The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series

by Andrea Lamoureux

  Chapter 20

  My head reeled with more questions than ever. Upon entering my room, I’d found Amelia making up my bed.

  She turned, hearing me enter. “Oh—good eve, milady. I’m almost finished here. How are you fairing?”

  “I’m well enough, thank you, Amelia. Um, is there a messenger here I can give a letter to who’ll deliver it to the palace at Solis?”

  “Aye, actually, there’s a boy who comes around every couple days to send and receive letters. Would you like me to fetch you some parchment and ink?”

  “Yes, please,” I replied.

  She nodded and finished with my bedding. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

  Alone, I plopped down on my bed and ran my hands through my unbraided hair. So, I was going to Aquila. It wasn’t Terra, where I’d originally wanted to go, but it also wasn’t anywhere near Solis, and that was good enough for me. This was going to be a long journey south. I hoped we would make it there before the cooler season approached. I didn’t relish the thought of sleeping on the cold ground.

  A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in.”

  Amelia was back with the parchment, ink and a feather pen. “Here you are. If you give it to Ginnie once you’re finished, she’ll be sure the messenger receives it.”

  “Right. Thanks again—not just for this, but for everything you have done for me.”

  “I was only doing my job, milady. I’m pleased to be of service to you. It’s been nice having a lady guest here. As you’ve probably noticed, most of our guests are men.”

  I raised my brows. “Indeed. Anyways, I’m glad we met, and I shall always remember your kindness.”

  She started to smile, but then realization dawned on her. “Does this mean you’re leaving us?”

  “Yes, I shall be gone at first light. It is time for me to move on.”

  “You’ve found someone to take you to Terra?”

  I paused and decided there was no reason I couldn’t tell her the truth. “No, Percifal has offered to take me to Aquila.”

  “Oh! Aquila!” she exclaimed, clasping her hands together, eyes sparkling with wonder. “I’ve heard it is a beautiful kingdom. And you’ll get to see the sea! I’m sure you’ll be happy there.”

  My lips curved up at her excitement. “I hadn’t thought much about it, actually. I’m only grateful to be going someplace else.”

  “I wish you the best of luck.”

  “Thank you.”

  With nothing left to say, she placed the writing supplies on the small table and left me.

  I lowered myself into the chair at the table and sighed. I thought for a long time before I leaned forward and dipped the feather pen into the thick, dark ink and began scratching words onto the parchment.

  Dearest Addy,

  I am writing to tell you I am alive and well. I hope I have not caused you too much worry since I left. I cannot tell you where I am now, but I must ask a favour of you. Please send some gold to Ginnie and Irving at The Golden Lilly Inn in Lottenheim for me. I would pay them myself, but I do not have anything to give them at this time. They are good people who have helped take care of me. Without them, I am afraid I may not be alive to write this to you. I hope you are well and happy and know that one day we shall see each other again. Until then, always remember that I love you and hold you in my heart.

  Love, Zephy

  P.S Please send your guards to search for a man named Algor, who lives in Lottenheim. He has been keeping women as his prisoners. He lives in a grand manor somewhere on the edge of the village. I am sorry I cannot tell you more.

  Sorrow settled over me as I folded the letter and sat back. I missed Adelaide dearly. I wished I hadn’t lost the necklace she’d given me, and I truly did hope I would see her again someday. I couldn’t go back yet without risking her life. I would rather miss her because of distance than miss her because of death.

  As I rose to go and find Ginnie, another soft knock sounded on my door.

  Ginnie opened it and poked her head in. “Lady Phyra? Amelia has told me you’ll be leaving us on the morrow.” She placed an empty sack down on the bed. “I figured you could use this for your travels.”

  “Yes, that’s right. Thank you.” I bit my lip, looking down so she couldn’t see the tears threatening to gleam in my eyes. I’d miss her. She was like a mother to me… the kind of mother I’d always wanted.

  She came over to me and put her arm around my shoulders. “We’re so glad we got to have you stay with us. You’ll be in good hands with Percifal. He may have his secrets, but he has a good heart.”

  “I’m thankful I met you all too. I would never have made it if it wasn’t for yours and Irving’s kindness.”

  “Well, just you remember that you’re always welcome at The Golden Lilly Inn.” She gave me a slight shake, her grin dimpling her ample cheeks.

  I smiled back at her. “I shall.” Remembering my note, I handed it to her. “Will you please see this gets to the messenger for me? I need it delivered to the palace at Solis.”

  “Yes, I’ll pass it on to him. He should be around here tomorrow. Would you like to come down for dinner? It’s almost ready to be served.”

  I groaned. “I want to, but the men down there are so intimidating.”

  “No trouble, dear. I’ll have one of the maids bring a tray up for you.”

  “That sounds perfect. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. You have a safe journey. Take care of yourself, and trust no one save Percifal.”

  “That you don’t have to worry about.” I barely trusted Percifal, let alone any other person I might meet along the way.

  “Good, and please, take what you like from the closet. My daughter isn’t missing those garments.”

  We embraced, and then she let herself out to attend to her other guests.

  I decided to go through the wardrobe. In the end, I picked a simple, dark green dress with frayed edges to wear for travelling. I folded another more formal looking royal blue one and packed it in the sack Ginnie had left me. I figured it would be good to have something nice to wear when requesting employment, when the time came.

  Soon after I’d finished packing, one of the maids brought me a tray of food up with a cup of water. I ate all of my cooked carrots, game hen and fresh bread. I did so, not only because it tasted delicious, but I didn’t know when my next full meal would be.

  After eating, I brushed out my hair and donned my night dress. I was to be up before the sun, so I decided I should try to sleep early tonight.

  Sleep didn’t come easily. I couldn’t stop thinking about what my future held and wondering about my travel partner and how his sister might be able to help me. One way or another, I would get answers from him. I didn’t like that he seemed to know more about me than I about him.

  Before I knew it, I woke to the sound of loud pounding on my door. I opened my tired eyes and saw the faintest light at the edge of a dark sky through my little window. Dawn was already brightening the sky.

  “Lady Phyra? Get dressed. We must leave at once,” Percifal called through my door.

  I threw my blankets off and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. “Just a moment, I must dress, and then I shall be ready.”

  There was a pause before he answered, “I will wait outside. Come when you’re ready, but please, make haste.”

  I quickly dressed myself in the green dress with long sleeves and a loose skirt. I decided to braid my hair to keep it neat and manageable. I peered at myself in the mirror and put my hand to my cheek. I looked much healthier than the first time I’d seen my reflection in this mirror. I gave myself an approving smile, picked up the sack, and put on the pair of leather shoes I’d found on the room’s floor. They must have also belonged to Ginnie and Irving’s daughter. Thankfully, her feet were only a little bigger than mine. Satisfied with my preparations, I headed downstairs and out the front door.

  I found Percifal holding onto the reins of two horses; one dappled
grey, and one bay. Seeing me, he took the sack from my arms and placed it in the bay’s saddle-bag. “The bay mare is yours for this journey. Do you know how to get in the saddle?”

  “Of course,” I scoffed as I put my foot in the stirrup and pulled myself up. “So you have the means to buy horses… you’re pretty wealthy for a vagrant,” I commented.

  His only answer was a snort, so I dropped the matter and changed the subject. “Does my horse have a name?”

  “I’m sure she does, but I didn’t ask it. Name her what you please.”

  “Hmm.” I thought of Nova for a moment. I missed her, but I was glad she didn’t have to make this trek. It would have been hard on her old bones. “I shall call… her, you said?”

  “Yes, her.”

  “I shall call her Moonlight.”

  Was that a smile I saw on his face as he finished tying his own saddle-bags? I couldn’t quite figure it out before he put his foot in the stirrup and swung himself on top of the grey. His horse looked majestic with his arched neck and the way he carried his tail high. I guessed him a stallion even before Percifal told me his name. “Then I will call mine Sunny.”

  With the task of naming our mounts complete, we set out along the road. I studied Percifal in his brown trousers and leather armor. The sword at his side caught my attention; polished silver and iron, with a giant sapphire embedded on the pommel. This wasn’t just any sword. This was a sword belonging to someone important. That thought scared me more than anything I had come to learn yet about this mysterious man. I decided to keep my thoughts to myself—for now.

  We rode in silence for the first part of the day. The sky turned wondrous once the sun began to rise. Shades of pink, purple and orange streaked the deep blue. Birds were beginning their morning song, and the grass, still dewy from the fading night, cushioned our horse’s hooves like a giant carpet. I inhaled a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air. I, at least, was enjoying being outside again, finally free from the world and my royal responsibilities. Free from the horrible Algor and his dungeon. Free from my own weakened health. Though my future may have been uncertain, I was happy it would take place far away from Solis, far away from my awful mother.

  Once we’d left the village of Lottenheim, we made our way into the forest, the sun high in the blue sky and flickering through the large pine trees, warming my back as I sat atop of Moonlight. The steady sway of her movements relaxed me. I felt my body move with her, as if we were one being. Percifal rode off to my side, ahead just enough that I could see his back. He sat tall on his grey stallion. I studied him and concluded he also was no stranger to riding.

  As our horses clopped on down the path, I wondered who he was before he’d come to Lottenheim. I had confirmation that he indeed hailed from Aquila, but why had he left? He must have done something wrong; that was the only reason I could come up with. Maybe he had all of this gold because he’d stolen it. If he had stolen it, I was happy that at least he gave some of it up to help Ginnie and Irving. They were good people. I wondered if I would ever see them again; probably not.

  Finally, when the sun fell past mid-sky, and my legs ached from sitting in the saddle, Percifal halted his horse. “We’ll stop here to eat, and then we ride ’til dusk.”

  My stomach grumbled in agreement. I dismounted my bay mare, nearly falling as I failed to realize my legs were weak and shaky from riding.

  Percifal took Moonlight’s reins and tied them to the saddle, leaving enough length so she could eat grass, but not enough that she would step on them. He did the same to Sunny’s.

  “Here,” he offered, holding out a chunk of bread and some dried apples.

  “Thank you.” I accepted the food and sat against a large stump, my movements slow and stiff.

  He sat down across from me, studying me. “We have a long way to go. Are you going to survive?”

  I rolled my eyes at him. “Yes. I’m fine. I haven’t been on horseback for quite a while. I shall get used to it.”

  He inclined his head in reply, chewing on his bread.

  “So, your sister… how can she help me?” I decided to ask.

  He paused and swallowed before answering. “I suppose it doesn’t hurt to tell you, seen as how you will be meeting her anyways. Chelela, my sister, holds the elemental power of water.”

  I almost choked on the dried piece of apple in my mouth as he continued.

  “She, unlike you, has known about her power since she was a child. She also had training with it and knows how to control it—unlike you.”

  I glared at him. “I’m sure with training I’d be able to control mine as well.”

  “I do not doubt that. It’s why I’m taking you to her. She can help you learn.”

  “And just why are you doing this for me? It can’t be out of the kindness of your heart.”

  He chuckled at that. “I do happen to be a kind man, you know. But you’re right, that is not why I’m doing this. Chel was informed that all the elementals would be needed to fight a dark power. I didn’t believe it—until I found you.”

  My eyes widened, and I had to put my hands on the ground beneath me to steady myself. “Excuse me? Did you say I’m meant to help fight a dark power?”

  “I did.”

  “No, I don’t think so. You—you’re mad. That’s why you were a vagrant when you found me. I understand now.” I got to my feet, with effort, and shuffled over to Moonlight.

  He followed me. “Stop. Wait. Would you please stop?” He grabbed my arm.

  I looked down at his hand on me. His touch was firm, but not painful. A shiver rolled through me. I turned and faced him. His eyes held concern. They didn’t look like the eyes of a madman. In fact, they looked very warm and inviting, like deep turquoise pools.

  I snatched my arm away. “Don’t touch me.”

  His gaze dropped to his feet. “I’m sorry. I forget…”

  I sighed. “What were you about to say?”

  His eyes settled back on my face. “I’m not mad, nor am I a vagrant.” He spread his palms. “What other choice do you have? Come with me to Aquila, and my sister will tell you herself.”

  Because he was right, I relented. “Fine, but I still don’t believe the part about me helping fight some dark power.”

  I tried to get back on Moonlight but found myself, embarrassingly, too weak.

  Seeing my struggle, Percifal helped me up back into the saddle. “We make camp at dusk.” With me settled, he mounted his own horse, and we trotted off once again into the evening light.

  Chapter 21

  On and on we rode, deeper and deeper into the forest. The trees grew so thick I could barely make out the sky above. With the sun mostly blocked, the air grew chillier. Night would be worse, and I found myself wishing I still had the cloak I’d taken from Solis. I don’t remember when, but I had lost it sometime while imprisoned in Algor’s dungeon; probably when he’d tried to claim me as his play-thing.

  No, I scolded myself; I wouldn’t allow my mind to return to that dark place.

  My legs grew numb from being on horseback for so long. As the sun started to set, creatures of the night sang their nocturnal songs. An owl hooted from a tree nearby, and crickets chirped from somewhere in the tall grass. I prayed to Celestia that there were no predators nearby. I didn’t think we would make it through the first night if we came across one of the sharp-toothed beasts I’d read about.

  When we finally stopped for the night, the bit of sky that we could see had taken on a shade of indigo. Percifal helped me off Moonlight, as my legs no longer seemed to work. At that moment, I was grateful he was with me. As mysterious and secretive as he was, at least he didn’t seem dangerous. Another man might have taken advantage of my weakened state, and on my own, I would have been useless.

  He helped me to a patch of grass, and then he went to unsaddle our horses and rub them down with a cloth. I watched from the patch of grass, feeling useless.

  Once the horses were dealt with, he unsheathed his sword and
cut some branches down and piled them together in the dirt. He looked over at me once the task was complete. “I don’t suppose you can gather your power enough to help with this, can you?” He gestured toward the pile of sticks.

  “I—uh—I can try,” I mumbled.

  He shook his head. “Never mind, save your strength.”

  He picked up two stones and knocked them together a few times. To my amazement, the stones sparked, and the branches caught on fire. He tossed the stones down and gathered more branches, putting some to the side for later.

  His task complete, he beckoned me over to him. “Come, sit and warm yourself.”

  “Thank you,” I offered quietly while he placed the wool blanket he had taken from his saddle bag down for me to sit on.

  “Wait here. I’m going to see if I can find us some dinner,” he stated.

  Where would I even go? I thought.

  I sat there silently, feeling the fire’s flickering warmth on my face as it cracked and popped. I had the power of fire, and yet I couldn’t even gather the strength to help build one. How was I to help fight a dark power if I couldn’t even conjure up a small flame to keep us warm?

  So deep in thought, I barely noticed Percifal approach with a grouse in his hand and a grin on his face.

  “Not a grand feast, but I’ve found us something fresh for dinner.” He held up the dead bird.

  “Spectacular,” I said miserably.

  He began plucking the bird. “You sound rather enthused. Is there a problem, my lady?”

  “I’m just weary.” I closed my eyes.

  “Ah. Once you have some food in your belly and some sleep, I’m sure you’ll feel better.”

  I inclined my head in reply, and he continued preparing the bird.

  Before long, he had it on a stick and roasting over the fire. After checking to ensure it was cooked, he pulled some of the meat off and offered it to me. It wasn’t the best meal I’d eaten, but it wasn’t the worst either. The meat, though a bit dry and bland with no spices, was warm and filling. I couldn’t complain.