”
“A hydra. I suppose I would have to catch them all together at some party then,” I chuckled.
I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes. Rage? Sadness? I wasn’t sure.
“That has certainly been
proven to work in the past,” he said in a snide tone.
Part of me wanted to pry, but another voice in my head was telling me to let it lie. It was kind of him to take the time to speak to me about my mother, I certainly didn’t want to offend him after that.
“Sabyr,” Raest called, bringing me back from my thoughts. “I am quickly learning that you are someone who can make the hard decisions others cannot. I have great respect for that,” he beamed at me.
I blushed a little, compliments from strangers were not common. “You are too kind to say. But really, I have my mother to thank for that. I can’t take all the credit.” I could almost see the memories stirring in his eyes.
“Ysara was always making tough choices, all for the best,” he said softly.
I smiled at him, a little sombre myself. “My mother, she taught me that lesson from a young age, it was almost as if she knew… knew she would be gone sooner than expected, and I would be left to look after everyone.”
Raest returned my expression. “If it’s not too much to ask, how did she die?”
“The withering, like so many others. It just started as a flu one day in winter. Over time it weakened her, and before we knew it, the withering had her in its grip. She didn’t last long after that,” I sighed.
“That is… terrible. I wish I had been able to say goodbye. I didn’t hear about Ysara’s death until long after she was buried,” Raest whispered as he placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
I held back a quiver, I wasn’t used to the touch or comfort from strangers. The Illyd seemed to be far more openly affectionate than we are. In politeness, I placed my hand on top of his.
“Thank you,” I murmured, a question beginning to nag in my head. Removing my hand, I looked him dead in the eye. “Raest. Do you know who my father is?” I asked.
“No,” He said firmly, looking back at the lake “Ysara never told me. I only saw her once after she married Torsen and you weren’t yet born. I’m sorry I can’t be of help.”
I shrugged and crossed my arms. “It was worth a shot,” I laughed.
For a few minutes, we sat watching the world together. Ducks swam in the lake while dragonflies buzzed over its waters. The sun was warm, but the breeze, a little chilly.
“Would you like to meet again?” Raest turned to ask me. “Perhaps I could tell you a story or two about your mother.”
“That would be wonderful,” I replied.
Chapter 16
A new week had begun and another set of meetings along with it. Once again, Celia met Raest in her garden, the two continuing their chatter and conjuration. Kariss had insisted on a walk through the noble district before lunch, no doubt to draw the envy of her peers. The stunt required far more guards than usual, but she wouldn’t be swayed otherwise. She hung off Raest’s arm the whole way, giggling and waving to anyone she recognised.
Emile decided on an afternoon ride around the castle grounds. She had always been a proficient rider of the kital, far better than me. Raest had seemed hesitant at first, only used to riding the ikander of his homeland. The kital had kicked up a fuss about having him as a rider, but after a lap around the grounds it had calmed down. Emile and Raest spent the rest of the afternoon riding leisurely and chatting about far off places.
Nyx and I continued to spend most nights together in his room or at the inn. At weeks end, I found myself at The Crowing Hen with Nyx, Verona, and Ophelia again. I listened happily as they chatted about past assignments and adventures. Nyx and Ophelia cackled and joked throughout. After the seventh drink or so, even Verona began to smile. As the night went on, my captivation slowly turned to envy. This was a group of people sharing bonds and experiences I could only dream about. My life paled in comparison. Lately, I had found myself dreaming about being part of their group and the doors that would now be open to me through this union. My family had always come first, but my thoughts were now drifting to selfish ones.
A warm hand on my knee dismissed my musing, and I felt my face flush red as the touch ran up my thigh. I could see Nyx’s sly grin in the corner of my eye as he continued to chat with the others. I began to trail my foot over his in return. His gaze turned heated, and his concentration for the others wavered.
“Well, I think it’s about time we were off,” Ophelia said with a cough.
I could feel my face flush deeper as I realised we’d be caught. Ophelia gave me a wink as she rose from her seat, Verona following her lead. The two began to exit down the hallway, and before they were out of sight, Ophelia called back to us.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she said in a drunken chuckle.
Nyx rolled his eyes and yelled back at her, “That doesn’t limit us very much!”
I could hear Ophelia cackling all the way down the stairs, eventually being drowned out by the sounds of the tavern below. Taking my hand, Nyx led me back into the room, locking the door behind us firmly.
“I do love their company, but I was itching to be alone with you. I thought I was going to go insane,” he said, pulling me in close to wrap his arms around my waist.
I smiled weakly at his words, returning his embrace.
“No, I don’t like that face, what’s wrong?” he asked, worry marring his lovely face.
“It’s nothing. It’s silly,” I said, shaking my head.
“If it’s worrying you then I doubt it’s either. Come on, you can tell me,” Nyx frowned.
I pulled away from him a little bit, fighting with my inner bitterness. Drinking so much always brought out the worst in me.
“Nyx. You said you hadn’t been with Ophelia. But… What about Verona? She is very pretty,” I asked.
Nyx blinked at me, clearly surprised at my question. “That’s what’s bothering you? No never. I’ve never been with anyone in our circle,” he broke off his words, consumed by thought. After a moment or two, he said “Wait… Are you jealous?”
I made a sour face at him not wanting to admit something so childish, but we’d promised each other honesty.
“Yes! But not really about that, more so about how close you all are and how experienced. Listening to your stories is a delight, but it makes me feel… like a child,” I admitted.
He took my hand, pulling it to his face, his skin was so soft and warm. My ramblings continued to spill from my lips.
“You are all such powerful people. I feel so small in comparison, and I can’t help but think about all the better Illyd women you could be matched with. Why would you ever want someone like me?!” I spat.
He took hold of my chin with his other hand. “Because. None of that matters to me, and you are strong in your own way,” he said.
I looked at him, unconvinced. He let out a sigh, his face sombre.
“Sabyr. Let me tell you something. I’ve been on this earth for seventy-two years, and I’ve… never loved anyone. There was a girl once when I was younger, we met during our training for the Legion. But she died before anything really happened. I don’t think I can say that I loved her and I certainly didn’t love anyone after that. My involvements were all just fun,” he said.
Hearing that was like a shot through the heart. Seventy-two years was a long time to have never felt love. No family, no partner. Though he had found a family in his circle. But still, if he had been human, he'd be an old man by now, or dead. Until now, I had held a pretty bleak opinion on partnership. Marriage was just a tool and love, a frivolous thing. The joy I found in this companionship was slowly changing my mind.
“I’m sorry. I must sound ridiculous,” I babbled.
He placed his hands on either side of my face, squeezing gently.
“No, you don’t.” he scolded. “Sabyr, I’m an orphan boy with barely any magical gifts who consumes himself in his work. It might surprise you, but I’m not terribly social with strangers either, and I don’t have a high opinion about people. I know I radiate confidence now but once upon a time I was a quiet little mouse hiding in the corner at parties.”
Laughter burst from my mouth. “That is difficult to imagine,” I giggled.
He poked his tongue out at me, but his cheek didn't last long. He exhaled deeply, looking away from me.
“Honestly, sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough for you,” he admitted.
I grabbed his face and forced him to look at me. “Now that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard,” I growled.
I forced a kiss upon his lips, trying to banish his frown.
“This is going to sound sappy, but I have to say it,” he began. “I don't connect with people easily, but you… From the moment you sassed me, I felt it. It was like having fire in my blood,” he laughed.
I didn’t want to admit it, but I felt like that too. Nyx had seemed like such a prat but had stirred something inside me. I leaned in, kissing him deeper, hoping my actions could speak for me.
“Mmm it is nice hearing that you’re jealous though,” he hummed onto my lips.
“Oh shush you,” I purred as I leaned in, nipping the tip of his ear.
Nyx took a sharp breath and began to walk me towards the bed. “You really know how to start me off,” he whispered as his hands roved over my body.
Linking my arms around his neck, I pulled him down on top of me. The bed groaned beneath us. Nyx leaned down to kiss me but stopped an inch away from my lips.
“But you know, nothing's stopping you from being a part of our adventures in the future,” he murmured.
This was precisely what I wanted or even needed to hear. I crushed myself against him, and it wasn't long before we were naked and entwined, bathed in candlelight.
Chapter 17