by J. R. Castle
A smile fluffed out the elderly man’s thick beard. “And that is your mother’s heart in action. You will make a fine ruler, Leonard. However, you need a helpmate. This is essential, even if you do not see it. And from what I’ve gathered, you’ve made no effort to get to know any young maidens, not while you were on tour, and not even now that you’ve returned home.”
The adviser was as perceptive as ever and aware of the latest news. Just how long had he been back in Rodon? Leon wondered but decided not to ask. “I’m sure it’ll happen in due time.”
“Before we left, I had a few prospects in mind.” Koloman turned to face Leon again. “I’ve given this much thought, my friend. Deep in my heart, I had believed you would make a very fine regent. You have the temperament and understanding to lead people. I’ve watched you as a young boy tearing through the halls, despite the threats of whippings,” He shook his finger at Leon with a chuckle, “You’ve grown into this position. And though you were forced to take it on sooner than most, I believe…” he turned away before finishing, “you can still become a great leader.”
Koloman’s finger quirked in a gesturing motion as he turned and continued their stroll deeper into the orchard. Soon Leon’s little cottage came into view. He’d been so busy lately that he’d ended up spending many nights at the Meeting Hall. His desire to spend a bit of time alone turned his feet in that direction.
Koloman continued his little speech. “I’ve thought long about who would make you a suitable mate. What I’m asking, Regent Leon is that you allow me to finish this last assignment. Both of your parents depended on me finding you someone that would benefit this province. Allow me to bring these maidens to you. If you find them all unsuitable, then we’ll decide on another way to help you meet some eligible young woman.”
They reached the trimmed hedge that surrounded his homey thatched roofed cottage. “So, you wish to be in charge of finding me…a wife?”
The old man offered a slight bow. “If it pleases you, Sire.”
“I really hate being called that, Koloman. My name will do. You have been a long-time friend of my family. It was never my desire to cast you aside, you must know that.”
Koloman stared down at the ground as he nodded.
Leon released a long breath and considered the adviser’s offer. “Can I interest you in a cup of tea? We are right here at my house.”
His eyes widened, causing his wrinkles to deepen. “You still insist on staying in this hovel? You are a Regent, Leonard.” Koloman held up his hand. “My apologies. I’m no longer in a position to lecture.”
“No, you’re not. And if I agree to your proposal, it needs to be understood that I get the final say. If I’m not… attracted… to the maidens you present, then I’ll not be subjected to more lectures or prodding.”
Finally, Koloman looked up at him, relief softening his stiff stance. “Yes, the ultimate choice is yours. I feel you will choose wisely.”
Leon held out his hand to shake on the deal. “Then we have an agreement. I’m happy you’ve returned, Koloman. I do hope there are no hard feelings. If there is anything you need, let me know.” He grabbed the man’s sleeve of his coat and started toward the cottage. “Now, Mother is suggesting a ball, but I was thinking of perhaps a town festival? Then I’d have a chance to become reacquainted with those living….”
“A…festival?” Koloman’s face blanched momentarily as if he’d bitten into bitter fruit. He recovered quickly. “I do not believe that’ll be necessary.” He stopped on the front stoop of the cottage. “I appreciate your offer to come inside, but I must be going. I should return home and get to work on this. The sooner I accomplish this last task, the sooner I can start enjoying my retirement.”
“Very well, if you insist.” Leon extended his hand again. “Good to see you, Koloman.”
“Same to you, Leon. Do take care and keep your wits about you.”
Chapter Eight
“The trees are finally thinning,” Kardia observed, following a few paces behind the man in the silvery robe. “Are we out of the woods, yet?” She’d not realized how deep into the Melodies Forest Jael the faun had taken her.
Riyah remained hidden beneath his cloak during most of their journey. She’d only seen his face a couple of times when he wanted to show her how to work out a problem created by her missing fingers. His gentle guidance helped her immensely in learning to hold objects and open containers.
“Yes,” Riyah answered stopping in a spot where the sun shined down on his hood. “We should reach the main road by midday. Will you remain with us, Amalite?” he asked the fairy that followed along, sometimes riding on Kardia’s right shoulder.
Kardia had only understood the faerie’s language that one time after being bitten, and since the winged creature hadn’t wanted to cause her pain again, Amalite left translating to Riyah.
Amalite’s tone sounded sad. She took a strand of Kardia’s golden hair and laid it across her lap, stroking it affectionately. The faerie doted on Kardia, helping her when possible and keeping her long blond hair combed and braided.
“Of course,” Riyah answered and faced Kardia. “We’ll stop here for a short rest. Amalite says she must return to her family who lives nearby. She would like to stay with you, but her—”
“Oh no, she must return to her family.” Kardia tried to turn her head so she could see the little creature easier. Amalite wasn’t any taller than her hand if she still had her fingers. But she was quite strong for someone her size. She helped Kardia with filling and carrying their water bags, even toting the small pot Riyah used to cook with.
Kardia had also grown quite fond of Amalite and the Elderad over the past few days. Riyah never left her feeling helpless. He didn’t scold her when she dropped their food in the dirt. Instead, he offered suggestions on how to rectify her mistakes. She’d never had such a gentle teacher before in her life.
Even Miltie was harsh at times, but more from wanting to protect her plants than anything. Kardia often had trouble telling weeds from actual flowers.
“I’m going to miss you, Amalite, but I understand how it feels too long for home, even more.”
The faerie let out a sad whistle that Kardia took to mean that she felt the same.
Kardia let her pack slide down her arms, then stretched her neck and back to work out the kinks from carrying it so far. She did miss her mother and father, along with her village friends in Goia. Often, she’d wondered how everyone was faring.
Before Kardia had left, Dadda had sent a letter requesting a new Prior from the Rodon. Had the regent with the kind eyes granted Dadda’s request? Or had he already forgotten all about them as his own father, the previous regent, had?
She hoped not.
Riyah handed her one of the water bags and an apple from his shoulder bag. “A quick rest, child. Then we continue on our way.”
After taking a long drink, she offered some to the faerie. Kardia bit into the sweet apple. A clan of Okbolds grew them. She’d never seen anything like the tree-ish creatures before. They stood as tall as her waist with long, branch-like arms and short legs that resembled roots.
At first, she’d taken the Grand-Okbold as a mossy stump until he greeted them as they passed by. To her amazement, several stumps came alive and had welcomed them to share in their evening meal.
There were so many wondrous things Kardia had yet to see. Okbolds! What genial, kind creatures who insisted on making sure they had plenty of food for their journey and wooden bowls to eat from.
But so far, she loved the faerie Amalite the most with her butterfly-like wings and dress made from leaves and silk webs. Her skin was a dark green helping her to blend in well with the trees and grass. And she moved with lightning speed when provoked.
“Riyah, why are there no creatures in Rodonal? Jael said he wasn’t welcomed, is that true?”
His hood dipped with his nod. “Yes. However, times, like seasons, are changing. I feel soon, more towns will begin welcoming
creatures in. Let us hope this remains the case.”
“The new Regent,” she probed, “Is he in favor of allowing them to live among the people? He seemed kind like he would be open to it.”
She wished she could see the Elderad more clearly. Unless he made an effort to reveal himself, all she could see was an outline, like a glass figure, that moved. She’d wondered why this was but was afraid to ask. What if she was damaged in some way?
Miltie had seen him clearly. So had the regent.
Riyah answered, “Regent Leon is eager to welcome them in. Of course, like a seed growing into a tree, these things take time to occur.” Riyah remained standing, like a sentinel keeping watch, while Kardia rested her weary feet. “We should continue. Once we reach the road, it will be safe to stop again.”
His vague warning of them not being safe sent a shiver of apprehension down Kardia’s back. She quickly stood and retrieved her pack. Amalite flew circles around her head, chattering and whistling.
Riyah watched the faerie. His hood moved side-to-side with the shake of his head. Amalite’s chirps grew more insistent. “Oh, very well. Perhaps it’ll help if she knows. There are some difficult decisions ahead for her.”
The faerie hovered close to Kardia’s ear before she felt the sharp sting of her bite.
“I am sorry, Kardia the Sano. So sorry to cause you more pain, dear child.” Amalite flew within inches of her face, hovering before her like a hummingbird over a flower bush.
Kardia rubbed her nubby hand against her ear and drew back a drop of blood. “It…it’s fine. At least now Riyah doesn’t have to translate.”
“He will not. Not this, but I feel you should know. I am a Visionary Fae and I know what I see, though some times, wrong choices and circumstances cloud my vision. Still,” She straightened her tiny frame, arms folded over her chest. “I’m confident of what I see in you.”
Kardia didn’t try to staunch the flow of blood trickling down her earlobe and onto her neck. She knew once it scabbed over, she’d not hear the little dear again. “I’m listening.”
“Kardia the Sano, because you did not forget me in my time of need, I will not forget you, either. Fae do not lie, so you can count on this promise.”
Amalite flew closer until the wind from her wings brushed a soft breeze over Kardia’s face. “You are the healing heart this land needs, dear one. Never forget that. If you will remain steadfast in your purpose, and long-suffering in your actions, you will prosper and find true fulfillment. And through you, others will, as well. Do not lose your kind heart. It will be your greatest healing strength.” She brushed a kiss on Kardia’s nose, then flew away, until she looked like a small bee zooming across the sunbeams.
Kardia pressed her sleeve to her ear. “What did she mean, Riyah? I’m afraid, I could hear her words, but I don’t understand.” She’d lost her ability to heal when she lost her fingers. And what did Amalite mean about all that steadfast and long-suffering talk? It didn’t sound promising to her. It sounded more like a dire warning.
Riyah chuckled. “Such is the way of prophecy. What you hear and what actually happens are not always the same things. My suggestion is to tuck her words away in your heart and wait and see. Now, we must be going.” Without further explanation, Riyah grasped his walking staff in one hand and used it to push back the thick fern and brush growing over the narrow trail.
“Stay close,” He warned. “There are imps dwelling along the way and they’ll try to trip your feet.” He started to glow. Kardia hurried to close the distance between them, knowing the Elderad would keep her safe so long as she remained in his sphere of light.
Sometime later, Kardia’s boots left the soft earth of the forest and landed on a rocky path of white cobblestones. She gasped, her heart racing with excitement. “Is this it? Have I reached the King’s Highway?”
“No, not exactly.” Riyah leaned on his staff. “This is the road between your village and Rodon. We have reached the point of your first hard decision.” He pointed left. “That way leads back to your village. I know your heart yearns to see your family again, which is completely understandable. If you wish to be reunited with them, you will have a safe, half-day journey to Goia.”
She spun toward him with a gasp. “I’ve only made half a day’s progress? That’s it?”
He chuckled. “Indeed. This is what side trips will do to you. Take care in the future.”
“But I want to see King Shaydon. If I return home…I fear that’ll never happen.”
“If you truly wish to see the King, it’ll happen, even if you return to Goia.” Riyah found a fallen tree beside the road and sat upon it. “However, I did promise to take you to Aloblase. If you wish to continue following me, I’ll not go back on that promise.”
Kardia tried not to look down at her hands. She’d not allow her damaged hands to dictate what she did with her life. She was learning to cope. Returning home felt like she’d be giving up her chance to eventually meet the King.
“Riyah, do you know if my parents…are they…all right?”
“Your parents have returned to work the mill. Though Asmita, your mother, has also opened a trade store.” Riyah’s voice lowered as he related the last bit of news.
Kardia shook her head. “I tried to… well, she’s an opportunist. Will she bring more trouble selling the goods the regent left behind?”
Riyah sighed. “It is not how I would like to have seen them dispersed, but she is not causing harm. I decided to overlook Asmita’s new venture and allow the new Prior and his wife to handle the affairs of Goia. That is why they agreed to settle there. They will lead the town with wisdom and firmness. I’m certain of this.”
Kardia was certain that her parents would be better off without her there to remind them of the terrible ordeal they’d all gone through to break the wizard’s contract.
If she remained with Riyah, she’d be able to see more of the world. This was her chance to finally do something, to experience life, as Miltie had with her husband Tarlton before they’d settled in Goia.
“I want to stay with you.” Kardia decided. He would keep her safe, she had no doubt. “I want to meet King Shaydon.”
“Then we shouldn’t linger here. We still have many miles to cover, and I feel a pulling, which tells me I should make haste.” Riyah stood and started down the cobbled road.
Kardia couldn’t help but feel, they were still heading in the wrong direction. The sun, before them, had begun to sink toward the mountains rising in the distance.
Kardia had always been told one needed to travel toward the rising sun.
“Um, Riyah? I was wondering, doesn’t King Shaydon live in Aloblase? Which is in the far east?”
“Indeed, he does.”
“Then why are we traveling west, away from it?”
He slowed until she walked by his side. “Because, child, sometimes we have to go left a few times before we go right toward our true destination.”
Chapter Nine
“No, I’m not interested!” Leon stood from the meeting table and pushed the heavy chair away with the back of his legs. “I want an event that everyone can enjoy, not only the wealthy. I’ve already sent some of my staff to organize a festival to celebrate the harvesting of the White Tree. Rodon used to hold an annual celebration when the Healers gathered the red fruits, but it seems we have fallen away from remembering why we are here in the first place.”
Sitting at the opposite end of the table was Leon’s mother, looking rather bored as she sipped her tea. Beside her sat Koloman, then his new advisers, Ansel, Zoppel, and Naton.
Leon had also invited Rodon’s Prior, Neil Brayden, and two of the city’s council members who handled disputes and civil issues: Marion Calloway and Thaddeus Simpleton.
Thaddeus, one of the younger members of the gathering, asked, “Sir, what exactly do we need to remember? This is our home, that’s why we are here, is it not?”
Ansel, Zoppel, and Naton started at the younger man with
opened mouths.
Leon fought back the urge to show his disgust with his people’s ignorance over the history of the provinces. “The White Tree Festival is done in remembrance of King Shaydon bringing healing to the land. We celebrate the King’s gift of the healing tree and his provisions to those who serve him. We are, and will remain, a Kingdom Province, Thaddeus.”
The younger man’s face reddened. “Yes, Sir. I had never heard of it before. That’s all.”
Zoppel and Koloman, the eldest of the advisers, both nodded their white heads before Zoppel said, “I remember the festival. It is a shame it’s fallen by the wayside.” His gaze stayed on the younger man. “I think your desire to revive it will do all of us a lot of good, Leon. There are few celebrations that the townspeople are invited to partake in, aside from the Autumn Harvest Parades.” He tugged at his beard. “But the people are required to bring in their portion of goods to the storehouses for winter distribution. What will they contribute at this—”
“Nothing,” Leon stated. “I don’t wish this to be another levy for people. Matter-of-fact, I’d appreciate it if we can come up with something to give to those who come. We always hand out gifts at the galas, why not at the festival, as well.”
Koloman’s shoulders slightly shook and Leon was sure the old man was fighting to keep his laughter in check. Though he kept his advice to himself in matters of running the province, Leon was well aware when he disapproved of something. He tried to ignore Koloman as much as possible but sometimes found it hard.
Leon had only invited him to this meeting so they could discuss the list of potential maidens he wished Leon to meet.
Advisor Naton, with his bright red hair tied back at the nape of his neck, spoke up next, “Leon, the number of gifts required would be four times as much, if not more. We have over five thousand souls dwelling in Rodon. You will give each and every one a gift?”
Leon began to pace behind his chair. He hated sitting for too long, especially in that old, hard-backed monstrosity, his father insisted on having during his reign. “I’m still working out the details. My main goal is to draw people back together, do something to show our appreciation, and to encourage them to remember why we are here. As I said before. I… it feels like so many have forgotten our dedication to Shaydon.”
