by J. R. Castle
Someone nudged his shoulder, breaking his trance. “Give me those,” Riyah ordered, taking the gloves and looking them over with curiosity. “She will need your help and encouragement. So stop standing here gawking at her. Get over there and help set that tree straight.” He turned the gloves over one way, then another. “My, but these are interesting. You’re doing, I suspect?”
Leon gave a quick nod, then hurried over to help Kardia lift the tree into a more upright position. It was heavier than he thought it would be. When people saw him struggling with it, they came to lend their aid, as well.
“Okay, Kardia. See what you can do, my dear.” Leon urged.
She wrapped her arms around the trunk, pressing her palms against the smooth surface. A brilliant smile lit her face as she let out a startled gasp. “It feels like a heartbeat. Oh, and it feels sad. So sad.” She rested her cheek against the tree. “I’m going to help. I’m going to try, don’t die. Please don’t die.”
A soft glow started beneath her palms. The tree gave a shudder. Beatrice the Healer screamed and Nellie hopped backward with an exclamation of shock. It was as if the roots had come alive. They writhed like snakes until the broken pieces connected and began to fuse back together.
That must have been what the bones in his leg had done.
“Keep going, love,” Leon said, placing his hand on her back. A bolt of energy hit him, but he didn’t flinch.
Tears streamed from her eyes. “I can’t let go, it wouldn’t let me even if I wanted to. Oh my…I never knew….”
As the roots began reattaching themselves, Leon began to feel the pulsating rhythm flowing through the tree, as well. It really was alive! And as it began to heal, it gave back to those who were trying to hold it steady. Invigorating energy caused him to feel stronger, clearer minded, and mentally positive. Gone were his fears and worries, washed away like debris after a flood. Tears flooded his own eyes.
He gazed down at Kardia’s brilliant face. Kellie had joined her, the girl glowing with vibrant light. Other’s as well, those with various talents they could offer. Beatrice and Nellie, along with Hilda and her children worked to cover the exposed roots as they mended. More dirt was brought in and patted down around the base of the tree. Buckets of water were offered and poured out.
But though Leon knew all of this was happening, he couldn’t break his gaze on Kardia. Beautiful, generous, gentle Kardia. He completely lost his heart at that moment. His hand found hers and gave it a squeeze.
She smiled up at him.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said, wondering if she could hear him over the cheering of the crowd.
She pressed a soft kiss onto the back of his hand. Yes, she’d heard.
Finally, the tree released them all and was able to stand on its own. The leaves were still tinged with brown, but new ones had begun to bud around the old ones.
Riyah stepped forward, the gloves tucked under one arm. He reached out with his other hand. “One more thing.” Resting his palm on the trunk, he ordered, “You’ve been restored. You are loved. Now thrive once again and produce as you were created to do.”
The tree gave one more shudder and burst forth with tiny white buds of the star-shaped flowers.
Riyah stood beside the tree as the people gave up another cheer, some dancing and hopping in their excitement.
“Well done, my friends,” Leon’s voice boomed over the crowd as they grew silent. “Well done. See what we can accomplish when we all pull our resources together? See what all of you have done, in your own big and small ways? Today, this moment shows that we all need each other.” He patted his chest where his Medallion hung over his shirt. “I need you. Very much so.”
People began chanting his name. A wave of clapping ran through the crowd, as those nearest him patted his back.
“Today, we have much to celebrate, Rodon! And it’s a well-earned celebration, indeed! Once the tree has fully recovered and is producing fruit again, I want the head of each and every household to come to pick a fruit for your family to share. That is my gift to you, to all of you, for your dedication and service during this time of transition. I want to see our province grow stronger and be a place so dedicated to King Shaydon, that the enemy wouldn’t dare take one step within our boundaries. What say you? Are you with me?”
Cries and shouts of agreement went up all around the gathering group. He knew those who had missed this, would hear the story over and over again of how they all saved the tree. He hoped they’d be sure to mention the young Sano girl who helped heal the damage done by Koloman. She stood just behind him, wrapped in Kellie’s arms. Both of them were laughing and glowing.
It was the most beautiful sight.
Chapter Twenty-six
Jael Azazel crouched before Riyah, his hands splayed out before him, his head bent to the ground. “My deepest and most sincere apologies Elderad Riyah. I’ve paid my penance to Emmalyn. Now I beg your pardon, Sire. And ask that I be allowed to accompany my friend to the White City.”
Kardia stood upon the steps of the Meeting Hall, her eyes wide over the faun’s display of remorse. She couldn’t help her small smile over how much importance he put into her considering him a friend. Why would it matter to him?
She shook her head and glanced at Leon who was also shaking his head and chuckling.
After a day of celebration, he’d graciously helped her retrieve her scattered geese. Together, they’d managed to herd the little darlings back home where they would stay for the time being. After being put through such a fright, she didn’t have the heart to send them on to the market.
Leon had invited her and Nellie’s family to dine with him that evening. As they’d headed back to the Meeting Hall with Riyah, Jael the faun met the group at the entrance and fell to the ground before Riyah, blocking the doorway.
“Stand Jael, a friend of Kardia the Sano. I know what you’ve done. If you wish to make amends, then journeying to the White City and pledging yourself to the King’s service will be a very good start.”
Jael stood. “So, I can go? Honestly? I…I…”
Leon patted the faun’s shoulder. “Of course, you can. You may also join us for dinner if you wish. I’d love to hear more about the guardian of the Melodies Forest. It’s a place I’ve never ventured into, but I’m truly interested.”
Kardia went to her creature friend and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. “We’re going to have a grand time, Jael. I love that you’re coming with us.” She glanced at Leon, wondering if he would be going as well.
The slight shake of his head caused her heart to sink. Of course, he couldn’t leave his province now. Not with the wizards having escaped. He’d need to stay and protect his people. She understood, but for some reason, she’d counted on him being there. He’d become important to her during her stay in Rodon. The idea of leaving him saddened her.
* * * *
Darnel followed the caravan through the dense woods until they eventually reached a road. Much to Fajer’s consternation, the previously dirt road now had a covering of White Stones that even Darnel felt discomfort in getting too near.
Cursing and grumbling, Fajer climbed down off the transport and helped Darnel shovel dirt over the path so they could at least cross unhindered.
“We will head straight for the compound,” Fajer stated as he climbed back into the driver’s seat. “Now that I have some of my powers back, I can face them again. I suggest we keep these past few months between you and me.”
Darnel hung the shovel back over the hooks on the side of the wagon. He had no desire to return to the Brethren. He’d lost his drive for anything and wished Fajer would simply shut up and leave him alone.
Fajer continued. “I’d rather not have to admit our failure in Rodon. Perhaps I became too ambitious in counting on your powers to help us achieve my goals. I thought for sure that regent was nothing more than a week pup.”
Darnel climbed back onto his horse and crossed over the path
, making sure to stay on the dirt. Time and weather would pack down the dirt in due time. So long as one of those Kingdom people didn’t come along, or worse, Riyah. Surely, he knew by now who was behind Koloman’s murder. The escaped Sano and Illuminate would only verify Riyah’s suspicions.
One thing was certain, he could not remain in Rodonal. And the Melodies Forest was off limits, as well.
Fajer was still talking as they both reached the other side. Darnel pushed his mount to quicken its pace.
“I’m weary of you ignoring me!” Fajer shouted. A rope sailed past Darnel, wrapping itself around his horse’s neck. He tried to yank it lose but knew it would only work according to Fajer’s will, just as Anwy— no, don’t think her name. Don’t think about her at all!
He glared back at the wizard.
Fajer leaned forward, the reins clasped loosely in his hands. “I’ll not be ignored, understand me?”
“I no longer answer to you, Fajer. Go back to the Brethren, if that’s what you desire. I’ll be heading in another direction.”
Giving the rope a yank and pulling the horse closer to the wagon, Fajer’s face reddened to the point that his skin almost matched his makings. “Stop this moping, man! What were you thinking, anyway? Have you not learned anything from your own parents? She was an elf! An enchanting elf, no less. Do not fool yourself into thinking that what she felt for you was real. Anwynn only wished to suit her own proposes and needs.” He flicked the rope, releasing it from the horse. It disappeared like scattered dust.
Darnel turned away from him and continued riding on. Fajer had no idea what they’d had or the things they’d talked about. Anwynn understood him unlike anyone ever had in his whole life. He’d not meet someone like her again in his lifetime, nor did he hope to. No, he was closing off his heart, once and for all. He’d learned his lesson the hard way.
But he’d learned it well.
“Very well,” Fajer shouted. “If that is how you are going to be, I’ll need my imagi-globe back. You did not keep up your end of the bargain. So, our deal is voided.”
Darnel rode on ahead. Perhaps he’d return to Orelia. Now that she had his cloaking gift, he could disappear along with her. He’d promise protection for her while he stayed. It might cost him another one of his abilities, but…perhaps it would be worth it.
He needed time to regroup and reform his plan. Taking over a province without the muscle backing him was a lofty wish, anyway. What he needed was to build an army that would be completely dedicated to him and willing to carry out his wishes.
The potion, still tucked in his pocket, would help him achieve that. What he needed to figure out was who, or what, he wished to populate his army with. They needed to be powerful creatures or…he glanced over his shoulder at Fajer. Would the potion be enough?
His hand rested on a small leather pouch hanging from his belt. It had once contained leaves he’d collected to make his teas. Now it held the black crystallized powder that had been part of the pit demon. When the Illuminate threw her bolt of light at the under-worldling, it was like impaling it with a sword and part of its form broke off, just as the other one had done back at the Brethren’s compound, during the first ceremony he’d witnessed.
Darnel wanted to show Orelia the black powder to see what she thought of it. He was sure the witch would know something about it.
Yes, that’s what he’d do.
“Did you hear me?” Fajer bellowed.
Darnel turned just in time to see the stone hurling at him. It wouldn’t kill him, even if the wizard’s aim was true. Still, Darnel threw up a shield, then sent back a wave a pain that knocked Fajer off his seat. He landed on the ground with a loud cry of anguish.
“I don’t want to fight you, Fajer.” He drew back his energy and climbed off the horse. “We are not going to do this. What we are going to do is stop for the night. I’m exhausted and I need time to think. In peace.”
Fajer slowly rolled over onto his knees, then slammed his fist onto the leaf covered ground. Cradling his bald head, he rose up into a sitting position and glared hatefully at Darnel with his red-rimmed eyes. “I see you still believe you are in charge.”
“No, I thought we’d finally reached a point where we considered each other as equals, but I guess not.” He grabbed the harness of the ponies pulling the cart and headed toward a stream he’d noticed before calling a stop. This was just as good of a spot as any. Tomorrow, they’d continue on together, or in opposite directions. Maybe he’d wait for Fajer to fall asleep and leave during the night, except… he really hated the idea of traveling alone.
“Fact of the matter is, Fajer, I’m still the stronger one. I’ll never risk losing my powers, they are bred into me, not something I leech off others, as you do. It will bode well for you to remember that.”
With a firm nod, Fajer stood and followed along beside the cart. When they reached the stream, he helped unhitch the ponies and secured them to a tree beside the water.
They worked in silence after that. Darnel kept his shield ready, just in case Fajer tried again. Fajer wouldn’t try to kill him, Darnel knew. But he could still draw out a weapon and cause a debilitating injury if he didn’t remain cautious.
Their meal was nothing more than some stale bread and a few items they’d foraged during their flight from Rodon. Darnel didn’t have much of an appetite, anyway. He slumped on the bottom step of the caravan, lost in his troubled thoughts, his mind numb from loss and hopelessness. He hated the idea of striking out on his own, despite how much Fajer annoyed him. If the wizard wasn’t always striving for more power, he might be a more likable fellow. At least, he provided a bit of company and someone to talk with. It helped to keep him from missing Anwynn, as much.
Except Darnel couldn’t stand how Fajer spoke about her. If he did stay, they’d need to make a pact to never mention the elf maiden again. Ever.
“She tried to push me into the circle,” Fajer finally said, breaking their silence. “You can’t blame me for what happened. You can’t blame me for fighting back.”
Darnel’s jaw tightened. “I know. I don’t wish to—”
“I’m sure one of the things you found appealing was her ruthlessness. She shot down Koloman without a second thought. She hated him. Hated me, too.”
“I know,” Darnel repeated. Fajer wasn’t saying anything that wasn’t the honest truth.
“She knew she couldn’t kill me and had thought she’d push me in the circle and let the pit demon do the deed. In the process, we lost the Illuminate. And the Sano. Again!”
Darnel nodded, staring down at his hands. He knew all this. It was the part he’d been trying to push aside, but maybe if he thought harder about her greed and hatred, maybe it would curb the ache pounding in his chest. Maybe he’d be able to breathe properly again.
He needed a new plan. A new idea to focus all his attention on. A plan that did not involve subjugating himself to the Brethren Order again. They were suspicious of him and would never agree to follow him. No, he’d be expected to follow their orders.
Well, no thank you.
What he needed was people subject to him.
“Then how long are you going to blame me for her loss?”
Darnel shook his head. “I’m not. What happened, happened. End of story. I’d rather not talk about her anymore.”
Fajer stood. “Very well. I have something that will boost both of our moods. I made sure to nab a few bottles from Koloman’s wine cellar. I’d hoped we be celebrating this evening, not—” Stepping over Darnel, Fajer went inside the wagon. The sound of clattering glass and slamming cabinet doors came from inside. “Anyway, I couldn’t help myself. I made sure to collect a few of the better ones.”
Soon he reappeared, two bottles tucked under his arm and two glasses in each hand. One he offered Darnel before working out the cork of the first bottle. “Let us put aside our anger with each other, Darnel my boy. We do make a good team when it’s just you and I, don’t you agree? Before we let i
n one too many? I should have heeded my own inner warnings about including the elf. Everyone else had closed themselves to her, I should have heeded their examples.”
The cork popped off the top and Fajer poured a bit of the deep red liquid into each glass and took a sniff of his. “Ah, a very fine wine, indeed.” He tipped the glass up and gulped the contents down.
Darnel gave his glass a cautious sniff, before realizing that concerns were ungrounded. Fajer had drunk from his first. Tipping the glass to his lips, he found the wine pleasant, he drank the whole glass down as well. By the time they finished the first bottle, his mood had improved considerably. They belted out a few bawdy tavern songs and actually began to find things to laugh about.
Fajer laughed so hard, he tumbled off his stool. “This is much better, Darnel, my friend. Much better indeed. We make a good pair, we do. Now go grab another bottle. They’re in the cabinet over the pot-belly. I need to go make room.” He staggered back onto his feet and walked out of the campfire’s glow.
Darnel stared at the remaining wine thinking that they’d make a much better team if Fajer wasn’t always trying to get the upper hand, or trying to order him around. Go get another bottle, indeed. His hand rested on the potion vial tucked in his breast pocket. Orelia said just a few drops would do, but she’d given him extra.
“Just in case, dearie,” she’d cackled. “Never know when a need will arise and you’ll wish to have the upper hand. Especially if you’ll be coercing with those scavenger wizards like you’re doing. Don’t wish to see ‘em get the better of you, Mage. I still like you. A little, anyway.”
A few drops. That’s all it would take to turn his situation around.
* * * *
“I was told I’d find you here.”
Kardia, lost in her deep thoughts as she said her goodbyes to the geese, jumped and spun around toward the soothing voice she’d come to cherish.
