by J. R. Castle
“Darnel,” Fajer bellowed, “do something about Koloman! I’ve tired of his ranting about the White Tree. I couldn’t care less what he’s done to it. Soon as I get my powers back, we’re getting rid of the regent, and I’ll have that thing dug up and burned in the town center.” The carriage rocked again. “Ah, here comes the wretch again. Anwynn, send an arrow through his miserable, black heart, dear. We’re wasting time.”
* * * *
Darnel turned his back on the old man. Anwynn wouldn’t think twice about putting him out of their misery, she despised him so much.
Part of him admired her ferocity, another part feared it. If he continued to allow himself to love her, would she eventually turn on him as she had Fajer? Or perhaps she’d scorned him from the beginning.
Glancing up at Fajer’s maddened expression, Darnel steadied himself for the task before him. Why had the Sano come here, of all places? Fajer had given up on Goia, why hadn’t she stayed there?
No! Stop thinking about her. Stop thinking at all and focus on getting this done. They all needed the extra powers to defeat the regent. Any extra powers would help. The light girl could cast a shield. He’d have that power back at least. Yes, focus on the positive.
He climbed up beside Fajer, not daring to look back at the farmhouse, or the bodies he was sure would be lying in the yard. Anwynn had sent more than one arrow, most likely taking out the drivers, as well. They wouldn’t want to leave behind any witnesses, would they?
Of course not.
Darnel swallowed and shoved his warring feelings deep, deep, deeper down inside his heart. Shoved them someplace they’d not come out and cause him to stumble. He wanted power, then he’d have to be ruthless about getting it because that Light King would never simply hand it over to him, as he’d done for the regents. Simple men of weak character. Those the Light King showed his benevolence on.
The carriage lurched forward when Fajer flicked the reins. “I’ve found the perfect spot at the base of the mountains. But we’ll have to travel by foot. We can use the horses to cart our prisoners.” He nudged Darnel with his elbow. “Good work, by the way. I knew you’d come through for me, boy. Even if I did wonder a few times. Especially when I saw how the elf had also snared you in her enchantments.”
Darnel’s teeth ground together. He’d not been snared. If she was using her enchantments, then he wouldn’t have been dreaming about her so much while he was away from her on his trip. He glanced back over his shoulder. She sat on top of the carriage, a loaded bow in her hands, the wind whipping through her wavy hair which was no longer secured in a tight bun as earlier. He preferred this version over the fanciful lady she’d been portraying to the regent and around the city.
This version was cunning, determined, wild, and dangerous.
Her gaze met his for a long moment before she looked away, checking behind them to make sure they weren’t being followed.
She would have his back, he knew that. When the girls had come upon them on the trail, she’d been quick to act, ready to protect him. Unfortunately, she’d been ready to kill them both before he stopped her. Yes, he’d have to keep his guard up. Always.
They’d left the main road for a winding one lane bumpy path. Eventually, Fajer stopped. “Will you unhitch the horses? Anwynn and I will tend to the offerings.”
The less Darnel had to deal with the Sano, the better.
* * * *
Leon and his men followed the faun, who followed the Faerie he called Amalite. Somehow, the tiny creature knew exactly where she was going and flew at a pace his galloping horse was barely able to keep up with. Even Jael the faun shouted at her a couple of times to slow down.
This road led directly to Koloman’s family farm. Leon’s heart ached with the realization that he’d been duped so easily. He’d known Koloman wasn’t trustworthy from the moment he abandoned them during the tour.
About the same time, the farmhouse came into view, Jael stumbled to a halt, crying out and quickly turning away. What had he seen? Leon glanced over at the general who urged his horse to run faster. He waved his men to follow and they moved ahead of Leon. A couple of the warriors flanked him on both sides, swords drawn and ready to protect if necessary.
More shouts sounded ahead. General Gailad ordered his men to check for life. Leon spurred Stormbolt and soon reached the others. Three bodies lay on the ground, arrows lodged into their chests and backs.
The warrior standing over Koloman pronounced him dead.
Leon closed his eyes and hung his head.
“The driver still breathes, Sir!” Gailad dismounted and rushed to the fallen man.
The faun and faeries had continued down the road. Leon didn’t know if he should follow them, or…but these men. They had to be taken care of.
“What happened?” Gailad knelt beside the wounded driver. “Can you tell us who did this?”
The arrow seemed to have missed the man’s heart. His raspy breathing and glassy stare told Leon the wound was most likely fatal. He looked at one of the men standing outside the circle of onlookers. “Do you know if there’s a Healer nearby?”
Gailad stood. “No need, he’s gone. But he said Koloman has been sheltering a strange trio, two men and a woman. One of the men who stayed here the most was covered in red tattoos. That’s all he was able to tell me.” He held up one of the arrows. “Looks elfin made from my experience.”
Lady Annabel. He’d have her imprisoned for her treachery! Anger surged through him. He turned his horse toward the road and told Stormbolt to follow the faun. “Quickly now, my faithful friend, we must catch up to them.”
The faeries must know where the wizards were heading. His furious anger over the slaughter of innocent men burned away his fear of facing the wizards. He’d not allow them to hurt two innocent women, as well.
* * * *
Kardia feared she was going to be sick from all the jostling of the wagon. When Fajer threw open the carriage door, he’d caught her and Kellie talking, discussing possible ways to escape. Grabbing her feet, he dragged her across the floor and dropped her onto the ground. Her head and shoulder took the brunt of the fall. Rocks and dirt scraped the skin on her cheek and forehead.
Blood trickled into her eyes.
She’d not seen what they’d done to Kellie, but she’d heard the girl fighting and calling them names before she’d been silenced.
The wizard and elf and threw her over one horse and Kellie over the other. From her position, she couldn’t see Kellie. All she could see was the rocky terrain and thick pine roots as they passed, slowly climbing.
Kardia fought back the rising panic. She needed to keep her focus and hope for some way out. If she wasn’t able to save them, would they be welcomed into Everlasting? Oh, but she hoped so. Would Miltie be waiting for her? Or was all of that some dream brought about from the shock of losing so much blood?
She’d wondered so many times. Except it had all seemed so real. The scents of sweet flowers, the cool breeze rustling the colorful curtains. Miltie’s gentle touch on her cheek. But it was her words that had touched her deepest. You have a whole life to live. Be brave, as I know you can be. Miltie had said the Kingdom needed her kind heart. There was so much yet that Kardia hadn’t seen, hadn’t experienced.
No, I’ll not let fear get the better of me. There has to be a way. I will meet King Shaydon. On this side of Everlasting! I will!
“Here,” Fajer was saying. “I think this spot will do. This flat stone surface is what we need. Anwynn, gather some pine branches and try to sweep away the leaves and dirt as best as you can. Stop scowling at me, elf! This is for your benefit, as well. Ungrateful—”
Darnel intervened, “What would you have me do, Fajer? You promised to show me how this works. Tell me the first step.”
“Yes, yes, my boy. First, we clear the ground. Then I’ll need five piles of wood at each point of the star I’ll draw since we don’t have candles. Build small fires that will burn for a good while. We don’t
want an opening for it to get loose, once we managed to call it into our realm.
Kardia was yanked off the horse, but this time, she was caught before she hit the ground. She looked up to see Darnel, though he wouldn’t look directly at her as he propped her against a tree, then Kellie, as well.
“Anwynn, do you have anything I can use to carry the wood in?”
Moving closer to him, she gave a nod while reaching behind her back and producing a long length of rope. She whispered something against his ear. He seemed gentle with her, as his hand rested on her back. His head shook slightly, then the elf’s whispers grew more urgent.
“Anwynn,” Fajer barked. “I cannot draw the star until you’ve cleared away the dirt. Get moving, elf, I’m growing weary of you.”
Anwynn grasped the collar of Darnel’s cloak as she frowned up at him. Finally, he nodded, glancing toward the sorcerer. “Very well. Let me go so I can get the wood that’s needed.”
The elf turned away and walked out of Kardia’s line of sight.
Kellie’s rested her head on Kardia’s shoulder. When Darnel lead the horse away, Kellie whispered, “They’re going to feed us to an under-worldling. A…a…pit demon, they’re also called. Stupid me, I always laughed at the stories the boys in class would tell about such things. I figured they were just trying to scare us with their wild tales.”
Kardia whispered back, “Can you see what they’re doing?”
She shook her head. Her hair was stained brown and plastered to the side of her head.
“Did they hurt you too bad, dear?” Kardia asked. Fajer said she still had her Sano giftings. If only she could get loose of her ties and… wait. “Kellie, can you see how they tied my hands? I don’t feel the ropes.” She tried to scoot sideways.
“I’m not letting them take me without a fight. My light will protect us. Soon as I can, I’ll create another shield around us. It’s just my head… it hurts so bad right now.” Kellie paused a moment, then said, “She tied your mechanical hands. Kardia!”
Kardia shushed her and scooted back into place moments before the sound of a horse’s hooves neared. He was still nearby. “Shhhh. We’ll have to wait until they are all busy.”
Kellie started to shake her head, then winced, closing her eyes.
Even if she did manage to free her hands, what good could she do? How would she untie Kellie without her fingers? Would she be able to manage to free her mechanical hands before they realized what she was doing?
“Keep watch, Kell. Let me know if any of them look our way.” Kardia closed her eyes and willed the mechanical hands to release. She felt her wrists slide inside the gloves. Pulling one hand free, she kept it behind her, feeling the ropes to see if she could somehow manage to loosen them. She didn’t wish to leave her wonderful gloves behind, but after a couple of feeble attempts, she decided that Kellie was more important.
“Turn your back to me, Kellie let's see if I can…”
Kellie hushed her. Kardia quickly tucked her arms behind her back. Darnel passed by, his horse was laden with sticks and branches. When he was out of sight, she tried again to loosen the ropes around her gloves.
She listened to their arguments. Darnel insisted Fajer show him what he was doing and explain why. The woman volunteered to find more wood. She took off in the opposite direction, leading the horse away.
“Now, Kell. Turn around.” As her friend obeyed, Kardia tried to get her stumpy thumb into the knot, but it refused to budge. “I…I…can’t. Oh, Kellie, I don’t know—”
Kellie shushed her again and pressed her back against the tree. Kardia tried to do the same. The elf woman passed by, casting them a warning glance before she joined the men.
“That’s an odd bug,” Kellie whispered. “What is it? Not a grasshopper, it’s too big.”
Kardia tried to turn her head to see what Kellie was looking at. Who cared about a strange bug when they were in so much trouble? But it wasn’t a bug! Her breath caught as the tiny winged creature swooped down onto her shoulder. A sharp nip at her earlobe almost made her cry out, but she held it in.
Kellie was trying to scoot away.
“No, Kell, don’t move.”
The moment the faerie spoke, she recalled Amalite who she’d freed from Jael’s cart. “Sit tight, children,” she warned. “Do not bring any attention to yourselves.”
Kardia brought her hand to her mouth and motioned for Kellie to remain quiet.
“Tell your companion to trust me,” Amalite instructed.
With a quick nod, Kardia ignored the blood dripped from her ear and said, “She’s a faerie. Let her bite your ear, then you’ll understand her. She’s here to help.” Though Kardia couldn’t imagine how the faerie knew of their plight.
Amalite landed on Kellie’s knee and stilled long enough for her to get a good look.
“You’re not a bug at all,” Kellie said, her whisper breathless and filled with awe. “Very well, do what you must. Can you untie us?”
Amalite hopped onto Kellie’s shoulder. She let out a yelp when the faerie drew blood, but her eyes widened with understanding. Kardia was still able to hear her words, as well.
“Illuminate, you can break your bonds. The enchanted rope works upon a person’s will. Right now, it’s under the elf’s will. But your light, dear one, can overtake it. Send your energy to your hands and think of being let loose.”
Sweat trickled down Kellie’s temple. She glanced nervously toward where the wizards were still bickering. Fajer said the line wasn’t straight enough.
“You’re wasting my chalk, grunt!”
Darnel shot back with, “What have I told you about calling me—”
There was a scuffle.
“Pay attention, children!” Amalite ordered. “You must get free before they realize…hush, here comes the elf again.”
Both grew still. Kellie’s breathing seemed labored. Was she still trying to glow? Could she even control it yet? It seemed as if Kellie struggled to do what the faerie instructed.
Anwynn stomped past them again, muttering about killing someone. The horse followed and soon she was swallowed by the forest again.
“You can do this, child of light. Concentrate. No, not from your heart. Use your mind to control it. Ah, there you go. Very good, my dear. Almost there.”
Kardia brought around her gloves, hoping that if she could see the rope… would she be able to mentally command the rope to let loose in the same way Kellie was trying to do?
Amalite told her to stay put and pretend she was still tied up.
“There,” Fajer exclaimed. “We did it. See, if you’d only listen to me. Anwynn!” he shouted. “Where’s that last batch of wood? Let’s get this started.”
“Concentrate, Kell,” Kardia urged in a whisper. “We’re running out of time.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“My head,” Kellie’s voice cracked. “It hurts so bad.”
Kardia tried to watch the area where the wizards were working. Trees and brush obscured her view of them. She made a decision. Fajer believed she still had her gifting, maybe it was her own doubts that had blocked her. Turning to face her friend who still struggled to break the binding to her arms, Kardia placed her palms on her head, worrying over the amount of blood the girl was losing.
“Let me try,” Kardia pushed aside her worries over her damaged hands and only thought of helping her friend. Heal. Mend. Warmth flowed down her arms and filled her palms. The sensation was like holding a warm muffin.
Kellie gasped and relaxed. A determination tightened the muscles in her jaw. Suddenly, Kellie’s hands were free. She reached down and untied her feet, then Kardia’s. “Grab your gloves, Kardia.” She whispered as she stood. “Whatever you did, thank you.” She touched her temple. “Let’s get going.”
Kardia looked down at her hand to find her palm stained red.
“Go!” Amalite urged, buzzing around their heads. “Go now! Hurry, children.”
“Stop!” commanded a voice b
ehind them.
Both girls turned. Darnel held up his hand and Kardia felt a spark of pain before Kellie jumped in front of her, blazing with a brilliant light.
“You filthy freaks,” Kellie shouted, fury magnifying her voice. “How dare you enter King Shaydon’s territory! How dare you!”
Kardia had to shield her eyes from Kellie’s radiance. Behind Darnel, a fiery glow came up from the ground as smoke poured up amongst flickering flames. A creature made of fire and coal rose up from the ground. Kardia tried to grab her friend’s arm, but Kellie emanated too much heat.
“Kellie, we have to run. Don’t try to fight them.”
With a mighty shout, Kellie sent a ball of light toward Darnel. He threw himself to the ground as it whizzed over his head and landed on the fiery beast, creating a blinding explosion.
Now that the girl had spent her energy, Kardia wrapped her palms around Kellie’s arm and started pulling. Finally, her friend moved into action and both sprinted down the hill with Amalite flying a few feet in front of them.
* * * *
Darnel rose from the ground. The girls were running away. He turned toward the circle to see a hole had been blasted right through the demon’s chest. It bellowed in anger. Anwynn and Fajer wrestled with each other, both trying to push the other inside the star circle.
Fear of the beast froze Darnel in place. He aimed a bolt of pain Fajer. The ball of burning energy bounced off the shield created by the circle. It flew back at him, hitting his gut like a stone fist.
Darnel doubled over, falling to his knees as the air was knocked from his lungs. Fiery agony seized his muscles and he crumpled onto the dirt.
Anwynn screamed. Darnel looked up in time to see her foot cross the chalk line. The beast screeched. Darnel had to cover his ears. Fajer ducked, throwing himself away from the circle. Anwynn’s frightened eyes locked on Darnel for a brief moment.
