In Search of High Society

by Katie Holmburg

Nibbling delicately on her bottom lip, she shook her head no. “Off the top of my head, I can’t think of it. But wasn’t one fae and the other human?”

  “Very good.” Lirim guided her over to a pair of portraits. One was of a small sturdy man, maybe four feet tall tops. His skin was a dark nut brown and his hair a silvery gray and his homespun clothes were dark earth tones. There seemed to be a patient, almost helpful air about him. The other was taller, a slender almost youth barely into his second decade of life. He was handsome enough to be a fae from myth, with his golden hair and bright hazel eyes, as well as his bright cerulean blue tunic. Although he was painted with a serious expression, you could almost see his laughing mischievous side.

  He continued, “Every fae child grows up knowing their names. During the Battle of Norwick, the Brothers of Light were on the verge of being overwhelmed. Their forces were exhausted and the enemy appeared to be never ending. In one of those odd shifts of battle, these two ended up side by side, although one was an archer and the other was cavalry. However, these two, Chase O’Dell and Richard of Tyne were close friends, blood sworn brothers. Now Chase was a Brownie with only simple magic and Richard was without gift entirely. During a rare lull in which both sides had called a retreat, Richard was patching Chase up for he was sorely wounded but there was simply no time to get him to the healers before the fighting recommenced. It is said that Chase’s mind started to wander from the blood loss and he began to speak of the times before the wars, for brownies are long lived even among the fae and though still young, he had already seen a century and a half on this earth. His magic was concerned more with home and hearth instead of great makings and as he rambled about caring and cleaning, an idea formed in Richard’s head. For wasn’t it the darkness that had caused this rift and if they could somehow clear it from the other side, maybe the tide might be turned.

  Richard gave Chase a sip from a flask that contained an herb that was used only in times of great need. When sense finally returned to him, Richard explained his plan to him. Now, all magic demands a price and for a working this large, a great sacrifice would be required. While there was still a lull in fighting, Richard mounted, pulling Chase up behind them. Before anyone was able to stop them, they rode out into no-man’s land and halted right between the two armies. Before any could react or stop them, Chase cast the spell. Even though it was a simple spell, the need was great and the opposition so terrible that they both gave their life force to the completion of the task. With the dark’s power gone from the Brothers of the Dark, the army of the light was able to sweep forward and win victory.

  After the battle was over, the gruesome task of retrieving the bodies came. A team came upon Richard’s horse standing guard over the bodies of Richard and Chase. They had died with smiles on their faces and their hands clasped together. In the middle of their hands rested a strange orb, about the size of a crystal ball. Strange light flickered across it, almost like a thunder storm. A runner ran this orb back to the command tent where several tests were run on it. The tests revealed that although they had not managed to destroy the dark, they had managed to contain it.

  When the fae chose to go into exile, they brought several artifacts with them, including the orb. The artifacts were scattered between several sanctuaries, with the orb being brought here where Chase’s kin could watch over it. The orb came to be known as The Brothers Peace. However, the dark is never satisfied and it still tries to escape the orb to this day. That is what you felt.”

  Aletta had been drawn so deeply into this tale that when Lirim finished it was an abrupt reality shift for her. She blinked a couple of times as she reoriented herself to the present. “So I felt the orb, what, trying to escape?”

  He ran his hand through his hair. “In a manner of speaking. The dark was very strong when it was sealed away and although it has diminished with time, do not make the mistake of believing that it is in any way weak. There are protective weaves wrapped around it to help keep it from escaping or influencing people, but these weaves have to be reinforced several times a year.”

  “Has it ever escaped?”

  His eyebrows drew together in a tiny frown. “Once, it almost escaped. It was detected just in time, but that was a dark time during the withdrawal. It took over a decade for the effects to fade away.”

  Aletta shivered and asked, “The orb is locked away then?”

  Lirim shook his head. “No, the orb is on display. In this room actually. It is better to have it in the public eye then hidden away. Who knows what mischief it might work in dark corners? Would you like to see it?”

  Feeling torn but insatiably curious, Aletta nodded and allowed him to lead her over to a pedestal standing in the center of the room. The pedestal was made of dark stone, polished to a high gloss. On the pedestal rested a white pillow and, on that pillow, rested the orb. Lirim was right in saying that it was about the size of a crystal ball, but instead of being cloudy, strange, frightening, and marvelous colors chased each other across the surface.

  There were no ropes or deterrents of any kind blocking you from approaching the orb, but Aletta knew that such a dangerous and precious object would not be unguarded. As she walked closer to take a better look, she felt a subtle tugging sensation. However, that tugging quickly turned into an intense burning that she couldn’t fight. Losing track of her surroundings, the orb seemed to grow until it filled her vision and she could see nothing else. Her hands rose and she couldn’t stop herself from walking forward.

  * . * . *

  Lirim cursed inwardly when he saw Aletta’s eyes unfocus. He couldn’t believe that he’d forgotten the pull that the orb had, especially on healers. He jumped forward and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back, just as the guard unit stormed in with swords drawn. He pulled her back a couple of steps, but didn’t release her. He called authoritatively, “Stand down, we’re not trying to take the orb.”

  The four men swiftly surrounded the pedestal, their swords still drawn. Lirim took a deep breath, trying to force his anger down. “Please, sheathe your swords. We have no ill intent. She is just a fledgling healer and to my shame I forgot how strongly the orb affects them.”

  The guards sheathed their swords at this information, but didn’t step away from the pedestal. Seeing that they had no intention of attacking now, he turned his attention back to Aletta, cursing internally about making yet another mistake that placed her in danger. He had thought that she’d be fine because of her shielding. He’d forgotten how much healers would be drawn to the orb and people who had empathy even more so.

  However, when he focused back on her, she wasn’t fighting against his hold to get to the orb, but simply stood there looking conflicted, a frown on her face. She seemed to be struggling with something, her gaze focused inward instead of outward. He eased his hold a fraction and called quietly, “Aletta?”

  She turned towards him, her gaze blank. A tear trailed down her cheek as she reached out and laid her hand gently on his chest, directly over his heart. Before he could say anything, she gave a sigh, almost of surrender, and let her magic loose. A gentle warmth surged through him and he felt muscles that he hadn’t even known were tense relax. He stood straighter and pulled his shoulders back, feeling almost like a burden had been removed.

  Right then, Aletta swayed and her eyes refocused. She glanced around the room, confused. “What… What just happened?”

  Hearing this, the guard relaxed and one turned and strode from the room. Lirim barely noticed his departure, too overwhelmed by how good he was suddenly feeling and how to deal with Aletta. Making sure that she had regained her balance, he let her go. Rubbing the back of his neck, he said sheepishly. “I’m sorry.”

  Her eyes narrowed fractionally and her gaze sharpened. “Why are you sorry?”

  “Well, my brain seems to have become a bit of a sieve lately. I forgot your new powers.”

  She glanced at the guard and back at Lirim. “My powers?”

  A corner of his mou
th quirked, “Your healing powers. I forgot how healers react to the orb. As you know, the orb was created during a time of pain and turmoil. Thus, people with healing abilities or empathy are drawn to the pain that was part of its making and they want to heal it. However, it is too dangerous to touch the orb. Even worse, if a healer touches it, they are drained dry of their gift.”

  Aletta shuddered and took a tiny step away from the orb, tucking her hands carefully behind her back. “I don’t even remember moving towards it. I just knew that it was hurting and that I could make it better. I guess not, huh?” She tried to offer him a tentative smile, but it fell flat.

  Before he could muster up something appropriately encouraging, the guard who left returned at a fast walk. He approached them and carefully held out a glass of water to Aletta. She took it from him and her smile at him was less strained. The guard asked, “Are you feeling better?”

  Lirim had to bite back a growl at the obvious concern in the guard’s voice. Trying to throttle back his irrational anger, he studied the man closer. He appeared familiar but it was the earring that triggered his memory. He broke into their conversation, “Dylan, is that you?”

  The fae finally looked away from Aletta and truly looked at him for the first time. After a second, a huge grin crossed his face. “Lirim! As I live and breathe! Long time no see.”

  They grabbed each other’s arms in a warrior’s greeting before pulling closer and slapping each other on the back. Lirim laughed, “Look at you, a real guard and everything. Is everyone else sick?”

  Dylan laughingly exclaimed, “Why, you!” and charged Lirim. They tussled good naturedly. Aletta merely rolled her eyes and stepped back to give them room, ending up next to a different guard.

  She muttered, “Um, sorry for the disturbance.”

  “No worries, young healer.” He nodded at the two men. “Those two were shield mates that trained together, thick as thieves they were. It is good to see Lirim again, even though the circumstances aren’t the best.”

  Aletta felt her interest perk up. She introduced herself. “Aletta.”

  “Connor.”

  Not looking at him directly, she asked, “You mean the chimas? Don’t they come every year?”

  He sighed. “Yes and no. They are nuisances that we live with, because like it or not, they are part of the cycle. But this year, they are not acting in accordance with the natural world. This year, they are dangerous. They are hunting something and they will not tolerate anything getting in their way. People have been getting hurt.”

  Aletta felt her forehead crease into a frown as she thought aloud. “But I thought they were little more than rodents, not very bright.”

  Connor dropped his voice so that she had to strain to hear him. “Aye, and that’s the scary thing, young healer. It means that someone is directing them.” His eyes suddenly glazed over and his tone changed, becoming somehow distant and present at the same time. “There is something dark in the Glade and it is not the orb. Darkness hides in the brightest light, seeking the key to the guards. Rot lurks in one of the strongest trees. But hope is not lost, because He Who Mourns will guard She Who Heals. But hurry, for the dark is close to discovering what it seeks. For on Midsummer’s day, it will be decided when the guard falls and the healer speaks true.”

  Connor suddenly took a deep breath like someone emerging from underwater. He looked around and sighed. “I did it again, didn’t I?”

  She shrugged, noting that Lirim and Dylan seemed to be winding down. “Did what?”

  He offered her a half grin, “Nice try but I won’t be that easily distracted. What did I say?”

  She fudged, “What makes you think you said anything?”

  “Because foresight runs in the family and when I lose time, I’ve usually been speaking, although I can never actually remember it. So, tell me what I said.” He paused, then added reluctantly, “Please.”

  Aletta couldn’t refuse and answered softly, “You spoke of a darkness in the Glade, hiding in plain sight and hunting for something. But you also spoke of a pair that will stand against the dark, a man and a woman. But it will end on Midsummer’s Day, one way or another.”

  Connor let out the breath that he was holding. “Ok, not good but not as bad as could be. And we have a definite date, which is helpful. Was there anything definitive about the man or woman?”

  “No, only that he will guard her. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Prophecies are rarely clear cut until after the events have passed and even then there are still many ways to interpret them. Anyways, it looks like your escort and my guard are done, so I shall take my leave. Hopefully I’ll see you again under more fortuitous circumstances.” He bowed over her hand and then walked away, motioning for the others to follow them. Dylan quickly fell in line with them, but looked over his shoulder and winked at her, making her laugh unexpectedly.

  Lirim was back at her side moments later, his usually pristine appearance rumpled. Aletta chuckled and reached up absently to smooth a piece of hair away from in front of his eyes. “A friend of yours, I take it?”

  He shrugged, but his expression was relaxed. “A pest but a good friend. Dylan and I trained together. We were together from the time we entered until I graduated.”

  Aletta offered him a half smile. “Well, maybe you can spend some time with him while we’re here. However, I don’t think I’ll try to touch the orb again just so you guys can hang out.”

  Some of the mirth left Lirim’s eyes and she mentally kicked herself. She searched for something to distract him and an old memory came up, making her laugh. When he looked at her puzzled, she explained, “Don’t blame yourself for this. I just remembered. Apparently I was a very curious, um, tactile child. Whenever we went anywhere, my mom would make me keep my hands in my pockets so I wouldn’t touch anything. I don’t remember, I was pretty young, but there were several times when I got into trouble for touching things. Ask mom, she loves to tell the stories.”

  His expression lightened and Aletta had to bite back a sigh of relief. Before she could say anything else, he grabbed her hand and started towing her out of the room. “C’mon, we need to get back to the house. You’ll have just enough time to clean up before the seamstresses arrive.”

  She grumbled, “You can let go of my hand, I’m not going to run around touching things. I grew out of that a long time ago.”

  He shot her a mischievous grin. “Un-uh. You get into trouble too quickly.”

  She wanted to protest but he started rubbing her hand with his thumb and the slight motion distracted her. It should’ve felt intimate, but it was almost like he was trying to take something off. She rolled her eyes when she realized that he was trying to remove the scent from where the other fae male had held her hand for a brief moment. Territorial fae nonsense. However, she would let it slide just this once because it seemed like it had been forever since she’d seen her partner’s more lighthearted side.

  * . * . *

  Lirim couldn’t believe that Dylan was now part of the guard, although it shouldn’t have surprised him. After all, how many years had it been since he’d left the Glade? And Dylan had always been a gifted student, although he’d had none of Lirim’s restlessness. However, it was like the years apart had been swept away in a heartbeat when Dylan sprang forward to wrestle with him like they’d used to.

  However, despite wrestling with Dylan, a small part of Lirim was keeping an eye on Aletta. She seemed to be none the worse for her ordeal, chatting quietly with another fae that Lirim vaguely recognized. As her aura didn’t seem to be unsettled, he let her be and concentrated on the other fae. Dylan was good, but he hadn’t ever expanded beyond their trainers’ original style whereas Lirim’s fighting style had become more varied and piecemeal from his journey. He’d picked up several sneaky moves in the past few months just from sparring with Tala.

  All too soon, their sparring was over and the leader of the quad was motioning for them to go. Lirim fought the urge to scow
l when he saw the fae bow gallantly over Aletta’s hand before turning and leaving. Dylan grabbed the glass that Aletta had set down before going after them, but he winked cheekily at her before leaving the room. Lirim just chuckled, that was Dylan.

  Shaking his head, he quickly joined Aletta, trying absently to smooth his clothes. Aletta laughed at him but before he could grumble, she reached up and pushed a piece of hair out of his eyes. The protest died in his throat and his eyes widened slightly as warmth spread through him and his breath caught.

  She didn’t seem to notice and merely asked, “A friend of yours, I take it?”

  They’d been as close as brothers, before he’d left, but the thought didn’t pain him like it would’ve even a week ago. During their tussle, they’d managed to set up a time and place to meet up, so he knew that they’d catch up again soon. Knowing this, he kept his reply simple.

  Her next words took away the warmth that her touch had given him. “Well, maybe you can spend some time with him while we’re here. However, I don’t think I’ll try to touch the orb again just so you guys can hang out.”

  His chest tightened as he remembered how close he’d been to inadvertently losing her. Before the anger could set in, she chuckled, surprising him. When she explained, he could see it so vividly in his mind’s eyes. A little Aletta, her curly hair pulled up in pigtails and her amber eyes sparkling fighting to keep her hands in her pockets, to keep from touching whatever it was that had caught her attention in that moment.

  Still, Lirim didn’t want Aletta to be anywhere near the orb until she had full control of her healing talent and maybe not even then. Her latent empathy made being around the orb even more dangerous than it normally was. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was time for them to be heading back anyway. Grabbing her hand, he headed for the exit. When she protested, he couldn’t help grinning back at her, the little Aletta still strong in his mind.

  As he teased her, he caught a faint trace of the fae that she’d been talking to and he used his thumb to replace the scent with his own. Aletta was his partner, no one else’s. He didn’t bother to think or rationalize his actions, they really did need to get back to his parents’ place.