Nightsong

by Vella Wolf

  “Yeah, I get you. Funnily enough, plenty of people have thought the same thing, underestimated him. Their first and final mistake,” he grimaced, perhaps at a memory.

  I looked out at the crowd bustling in front, trying to distract my mind with happier things. Raest’s people seemed so content and carefree, nothing like the brutal warriors seen in the texts I had read over the past week. I hoped this new war would never get this far, let the people keep their smiles.

  “Thank you for coming with us today Nyx, this was nice,” I said to him as I continued to gaze out at the crowd.

  “Anything to spend time with you,” he mumbled. I turned and frowned at him, and he sighed under my glare.

  “I’m surprised he is allowing and even insisting we spend time together,” I muttered back.

  Nyx reached out, just barely grazing the back of my hand before recoiling. “I’m surprised he trusts me. I wouldn’t trust me. He shouldn’t trust me,” he breathed, giving me a look that set my skin ablaze.

  “Time for lunch!” Ophelia chimed, snapping us out of the moment. I swore under my breath, raising up my basket, offering to take the new garments she had in her arms. We made our way to a cafe by the lake, cakes and pastries were the specialities. Atop floral, cushioned chairs, we sat on a balcony overlooking the water. Tiers of trays and pots of tea lay across the lemon tablecloth. Danishes, cupcakes, rolls, and biscuits covered every tray, each as delicious as the last. We ate till we were bursting, the hours rolling by as we chatted about nothing. The serenity was divine, and for the first time in a long while, I felt peace.

  The sky had grown dark by the time we left. The carriage rolled up to the cafe entry, ready to take us home. The baskets were taken from us and loaded into the luggage, Ophelia seizing a purse before it was closed.

  “One moment! Macell's is still open. She has a special order for me,” Ophelia said as she grabbed my hand, pulling me towards a small shop across the street.

  Nyx waved us on, mumbling something about staying at the carriage. As we neared the store, I could see trinkets, jewellery, and other shiny things glimmering in the window. A bell rang as we entered, intricate clocks and oddities lined the walls.

  “Macell? Are you here?” She called. A rattling came from behind the counter as a small figure stood up.

  “Ophelia dearie! Just in time, I finished your order today,” the little Kera woman smiled. Macell was just a little shorter than Esu, her fur short and the colour of coal. Two big yellow eyes sat behind a pair of tiny gold glasses, a craftsman's jacket draped over a mossy linen shirt.

  “Oh my! Your majesty! I wasn't expecting you,” she rambled as her eyes spotted my diadem, her head swinging into a bow.

  “Oh, don't worry about me, pretend I'm just another customer,” I smiled back sheepishly. She smiled warily, beckoning Ophelia into her back room.

  I wasn't sure if I should follow, so I lingered back taking in the displays around me. Earrings, pocket watches, jewelled knives, quills, so many fantastic handcrafted goods covered the store. I moved from case to case taking in every item. I would love to know how to create such wonders.

  A box filled with enamelled and gemmed broaches sat to one side on the counter. Cats, snakes, wolves, and monsters crafted into decorative pieces. I brushed my hand over the top of the case, my eyes snagging on a sparrow pin.

  “See anything you like?” Macell called, causing me to jump. I had not heard them return.

  “This pin, it is a sparrow, isn't it?” I asked, eyeing off the metallic enamel that detailed every feather.

  “Yes! Made it myself, just like everything else here. Some people say that sparrows bring good luck,” she chuckled.

  It was perfect.

  “It's lovely, Macell. You are a true master artist. Can I please purchase it? And a box if you have one?” I said as I piled some coins on the counter. With a delicate touch, she unlocked the case, plucking the broach from its rest. A red velvet box was pulled from one of the counter drawers and the pin placed inside.

  “Here your Majesty,” she smiled as she placed the box before me, pushing back most of the coins I had offered.

  Taking the box, I nudged the gold back. “Take it as a tip, your craftsmanship is well worth it.”

  The Kera stared back at me agape before nodding and giving thanks. Bidding goodbye, Ophelia and I exited, a box in each of our possessions.

  The ride back home was smooth, the three of us almost dozing off as we travelled. Upon arrival, the three of us entered the castle, Esu was there waiting for us. He approached Nyx, mumbling about needing to see him. Nyx grumbled a goodnight and an apology before following Esu off to his study. Ophelia assured me it was likely nothing and began to escort me back to my room. I welcomed Ophelia inside, placing my box on the dresser. She promised not to keep me up too long, adding she was back to task work on the morrow.

  “Here, a late wedding present from me,” she said as she offered the box she had retrieved from Macell’s.

  I looked at her, taken back, before reaching out and taking the gift. Lifting the lid, a lotus flower sat inside, each petal made from a silver metal. Intricate and beautiful.

  “Allow me,” she continued as she pulled a tiny key from a small compartment. A keyhole sat at the bud's base and with a few clicks and turns the blossom began to spin. The petals opened slowly in tiers, and a gentle song emerged from the centre. I stood in awe as I watched the lotus dance and sing. The melody was somehow joyous and tragic all at once.

  “This is incredible Ophelia,” I managed to say through my trance.

  “In my homeland, it is tradition for the bride to receive a music box as a gift, the song marks all that is to come. I wanted you to have one,” she said, a tremor in her voice.

  “It's perfect. Thank you doesn't seem like enough,” I whispered.

  “Thank you is all I need. If you ever feel lonely, angry or anything, play it. It helps.”

  The tremor deepened in her voice as the song faded out, the petals closing tightly. I closed the lid and brought her into an embrace, whispering my thanks once again. Her lovely eyes were bloodshot red as she pulled away, saying a final goodnight. As she moved to the door, she paused to glance at the box I had bought.

  “That is a gift for Raest?” She asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Good,” she said with a smile, leaving me to rest.

  Chapter 28

  Raest was gone longer than a few days and worse, everyone else was gone too. My leash had at least been extended, I was free to roam the castle and enter the town just as long as I brought the guards with me. I had been back to the cafe and had even visited Macell, but without the others, it just wasn't the same. The gift on my dresser felt like it was starting to burn a hole in the room.

  A whole week passed before Raest returned and to my surprise, Nyx and Verona followed along with him. I knew they had been sent off on duties, but not to join him. The three returned dressed in combat gear and with fewer men, an ill omen to be sure. I ran out to greet them in the courtyard, halting to a stop as the foul stench of blood hit me. Their clothes were noticeably stained and torn. Raest's combat robes were shredded around the knees and sleeves. Verona’s leathers sliced in a few places, the cuts more like claws than blades. Nyx’s chainmail was mostly intact, but black blood covered most of the silver links.

  Raest noticed me and paled. “I was hoping you wouldn’t have to see us like this, but there wasn’t time to wash before our return. Don’t fret, it looks worse than it is,” he smiled weakly.

  “What in Erohk happened?!” I exclaimed as I moved to join them, my eyes running over their bodies checking for wounds. The three looked at each other apprehensively, the worry churning in my gut.

  “We will talk inside,” Verona said, leading us into the entry hall and slipping into the left wing. The guests had long cleared out of the castle, leaving it silent and empty. Following Verona, we made our way into the communal bath, shutting the door firmly behind us.
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  “Apologies,” Verona muttered as she peeled off her jacket. Three thick slices were cut down the back. “We don’t want to cause anyone unnecessary alarm,” she continued.

  Raest and Nyx took off the top layer of their armour, breathing a sigh of relief to be rid of their weight and smell. I stood cross-armed, waiting anxiously for an explanation.

  “The animals and beasts around the farmland are suddenly acting strangely,” Nyx began as he pulled the tie from his hair.

  Raest started to unbutton his undershirt. “When I was sent word I thought it would be a trivial matter. At first, it was, but in just a day, the number of beasts coming out of the woods tripled,” he frowned. “They were attacking livestock and farmer alike. Normally it’d be rare for them to even wander close. I called for the aid of Nyx, Verona, and any extra men to help with a cull. Thankfully there were no casualties, and we left the extra guards there for insurance.”

  My anxiety melted away at the news of no casualties, it really did look worse than it was. The three of them continued to strip, a clear frown forming on Verona’s face.

  “Some of them were… not right,” she mumbled out.

  Raest glared daggers at her. “Words like that are what cause panic. There are perfectly reasonable explanations for what happened. A new predator or hunters aggravating the balance. Regardless, the threat is dealt with for now,” he growled.

  Verona nodded, her face not entirely convinced. But Raest had a point, panic was the last thing anyone needed. All three were almost down to their underwear before I realized they all intended to bathe and clean up here together. I blushed a little at all the skin and their lack of shame. Communal bathing was not common in Seranel, but I guess it was here.

  “I’ll get Eed and Julis to bring down some clothes,” I said as I made my way to the door.

  “I will come see you later Sabyr,” Raest called from behind. I nodded back to him with a smile, my eye catching a sullen look from Nyx.

  Dressed in a clean, sweet-smelling linen shirt, Raest came to my room late into the night. We talked briefly about the farmlands he had visited and the beasts that roamed there. Wheat and livestock were mostly grown, the fauna ranging from rabbits to wolves, and various strange animals I wasn’t used to. Even wild ikander could sometimes be found in the woods around Xerai. I thanked him for organising the outing, detailing favourite places and spots, insisting he join us next time. It was then I remembered my gift. Taking the box from the dresser, I brought it over and placed it in his hand.

  “I ah, I bought you a gift. I saw it, and it reminded me of you,” I stammered, and a warm flush coloured Raest’s cheeks. Lifting the lid, a smile crept onto his face, and I couldn’t help but continue to babble. “It’s the same type of sparrow we fed on that day by the lake. I noticed you wear quite a bit of jewellery sometimes and it’s good luck, I hear.”

  “It’s perfect. Thank you. I will endeavour to wear it whenever I can,” Raest said softly, lifting the pin and attaching it to his shirt. The bird sat proudly on his chest.

  “It suits you,” I said as I ran my fingertips over the glossy enamel, he loosened a breath at my touch. I could feel his heavy gaze, and I raised my eyes to meet it. His icy eyes were filled with warmth and fire once again, and two voices inside me warred. Raest leant in placing a soft kiss on my cheek, murmuring another thank you on my skin. I reached up, setting my own thanks upon his. His breath caught, his scent filling my senses, and I took a step closer into his warmth.

  “Sire! You are needed at once!” a guard called as he banged on the door. Raest let out a furious growl before storming over, practically ripping the door from its hinges.

  “What is it?!” Raest roared, the guard cowering at his fury.

  “Lady Ora, she is here!” the guard explained. Raest looked confused at first but then concerned, he turned to give me an apologetic look. I shook my head, dismissing its need.

  “Let’s see what’s wrong,” I said, and for a moment he looked as if he was going to turn me down. He nodded, and the guard guided us down to the courtyard.

  The rest of the circle had emerged from their rooms, all of them dressed in nightwear. Concerned looks were shared as we walked out into the courtyard. The figures of two women and a man sat mounted atop feline beasts, each covered in plate armour. The woman at the front pulled off her helmet, her fuchsia hair flowing out around her face. Ora. Dismounting what looked like a grey winged lion, she strode over to us, carrying a large sack.

  “Secosa! Fucking Secosa! She raided Yewen!” she swore with all her fury.

  “What do you mean, raided?” Raest questioned, his face furious and confused.

  “She took everything of worth, butchered half of my people and, burnt most of the bloody town down, that’s what I mean!” Ora roared.

  Raest looked baffled. “Are you sure it wasn’t bandits?”

  With a snarl, Ora nodded and began to open the sack. Tipping it upside down, two objects rolled out onto the floor. Heads. Two female heads, not so different from Ashmere, their skin the colour of pale blue and sea green. Black metal like horns spiralled out from their brows, and a spiked coil was tattooed on their cheek. The smell almost made me gag.

  “Are you telling me there is now a group of scion bandits running around with her mark?” Ora hissed.

  A variety of curses escaped the lips of the circle. Ora’s armour was covered in multi-coloured blood, dried all over the silver metal. A dark red droplet dripped from her breastplate, it was fresh.

  “Ora, are you hurt?” I exclaimed walking over to her, reaching out to inspect it.

  She recoiled back, pushing my hands away. “Careful, don’t touch it. It was a poisoned blade, it’s why I can’t heal it away. It’s not serious, I just need to wash it,” she said in her usual smooth voice.

  “Come inside,” Raest said as he ordered some nearby guards to take care of the mounts. Ora’s guards dismounted, removing their helmets as well. Both were scaled and gorgeous like Ora, but both had a set of wings pulled tightly to their backs. The female’s were feathered like a bird, while the male’s were scaled and webbed like a dragon. Two stunning Lamia.

  We made our way to Esu’s infirmary. Esu helped Ora into a chair and removed her breastplate. The wound was shallow, but her blood continued to drip out, never seeming to slow. Esu began to clean the wound, rubbing some sort of poultice on it. Ora hissed as it was applied, then she continued to speak.

  “When I returned to Loramar, I was sent a report that five children had gone missing in the woods. I travelled there myself to deal with it, the circumstances were alarming and peculiar. Not long after I arrived, the raid came.” Her golden claws dug into the fabric of the chair as she recalled. “We managed to drive them out, but I wasn’t prepared. I have always kept the defence of my border towns stronger than the rest, but it wasn’t enough. Yewen is in ruin! All that destruction just because you got married to her?!” Ora yelled out.

  Her words struck Raest and I. Not what we were expecting.

  Ora sensed the hurt and moved to an apology. “I don’t mean it as if it were your fault. None of this is your fault. Secosa Asheye and her whole family are a bunch of psychotic monsters.”

  “We need to move more warriors to the eastern border. Do you want me to recall some from Seranel?” Nyx asked Raest.

  “No,” Raest growled. “They were promised, and they will remain. The Solair plan to invade, Secosa is… lashing out. Increase recruitment, if you wish. I will inform the others, Fye, Risa, and Lashan will not mind lending more of their men.”

  “What about Lothane? He is on the east border too and just as susceptible to attack,” Ora frowned.

  Raest ground his teeth. “I will inform him as well.”

  Ora tried to get up from her chair, but weakness in her legs made her buckle back into the seat.

  She growled, frustrated. “I need to get back to the border, I can’t leave it vulnerable!”

  “You are in no state to go anywh
ere,” Esu said as he started to stitch the wound. “The poison is casterbane. I can’t use magic on this wound, it’ll just make it worse. You’ll need to stay and rest here for at least a week.”

  Ora looked up at Raest, pleading, and he sighed reluctantly. “I will go. I’ll take any spare men. Verona, you are with me. Nyx, you are to stay here and ensure the security of Xerai. Esu, take care of Ora and commission any of your alchemists for antidotes. Ophelia, I need you to send correspondence to everyone important,” Raest ordered, and in a flurry, the circle was off. Raest turned to me, I already knew what he was going to say. The look he gave me was pained. “You know I can’t take you with me and I’m afraid I’m going to have to be unreasonable again. Stay in the castle, avoid anyone you don’t know. Stay safe until I’m back.”

  I knew it was for the best, but I scowled at him anyway. “I know. I’d be useless against those casters anyway,” I grumbled.

  His eyes fell soft, his hand nudging my chin. “You are not useless, you are just… out of your element at the moment. When there is time, I will find a way to help you train and adjust to everything,” he promised, and with that, he left for the door, sullen. He stopped briefly, turning back to me. “Things weren’t supposed to be like this… I will make it up to you,” he said stern and true. Then he was gone.

  Chapter 29

  Almost a week passed, each day as filled with boredom as the last. I was able to see Nyx and Ophelia briefly, but that was about it. No town visits for me either. Ora was finally on the mend, the wound sealed but raw. On the sixth day of Raest’s absence, she left the infirmary, inviting me to tea in the garden. I made sure not to sleep in and was well dressed before Eed came to harass me. No dress today. I had seen Ora in her armour, a new but fantastic side of her. I now knew she wouldn’t care about what I wore.

  Ora sat just outside the dining hall beneath the veranda, overlooking the garden. She was dressed in similar attire to mine, cotton shirt, and leggings. Her rosy skin was still pale from the poison’s influence, and her hair hung limp and loose.