by D. E. Morris
The procession filed out much the same way it had entered, though the elf glanced back once with a cheeky smirk before Killian shoved him onward. Ashlynn and Jaryn were still as statues as little by little, conversations began popping up all over the room. At one point she filled the distance between them by reaching for his hand, but they neither looked at one another nor spoke a word while their people sorted out what had just happened and the impact of what it would all mean. Rowan and Vala approached from the side and stood by Ashlynn's shoulder, but she was quick to dismiss them. When Niam asked Jaryn if there was anything he could do, he was charged with clearing the room.
When the wide room was finally empty and the doors were closed, Ashlynn put her hands in her lap and looked down with a soft sigh. “What happened?”
“He threatened you,” Jaryn growled.
“I am threatened at least half a dozen times a day.” Her voice was quiet and even, and when she lifted her face to look at her husband, there was no anger or judgment, only worry. “I thought we decided to jail them for a time and have a public trial once I had recovered from the transfer.”
Jaryn's brows lowered and he turned his head toward her. “Did you not hear that elf? Keeping them here would only incite a revolution among the rest of the elves.”
“Yes, but a public execution like this, especially one with such a high number of people involved, is not a precedent we want to set.”
“It isn't one we set,” he argued, turning in his throne to fully face her. “They started this war.”
“And we will not finish it by hanging eighteen people in the town square.” Ashlynn's eyes widened and she shook her head. “You are using your anger and everything else that you're feeling about what happened with you and...I don't even know what to call her.”
“Let's not call her anything, please.”
Ashlynn watched her husband deflate before her eyes and felt the first flickers of sympathy taking root within her. “Jaryn, I love you. That hasn't changed. I am absolutely and irreversibly heartsick over what has happened, yes, but I still love you. You don't have to do this to prove anything to me or to try to win my affection. I just need time. We need to be able to sort this out.”
Jaryn ran a hand over his mouth. “The only thing I'm trying to prove is that we are intolerant to terrorism.” He forced his most believable smile onto his lips and looked at her for a long moment before leaning forward and cupping a hand to her cheek. “I love you, too. So very much. Maybe I am taking my rage out on this, but it isn't unjustified. You have to see that.” He withdrew his hand and stood. “I know it's a lot to ask right now given all that has happened, but please trust me.”
With nothing else to say, Ashlynn only nodded and watched as Jaryn exited the throne room, leaving her completely alone.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It had been nearly five hours since Mairead had been brought to the House of Maidens and left in the room where Lilia was resting. Little explanation had been given to her, only that her friend had experienced something intense and overwhelming that precious few were able to walk away from without needing a significant time for recovery after. Though her curiosity about the village and the people within were great, her concern for Lilia far outweighed even that. Mairead was content to wait in the house of white marble if it meant being able to keep a close eye on the one person she knew she could trust. Females of all ages and races wandered in and out with hardly a glance her way; she wondered and often suspected if it was Rhiamon's way of keeping an eye on the pair without actually hovering over them. All was silent aside from the occasional shuffle of feet, allowing Mairead to slowly relax and find peace in the quiet moments to pray.
When Lilia's eyes fluttered open, Mairead swept a mothering hand over her brow to brush the hair from her face, a soft smile on her lips as she let her hand come to rest against Lilia's cheek. Lie still and keep your eyes closed awhile yet. This may be the only chance we have to speak and I am certain we are being watched. How are you feeling?
The winged woman did as she was told and closed her eyes once more, moving only to find a more comfortable position on her pillow. Like I've been sleeping for days and yet like I could sleep for days longer.
What did she do to you?
Lilia's forehead wrinkled. It was awful, Mairead. You know how Gaels can share images? She took me somewhere else entirely, to a place out of time. I saw the first Elementals, all twelve of them. They were beautiful and terrible all at once. I know I wasn't there and that it was all in my head, that it was Rhiamon's doing somehow, but it was so real and so painful to see.
Tell me everything you can remember.
Every little detail Lilia could summon to mind, she recited. She recalled the sizes and the shapes of the dragons, pointing out the differences in the way she knew they looked now compared to what she had seen in the vision, how the seasonal Elementals glittered like jewels in ways that made the other six seem dull in comparison, and how much bigger they were. When it came to describing Malevolence and Benevolence, Lilia cringed and gripped the edge of her blanket, curling her chin into her chest.
They tore into one another as though their scales were made of paper. When Malevolence threw his opposite down, she landed at such an angle and with such force, her back was surely broken and she didn't rise again. She just disappeared into nothingness. Then when the seasons disappeared soon after and the remaining six flew off in separate directions... Lilia's eyes snapped open but they weren't focused on anything in particular. I can see them, the Dark Elves. They come from everywhere, their adoration only feeds Malevolence and he grows stronger. He's so powerful...too powerful, until... She gasped and jerked away from Mairead, her hands going to her head as though in pain.
“Lilia,” Mairead soothed, pulling the younger woman back to her and stroking her hair, “be still. You are safe. Be still.”
“What has she done to me?” asked Lilia in a shrill whisper. “I don't want these images in my head.”
“Shhh.” At a loss, Mairead only held Lilia tighter.
“Is she awake?” A young woman with thick curly blonde hair came into the room, her pale blue eyes curious. “Is she all right?”
Mairead glanced at the girl with a slight smile. “A bad dream. Perhaps some water would help.”
“Or some food.” The girl sat at the foot of the bed without asking permission. “I don't know if you remember me from the other night, my lady, but I helped you and Lady Rowan with your baths.” She dipped her head to Mairead. “If there is anything I can do to help you feel more comfortable, just ask.”
“You mentioned food,” Mairead reminded. “Neither of us has eaten since this morning.”
The girl's eyes widened. “Good heavens, you must be starving! Of course. Let me see what I can go find and I will return as quickly as possible.”
As the girl scurried away, Lilia sat up and raked a hand through her hair, working to get her bearings. “Please tell me it's the same day as when we set out.”
“It is.”
“I feel so strange...so out of it.”
Mairead tilted her head, worry darkening her expression. “What can I do?”
“I don't know that there is anything to be done.” Lilia took a slow, deep breath and looked around the wide room with its rows of beds all perfectly made. “This was a mistake,” she whispered. “We shouldn't have come here. I thought Rhiamon might be part of the war against Gaels and dragons, but after what she showed me, I fear it goes so much deeper than that. I fear who and what her god is.”
Lips curled, Mairead glanced toward the doorway through which the girl had disappeared. “I know you will not want to hear this, but it may be better if you were not here, if you went back home.” At Lilia's confusion, Mairead lifted her brows. “You have always worn your emotions on your sleeve, for good or for worse. If Rhiamon knows how uncomfortable you are here or how rattled she has made you, she may be able to use that to her advantage somehow.”
“Mairead, I am not leaving you alone here with these people.”
The older woman smiled, looking once more to the doorway. “Not all of them seem bad.”
“Not yet,” Lilia grumbled. She grasped Mairead's hand, pained. What if they find out you're a Gael?
I will be careful, I promise. You have stumbled upon some important information that Ashlynn and the others need to know about as soon as possible. I may be alone here but I have allies in the village in Gerwyn, Kyo, and Eira.
Lilia nodded. Depending on how quickly I can get home, I could get a message to my cousin as well, possibly have some Volar warriors sent to watch over you. Her eyes went to the silver pin at Mairead's shoulder. Niam may come down here to try to watch over you himself.
Mairead's eyes widened. Lilia, you cannot let him do that.
I won't, I won't.
“Oh, you look much better than before.” The blonde girl returned with a sweet smile for Lilia. “I've brought you some water.” She lifted a silver cup in presentation before passing it over to Lilia's hands. “It seems we'll be supping early tonight and the meal is almost prepared. Are you feeling well enough to walk, my lady?”
Lilia nodded, swallowing down another sip of the cool water before handing the cup back to the girl. “Please, call me Lilia. This is Mairead. What is your name?”
The invitation to be on friendlier terms made the girl's smile widen and her eyes twinkle. “Esther.”
“That is the name of one of my heroes,” Mairead told the girl.
“Really? What did she do?”
Mairead glanced at Lilia as the winged woman edged toward the end of the bed to put her feet on the floor, making sure she was truly well even as she spoke to the girl. “She saved her people from someone who was going to great lengths to destroy them, putting herself in the very center of danger each time they were threatened in the hope of saving them.”
“And did she?”
Mairead nodded as all three of them left the room together. “Not only did she save them, but she became a much beloved queen who had a book written about her.”
Lilia, though clearly amused, gave her friend a look of warning over the girl's head and took her hand behind her back. Be careful.
“I would like to read that book,” said Esther, oblivious to the girls' connection behind her.
“I know the tale well,” Mairead told her. “Perhaps some evening I can tell it to you myself.” Without looking at Lilia, she told her, What harm could come from telling the story of a strong woman to a group of women who value strength?
Rhiamon is cunning and intelligent. Do not underestimate her. Just because she has different beliefs from ours does not mean she is oblivious to the scriptures.
Their fingers slid from one another as they stepped outside. Though it was late enough for the sun to be sinking over the mountains surrounding them, there was still plenty of light to illuminate the valley the village was tucked into. It gave Mairead ample opportunity to take everything in as they followed Esther around. It was the same for her as it had been for Lilia her first time wandering. Both of them had expected dark, vile sights to scream evil and terror at them, but they were greeted with nothing but pleasantries and a true sense of warmth and community. Esther acted as a tour guide, pointing out spots of interest along the way, beaming if anyone happened to take notice of her with the two older women flanking her.
“How old are you, Esther?” Mairead asked when there was a brief opportunity for her to speak.
“I'll be twelve in five weeks,” said the girl with a proud smile over her shoulder.
Mairead nodded. “My youngest sister would be about your age. I have not seen her for many years.”
Instead of feeling sorry over the revelation, Esther peered up at Mairead with a hopeful lift of her brows. “We are often paired with older sisters for guidance in our studies. Mine has gone to fulfill a path that has been laid before her for some time now. Perhaps I could request you be my new sister.”
“I think that would be lovely.” Mairead looked sideways at Lilia, but the winged woman only shook her head and looked away with a smirk. They walked on in silence, letting Esther continue giving them as much information as she wanted without them having the ask for it. Eventually she turned for the house Lilia knew belonged to Rhiamon, visibly making Lilia tense as their footsteps brought them closer to her open door. Rhiamon came out before they could get near enough to even knock.
“Oh!” Though she sounded surprised there was none of it on her face when she eyed Lilia. “I was wondering if you would be well enough to join us.”
“Right as rain,” Lilia promised, giving the older woman her best smile. “I'm certain a good meal will only aid in making me feel better.”
“I could not agree more.” Her dark blue eyes looked past the girls and farther into the village. “We will all be feasting together tonight. If you would allow me to walk with you, it would please me to have the both of you join me at my table.”
Mairead bowed her head before Lilia could speak. “It would be an honor.”
Rhiamon gazed upon her, the edges of her lips curving upward in approval. After a moment, she turned her attention to Esther and ran a fond hand over her hair. “Rhedeg ar hyd.” The young girl nodded without question or acknowledgment to the others and hurried away. “This is the first day of our summer harvest and we always celebrate together as a family.” She extended her hand, inviting the girls to follow beside her. “What a wonderful time for you to come, Mairead, and for you, Lilia, to return. This night is one of great frivolity for us.”
They were walking in the direction of the men's housing where there appeared to be much more of an open area for gatherings established than Lilia had noticed before. Long tables were set up parallel to one another just like any other celebration feast at court, but here there was no head table on its own elevated platform for the royal party and their honored guests to sit apart. Everything was the same, equal in its simplicity of wooden plates and bowls. Flowers and garland filled the spaces between platters of fruits and vegetables, bowls of nuts and loaves of bread. “This is beautiful,” Lilia admitted.
“Come,” Rhiamon encouraged, “As you are my guests, show me where you would like to sit and I shall follow.”
Word spread quickly that Rhiamon had arrived and soon, every spot at the tables was taken. Mairead looked around in quiet fascination at the people lining the tables, wondering how they kept track of everyone and how they could know how to set just the right amount of spaces. More dishes were brought out with heated items, though as she watched she realized that none of it was meat.
“We do not eat animals during the first night of the harvest,” Rhiamon supplied as though guessing at her thoughts. “Many here do not eat meat at all, believing it to be unnecessary killing.”
Lilia choked at the words, causing several heads to turn in her direction. She covered it well by lifting the cup in her hands and taking another drink as though to clear her throat, but Rhiamon's pinched expression said she didn't believe the little act. “When our hunters do bring something home, we make sure to use every part of the animal that we can so that nothing is wasted.”
“I am certain you do,” Lilia supported. “I have heard your people are quite frugal.”
Rhiamon peered around Mairead to scrutinize Lilia's face for hidden meaning. Instead of pressing the matter, she soon returned to her meal with a hint of a smile on her lips. “You slept for quite a long time, Lilia. Often when we sleep, our minds are able to sort through things that we are unable to process during the waking hours. There are so many things that distract us from listening to our inner voices that we miss a great deal as we go throughout our day. Given that you had such a lengthy period of rest after our conversation earlier, I cannot help but wonder if you have had any new revelations or thoughts on what I shared with you.”
Hearing Lilia inhale, Mairead glanced at her in warning, knowing she was gearing up to express exac
tly what sort of revelations and thoughts she had. The look was ignored as Lilia stared right past her. “If you had hoped to change my feelings on the matter by showing me what you did, all that was changed was the strength of my conviction. I believe what you do here by offering blood sacrifices and prayers to a dormant Elemental is false worship. You have placed your belief in someone who promised power long ago and has never come through on his word, who demands you take life in order to appease his pride.”
“Lilia,” Mairead warned.
“It is all right,” Rhiamon told her, though her tone was strained. “I asked and I appreciate the honesty.”
“You are setting yourselves up for a terrible downfall,” Lilia continued. There was no judgment on her face, only pity. “In what ways do you find freedom in following this false god you have created for yourselves? How can you put such faith in one who cannot even stay active as he consumes all the power he seeks? A true god would not fall dormant to such forces, nor would he siphon them from those around him. What you worship is a darkness, not a deity. What you worship is indeed a taker and not a giver.”
Rhiamon swept her napkin over her lips in a delicate manner before lifting her chin. “Then why are you still here? If you think our ways are so terrible and incorrect, why did you not flee as soon as you awoke? Why did you even return?”
“Because of Mairead.” Lilia's answer was firm and her gaze unflinching. “I would go to any lengths for someone I love, and I could not love her more were she my sister by blood. If here is where she finally finds happiness and respite from whatever demons she battles every day, then this is where I want her to be until she has won those battles. That is why I returned, to bring her here in the hope that you may help her. I stayed to make sure she was settled, though now I may stay to try to talk her into leaving with me in the morning.”
