Silver and Light

by J. R. Castle

  Naton leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “Personally, I think your idea is a jolly good one, Leon. Perhaps instead of bestowing gifts on four thousand families, we simply provide all the food and entertainment. Let’s be honest, only about half of the people will come. It’s a good bit of travel for some. Especially those living on the farmlands and outskirts of the city. But I’m sure we’ll still have a fine turnout. Once people realize you are not expecting any kind of fare or levy for attendance, like with the Autumn Festival.” He glanced at his comrades. “Don’t you think so?”

  Ansel and Zoppel both nodded. Finally, Mother nodded her agreement as well. She nudged Koloman’s arm with a pointed stare and a slight jerk of her head.

  “Yes, yes, but perhaps this isn’t the time.” Koloman’s voice sounded deflated, almost resigned.

  “What’s that, Koloman?” Leon asked. “I see your disapproval, friend. Did you wish to weigh in on this matter?”

  The old adviser held up his hands with a shake of his head. “Not in the least. I no longer have a say in this matter. However, I suppose this will be a prime opportunity to meet some of the young lasses who live in the vicinity. But, as I promised, I do have a young lady from a prominent family in the south who I’d like to present to you today.”

  Mother set down her cup and exclaimed, “How wonderful that she’s come to meet you, son. Do go and greet her. Everyone is willing to help make your little festival happen. But there are more pressing matters at hand.”

  Leon leaned his fist on the edge of the table, narrowing his annoyed gaze at Mother. “My marital status is not a pressing matter, I wish you’d…oh never mind.” He turned to Koloman. “Is she here? Now?”

  “Yes. Lady Anabelle is waiting in the garden with her attendant.”

  Leon called an end to the meeting. “You are all dismissed. We’ll meet again in five days. Please bring all your ideas at that time along with any news you may have gathered from the provincial towns. So far, I only have a handful of people willing to travel with me to Radiance. I’d hoped for at least fifty or more.”

  Naton stood and stretched. “Don’t worry, Regent. It’s early yet. You’ll not be leaving until the fall. More will agree in due time.”

  Zoppel huffed as he pushed his chair back in place. “More will agree when they see they can put their full trust in their leader. Don’t count on many accompanying you on this first trip, Leon. You still have a lot of work to do before you gain the respect of your people. A good start will be giving the young maidens Koloman has brought you serious consideration. I fear you are so set against uniting, your vision is clouded in this area.”

  Leon glanced down at his blue brocade jacket and dusted off a bit of lint clinging to his sleeve. “I’m not against it. However, I don’t wish to…” His eyes darted toward his mother who was being accompanied out of the meeting room by Ansel. “I want someone I’ll be devoted to. I’ll not rush this.”

  Zoppel patted Leon’s shoulder with a nod, then also headed from the room.

  Soon, Leon was following Koloman out to the courtyard garden. “You did not invite them inside?” he asked, trying to keep up with the old man’s long strides. Koloman also seemed eager to be free of the confines of the large stone building.

  Most often, since Koloman had returned, his correspondences came by messenger bird. Seldom did the ex-adviser come to visit or talk directly to anyone at the Meeting Hall. Koloman had brought two other women to meet with him, but… Shaydon help him, if this next one was as sour and rude as the others, he was going to have to go back on his promise. There would be no way he’d continue to allow Koloman to be responsible for picking his future mate. No thanks.

  Koloman slowed his steps as they neared the ornately carved oak double doors. On the outside was the carving of a White Tree in bloom and heavy with fruit.

  “She loves the outdoors and wished to spend time admiring the garden,” he explained. “Lady Anabelle comes from the Fiery Dragon Province in the south, near Drakenlow Mountains. She’s not as…um, cultured, as the previous two I introduced you to.” He paused a long moment, his gaze locked on the bright sky outside the open doors. “But she’s…enchanting. In her own way. I think you’ll find her amiable enough for your tastes.”

  Leon hoped so. Once they finally reached the garden, he found a young woman admiring the trailing roses growing along an arched passageway. Her long reddish-brown hair hung loosely down her back, though tucked under one of those fancy, wide-brimmed hats the women of town like to wear. The maiden looked more like one of Rodon’s own, than someone from the south. Didn’t they wear brighter colors and mainly silken flowing garments?

  Perhaps times had changed since he’d spent time with other students from that part of the land while at the Academy in Aloblase.

  Standing a few feet away was a tall, slender gentleman dressed in a black coat that hung down to his shiny black boots. His black wavy hair blew in the breeze. When he bowed as they approached, Leon admired the man’s grace and casual demeanor.

  “Regent Leonard,” the man said. “We thank you for your invitation to your fine city. I am Darson of Drakensburg, Lady Anabelle’s chaperone. We are both very pleased to meet you, Sir.” He bowed again.

  “Anabelle,” Darson turned toward the woman. She didn’t seem to hear him. Clearing his throat, he repeated a bit louder. “Um, Anabelle dear, come meet the regent.”

  Perhaps her hearing had been damaged. Leon wasn’t sure he wished to have to yell at his intended all the time.

  The woman jumped as if startled, then turned toward them. She was indeed stunning with bright golden eyes and tanned features. She must love spending time out in the sun. Leon liked that. When she walked, she seemed to float on pure air.

  “Good afternoon.” Her soft voice was soothing like a hummed lullaby.

  He took her delicate gloved hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “A pleasure to meet you, Lady Anabelle. Please call me Leon.” There was something about her. For a moment, Leon was sure she glowed, but he saw no Medallion hanging from her neck. That troubled him. He knew some women kept theirs tucked in a pocket of their skirt or opted to keep it secured to their wrist and tucked under their sleeves.

  He’d not make any snap judgments about her. In all truthfulness, he had done his best to give the other two prospects the benefit of his doubt, but he could only take so much of a haughty attitude.

  She nodded but said nothing else in response.

  Darson cleared his throat, shooting her what Leon thought was a warning look. She seemed shy and a little out of her element.

  Extending his elbow, Leon said, “Why don’t I show you around, Lady Anabelle. Do you like pears? I have a whole orchard growing near my cottage.”

  Her brows furrowed. “You do not live in the big hall?” She motioned toward the stone building behind them.

  “You mean the Meeting Hall? No, I have a more comfortable place where I usually stay. Do you have a Meeting Hall in your province?” He tried to recall what his friends from that area had said about their land, but they seldom spoke about their homes. They all had so much work with their lessons, most topics centered around what they were learning at the moment.

  She hesitated, then said, “Do not all towns have a building such as this?”

  Leon slowed his steps. She should know as well as he did. “Where did you say you were from?” He glanced over toward Koloman who followed a few paces behind along with her chaperon.

  Koloman quickly answered, “From Drakensburg. She is the daughter of one of the town’s Elders. As I said earlier.”

  She smiled sweetly.

  Something was off. Leon looked over his shoulder at Koloman for a moment, then turned his attention back to the trail they were taking. He’d rather not accidentally trip over an exposed root or stone in the path. That would be terribly embarrassing.

  “Right,” Leon said, wondering how long he had to spend with these people before he could politely excuse hi
mself. “So, tell me about your homeland. As I said, I knew a few—”

  “I have no interesting tales to tell, Regent Leonard.” Her gaze penetrated him, her tone, smooth like cool silk. He was sure she glowed. “Tell me more about yourself. Tell me all about your beautiful province. I’m most intrigued and wish to know what your deepest desire is.”

  Leon’s mind grew fuzzy. She even smelled sweet, like the woods after a rain, or like warm honey drizzled over freshly baked bread. Pleasant feelings welled up inside his chest. He wasn’t sure exactly what all he told her, but he found that Koloman was right. Lady Anabelle was very enchanting.

  Chapter Ten

  “I hate this,” Anwynn raged, throwing aside the silk dress Darnel had specifically tailored for her. At Koloman’s expense, of course. They’d made a deal with the adviser, so long as he proved useful, and helped them get closer to the regent, they would allow him to live.

  The garment landed on a corner chair, then slipped down onto the floor.

  Darnel hated this place as much as Anwynn did. Fajer never ventured outside. There was too much of that Light King’s presence dwelling within the township. The blooming White Tree, the busy Meeting Hall, and the main roads lined with White Stones, all took their toll on the threesome. At least not all of the roads had been paved with the King’s stones, but enough of them had to make traveling tricky for the elf and wizard.

  Because of his bloodline, Darnel could stand walking through the city. Luckily, that Elderad Riyah was not lurking around the regent. Koloman insisted the guardian had left, but Darnel refused to let his guard down. He’d need to disappear at the first mention of Riyah’s return. This he kept to himself for now.

  Fajer sat at one end of the long table while Darnel sat at the other. Koloman stared down at his untouched plate of food, remaining silent unless one of them asked a direct question.

  Anwynn refused to sit. Instead, she paced from one end of the dining room to the other. The moment they’d returned to Koloman’s manor, she’d put her own clothes back on. “You will need to find another…maiden…to—”

  “Hush,” Fajer barked. “You’ll shut your mouth and do exactly as Darnel orders. If you refuse, then you no longer have a place here with us.”

  Fajer had ordered Koloman to look for someone else they could use to bolster his powers, but the people of Rodon were not only well guarded, but the majority of them were protected with those horrid medallions.

  Kolomon’s brows furrowed as he slowly lifted his head for the first time since they’d sat for the evening meal.

  Anwynn stopped pacing and turned on Fajer, her fists perched on her narrow hips and eyes blazing like molten gold. “I do not have to hush. I no longer bow to you, Fajer. You are powerless, and we all know it.”

  Darnel’s fist banged beside his plate, causing the water goblet to slosh and spill onto the white tablecloth. “Stop your complaining, elf. Fajer is right, if you are going to refuse to help us, then we have no need for you.” He turned his gaze to his comrade. “She has significant powers. Have the brethren ever stripped a creature of their—?”

  Giving Anwynn over to a pit demon was the last thing Darnel wished to do, but if she was going to start being unreasonable, then he’d do whatever was necessary. His hunger to take over the province grew with each passing day until all of his thoughts were consumed with how to get rid of that novice regent.

  “You wouldn’t!” Anwynn’s chest heaved as she glanced from Darnel to Fajer, her brows pinched with worry. “You couldn’t.”

  Fajer leaned back, his violet-hued eyes roving over the elf as if appraising her like something he’d purchase from the mercantile. “I could…” He turned back to Darnel. “Yes, it’s been done before.”

  Anwynn started to bolt for the door. Anticipating the move, Darnel sent a wave of energy toward her. She screamed out from the excruciating pain and fell to the floor.

  Koloman stood, his hands outstretched. “No! Stop this! Do not harm the maiden. We need her.”

  Had the old man not been listening to their exchange?

  Darnel bolted from his chair and shoved Koloman aside. He grabbed a fistful of Anwynn’s hair. She was so lightweight, he had no problem dragging her back to the table and dumping her in one of the chairs. He kept only enough pain energy flowing to immobilize her so she’d not attempt to draw a weapon. “Where should we do it, Fajer? We’ll probably have to leave town and find a place deeper in the mountains.”

  Anwynn’s whole body trembled. Tears coursed down her face. All she could do was whimper and wrapped her trembling arms around her waist.

  Darnel was surprised over the tinge of remorse rising in his chest. He didn’t wish to kill her, but if she was going to start being obstinate, he had no time or patience for that. This was their chance to get in on Rodon’s council. If she was going to start making demands and conditions, he’d find someone else to do his bidding.

  Perhaps he’d not find a maiden who could enchant the regent as she had, but he’d find someone to replace the elf. He silently stared at her, begging her to stop struggling and see reason.

  Koloman slapped his palm on the table, trying to get her attention. “Anwynn dear, don’t fight, lass. Don’t fight them. This isn’t as bad as you think. Please,” he turned to Darnel and begged, “Stop hurting her.”

  Darnel leaned down closer and said against her pointed ear. “If you wish to be a good little elf now, and start complying with what we say, I’ll let you live. So, help me, if you try one of your tricks, I’ll use so much energy your brain will be useless to you. Then we’ll take you straight to the pit demon and send your powers to someone who can use them more effectively. Am I understood?”

  She turned her watery eyes toward him and nodded. Slowly, her shaky hands rested on the table before her. “E-nough.” She managed.

  Darnel pulled back. Anwynn passed out, slumping in the chair. Koloman rushed around the table, taking her in his arms to comfort her.

  Shaking his head, Darnel glared at the old man who was obviously still enchanted with the female elf. Fajer sat back, silently chuckling as he watched the pathetic human.

  “What have you done to her?” Koloman shouted. “You cannot kill her. We need her. She holds sway over Leonard. You cannot throw her away like old rags, you fools! She is your only hope of taking over the city.”

  Darnel scoffed and waved the old man off. “I can find another maiden. We have ways to control—”

  “No, you don’t understand.” Koloman challenged. “Leonard isn’t so easily swayed. And you will have no power over him. His medallion protects him. But Anwynn, with her elfin charms, was able to sway him, and he isn’t even aware that it’s happening. You’ll not find another beautiful woman who can charm the regent as she has done.” He grabbed a cloth napkin and dabbed the blood from her nose. “You can do this, dear Anwynn. And it’ll be worth it if you’ll bear a little discomfort for a short while. We only need him to agree to marry you, my dear. Once you are wed, we’ll dispose of him and before Issah returns to establish a new leader, the Brethren will be able to take over power.”

  Darnel sat in the chair next to Anwynn, studying the adviser with a renewed interested. He acted as if he wished for this to happen. Humans were so… unpredictable sometimes. “You seem to be in favor of our plan.”

  Koloman stood and straightened the creases from his jacket. “I’m not ready to retire and be put out to pasture, Master Mage. I want a place in your new council. You’ll need someone who will speak on your behalf to the commoners. Someone who can help you avoid a civil war when the Brethren come in and begin taking over. I can do that. Promise me a place, gentlemen, and I’ll do whatever I can to help your plans come to pass. I want that whelp gone as much as you do.”

  Fajer leaned back in his chair. “Do you now?”

  “Absolutely,” Koloman answered. “He has no clue how to properly run this land. He’s weak and full of lofty ideas. He’s demanding a festival, of all things, so he
can find a wife. From the commoners. What a foolish boy. A child! He has been away for too long and refused to heed to his father’s admirable work. He’ll never have the people’s respect. And he certainly will never have mine.”

  * * * *

  Fajer and Darnel allowed Koloman to put Anwynn to bed. Once the old man was finished doting on her, Darnel entered her room to find her sitting on her bed, staring out one of the windows.

  He pulled a chair beside her bed and sat with elbows resting on his knees. “Anwynn, I do not wish to lock you up. Nor do I wish to waste my time fighting with you. Weren’t you the one who told me that we only have each other? That we are family? The only family any of us will ever have?”

  Her head bobbed once. She continued to stare out the window, her lips pursed and brows furrowed over her penetrating eyes.

  Darnel sighed. “Then why are you being obstinate like this?”

  “You threatened to…” she started, but her words faltered as a single tear trickled down her cheek. “And I know, without a doubt, that you would carry through on your threat.”

  He folded his arms over his chest. “If you are not for us, dear, then you are against us. What else would you expect? Allow you to walk away freely? So, you could return to the Brethren and report Fajer’s condition? Or tell them the truth about me? I’m afraid you know too much for us to allow you to leave now.”

  More creases appeared across her forehead.

  Darnel continued, “But this was what you wished for. To join with us. To be part of our group. And now…well, now that the terms do not suit you, you’ve determined to leave us. Where is your loyalty?”