by J A Essen
The passageway is still vacant as I lock the door protecting the humans from my world. They should be safe there, but the pressing matter is time. Time that’s short due to the bound and gagged guards that will eventually be found when rotations shift. Time that isn’t on our side.
I slink down the corridor; my back pressed against the wall and ears on high alert. Normally I would walk straight through to the armory, but that would take me past one of the kitchens and dangerously close to the Grand Entrance. Instead, I cut to the left at the next doorway and duck into the storage room. Without lighting a candle, I feel my way along familiar walls until I make my way to the back and find the one stone in the wall that is protruding just slightly more than the rest. Pressing it in, the wall slides just enough for me to angle my body through and push it back into place once I’m in the hidden gap.
This will take me to the hallway just outside the armory, but in clear view of the Central Garden when I emerge. I pray that no one is tending to it at this hour. The cobwebs are thick as I slide through the narrow passage that’s obviously long forgotten. Standing with my ear pressed hard against the wall when I reach the end, I wait and wait, listening for the slightest sounds. Minutes pass by, and I hear nothing, so I decide finally to chance it.
With a slight grind, I press the wall open and wait again, making certain that no one has been alerted by the stones grinding against one another. Poking my head through, the garden is lit by only faint moonlight. The midnight waryms don’t bloom for another month. Thank you, Great Elder.
Moving quickly and quietly, I press the wall back into its recessed position and tip-toe across to the junction of the adjoining corridor. Slinking along again with my back pressed firmly against the wall, I’m nearly to my destination when I hear a noise that causes me to turn back in the direction I just came from. I gasp as it startles me, and quickly I place my hand over my mouth, realizing my mistake. Just then, a hand grabs me around the waist, and another is placed over my mouth as I’m pulled backward, flailing away beneath very strong arms.
“I thought I saw you outside the castle walls earlier. Come with me.”
I still can’t see who has ahold of me, and I don’t recognize the voice. He’s definitely strong, and I give up trying to get free of his grip; it’s pointless. He drags me into the armory and places a covering over my head, cinching it down around my neck, enough to keep it on, but not so much to impede my breathing. My hands are bound behind my back, and I hear, “Stay here. There is someone that will want to speak to you.”
I can hear footsteps leaving the room, and I begin to struggle against my bindings, but they are looped tightly and tied off inside my wrists where I can’t get to them. I can’t see much besides some lighting coming through the covering over my head, and I fear this may be where my plan falls apart. All the precautions I have taken up until now, and I’m undone by my jumpiness at a crashing plate. Dammit.
Whereas there was one set of footfalls leaving, there are now two returning. One is short and the other long strided. I can hear the two of them conversing as they approach, but can’t make out what they are talking about.
“Why have you returned?” Whoever he is, his voice is deep and demanding.
“I won’t talk to anyone but Taranis.” I try to sound strong and sure of myself, but it comes out lacking.
“Well then,” I can feel him approach me and loosen the cover on my head before releasing the ties binding me, “I guess it’s a good thing,” the cover is removed and his voice changes as he leans into me, “I had Yarem grab you.”
“Taranis!” I leap up and wrap my arms around his neck, embracing him in a hug. Then, releasing my hold, I slap him hard across the face. “That’s for scaring the shit out of me. I thought I was done.”
“Thank you Yarem for your assistance and the head’s up. Please keep quiet and tell no one she’s returned to the kingdom.” Taranis nods in appreciation as Yarem salutes him.
Rubbing his cheek, he turns back to me. “Was that really necessary?”
I simply nod.
“Okay, so maybe I took it just a little too far.”
“A little? Are you kidding me? I just knew that all my carefully calculated planning had been ruined, and I was going to be facing execution.”
“So, a plan you say. Do I even want to ask?”
“I need your help, Taranis. I have learned so much in the past two days about a man I once called my father. There is so much you need to know. Can we talk somewhere safe please?”
Taranis and I talk for nearly an hour. I relay all the information that King Nathair gave us and at first, he can hardly believe what he’s hearing, but the more details I go into, the more he begins to settle into the realization that I’m telling the truth.
“But it was your mother, Edana. He loved her.”
“At one point in time, I’m sure that he did. However, once she could no longer provide him with what he desired, that love was lost on her. All he cared about was disposing of her and finding a new mate to bare him a male heir. Too bad for him, that didn’t work either.”
He’s pacing the ground, rubbing his face up and down with the palm of his hand, deep in thought. “I wonder then?”
“Wonder what, Taranis?”
“Well, your step-mother has recently fallen ill, and the clerics don’t seem to have a clue what is causing it. I wonder if history is repeating itself, if not in a slightly different manner?”
“Knowing what we know now, it’s a very high likelihood.” I raise my eyebrows as we both acknowledge the possibility.
“So, I’m guessing you want retribution then, Princess.”
“Something like that. I have a plan, but it hinges on your help.”
“Well, lay it all out and let’s see what you’ve got. I already had my own issues with the king and his actions as of late. Not going to be any loss of love here.”
“I’ve made an agreement with the human king, Nathair…”
*****
Taranis and I have been plotting for nearly two hours when all of a sudden we hear shouts and screams coming from the castle. There are people running wildly through the corridors when Yarem slides into the doorway, out of breath and announces, “Ithoran is burning. Humans have breached the portal!”
Traitors.
“To arms! Bring up the gates! Pull the guard in tight and load the ballistae! Don’t let them breach the castle walls.” Taranis is shouting out orders as fast as he can, and then he looks at me in a very accusatory way.
“I swear by the Great Elder that this is not my group’s doing.”
“Then, in that case, Princess, I suggest you find your people and protect them. I no longer can.”
I bolt out of the armory, not caring if anyone sees me. It’s pure chaos as I race through the halls and across the Grand Entrance, making my way back to the corridor leading to the old, subterranean entrance. The door is still locked when I arrive, and this puts my nerves somewhat at ease. I cast my spell and unlock the door, slipping inside and quickly down the stairs.
As soon as my feet plant into the cool, damp earth I start screaming, “Wallace! What is the meaning of this?!”
“What the hell are you yelling about Princess?”
“The invasion.”
“WHAT invasion? Have you lost your mind?”
“Edana, what’s going on?” Faudron chimes in.
“The humans…. They’ve breached the portal somehow. Ithoran is burning, and they’re advancing on the castle.”
All their faces droop and eyes are as big as saucers. They clearly had no idea. King Nathair used us all… even his own people. But how? How did they do it? Only an elf can activate…
EOGHAN!
Chapter 26
Faudron
Edana is absolutely hysterical. And why shouldn’t she be? King Nathair has done exactly what he promised her he wouldn’t. He is actively killing innocents. ALL of the innocents.
“What do you want to do,
Edana?”
“I don’t know.” She’s shaking at this point.
I gather her in my arms, pulling our bodies together and creating as much physical contact as possible. “Just breathe,” I whisper into her ear. “Take deep breaths.”
I look over at Wallace and stare deeply. He puts his hands up and shakes his head, indicating he’s sincere in his answer to her question. How could the king keep the head of his guard out of the loop on this and still be successful?
She looks up at me, her blue eyes dull, and pooled to the brims. “This is all my fault. My desire for revenge on my mother’s killers has led to all of this. All of those children…” The tears begin to fall freely, and I can sense the lightheadedness rolling over her when I see her eyes begin to roll. As Edana’s body goes limp, I lower us both to the ground, settling down with her unconscious self in my lap.
Superb I think sarcastically.
“I swear on everything Faudron, I knew nothing of this.”
“I know Wallace. I can read the sincerity in your face as well as the face of your men. I don’t put blame on any of you or hold ill-will.” I rub my forehead with my fingers. “The question is, what to do now? We don’t dare show ourselves; the elves would kill us without a thought. I don’t even know at this point if Edana was successful in her negotiations with Taranis.”
Rowley speaks up, “The clear course of action, sirs, is no action at all. We sit tight and wait for the princess to regain consciousness and decide then. Only if our position is compromised do we move.”
“Of course, Rowley. You’re absolutely correct.” I nod at him. “Waiting patiently is not a strong suit of mine, but I suppose now is as good a time as any to work on honing that skill.”
It’s the wee hours of the morning, and it will be a few hours before dawn even begins to break. The cavern we’re in is so deep and well enclosed that even screaming inside the castle is unlikely to be heard. I set up a rotation, and we begin to get some sleep, albeit restlessly. I go down first with Edana and two of the other guards while Wallace and the other three guards remain awake and on the lookout. Her breathing is even, which is good, but I can feel the tenseness still holding onto her, refusing to give up its grip on her emotional state. This is going to be a very long, torturous wait for me.
*****
Edana
Mother, why is this happening?
This is what your life has been leading up to my ‘little fire.’ Your sir-kuile is at the point of tipping. You will now have to make a decision that will forever change you. Be strong.
But I don’t know what to do. I can’t ask my companions to help defend us. The other elves would kill them on first sight. I’m a traitor and will be dealt with as such. I can neither help them or the journey I’m on if we step out.
The people will overcome this, Edana. You know what you have to do. Avenge me my daughter.
I’m not strong enough, Mother. Even with Faudron’s help, It’s an unsurmountable task.
Fear not my daughter; I will be there for you.
What does that mean?
Your power is strongest at the breaking point. Trust in your lover. Trust in yourself. Trust. In. Me.
I startle awake, my eyes wild in uncertainty, but peering into the most caring, soothing eyes on the planet. Faudron. He’s stroking my ears and smiling down at me.
“Glad to have you back with us.”
“How long was I…?”
“Just a couple of hours. Keep your voice down, though. The first watch is sleeping and still has some time. While we won’t be at our best, we need to have our wits somewhat about us when we leave here and make our move.” He cracks his neck back and forth. “Speaking of which, is Taranis with us?”
“That is complicated now. We were working on a route to the throne room where the king would’ve normally been at a set point in time, but that is moot now with the invasion happening over our heads. He’ll definitely not attack us, and will help if possible, but his loyalty and assistance must lie with protecting my people first.”
“I understand.”
We both stand and stretch our legs, quiet to not wake the others. The two guards that are awake are eating fish they must have caught bare-handed and cooked over the low fire. Faudron and I walk hand-in-hand, following the winding path of the stream until we reach the point where it emerges from under the castle and forms a small fall down some ten feet below to where the land opens up. It appears as if the elves held off the initial push from the humans, and they’ve set camp for the night.
“We need to use this time wisely my dear.” Faudron breaks the silence between us. “It’s unlikely they will attack again before taking breakfast. I’m certain your fa-, sorry, King Brennus won’t be sleeping. Where’s the most likely position he would take in the castle?”
“I’m not certain. Perhaps the second level library? It has a massive curved balcony, centered on the front of the castle and overlooks the entire valley down to Ithoran. He would be able to oversee everything happening from that vantage.”
“All right then. We’ll presume that that’s where he’ll be. Let’s get back to the others and form a plan. We need to act now.”
Swiftly we make our way back through the cavern to find Wallace and the other men already stirring.
“Eat quickly. We have a window of opportunity we need to capitalize upon.” Faudron barks out.
Wallace unpacks his rations along with the others and takes a seat. “What kind of window are we looking at, Faudron?”
“The elves held off the initial run-up by King Nathair’s men, and they’ve since made camp. I don’t foresee them attacking again until after breakfast has been had on the battlefield. We need a plan, and we need it fast. Edana figures King Brennus will be on the second floor in the library as it has the most advantageous vantage point to oversee the battle and organize.”
He turns to face Edana. “We need a path of least resistance to that room. Do you have any ideas?”
“There’s one thing I hadn’t considered until just now.” My eyes wander around the cavern, taking in the light of the phosphorescent moss as my mind mulls over the idea. “It has to do with something my mother told me in a dream. I have a special bond with Taranis due to the extensive time we spent training. I want to head to the top of the stairs to try and make contact with him in my shifted form. If he isn’t too far away, it may be possible.”
“Go quickly, Edana. It’ll allow the men more time to eat and gain their strength.” Faudron takes me in an embrace, leaning my head back and kissing me softly on the lips. Mm, those lips. Even in a moment such as this, he can still make my heart flutter.
I take off up the slick staircase cautiously, but moving as hurriedly as possible. When I reach the top, and the door is within sight, I disrobe and shift, taking on my cheetah form.
“Taranis, can you hear me?” I wait for a response. Nothing.
“Taranis, PLEASE, I need your help.” Minutes pass by, and still I get nothing.
As I turn to head back to the stairs, I’m ready to return to elven form when I hear it, “I’m here Edana. I was with the king and couldn’t risk the break in concentration.”
Thank you, Great Elder.
“What’s happening right now Taranis? We’re ready, but we need eyes-on details, and we’re going to need a clear path.”
“We’re set up in the library atop the stairs, overseeing the troop movements from there. King Brennus is just inside off of the balcony, planning the push-back. Most of the castle’s occupants have been sequestered to the back living side. Men are positioned outside all of the entrances, but this portion of the castle is basically vacant. If you come up and through the Grand Entrance, no one will be the wiser. I will do my best to help you however I can, but there are guards there that can’t be sent away without it being obvious; four of his best.”
“Thank you, Taranis. This information is invaluable. We’ll make our move at daybreak.”
“Good lu
ck, ‘little fire.'”
I smile inwardly and shift back to elven form, redressing before hastily making my way back down the stairs to the men.
“What’s the word, Edana?” Faudron looks anxiously at me.
“We strike at dawn.”
Chapter 27
Faudron
I’ve had a lot of tough challenges in my days of adventuring, but going up against an elven king with untold magical casting powers and the ability to shift into a menagerie of animals… let’s just say this tops the list. I can only imagine how difficult this task is going to be. Even with Taranis’ help from behind enemy lines and Edana’s abilities, I just, don’t know.
I’m sharpening my sword with the whetstone when Wallace walks up to me. “Edana said there will be four guards; two outside the library at the top of the stairs and two inside the library. She said it might be possible to get line-of-sight on the first two from the ground floor.”
This is excellent news. Two of the men Wallace brought are archers as well as myself. Sliding my sword into its sheath, I stand, and we walk back to the men together.
“William and Ivan, Wallace tells me that you are some of the king’s finest archers.” Both men nod in agreeance. “Well, today you are going to get the chance to prove it. Edana has informed us that there will be two elven guards at the top of the staircase just outside the library we plan to breach. She has also said that it’s likely we will have a decently clean line-of-sight. When we set up, I want the two of you to both take shots at the left one. I will target the right. We need clean shots, no misses. We don’t want them able to warn the others before we make it to the room. Kill shots, not injuries.”
When we’re clear on that, Wallace speaks up. “Once we burst through the doors, keep your heads about you and attack the remaining guards. They are physically larger, and hand-to-hand combat is going to be tough. We must take them down swiftly and then turn our focus on King Brennus.”
“It won’t be long before dawn breaks. We should move now and scout for the position.” Ivan speaks up.
