Tempting Destiny

by Sela Croft

  That dissociation would push the king to act in ways that would be his undoing. In the face of the ever-changing landscape of war, he was unable to adapt. So he would continue to command his troops in the same way he ruled his kingdom: relying on outdated traditions.

  Draven would lead the Guardians to attack. Despite his avowed support of progressive ways, he wasn’t that different from his father. Thwarted in battle, he would become enraged. The evil that simmered in his veins would take over, as he could not accept failure.

  The two evil leaders would attack with full force. In my mind’s eye, I watched the scenes play out, like watching a play on a stage. The actors were the king and his son, both harboring anger and rage ready to explode. I could see it, just as though it was happening.

  Alban would order his grotesque monsters to mow down the Guardians, his son included, with no thought for the consequences. Meanwhile, Draven would amass huge numbers of soldiers with the same in mind. He would overrun Alban’s forces to seize the victory.

  Before my eyes, I saw it happen. Alban and Draven would kill each other. It was the predictable outcome, and I wouldn’t shed a tear for either of them. With the ones born of evil cast aside, swallowed up by the death they’d supported, the kingdom would be at peace. All I had to do was wait, and continue to wear away at both my enemies.

  It was a simple scenario—nearly too simple. But a thought nagged at me. Selene’s comment had sparked the idea. As she’d pointed out, Mirela could alter the course of destiny. I’d brushed off the words of the prophecy as so much rubbish.

  But if I claimed to understand my enemies, then I couldn’t ignore Mirela’s influence. She’d been foretold to be Draven’s other half, so what did that mean? I had to consider that it was possible she would restore balance. Rumors of her goodness had spread like wildfire.

  Even my own staff had become attached to her in the short time she’d stayed at my castle. I’d claimed that Draven was cut from the same cloth as his father. But he had his human heritage too. I’d been certain that the evil would rise within him, that he’d give in to his inborn nature.

  Yet what if Mirela changed that? I couldn’t rule out that Draven might control his baser instincts and balance his aggressive tendencies with tolerance. The thought seemed far-fetched. But it would be better than witnessing him on a rampage of death like his father.

  I might have misjudged Draven, and such a miscalculation would skew the outcome I’d predicted—something I must not allow. Yet I wasn’t quick to throw aside all I’d believed about him. At this late date, it might be an error in judgment to give him the benefit of the doubt.

  I recalled the look on Nemuri’s face. She had been sincere, and I couldn’t deny that she’d steered me correctly on earlier occasions, too. While in her prison cage, the ancient seer had seen into the future. Upon her rescue, she’d deemed it wise to alert me that all was not as I believed it to be. Could she have been referring to Draven…that the beliefs I clung to were false?

  CHAPTER 62 – SELENE

  It had been a while since I’d had a houseguest. I couldn’t even remember the last time. But it was a pleasure to have Nemuri stay with me. She was one of the few I trusted with the location of my cottage. She’d been quite entertaining, and we hadn’t even spoken of predicting the future.

  Nemuri had many stories to tell about her experiences since the last time we’d visited. And I had much to tell her, too. It was nice to share parts of life that didn’t have to do with war and the upheaval in the kingdom. Like me, my friend was fond of animals and nature.

  We had much in common, so could have extended her stay. Yet she had matters to attend to, and I did as well. “I owe you,” Nemuri said. “Your rescue saved me from agony or worse.”

  “I had help,” I said. “I don’t know why Silvain was so modest, but he did the hard part.”

  I opened the door, then Nemuri stepped out into the fresh air. “Remember what I told you,” she said. “I’m certain that I’m right.”

  Nemuri had kept her promise and shared insight with me. It had been crucial knowledge, and I doubted that it would have fallen into my hands otherwise. “I’ll take care of it.” Then I transported Nemuri to the backwoods near the coastal area, where she lived in her hideaway near the ocean.

  “I’ll stay away from public areas for now,” Nemuri said. “Alban will soon have more pressing issues to focus on than my prison break. I appreciate you letting me hide out at your place.”

  “You are welcome anytime,” I said, then gave her a hug.

  “The same to you,” Nemuri said. “It’s your turn to visit me. I do have an ocean view.”

  I smiled. “That’s a deal. As soon as I can break away, I’ll drop in and see you.”

  Then I went home, since an important matter beckoned. What Nemuri had shared prompted me to rummage through my document storage. The stairs to the basement were invisible to anyone but me. I went to the secure room and opened the vault.

  I’d retained many important documents over the years. The items were arranged neatly by century, then subject matter. It didn’t take long to find the one I needed.

  I’d secured the document in an airtight container to preserve the paper. When I lifted it out, it looked as pristine as the day I’d stored it. The message was written in lovely script on crisp parchment. After unrolling it, I reread the contents.

  The text was as I remembered. The document I held was the original scroll of the immortal prophecy. The oracle had written it in his own handwriting, so its authenticity could be verified. That hadn’t proven necessary, as no one had questioned the prediction—except for one very important aspect that I’d just learned about.

  Nemuri had helped more than she knew. She’d been wise enough to realize that what she’d become aware of had to be shared. I was familiar with Draven and his past. It was vital that I shed light on a subject he’d been unable to put aside. I must get to him before he swerved from destiny’s path.

  At the castle, I found Calina in the library, but she appeared a bit ill. She looked up from her work, and I said, “How do you fare today? You don’t look quite right to me.”

  Calina leaned back in her chair. “Just a bit tired, is all. I’m still recovering.”

  “Dare I ask from what?”

  “I don’t mind telling you,” Calina said. “But you probably won’t like it any better than Draven did.” She proceeded to detail her recent connection with her father.

  “It’s one thing if I annoy the king,” I said. “I have magic on my side, and I’ve been able to slip out before he retaliated.” I shook my head. “But Draven is right—you shouldn’t attempt such stunts.”

  Calina seemed to consider that. “I have to disagree.” She stood up and walked over to the fireplace. “I am aware that things are heating up. This war is reaching a peak, and how events unfold is crucial.”

  “I don’t disagree.”

  “Then I must do all I can to help us win,” Calina said. “That’s all there is to it. If there anything I can do, I will. Too much is at stake.”

  “Then you’ll be pleased about what I’ve come to tell you.” I motioned toward the door. “Where are Draven and Mirela? What I have to say concerns them.”

  “They will be here in a minute,” Calina said. “Both of them are sticking close to me today. I suppose I really worried them.”

  I could tell that Calina hated being fussed over, and even more, being in a weakened state. I divined that she wasn’t majorly harmed and would be fine shortly. I winked at her. “It can’t hurt to keep an eye on you.”

  “Has there been anything interesting in your life lately?”

  “You could say so.” I plopped into a cushioned chair and draped my satchel over the arm. “I don’t seem to lack for excitement.” I was about to relay the news of the prison escape when Draven walked in with Mirela.

  “Selene, good to see you.” Draven took Mirela’s hand and sat beside her on the sofa. “To what do we ow
e the pleasure?”

  “Must I always have a reason to visit?” I said. “Can’t I just drop by to see friends?”

  “I suppose,” Draven said. “But I sense that you have some other purpose for being here.”

  “What is it?” Mirela said. “It’s been stressful recently. If you have any help to offer, let’s hear it.”

  “I’ve just come from home and had a visit with Nemuri. That’s a story in itself that I won’t go into. But while she was there, she shared a forecast into the future. It involved how Draven would deal with events, based on what he feels is true.”

  I reached into my bag and took out the parchment. “You’ll want to sit down for this, Calina.” I didn’t want her fainting upon hearing the news. Without argument, she went to sit at the desk.

  I had their attention, so I unrolled the document. “I think you’ll agree that the immortal prophecy is central to our current situation.”

  “What’s in your hand?” Mirela said.

  “I’m about to show you,” I said. “I’ll read it out loud, so we all know what we’re talking about. Then I’ll pass it around, so you can see for yourself.”

  I read the scroll, but at first there was no reaction. “We know all of that,” Draven said. “My sister recited that to me from the time I was very young.”

  “And I dreamed it, long before I arrived in this realm, when I first sensed a connection to my soul mate,” Mirela said. “I’m sure we know it by heart.”

  “But you didn’t read the last paragraph to us,” Calina said. “You stopped with: Destiny will lead the pair to rule as king and queen of the ocean world.”

  “I didn’t read: provided the immortal ruler awaits her arrival—or the rest of it.” I waited for their reaction.

  “Is there a reason?” Draven said.

  “Yes, there is.” I handed the scroll to him. “See for yourself. The warning was not a part of the prophecy. I only just learned of its existence from Nemuri.”

  “I don’t understand,” Calina said. “I recited the prophecy just as my mother sang it to me, when I was only a baby. It was her lullaby.”

  “But…it was a lie.”

  Draven leapt to his feet, waving the scroll. “What are you saying? This document is inaccurate. It’s a forgery.”

  “That is the original prophecy, written by the oracle. I’ve kept it securely stored ever since. At the time, I felt it best to make sure it was preserved, and now I see why.”

  “But that can’t be,” Mirela said. “It’s missing the last part.”

  I repeated the additional section that Nemuri had quoted. “But be forewarned, king of the immortals.” I looked at Draven. “If you make contact beforehand, your queen will be forever lost to you.”

  The agony in Draven’s expression confirmed what Nemuri had told me. Regret consumed him, as he was certain that by going to Mirela in the human world, he’d toyed with destiny. He feared that he’d ruined the possibility of having what he wanted most—and worse, that he’d destroyed Mirela’s future.

  “Yes, that is how the prophecy ended,” Draven said. “And I shall pay for my transgression.”

  He looked at Mirela. “That I would do willingly, because I deserve the punishment. But my misdeed has wiped away the destiny that was rightfully yours.”

  “No, that’s not true.” All eyes were on me. “That last paragraph was added after the fact. It was tacked on to the end by a human, and in the retelling over the centuries, that altered version was believed to be the real one.”

  “But who would do such a thing?” Calina said.

  I paused a beat, then said, “Your mother, Odeya.”

  I sensed the crushing blow even as I spoke. The crestfallen look on Calina’s face conveyed her disappointment. “I don’t believe it,” she said. “Our mother loved us. She wouldn’t betray us.”

  “You’re lying,” Draven said. “Your attempt to alleviate my guilt is misguided. I don’t know what you hope to achieve.”

  “Are you hoping that Draven will let go of his regret if he believes your claim?” Mirela said.

  “I’m shining light on the truth,” I said. “For only then can we hope to walk the path of destiny as intended.”

  Draven glared at me, making it evident that he didn’t believe a word.

  “I’ll prove it to you,” I said. It wasn’t often that I dealt with spirits, as it was best to leave them in peace. Yet I could see there would be no resolution until I called forth support of my testimony. “Give me a moment and I will show you.”

  Draven sat beside Mirela, then I proceeded to work my magic. I probably should have prepared ahead of time, but I hadn’t realized that I’d need verification.

  I lost track of how long I was in reverie. I flowed energy into the spirit world then fell into a tranquil state. Using my inborn talent, I called forth the woman I sought. I’d been around for centuries, and had known her when she’d lived.

  When I opened my eyes, the others were staring at the form hovering near the fireplace. The woman appeared ghostlike. She was Odeya Petrovic, the mother of Calina and Draven, called forth from the world beyond.

  She didn’t look much older than Calina, since she’d died in childbirth at a young age. She had long, dark hair and stunning blue eyes. She floated in the air, wearing an orange shift. Her innocence shone through.

  “This is your mother,” I said.

  Draven clung to Mirela’s hand, and Calina had a look of amazement.

  “My children,” Odeya said in a soft voice. “I am so happy to see you.”

  “Mother?” Calina said.

  Draven was riveted on the sight of the ghost, having never met his mother before.

  “I’ve been called back for a reason,” Odeya said. “I cannot stay long.”

  “Can you tell us about the immortal prophecy?” I said.

  Odeya looked sad. “I meant no harm,” she said, then looked at Draven. “I only intended to protect you, my son.”

  Draven leaned forward but didn’t get up. “You are my mother?”

  “Yes, my son…I am your mother. And I’m so proud to have given birth to you. You and your sister mean everything to me.” A tear rolled down Odeya’s cheek.

  “I wish that I could have known you, but I was taken so soon.” She looked lovingly at her children. “As many young mothers do, I went to an oracle to learn about your future…to be sure that you would fare well.”

  I was intrigued, as this part I hadn’t known either.

  “The prophecy was written, but it frightened me,” Odeya said. “It foretold that you would unite with Mirela and that you would be king.” She looked at Mirela, who remained silent.

  “And what else, Mother?” Calina said.

  “Your father…Alban.” Odeya bit her lower lip. “He was terrifying. I didn’t want you to be linked to him. I had to try to give you a way to escape. After Calina’s birth, I witnessed how cruel he could be. I didn’t want you to play into his hand.”

  “What do you mean?” Draven said.

  “I feared for you, my son. And I didn’t want you to connect with Mirela and bring her here,” Odeya appeared grief-stricken. “Yet by doing what I did…it seems I’ve put you in harm’s way, the one thing I hoped to avoid.”

  The room went silent.

  “I added the last part of the prophecy to warn you away,” Odeya said. “If you didn’t go to Mirela, then I might prevent disaster. I was certain that, before you could rule as king and queen, Alban would destroy you.”

  Odeya hesitated. “I couldn’t let that happen, and the only way I could think of was to keep you away from Mirela. I thought if you didn’t go to her, that none of this would happen. I added the warning to protect you, hoping you’d stay away. I thought to save you from your father, to prevent…” She wiped away another tear.

  “But I can see that I’ve only made it worse.” She looked at Calina then Draven. “Can you forgive me?”

  Draven walked over to the ghostlike form. �
�It means so much that I could see you just this once. I know you were trying to look out for me, that you were being a good mother.”

  Calina stood beside Draven. “I love you, and I’ve missed you so much.”

  Odeya smiled. “I am always with you. I treasure both of you and love you more than I can say.”

  Then Odeya’s spirit form disappeared, and her children looked at the empty space where she’d been. I dared not speak, and tried to anticipate Draven’s reaction. He turned to face me. “You have given me a gift,” he said. “I will cherish this moment, the one time I was graced with my mother’s presence.”

  “What about the prophecy?” I said.

  Calina took the scroll from Draven and read, “Destiny will lead the pair to rule as king and queen of the ocean world. That is your blessing and gift from fate.” She looked up. “There is no more. That’s how it ends.”

  “There was no warning,” I said.

  Mirela put her arms around Draven. “You did the right thing. When you found me after your long search, you came to me immediately.”

  Draven looked at her. “And I would do so again, my love.”

  “That is how it should be,” Mirela said. “You followed your heart. That can’t be wrong.”

  “And our own mother has confirmed it,” Calina said. “Destiny calls for you to rule together.”

  It was quite a touching scene, but I wasn’t as calm as I might have been. “It seems that you feared that you’d defied fate, but you can see that you have only done what you were destined to do.”

  “It’s not over yet,” Draven said.

  “No, it’s not,” I said. “Destiny’s path can be treacherous. If the future is to be what you hope, you will have to make it so.”

  “And Alban is more determined than ever to stop you,” Calina said, looking revitalized after the experience. “The fight hasn’t ended.”

  Mirela linked her arm with Draven’s. “We must win. We can’t come this far to have our life stolen from us, to be the victims of death’s minions.”