by Lara Wynter
Thunder linked with me again. He was by the river waiting, and he had Finnan with him. I took of running toward the castle walls. Finnan was the Queen’s advisor and my mentor, if anyone could answer my questions it was him.
We reached the tall stone walls that surrounded the castle grounds. Callum darted a look around before pushing the vines aside that covered the pipe that led under the walls. I crouched down and entered the darkness. It was a lot more cramped than I remembered, and it was all I could do to make my way along without crawling. But the water beneath my feet was dank and oozing and I wanted to avoid that if I could. I held my staff awkwardly in one hand and ran my free hand along the rough clay walls of the drainage pipe. In wet weather this pipe became a death trap as it led to a pool at the other end that could fill quickly. Reaching the end I jumped down into the shallow pool. The mud sucked at my long boots, trying to remove them from my feet. Callum reached down from his position out of the pool and helped me out.
“You’d better wear my cloak.” Callum slipped off his woollen cloak and handed it to me. I slipped it on and pulled the hood up so it covered my features. There was no telling who was friend or foe right then.
Everything seemed relatively quiet as we walked along the cobbled streets of Emmelion City. At that time of the morning they should have been bustling with activity. News traveled fast. Most Elves, especially those with young ones, would want to stay clear of the conflict. Children were a blessing among our people, and no one would risk them without great cause.
We remained vigilant, not speaking, as we headed through the streets. I breathed a sigh of relief as we entered the park that ran down to the river. We were almost out of danger.
Up ahead I heard a whinny. I darted forward. My cloak blew back leaving my head exposed, but I didn't care anymore. Amongst this chaos, I needed to feel the comforting presence of my horse. Thunder stood on the bank of the river his head up, nostrils flared. I threw my arms around him and buried my face in his thick black mane.
All will be well. His calm presence washed over me in waves. I shared my grief with him about the loss of my father and my home. He soothed me with comforting thoughts of the afterlife where loved ones could rest in peace, free from pain and sorrow.
Chapter Five
Thunder swam through the cool water of the river. I swam beside him, one hand fisted in his mane so we didn't become separated in the fast flowing current. Callum and Finnan swam on his other side. The big black horse made the journey far safer than it would have been alone. As my legs started to grow numb from the cold water, Thunder swam over to the bank and heaved himself up and out of the water. I crawled out beside him, looking far less dignified.
I stood up and unstrapped the cloak filled with our boots and few belongings from Thunders neck, where they had stayed mostly dry.
“I think we can risk a fire,” Finnan said. “No one will be looking for us here.”
I collected an armload of dry wood from the forest floor and sat it down in a pile. With the help of the others, we soon had enough to dry ourselves out. As much as I didn't enjoy hunting, there was nothing I wouldn’t give for my bow right then. We had no real provisions and I didn't want to put any of our friends in danger by relying on their aid.
Finnan moved his hands together to create a small ball of fire which he sent into the dry wood. We soon had a merry blaze burning brightly. I removed my shirt and hung it over a nearby branch to dry. As I sat down and stretched my hands out toward the flames the enormity of what had happened overwhelmed me. I rested my head down on my knees and allowed my grief and loss to flow out. Here amongst my closest friends I could allow my weakness to show.
Finnan and Callum allowed me time to mourn. They mourned, too. They were both close to my father. After a time, I raised my head. I needed answers.
“Finnan, can you tell me more of what happened today?”
Finnan rubbed his hands across tired eyes, before turning his head to me. He looked weary. “Vashti came to me in the early hours of the morning frantic with worry. Ormond had at first appeared to be improving and so we all retired for the night. But later, Vashti awoke to the sounds of your father choking and gasping for breath. By the time I arrived to try my healing magic, it was already too late. He died without regaining consciousness.”
I turned my gaze out over the water, disturbed by what I’d heard. “You think Rothlyn brought home poison rather than a cure.” My voice sounded flat, devoid of emotion.
“Yes. It was shortly afterward that Rothlyn took control of the throne room and proclaimed himself the new King.”
My eyes widened in horror. “Didn’t anyone try to stop him?”
“Of course, a few guards. But there were quite a few notable absences. Most of those closest to your family were not to be found.”
I shook my head. “Like me, they must have been drugged so they slept through the whole coup.”
Callum nodded his head. “I too slept late. By the time I awoke, it had already happened, Rothlyn was in control of the castle. Him and his minions. I don’t know where he hid them all or how he got them into the castle. I think he must have been planning this for a long time.”
Finnan nodded his agreement. “The question now is not how he overtook the castle, but how we are going to get him out and rescue the queen.”
“You don’t think he plans to harm her, do you?” I implored Finnan.
He shook his head slowly. “No, I think he will keep her alive. After all, what other leverage does he have against you?”
I banged my fist on the ground. “What does he even care about me for? It’s still many moons before I will be old enough to challenge him for the throne.”
“You are the one the people will rally behind now Wyndellu,” Callum replied. “Ormond was loved by the Elven community as are you. Once they see how things are under Rothlyn’s rule, they will be desperate for you to reclaim the throne.”
I stared into the flickering flames. “You think it will be bad then? You think Rothlyn will treat the Elven people badly?”
“Just look what he’s done already.” Finnan shrugged his shoulders. “Our only hope now is to keep you safe and hidden away in the forest until you come of age. Then we can defeat the evil usurper.”
I tried to keep my exterior facade calm, even though I was seething inside at Rothlyn’s betrayal.
“Why didn’t Rothlyn kill me last night when he had the chance?” I asked.
Finnan shrugged. “I know not. Perhaps he thought the sleeping draft would last longer? Perhaps the one meant to do the deed was stopped by another? We must be thankful that you are alive and well, that there is still hope.”
Chapter Six
One year later
A crow alighted on the branch beside me and ‘ca-cawed’ loudly. Dakath looked up from where he was conversing with his band of dark Elves. He saw me immediately. I got swiftly to my feet and gripped the trunk of the tree. Looking at the branch that ran closest to the next tree, I assessed the gap and decided I could make it.
The first arrow came whizzing past me as I ran lightly along the gnarled bow and leapt. My supple leather boots allowed my feet to curve with the shape of the branch as I landed lightly and ran along the branch. I slipped around the trunk to the far side as an arrow lodged in the wood with a thunk, where my head had been only moments before. Curse Dakath and his skill with a bow.
I was already assessing the next leap as I glanced down, Dakath ran swiftly on the ground before he stopped and slid another arrow from his quiver. Our eyes locked for one brief moment. I saw the fear and hate reflected in his dark orbs before I spun around the tree as an arrow flew past me.
There was no way I could outrun him in the treetops but at least there was no sign of the others. They must have gone back to retrieve the horses. I reached out to Thunder with my mind. He sent me back images of the Dark Elves horses scattered throughout the forest. His smug delight with his mornings work came through our bond clearly
. I sent him back my approval and an image of where I wanted to meet.
Keeping part of my focus on Dakath and his pesky arrows, I continued my progress through the treetops. The ground, over fifteen feet below, was not something I wanted to risk through any lapse in concentration. I sped through the canopy as fast as I dared. The thrill of the chase filled me with both exhilaration and dread. Unfortunately, I hadn't learned anything particularly useful this time. That crow came at just the wrong moment. Usually, my gift with animals meant I could get them to help me. But crows were different, they were surly and either ignored me or they went out of their way to do the opposite of what I asked. At least they weren't common in the Heathermer Forest.
A smile touched my lips as the sound of water became louder in my ears. Nearly there. I feinted to the right and switched back, causing Dakath to waste his final arrow. I caught a glimpse of his scowl before I ran lightly along the last bough to where it stretched out over the churning waters of Cairvale Falls. Without stopping to consider my folly, I pushed off the branch. My body arched out, my arms spread wide. As gravity took hold of my body, I pushed my hands together in front of me. I hit the water in the deepest part of the pool. The cold darkness closed over me. My chest constricted and my skin tried in vain to resist the cold sting. I forced my body to come out of the dive and curve away from the bottom of the pool. My hands scraped along the rocky gravel. I tucked my feet beneath me and pushed off from the bottom.
My head broke the surface, and I turned to look back up to the top of the rocky cliff. Darkath stood poised on the edge. He watched only long enough to ensure I lived and was not about to drown, before he faded into the forest. Swimming was not a favourite pastime of my people, but I enjoyed the feel of the water. Although, not in the final stages of winter when the frost still hid in the shadows. My arms stroked through the water, taking me quickly to the opposite bank, away from danger. They wouldn't catch me now. Even if they could find their horses, Thunder was faster than their timid beasts.
I reached the shore and pulled myself out onto the steep grassy bank. Thunder nickered softly as I scrambled up the bank to where he waited on the grassy meadow.
“Well met, Thunder.” I stroked his silky black muzzle, and he responded by rubbing his head against my side. I removed my boots and emptied out the remaining water before slipping them back onto my feet. I needed to get back to camp before the last of the afternoon sun faded and I froze in my wet clothes. Swimming definitely was not on my list of things to do that day. Unfortunately, I was going to have to tell Finnan exactly what happened when I got back. There was no way I would be fully dry by the time I returned. I wrung the water from my hair as Thunder cantered over the patchy early spring grass. The bond we had ensured I never fell and I certainly didn't need to guide him with the reins. I often forwent a saddle and bridle altogether unless I needed to carry supplies with me.
My mind drifted as we sped through the trees. Today was the anniversary of my father’s death. And as much as I knew I needed to wait until I was at my strongest to defeat Rothlyn, I had been so sure we would have found a way to defeat him before now. Surely good should always find a way to triumph over evil? The Aloran Elves were suffering under Rothlyn's rule. Elves had been slain for trying to stand against him. He had managed to twist dark powers to his will and it seemed like our position only grew weaker as his became stronger. Something desperately needed to change, but I knew not what it was I could do to assure his defeat.
My frustration had led me to take increasingly reckless risks and if I were not careful, Finnan would forbid me from scouting at all. But I couldn't seem to halt this growing feeling of recklessness within me. My mother was still a captive in the castle. We had heard practically nothing, only that she still lived. I urged Thunder faster until we were flying through the forest, the scent of pine and moss filled my senses with its pleasant aroma. Even this headlong sprint through the forest wasn't wise. One misstep could mean disaster for us both. It was the risk to my best friend that halted my reckless haste. As if sensing my change of mood, Thunder slowed. His large hooves no longer throwing clods of earth and moss behind us. I slipped from his back as we neared the camp and urged him to go and find food and ease his thirst at the bubbling brook that ran past our current campsite.
Although my passage through the trees was silent, Finnan turned toward me as I entered the forest clearing.
“What has happened?” His tone was demanding as he took in my damp and rumpled appearance.
I sat down on a log beside the small campfire and removed my boots. The wet leather had caused several blisters to redden my pale skin.
Finnan handed me a jar of Poltin. “Did you learn anything new?”
“I was perfectly placed in the boughs of a Shardwin tree when a crow landed beside me. Of course he ignored my silent plea to be quiet and instead announced my presence to Dakath and his band.”
Finnan shook his head slowly. “Were you in danger?”
“Hardly. Thunder scattered all their horses through the forest so they were unable to give chase.”
“And, so, I suppose you just decided to go for a swim on your return journey due to the lovely spring weather?”
A cool gust of wind lifted my hair as if to reinforce the stance of my mentor and guardian.
“How was I to know that Dakath would have his bow with him?” I grinned.
Callum took a seat beside me. “What did I miss?”
Finnan sighed. “Apparently, Wyndelleu saw fit to spy on a band of dark Elves by himself and was forced to flee through the trees to avoid Dakath’s arrows before diving headlong into the freezing river to avoid getting killed.” He folded his arms across his muscular chest. “How am I doing so far?”
I returned his gaze. “Amazing, it’s like you were there.”
Callum punched my arm. “How come you didn’t take me?”
Because I would rather not risk any more Elves I hold dear to my heart, I thought. “I’ll take you next time.” My smile was forced. My father was dead, my mother imprisoned, I wouldn’t risk my dearest boyhood friend as well.
“This isn’t like you, Wyndelleu.” Finnan gave me a calculating look. “Get into some dry clothes and get some rest. I’ll take first watch tonight.” With a final glance, Finnan headed silently into the forest.
I wrapped a blanket around my shoulders to keep out the chill. My clothes were almost dry so I didn't bother to change them.
“Well, that wasn’t so bad,” Callum said. “When you disappeared earlier, I thought Finnan was going to internally combust.”
“Well, I was not intending to spy on the dark Elves, but when I came across their tracks, I couldn’t resist trying to get some more recent news. I just cannot handle not knowing what is happening in Emmelion City.”
“I know you feel responsible, but you aren’t.” Callum rested one hand on my arm. His reddish brown hair hung over his forehead. “Just take me with you next time, alright? You’re our best hope. If we lose you to something foolish…how do you think I would live with myself then? You’re a part of my family.”
I closed my eyes. Callum was right and it killed me. “I’m sorry. I’ll try and be patient. Being out here in the woods and in Sanctuary, it’s hard. The waiting…I just feel so useless.”
“I know, me too. Hey,” a smile lit up his face, “look what I’ve been working on.” He held out his palm and a dagger appeared from nowhere. I reached for it, but it turned to mist as my fingers touched it.
Callum's smile faded. “I still have to work on that part. Illusion without substance is no gift at all.”
Chapter Seven
Using the knife in my hands, I continued to whittle away at the piece of wood until the figure of a girl began to take shape.
Callum poked the embers of the fire with a stick before he turned to see what I was doing. “Are you carving anyone in particular?” Callum asked, one delicate brow raised.
“Not really. Any new company would be
nice to break up the monotony.”
“I know what you mean. As much as I know this is where I need to be, what I wouldn’t give to be back at the Castle. And, what I wouldn’t give for one of cook’s apple cakes.” Callum sighed and rubbed his stomach.
I threw the bit of carved wood into the ashes, where it blackened but didn't burn. “I just feel like there’s something missing from my life.”
“Elven girls?” Callum smirked even as his cheeks turned pink.
I grinned. “Exactly.”
Callum extended his palm and frowned. The figure of an Elven girl appeared above his outstretched fingers.
“Windarna?” I guessed, looking at the lifelike figure.
Callum’s cheeks turned pink again as the figure evaporated like mist and floated away. “Doesn’t matter where I am, I still wouldn’t have the courage to talk to her.”
I scuffed the heel of my boot in the dirt. “At least you have the hope of someone, I don’t even have that.”
Callum lifted his eyes to mine. “You must be joking, half the Elven girls in the castle believe themselves to be in love with you.”
“They don’t even know me.” I sighed. “They’re either too afraid to even talk to me, or they giggle and ask me the most idiotic questions.”
“Well, maybe you just haven’t met the right one yet.”
I frowned. “It doesn’t matter anyway, who knows if I’ll even live long enough to defeat Rothlyn. I have to concentrate on being strong and true. I have no time for foolish fancies.”
Callum crossed his legs and leaned forward. “Did Argus have anything to report?”
“He heard that Queen Vashti still remains imprisoned in the Castle, but it wasn’t a very reliable source.”
