by Willan Ellis
Jacob embraced the woman lovingly as she giggled with pleasure. Jumping on top of him she lowered her face to his. He pushed back her short white hair, it was so soft. He often asked why she kept it so short. ‘It won’t grow’ was her usual response. He smiled as he looked deep into her eyes, they were black as night and seemed to reach out and suck in everything they gazed upon. He loved this woman. She simply was one of a kind.
‘Commander!’ the gruff voice slowly reached into Jacob’s mind.
‘Commander. We have arrived.’
Jacob rolled over onto his back. The creaking of the carriage slowly woke him, and as he looked toward the face peering through the curtain he could make out one of his soldiers riding alongside. Jacob motioned the soldier away, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. It was merely a dream, a beautiful dream. Jacob slowly sat up and ran his fingers through his hair. His first thought as always was of Teanne – he wondered if she was safe, and how long it would be before he could see her again – he missed her terribly. Moving across the small caravan while it came to a stop, Jacob smoothed down his uniform and took a deep breath. The company had ridden hard for three weeks, and they had made good time reaching the plains of Aelia. Today would determine the future of Luia.
Shielding his eyes from the sun's glare, as he leapt from the caravan Jacob looked out over the folds of people; there were so many. More would be arriving as the morning sun rose. Jacob watched as his guards began to direct the supply wagons. He looked around the large clearing. It would do for now.
Off to the distance he could just make out the Aakash mountains, and even from this distance they were a foreboding sight. He had never seen so much green, so much lush forest. Aelia was very different from the red desert plains of Luia.
Turning to look behind him, Jacob felt his breath catch. There stood the legendary Wall of Aelia. It reached for the sky like the surrounding mountains, and the smooth stronghold rose at an impossible angle. The only indication of life was the rows of shuttered windows toward the top. It was an impressive sight. Jacob attempted to smile as groups of people slowly filed past him, but his heart sank as he watched many being pulled on makeshift cots. These were the lucky ones. A flash of the multitude of bodies that were left behind in the village made Jacob close his eyes and take another deep breath. That was his biggest regret from the battle - leaving them like that.
'Jacob!'
Jacob turned and sighed as he watched the four men approach. They were members of the emissary sent after the fall of Luia. They greeted him with a collective smile, which Jacob returned with a nod.
‘Good morning, Commander.’ They seemed in rather a good mood which made Jacob’s darker.
The tallest of the four threw his red cloak over his shoulder as he bowed. He grinned and winked at Jacob.
‘Commander Lee, we bring news from the palace Commander Lee’ Justin could not contain a laugh. Jacob sighed. ‘I’m sorry Jacob, I am still getting used to your new role. I used to beat you up when we were children, remember?’ Jacob did.
‘They were better times’ Justin chuckled.
‘What news from the palace, Justin?’ Jacob was in no mood for reminiscing. Justin returned to his formal role, a little dejected.
‘The Queen has granted us a stay as you know, but we must remain here in the plains. She requests that those in authority be brought before her. I guess that would mean you.’ Justin smiled again. ‘Wait until you see the palace.’ Justin blew a low whistle. ‘And wait until you see her Jacob, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. Simply breathtaking.’ Justin turned to the other three who nodded their agreement, ‘She leaves the norms wanting.’
Teanne is the most beautiful woman Jacob had ever seen. Ignoring Justin's baiting, and looking back toward the wall.
Jacob quickly asked, ‘When are we to meet her?’ Justin shrugged his response. Jacob was starting to lose patience.
‘Seek out Sister Nai, and any of the Head Sisters remaining and select an accompanying guard, we will leave mid-sun.’
Justin looked hurt that Jacob wasn’t playing along, but then firmly saluted against his chest and turned to leave.
‘Shall I fetch Head Elder Lin?’ he asked turning back.
Jacob shook his head sadly. ‘No. Just the others.’
The four men departed, leaving Jacob feeling very alone.
It was mid-sun when Justin returned with Sister Nai, two head sisters and four guards. Alliva was not with them. Jacob sighed thankfully, but thought it odd considering her position as First Sister to the Head Elder. They were a motley crew, each sharing a grim look, and not ideally garbed for presentation to a Queen, but without saying a word, Jacob started moving through the crowd toward the wall.
It took almost another hour of weaving, and tending to questions before the eight stood before the huge wall, and at this close distance it was breath-taking in its enormity. Jacob looked up, and could only just make out the top of the single concreted structure. It ran for miles to either side, and there seemed to be only one way through, a small simple iron gate.
Two guards stood to either side of the small entrance. They were clothed in a simple black uniform from head to toe, the only decoration a thin flaxen belt that held a single stone-like club, as green as an emerald. Jacob could not take his eyes from the markings on their faces. Intricately carved into their cheeks and chin, were detailed lines that looked like swirling circles following the contours of their faces – he had read about such decoration as a child, but seeing them so close was awe inspiring, not to mention extremely intimidating. They stood barefoot, which Jacob also found unsettling for some reason, with only a long spear cradled in their arms—they looked harmless—though Jacob knew they were not. They stood aside without a word, gesturing them to enter. The eight slowly walked through the gate.
The group stopped short, speechless. The city beyond the wall was huge—all around them were multi-storied villas, each beautifully crafted with frescos depicting mountains and forests trimming the tiled roofs. They were supported by beautiful ornate columns and each window reflected a cascade of shimmering glass. There were streets, not made from dirt but paved in stone, weaving out in all directions, made up of markets, forums, shops and theatres. Jacob could not sense the limit of the city. It was the largest population of people and buildings he had ever seen. Finally pulling himself together, he motioned the group forward.
Justin had instructed him to follow the main road, and looking around Jacob decided on following the large cobblestone path that seemed to lead through the middle. It was larger than the other streets, so he presumed it had to be the main road. He was finding it hard not to look around, everything was teasing his senses – he found himself almost panting in excitement at the sights surrounding him. There were posts on each corner that had a lantern on top. Ingenious. Looking back to the others, he grinned. They too seemed to be lost in the sights around them, all except Sister Nai, who had her head down and seemed to be grunting at the mere thought of walking.
Jacob slowed his pace to let the others catch up. He looked closer at the buildings; they were so different to the mud buildings of Luia. These buildings were all made from high-grade stone or marble. He looked up to the second and third storey’s that overlooked the streets; every balcony was filled with onlookers. He smiled as they passed a group gathered on a corner.
The people were handsome. The men were dressed in a similar manner, brown slacks and brown shirts. The women, however, were dressed in every colour conceivable; the only thing unifying them was their hair. They all wore it long with a simple knotted band around the bottom. Jacob smiled at a woman, who then blushed, gathered her skirt up and ran off her head bowed. He smiled politely and pushed the group forward. The sights of the city were overwhelming. Luia, although beautiful, was nothing compared to this metropolis.
After almost an hour of solid walking, the road beneath suddenly turned to the right. A few meters along, Jacob, and his companions stopped short. He thought he had witnessed the complete glory of this city, but was wrong. Before them stood two large black marble columns housing a golden gate. Through the gates Jacob saw stairs, hundreds of them. They were carved into the side of a mountain, and coiled up like a spring. He followed the stairs until they stopped, and again he found himself trying to catch his breath. Glowing in an unearthly white, stood the palace. It looked to be at least twelve storey’s high. The marble exterior shone in the sun, giving it an almost uneartly look. Surrounding the palace’s lower floors were columns at exact intervals supporting a balcony that ran the width of the palace, and above it a single storey with large windows facing out overlooking the city. Jacob found himself staring, his mouth wide.
‘Commander?’ Jacob turned back to Sister Nai who was looking up at him. He was lost in his thoughts and had missed her question.
‘I’m sorry Sister Nai, this city is overwhelming.' Sister Nai looked around, and shrugged her shoulders,
'When you get to my age Jacob, nothing overwhelms you.' Jacob shook his head in disbelief, how could this not affect this woman in any way?
‘What now?’ She continued. Jacob was unsure.
The large gold gate, as if sensing their arrival, moved open. Hesitantly, Jacob stood to the side, gesturing the Sisters forward. Hitching their skirts, they began their climb. The four guards followed; Jacob made up the rear.
‘Majesty?’
Iszalie looked up. She was still angry from yet another encounter with her twin. The guard remained low. ‘Send them in.’
Iszalie watched as the group from Luia entered the chamber one at a time. She smirked as the older woman of the three grunted on approach. She knew that the climb up the mountain stairs was harsh. They were designed that way, so those coming to the palace were stripped of all energy, and were only left fatigued.The two women following could not stop looking around, awe written all over their faces. Iszalie was pleased. The chamber was built to embody everything that Aelia stood for. Her father designed every inch of the palace. He was a great architect, and a good politician – he knew how to make a statement without using words. She mentally counted the group as they entered, five, six, seven, eight. Iszalie felt her heart skip a beat. The eighth was rugged, and handsome. His dark hair fell across his face, and he commanded authority, every movement was deliberate, but he had an awe of vulnerability that surrounded him. This man would definitely make a fine catch. Iszalie rose and bowed.
‘Welcome to my humble land.’ Iszalie looked each in the eye, avoiding the eighth set.
The older woman who entered first sniggered. ‘Humble? Praise be your Majesty, but this is not humble.’ Iszalie looked at the older woman and knew she was going to like this one. The man at the rear slowly made his way towards her, Iszalie felt her breath catch again as she watched him lower to one knee, he bowed his head.
‘Your Majesty, My name is Jacob Lee. We are eternally grateful that you have allowed us to seek safety within your borders, and risking all by breaking the one law.' He raised his head and fixed her with his stare. His eyes were green as emeralds. They pierced right through her, she felt naked before him. Stumbling for words, she finally managed a whisper,
‘Please rise. You are all welcome in Aelia.’
His shy smile melted her angry mood. He was simply the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
Jacob fixed his gaze on the woman before him. Justin was right. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Dressed in skin-tight cloth allowing her curves to be accentuated, and leaving nothing to the imagination. A singlet of chain mail that fell loosely over her shoulders, over her chest. Jacob felt his cheeks redden as he quickly averted his gaze, but it was her eyes, they were clear like diamonds - he did not want to look away. They were like looking into the clearest pond, and seemed to search out his soul.
Teanne’s face suddenly flashed before him, lowering his gaze in shame he tried to ignore his heartache to return to those eyes. Sister Nai grunted lo
udly, breaking the spell,
‘You’re Majesty, if I may?’ Sister Nai motioned to one of the chairs sitting against a long table.
The Queen nodded. ‘Please sit, all of you. The climb must have made you weary, can I bring you food?’
Sister Nai shuffled in the chair and smiled up at the Queen, ‘A cup of tea. If it is not too much trouble.’
The Queen bowed and clapped her hands. Two servants entered, after a quick instruction they left on their errand. The Queen moved to the head of the long wooden table and sat. Jacob found himself trying to avert his gaze from her once again—it was proving difficult. Slowly he lowered himself into one of the chairs between Sister Nai and another sister. Beads of sweat ran down his back. He suddenly felt her stare burning into him.
'Jacob Lee? And what do you do?' Introductions had obviously begun. Jacob’s mouth was dry. Firmly fixing a picture of Teanne in his mind, he met the Queen’s gaze.
‘Commander of the guards of Luia, Majesty' She smiled. Jacob was captivated.
'Commander of Luia' Sister Nai corrected, Jacob felt his cheeks heat.
The doors burst open, and Jacob felt himself jump. The servants had returned with steaming cups of tea, placing them before each member of the eight. Silently Jacob sipped from the cup, only catching small parts of Sister Nai retelling the story of the attack, of the people they had left behind. Jacob was finding it hard to concentrate, and was thankful that Sister Nai had taken the lead. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to form a coherent sentence at this moment.
Iszalie could only nod, as she tried to listen to the sister recount the attack. She found it hard to concentrate. The man, Jacob Lee, was flooding her every thought. She felt her twin's longing too as beads of sweat rolled down her back.
‘Well, well. What have we here, Iszalie? Are we having a party?’ Iszalie looked towards the door. Daon swayed as he entered the chamber, another night out it would seem. He clumsily bumped into the edge of the table.
‘Daon, these are representatives from Luia. They have set up camp in the plains.’ For a moment Iszalie thought she caught a glimpse of anger cross her brother's face, but he quickly hid it as he moved around the table. Daon leant over one of the guards grabbing a cup and swigging it down, he spat it out, spraying the seated guard. ‘Sorry my good sir, but I thought my sister would have given you something better.’ Daon moved towards his throne, throwing himself into it. He lifted his leg over the armrest and smiled casually. Eyeing the younger Sisters, he let out a low whistle. Iszalie angrily rose and started to twist her wrist; taking a breath she smiled meekly.
‘Excuse my brother; he has long forgotten his manners.’ Iszalie glared at Daon, who simply winked then with a flick of his wrist urged her to continue.
‘We have arranged a small gathering to welcome you, and to show our gratitude for your safe journey for tomorrow night. Tonight you rest. You have all been through so much, allow us, me, to show you a little of the kindness of Aelia.’
The sisters and guards nodded eagerly, happy for the distraction. All except Jacob, who had his gaze firmly set on the rim of his cup.
'Commander, when you are rested, I would like to go over a few of the finer details with you and anyone you choose to be present.' Jacob looked at the Queen and bowed his head.
'Of course your majesty, we have much to discuss'
Iszalie smiled, and thought to herself 'yes we do Commander, yes we do'.
The group returned to the plains mid-afternoon following a quick tour of the palace grounds. The Queen had been the perfect hostess as they walked around the grounds of the palace. She stopped at an obvious lookout spot on one of the many balconies and showed the group Aelia. Jacob finally fathomed the size of the city below, and its surrounding forests. Luia would only be a speck of dirt compared to the enormity of Aelia. If he felt out of his depth before, he now felt completely insignificant.
Although the visit had overwhelmed him, and Jacob was still distracted and agitated. He could not get the Queen out of his mind; he was fixated, almost consumed with longing.
‘She seemed friendly enough.’ Jacob looked down at Sister Nai. Her head bobbed to each side as they walked. ‘Quite beautiful, don’t you think Commander?’
‘Yes Sister, quite.’ Jacob caught the quizzical look from Sister Nai, but ignored it and walked on quietly. He was glad when they finally reached his caravan. Bidding the Sister goodbye, he climbed up and entered, dropping down onto his bed. Jacob punched the side of the wooden structure; and closed his eyes searching for Teanne’s face. Slowly sighing, he allowed himself to drift off to meet her.
Emerging at nightfall, Jacob looked around the plains. Small campfires blazed as the village musicians were trying to lighten the mood by playing songs from Luia. Children were running wildly around with abandon, he smiled down as a little boy crashed into him. He sighed, and wished he could have some of that childlike optimism.
Jacob began moving through the camp checking on everyone. He then headed to the far side where a makeshift infirmary had been set up. There were cries as many of the healers tended the wounded. Jacob looked towards the South and Luia. He longed for Teanne to walk through the forest, her mission completed. A feeling of dread filled him.
‘Jacob.’ He looked over at the approaching figure of Alliva. Even after everything they had been through, she looked immaculate. ‘Are you well?’ she asked shyly.
Jacob nodded. ‘And you, Alliva?’
She gently took his hand and squeezed it. He pulled his hand away and pushed it through his dark hair,
‘I’m well thank you, Jacob. Justin sent me to find you; they wish to discuss plans.’
Jacob grimaced. Of course Justin had sent her. He did not disguise his opinion that Alliva should be his betrothed, not Teanne. ‘Thank you, I’ll head there after I’m finished here.’ Jacob hoped the tone in his voice would make Alliva aware this conversation was over—it hadn’t.
‘Where is Teanne’? Jacob had had enough. This time his look made Alliva lower her gaze. Without another word, he moved past her toward a healer.
Luia -Dawn
