by J. R. Castle
When Brock opened the portal, Leon sent the hawk through, commanding it to find Prince Issah.
“Humph, I thought you were sending that to your guardian. A letter to Issah… you must be very concerned about this wizard situation.”
Leon nodded. “We had to fight them in Tarrest. I am very concerned. And I sent a letter to Riyah, as well. But I needed a portal to get my request to Issah faster.” He held out his hand.
Brock grasped it, then bid him goodbye. “Keep me posted on what’s going on, Leonard. You’re truly doing a wonderful job.” And then he disappeared in a flash of light and the water returned to normal.
Shaking his head, Leon sighed, “Then why do I feel like everything is slipping from my grasp?”
* * * *
When Darnel finally reached the farm a few hours later, Fajer met him at the barn while he brushed down the mare and gave her a well-deserved serving of oats in her trough.
“Did you get it?” Fajer asked.
Darnel turned toward him, trying to temper his anger. “I was able to get something that’ll help us control the regent. Where is Anwynn?”
Fajer folded his arms across his chest. “I sent her to town with Koloman. Stupid elf is hindering our chances to take this province. From what Koloman says, the regent is beginning to suspect something is off and has told him several times that he no longer wishes to court Lady Anabelle.”
Darnel had known for a while that Anwynn’s powers weren’t enough to sway the strong-willed man. “No matter now, I have a potion that’ll get him under our control. Did they take the carriage?”
Fajer nodded his bald head. His red markings shimmered from the sweat coating his skin. “Yes, but they left at a leisurely pace. Wasting time is what she’s done. Dragging her feet. I’ve wanted her to bring him to us, but she’s failed at that, too. Then she had the nerve to tell me she was done taking orders from me and would wait until you returned before she made another move.”
Darnel forced back his proud smile. “I’ll take a fresh horse, then. Isn’t the festival starting today?”
“Yes, it starts at noon. Koloman says it’ll be a three-day event. I do not think the regent plans to make a show until tomorrow, but I insisted that she arrange a meeting with him today. I’m tired of all this waiting. My patience with all of you is wearing out.”
Darnel felt exactly the same way. First, he needed to find Anwynn. Then they’d decide together what to do next.
“If I wasn’t afraid to return to my order without my powers, I would have left all of you weeks ago. Your greed is getting out of con—”
Darnel pinned him against the wall, his hand on Fajer’s neck. “Enough! I’ve been watching you, Fajer. Yes, that’s right. I’ve seen how you’ve treated Anwynn. So help me, I may not be able to kill you, but if you don’t wish for me to find another means of getting rid of you, then keep your mouth shut and do as I tell you.” He shoved the worthless wizard aside. “In case you’ve forgotten, we made a deal that I now make the decisions. You seem to keep forgetting your place.”
Fajer fell to the ground, coughing as he slowly rolled over to his knees. “You promised me that you’d help me get my powers back.” He slowly stood. “I’m not the only one who is forgetting things.”
“I’ve not forgotten. Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps we can use the regent. Then you’ll have gained some of your—”
“You were listening, I see.”
Darnel gave a nod. “Leave if that’s what you wish to do. The caravan is parked where we left it. I stopped by to check on things this morning.”
“And probably rummaged through my belongings while you were there.”
Darnel stepped forward, so fed up with the whining wizard he wanted to kick Fajer, but stopped himself. This was only wasting time. “I’m going to ignore your ranting, for now, you worthless conjurer. I need to head off Anwynn before she reaches the town. You, I’ll deal with later.”
He went to find the livery man to prepare a fresh horse. All he wanted to do was find Anwynn. He’d not make one more plan until he was reunited with her. Then they’d find a way to get rid of Fajer. Together.
* * * *
Kardia guided her little flock of geese toward the market center with Kellie skipping along behind her.
“I can’t wait to see the market all dressed up for the festival. Thanks for letting me come along with you, Kardia. Momma won’t let me go to town alone.”
Kardia tapped a wandering goose on the tail, urging it to stay with the group. “I’m happy to have you along.” She tried to ignore the stares people gave her mechanical gloves. It didn’t matter how odd they might look, they worked. The only regret she had about them was her inability to feel things. Not the soft down growing over a goose’s back. Not the soft cheek of Hilda’s youngest babe. Nor the warmth of the bread dough she helped Kellie knead that morning.
She’d actually ended up removing the gloves to avoid having to scrub dough from the gears later. Some things they simply weren’t practical for.
Still, she had full use of her hands again and that far outweighed any small inconveniences. Leon often sent up thanks to King Shaydon when something went in his favor. He said the King could hear and appreciated the gratitude. She’d started doing it, finding the gratitude, if nothing else, helped cheer her heart and remind her of how wonderfully blessed she was now.
“Hey, sweet apples!” Kellie grabbed Kardia’s sleeve and dragged her over to a street vendor who was in the process of dipping a few of his apples into a melting pot of candies and setting them out to harden. “Want one?” She was already digging into her pocket for the few coins she’d earned doing odd jobs for neighbors.
Kardia shook her head. They did look delicious, but she was still full from breakfast and wasn’t sure she could manage to herd the geese while eating an apple on a stick.
Once Kellie paid for her treat, they were on their way again. Kellie knew of a shortcut that would take them away from the crowds gathering along the main street. “Hardly anybody goes through the woods, and we’ll get there much quicker.”
Kardia followed her friend down a side lane before they came upon a well-worn path that led into the thick cluster of trees.
* * * *
Darnel spotted the beautiful pale blue dress and saw it was Anwynn. He jumped off the horse before it came to a stop.
Anwynn stood along the sidewalk in front of Koloman’s townhouse. Their carriage was still parked in the street. A lacy veil hung over her plaited hair, but Darnel knew that beautiful face, even if she was under a glamour enchantment.
The moment he stepped into her line of sight, her green eyes lit up. Darnel tied his mount to the back of the carriage. With a jerk of his head, he motioned for Anwynn to follow him. He needed to get somewhere more private, somewhere they’d not risk being spotted by Koloman, or anyone else.
She soon caught up with him as he turned down a side street. Though she tried to keep a causal outward appearance, her tempered smile and the way she walked close so that their arms bumped, belied her excitement at seeing him. He offered his elbow, as he normally would do when accompanying her somewhere in town.
Her fingers gripped him tightly. Once they reached the secondary street, she whispered, “Did you accomplish what you’d hoped?”
Darnel nodded as he searched the area. There were still too many people around. “Is there a place around here where we can talk freely?” he yearned to take her in his arms.
She took his hand and led him down a narrow alley. Behind the buildings, the land began to rise up toward the mountain cliffs. The foot of the hills was shrouded in thick woods. At least there we no people around and they could speak without being overheard.
“I used to wander through here when we stayed at the townhouse.” Anwynn smiled as she tilted her face upward. “The feel of the earth beneath my feet brought much-needed comfort. There is a path that leads through the woods. I think the servants and commoners use it to reach the mar
ket where they sell their wares. We should be safe there. Everyone is heading for the festival grounds now.”
The moment they were in the cover of the trees, Darnel pulled her toward him and kissed her until she gasped for breath. “I’ve missed you, Anwynn, my love. Thoughts of you nearly cost Koloman another horse from me riding that old mare so hard. I couldn’t return soon enough.”
She kissed him again, then buried her face in the crook of his neck as her arms circled around him in a tight squeeze. “I feared you’d come to your senses and not return. I wouldn’t have blamed you, but my heart broke thinking about it. I’m so happy to see you, my love. So happy indeed.”
Pulling back a few inches, she looked up at him with a relieved smile. “Tell me what happened. Did you find the—” her words were halted by a strange honking noise.
Darnel glanced down to find a gray goose staring up at him. It pecked at his leg with its hard beak. He tried to shoo it away when the sound of a gasp caused Anwynn to step out of his arms. He looked up to find two girls staring at both of them.
The younger one pointed at Anwynn, “Hey, aren’t you courting the regent?”
“Uh oh,” Anwynn whispered, but Darnel’s attention was on the blond maiden. Her hands were covered in some kind of strange gloves, but he knew those trusting green eyes and golden blond hair anywhere. At the moment, they were glaring at him with pure anger and disgust.
What was the Sano doing in Rodon of all places? How had she managed to get here?
He glared back at her, knowing this time he was going to have to kill her himself.
Chapter Twenty-two
“Sire,” Samuel shouted as he raced down the hall toward Leon and his advisers. As if remembering himself, the boy corrected, “Regent Leonard, Sir. My apologies.” Once he reached them, Samuel bent over, hands on knees to catch his breath.
Adviser Zoppel scolded, “Haven’t you been told numerous times to not run through our beloved Halls, boy? Where are your manners?”
Leon rested his hand on Zoppel’s shoulder with a slight shake of his head. Ah, the elders had little patience for the youth. “What’s going on, Sam?” he asked, bending slightly to catch his squire’s attention.
“There…There’s a…” the boy straightened, sucking in a deep breath. “Sir, I’m not sure what it is. But he insists on speaking with you.”
Zoppel stepped forward, glaring down at Sam. “He who? And what do you mean you’re not sure what it is?”
“Name was…” Sam’s nose scrunched in thought. “Jael Az-something. He looked like a man except he has furry legs. And a tail!” Sam turned around and pointed to his behind.
Leon bit back his laugh, and managed to say, “You mean a faun has come to pay me a visit? Astounding!” This he was willing to put aside his meeting for. “Zoppel, perhaps you can make my excuses to the others?”
“Nonsense, Leonard, you cannot go down to meet a Creature alone. We will all come. I can’t imagine how it managed to get into the city!”
Leon folded his arms across his chest. “I instructed all guards to allow Creatures into the city and asked that they are escorted here where they can receive whatever aid they are in need of. I want to see them become a part of our province. I’ve said this many times before.”
Zoppel wrinkled brow furrowed. “I’d hoped you were kidding. I should have known better.” Grasping Samuel’s shoulder, he said, “Go to the meeting room. Walk this time. Tell the men gathered there to meet us downstairs. Let them know I’ll explain everything when they get there. Be quick now.”
Leon and Zoppel headed down to the first level. Leon tried once again to share his reasons for bringing more creatures into the province, citing the contribution they offered in other places across the land. Zoppel would offer a nod, but Leon feared he wasn’t convincing the elder man of anything.
As Samuel said, there stood a faun beside the entrance, pacing as he chewed at his nails. A couple of faeries, something Leon hadn’t seen in ages, sat on each of his shoulders, while a few others fluttered around his head, chirping to each other in a language Leon didn’t understand. They all seem nervous and slightly agitated.
From the other set of curving stairs came his council members, Samuel leading them. Leon reached the faun first and extended his hand. “Regent Leonard, at your service.” He offered a bow, which the faun returned while placing his hand upon his bare chest.
Several people walked by, gaping at the sight, some with disgust on their faces, while others seemed genuinely curious.
The faun glanced around, his hooves shuffling over the marble floor. Sweat trickled down his temples and neck. “An honor, Sir. My name is Jael Azazel. I’ve come with a message for you from the Guardian Emmalyn of the Melodies Forest. She hopes you’ll take her warning seriously.”
Leon puzzled over that name. He’d never heard of a guardian of the forest that bordered his province. He looked to Zoppel to see if he recognized the name. When Ansel and Naton joined them, they both nodded at the mention of the guardian’s name. Leon turned to Naton. “Do you know of whom he speaks of?”
“Yes, the Lady of the Woods. Also known as the Melodies Guardian. I’ve heard of her. She offers a safe place, deep in the forest, for human and creatures. She has a great influence over those who dwell in the forest realm. If she has sent you a message, I would advise you to listen and take it seriously, Leon.”
“Very well, let us all go to the meeting room where we can speak in private. Are you willing to do that, Jael?”
The faun glanced at one of the faeries hovering near his head, then nodded. “Yes, we’ll come with you.” His rough hands fidgeted with the strap of his bag that hung over his shoulder. There was also a quiver and bow upon his back.
Leon decided to not ask for the weapons. It should have been confiscated at the gate unless they found another way in. Mother had said not everyone who entered came through the gates. This disturbed him greatly.
As they headed up the grand stairs, Jael gazed, wide-eyed, at his surroundings. The faeries darted around the paintings lining the wall, their chatter excited and somewhat shrill to his ears. “What are they saying, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Jael shook his shaggy head. Twigs and mud stuck to some of the curly strands of his dark brown hair. “They are admiring the art and the craftsmanship of your Hall. The elves build similar structures, and they are comparing yours to their work.”
“How are we measuring up?” Leon had to ask.
“Have you ever visited an elfin colony?”
With a sigh, Leon admitted, “I fear, I have not. I hadn’t even heard of your guardian before you brought news of her. She cannot be an Elderad, as the Guardian Riyah who was assigned to my province.”
For a second, Jael’s eyes widened. “Riyah is your Elderad Guardian? I’ve met him.” His tone turned slightly annoyed. “Emmalyn is Logorian.” He spoke quieter as people passed them along the passageway. “She is…what would you call it? An advocate for us creatures. One does not want to displease her, though she is very kind and gentle in nature. Unless someone upsets her.”
Why had he not heard of this guardian before? She sounded like someone he definitely needed to meet in the near future.
“Her place is a safe haven for anyone who needs a place of refuge. She will not tolerate those who intend on bringing harm to others. Which is why I’ve been sent here. We had a visitor, a most disturbing visitor pass through a couple of days ago. She sent me to you right away. I got here as soon as I was able.”
“How did you manage to get in?” Leon had to know.
Jael grinned up at the faeries buzzing circles around their heads. “You’d never believe me, Regent.”
* * * *
Kardia’s arm went in front of Kellie defensively, pushing her behind so she was sheltered from the sorcerers. Except, now she saw the woman clearly. Whatever kind of concealment charm she’d been using was gone, and Kardia saw her long, elfin ears and the slight orange tint to he
r skin.
“You’re the one who killed Miltie.”
The elf gave a hiss and started to reach behind her. Darnel grabbed her hand to stop her. They’d been in each other’s arms. Kissing. She wasn’t interested in Regent Leon. They were tricking him. But why?
The moment the question rose in her mind, the answer followed. Because they were seeking to gain power, just as the wizard Fajer had over her little town. “Are you working alone now, Darnel, or are you still Fajer’s servant?”
The strange wizard scowled. He didn’t seem like the other wizard, the one with the contract whose head was covered in red markings and whose eyes were a deep shade of violet. Darnel looked almost like any other human, but she knew he wasn’t human at all.
“Come here,” he ordered. A sharp pain pierced her mind, and she cried out, clutching her head in her mechanical hands.
Kellie shouted at him to stop, then threw up a shield of light that knocked both of the sorcerers backward a few steps. “Let’s go!” Kellie pulled at her to follow.
As her mind cleared, Kardia saw the woman pulled a knife from behind her back. The same way she’d made a bow and arrow appear before killing Miltie.
“Stop,” Darnel warned. “No, Anwynn, she’s an Illuminate. We need her.”
Kardia turned to Kellie. “Run. Now. Run as fast as you can. Go!” She shoved her away.
Before Kellie managed two steps, a rope shot forward, wrapping around her legs and sending her tumbling to the ground. Kardia knew she should run as well, but couldn’t leave her friend. He’d said they needed her. A cold chill coursed down Kardia’s back, and she was sure of what they would need an Illuminate for. The same thing they’d wanted her Sano talent for.
She dove toward Kellie, trying to pull the ropes free, but they kept twining around the girl’s legs like a serpent. Then something slithered around her neck and yanked her onto her back.
