by Vella Wolf
“Wait, Sabyr, please!” he begged, trying to pry the door open.
“No, absolutely not! The last thing I need right now is another one of your guilt trips,” I hissed.
He sighed at me, loosening the grip on the door. “What if I was going to tell you that you were right and I'm an asshole?”
“I'm listening.”
“Can I please come in Sabyr?”
“No. It's not a good idea.”
“You are going to make me say this in the hallway?”
“Yes.”
Nyx clawed at his messy hair in frustration. “You are right. You got the worse deal in this situation, and I was just making it harder for you like a prick.”
“Go on,” I said as I gestured my hand.
“I hate it. I hate it so much, and I want to just waltz out of here and never return but you. You are still here and fuck Sabbie, you almost died.”
I screwed up my face in confusion. “What?”
He clasped my hand in his, bringing the cut into view.
“That was an ash viper conjured from high-level sorcery. Your blood marked you as its target. One bite and you would have been dust. Secosa was trying to kill you!”
The thought had occurred but not quite the reality of it.
Nyx began to babble out a confession “I know I'm bloody pathetic, but I'm going to be here for you Sabyr as a… friend or whatever. I will try not to be a prick, and I will try to give you space. With Secosa rearing her ugly head so soon, things will get rockier. I want to look out for you.”
I gave him a deep scowl, his reaction was confused.
“We could look out for each other,” I grumbled, and a smile returned to his face.
“Yes, of course.”
Chapter 26
Three days passed without a sign of Raest. The castle was practically empty. Fye and Ora had returned to their homelands to ensure their security. The circle had been running tasks as if there was no tomorrow. Eed had been my only company and lousy company at that. She was painfully stoic unless she was telling me off. Nyx had at least managed a short visit. I took the time to write to my family. Nothing too deep, just assurance I was well, along with some of the gifts I had picked out.
The rest of the day was spent reading about Naedis, trying to fill the gaping holes in my knowledge. Its history was proving to be as grim as Raest had said. In all my years, I had never been forced into such inaction, and I had never felt more restless. Raest had promised we would be working together, that I would not be left as a damsel in the castle. But maybe this time he was right, she had almost killed me. I had never encountered such powerful sorcery. How could I ever match magic like that?
Night rolled around again, the chill along with it. Wrapped in a robe, I sat on my bed reading by candlelight. There weren't as many books translated into Common as I expected. Learning Illyr may soon be a requirement and not one I was looking forward to.
“Can I come in?” A voice called from behind the door.
“Come in,” I called in return, not sure of who exactly I was letting in.
Black violet hair, messy and unkempt. Unbuttoned white shirt, black leggings, and boots. Raest.
“I promised an explanation,” he said as he closed the door and walked over to the chair beside my bed. He looked utterly exhausted, and instantly I felt guilty.
“You look terrible, it could have waited till the morning! Go get some sleep,” I hissed.
“There's a council meeting in the morning, now is the best time. Besides, I wasn't going to keep you waiting any longer,” Raest smiled gently.
I closed my book, letting the anger relax into sympathy. “Let me help you. Maybe I could go to the meeting?” I said as I sat facing him.
He shook his weary head. “No, it's alright. It's just about increasing our border security. We've sent many of our warriors south, so I'm requesting assistance from a group of lesser lords. It's better if I do that in person.”
I crossed my arms at him, scorn crawling onto my face. “You said this would be a partnership Raest.”
Raest looked guilty, his eyes pleading. “And it will be but for now please just follow my lead. Secosa isn't someone to be underestimated.”
I sighed and shrugged off my anger, it was exhausting and pointless. I shuffled to sit at the edge of the bed, close to Raest.
“Am I going to hear this explanation now?”
He moved to sit upright in the chair, turning his attention towards me. He rubbed the back of his hand. “I told you about the war with the east and about losing my family?”
I nodded.
Anger and sadness rolled onto his face. “They didn't die in battle, they didn't even die during wartime. They were assassinated, Sabyr.”
I felt my blood go cold at that word.
He continued. “Maelyn and Uriss Nightsong, my mother and father defeated the previous Asheye rulers in battle, leaving their eldest daughter Vermillia as the new ruler. Vermillia had sung words of peace to my family, and for years this rang true. She offered a truce and an alliance with our nation, a treaty to be signed on neutral ground. My parents were hopeful but cautious. They agreed to meet, taking most of their circle and many warriors for protection.”
Raest's knuckles turned white, and he clenched his teeth, the next words more difficult than the last. “It was a trap. A trap of grand proportions. Barely anyone got out alive. My parents were slain, along with Ora’s husband and Fye’s younger brother.”
I reached out my hand to him as his words snagged. His skin was noticeably paler than usual. I lost my parents to natural causes. The fury I would have felt if they were taken from me, inconceivable. Raest squeezed my hand appreciatively, bringing forth his next words.
“But of course, the story didn't end there. My brother Kyo was crowned, bringing the next set of wars with him. There was no way in Erohk he would let that betrayal go. Vermillia never set foot on the battlefield, holding up in her castle. Eventually, Kyo realised cutthroat methods were the only way to win. Taking his own circle, he infiltrated the Asheye domain, slaughtering Vermillia as she slept.”
The squeeze intensified, almost painful. “As they escaped, Secosa woke from her slumber. Although only young at the time, her power was already frightening. Secosa killed my brother, and he wasn't the only casualty. Secosa rose to the throne and declared a ceasefire, which eventually became absolute peace. Except as she grew older, she began to make unreasonable demands.” His anger was simmering, his skin prickled with bumps.
“Demands?” I questioned, trying to imagine what that sorcerer would want.
Raest chuckled bitterly and rose from his chair, shaking his head over and over. “To conserve the peace she wanted us to marry, to join our countries as one,” He spat, “As if I could ever trust or marry my brother's murderer!” Now everything made sense.
Raest paced, at war with himself. Black droplets spilled from his right hand as his nails dug into his flesh. I rose to take his hand, pressing a cloth to the cuts. I didn’t know what to say. He looked down at me, his calm beginning to return.
“You must think it selfish after what you have done for your own home,” he mumbled.
I shook my head and looked right into his eyes. “No. Not at all. If I was being asked to marry my brother’s murderer for the sake of peace… I’d run my kingdom to ruin before I’d agree. Besides, there is no guarantee that her offer isn't but another trap.”
Relief ran over his sorrowful face.
“I was hoping she would have let it go by now, foolish, I know. Now I've gone and dragged you into it.” He brought his other hand up to my cheek, “I will keep you safe. I will keep all of us safe. Secosa will be but a thorn in our side,” he promised. I finished dabbing his hand, his blood was so different. “No. We will keep everyone safe,” I smiled.
Returning my gesture, he pulled away from me, the cold replacing the warmth between us.
Moving over to the chair, he dropped down into it before asking, �
�Do you mind if I just sit here a bit? I'm exhausted, and it will look better if I do.”
“Better?”
“The heirs’ thing and all,” he muttered.
“Oh! Of course,” I blushed. “Better stay at least another hour then. We have to make you look good,” I teased, returning back to the bed. “Would you like me to make some noise?” I asked.
“What? No, no it's fine,” he blushed all flustered, and I grinned at the response.
Raest leaned back in the chair, his eyes beginning to droop. A small, sharp pain stabbed at my chest and I sighed.
“Don't sleep in the chair, come,” I said as I patted the bed.
He looked at me uneasily, and I scowled, patting the bed harder. He moved to lay next to me mumbling a thank you before closing his eyes. I frowned as I eyed his boots, they were still on. Crawling down to his feet, I started to pull them off.
“Hey! What?” He cried out.
“Over my dead body you’re sleeping in my bed with shoes on!” I scolded.
He gave an amused laugh, allowing me to pull them off and toss them to the floor.
“Let me fix this mess too,” I muttered as I began to comb his hair with my fingers, gently braiding it. Raest closed his eyes, seemingly enjoying my touch. A nagging memory resurfaced as I looked down at his serene and lovely face.
“Sorry, I don't want to keep you awake, but I have to ask before I forget again,” I said quietly hoping he wasn't yet asleep. He mumbled something in recognition.
“The greenhouse on the roof, Eed said to ask you about it,” I said.
“Ah. Nothing and no one to worry about. They are yet another long term family friend except that they come from the east,” he replied, keeping his eyes shut tight.
“Emathris?”
“Yes, really they are a refugee of sorts. Hiding here is the only way they will keep out of Secosa’s grasp.”
That explained a lot. Secosa had already proven to be relentless and obsessive.
“I know it's not much to go on, but it's safer this way. Secosa has already shown us that she is able to infiltrate our home. The less people talk about our friend, the better,” Raest continued.
“That's understandable,” I muttered. If they were a family friend, then there was little for me to worry about. I finished tying his hair and stroked the fringe out of his face, a content noise escaped his lips. Ducking under the covers myself, I pulled the soft blankets over us both. I watched him fall into a peaceful slumber. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad after all.
Chapter 27
I woke once again to a cold bed. Eed informed me that Raest had left for the meeting and engagements that followed. He would not be back until late. The others had gone too. Another shut-in, book reading day for me then. Eed had brought me a few more books she had found in Common, one of particular interest. It was a documented record of all previous circles of Naedis. Many names were familiar, others were not.
The Circle of the Umbral Moon
Year: Silus 236 -
Ruler - Raest Nightsong
Head Caster - Esu Delmarr
High General - Nyx Astrana
Subterfuge - Verona Atrix
Chief Advisor - Fye Marsue
Advisor - Ora Araluen
Advisor - Ophelia Orlyn
The Circle of the Umbral Moon
Year: Silus 231 - 236
Ruler - Kyo Nightsong
Head Caster - Esu Delmarr
High General - Zahira Bloodmane
Lieutenant General - Azra Araluen
Subterfuge - Verona Atrix
Chief Advisor - Fye Marsue
Advisor - Ora Araluen
Advisor - Ophelia Orlyn
The Circle of the Umbral Moon
Year: Silus 155 - 231
Ruler - Uriss and Maelyn Nightsong
Head Caster - Esu Delmarr
High General - Rasha Araluen
Lieutenant General - Zahira Bloodmane
Subterfuge - Efrit Valair
Shadowhand - Verona Atrix
Chief Advisor - Corrin Marsue
Ora and Fye’s family had been entwined with the Nightsong family longer than I had imagined. But the biggest surprise was that Esu and Verona were part of every circle, I thought Verona at least was closer to my age. Just how old were they?! I flicked through the rest of the book, more names I didn’t recognise, and before long, I had dozed off atop the covers. A slamming of my bedroom door woke me, and to my surprise, there was sunlight peeking through the curtains. I was becoming a hibernating bear.
“Get up and into the bath with you!” Eed growled as she hung a simple black dress and cloak on the dresser.
“What? Why,” I mumbled sleepily. Eed frowned, her brown eyes sharp and cranky.
“Did you not read the note?” I looked at her confused but then noticed something sitting on the pillow next to me. A letter sat on my pillow, sealed with the sigil of Naedis. I tore it open with haste.
Dearest Sabyr,
I fear that I will be prolonging my absence. There are issues with the farmland to the north that requires my attention. I’m sure you understand that food supplies are of peak importance during this time. I will be gone a few days, and for that I am sorry, this isn’t how I wanted to start our marriage. Nevertheless, I have planned a little surprise for you. It is likely not your thing but I believe you will appreciate the fresh air and company.
With love, Raest.
I was warned this was the case, just not quite to this extent. At least an outing would make for a change of pace. After bathing and brushing, Eed helped me dress. The dress sat snug, a silver sash sat across the middle, and the sleeves were as long and flowing as the skirt.
“Where am I going?” I asked as Eed braided my hair back, leaving my forehead bare.
She shrugged, “Into town was all I was told.” She pulled out a familiar black box from the dresser, the diadem sat upon silk.
“Do I really have to wear that?” I muttered, turning up my nose.
“You are going out in public, so yes,” and with that, she affixed it to my brow and shoved me out the bedroom door.
“That was good timing,” a cheery voice called.
Ophelia and Nyx stood next to my door.
I smiled at both of them, surprised. “Are you actually here to take me somewhere or are you just escorting me to someone else?”
Nyx shook his head. “Nope. You’re stuck with us for the rest of the day.”
Ophelia had two baskets in hand with a pouch in each. She pushed one into my hands. “We are taking you into Xerai for the day. Lunch, sightseeing, and of course, shopping!” she beamed.
I groaned and rolled my eyes.
“Don’t give me that face,” she hissed back at me. “Nyx, tell her it will be fun.”
He shook his head and groaned in turn. “Don’t look at me, I’m with her.”
Ophelia clicked her tongue and began to lead us to the stairway.
“Too bad. Neither of you has a choice anyway,” Ophelia huffed.
Together we made our way to the courtyard, a carriage awaiting our arrival, and with several guards in tow, we rode off into the city.
As soon as we rolled into the streets of Xerai, the people we passed by waved in greeting just like before. I leaned out, waving back, the city was still beautiful in the sunlight. When I first arrived, I had noticed something missing, an unfortunate and too common occurrence in Seranel.
“There are no beggars here?” I said as I observed the streets.
Ophelia bore a proud and bright smile. “No, the Nightsong family implemented support systems for the poor and any victims of war when they came into power. There is public housing, kitchens, as well as employment support. No one has to be on the street in Naedis,” she grinned. Seranel could never afford such things in its current state.
We entered the central market, and the carriage came to a halt. Stepping out into the light, Nyx ordered the guards to follow at a distance, giving us privac
y. A few of the people around us stared as we began to move towards the shops but soon returned to their duties.
For the next two hours, Ophelia dragged us from shop to shop. Fabrics, feathers, flowers, and food of the likes I had never seen before, lay in every store. Clothing, trinkets, jewellery, each crafted exquisitely, their proprietor polite and friendly in every store. While I was bewildered by the sights, my legs were beginning to ache, and as Ophelia entered the next shop, I begged for rest. She mumbled agreement, pointing to a nearby bench, promising not to try on too many things.
Nyx and I walked over and sat with a sigh of relief, placing two heavy baskets on the floor. I hadn’t bought a thing, but soon enough, Ophelia had begun to fill my basket. Nyx and I were her basket ladies.
“You know, even though this isn’t my thing, it is a nice change,” I smiled. “That room was getting stuffy.”
“I didn't think Raest would be able to convince you to stay in the room for more than a day,” he chuckled.
“I think that Secosa gave me enough of a scare to listen. I have never seen such deadly sorcery in person. Casters in Seranel are all healers and druids. I'm mute, how could I match power like that?” I sighed.
“A blade through the throat is usually pretty effective. But of course, you have to get close enough for that,” Nyx joked. His face fell when he noticed I wasn't laughing. “Sabyr, she won't get to you again, we're making sure of that and what's the likelihood of you facing her alone? Impossible. You have a set of powerful friends, mute and caster alike. If you think what she can do is scary, wait till you see Raest and Esu.”
The sliver of power I had seen from Raest had been frightening. But trying to imagine Esu as some terrifying sorcerer was challenging. A giggle escaped my lips as an image popped in my head.
“How do you find that funny?” Nyx said while screwing up his face.
“Not that, just imagining Esu as some terrible sorcerer he is so… you know,” I giggled.