by Donald White
The prince held up a hand. “Regardless, there is a covenant between us and she is determined to uphold it.
His friend warned, “Do not take it lightly. For an elf’s curse is as potent as their blessing. Break the covenant, Your Highness, and the consequences could be dire.”
Hayden halted. “What can I do?”
“Your Highness, I think it is quite obvious what you must do: keep your agreement at all costs. Whether she has asked you to never again speak of her people or peephole, mountain or molehill, fountain or field, harvest or yield it is imperative that you do not break the covenant.”
“But I am her husband. Surely that means something.”
“It does. It means that she has given you fair warning. Elves do not suffer fools gladly.”
***
Ernest was brushing down his horse, trying to give the appearance of attentiveness. “Of course, Your Highness. She is being unreasonable.”
Hayden agreed enthusiastically, “Our love is stronger than any covenant. Why can she not see that?”
His friend shrugged. “She is an elf. Nothing they do makes sense.”
“Exactly, and for that, I am separated from her… people.”
Ernest bore an expression of confusion. “You cannot even speak to me about it?”
The prince bowed his head. “Tristan was quite clear in his explanation of elven curses. And I am sure she would know… somehow.”
His friend replied, “I guess elves are known for their,” he wiggled his fingers and spoke with an air of mystery, “magic.”
Hayden frowned, “This is a very serious matter. I have seen her power before. She has a penchant for possessing knowledge that she should not have. It frightens me, Ernest.”
The rugged youth informed, “You married a witch, Your Highness.”
Hayden became irritated. “I am aware of that. And I am wise enough to fear her curse. I do not know what to do.”
Ernest looked at him. “Your Highness, I would suggest doing whatever she tells you to.”
His friend smirked. “Is that how you deal with Lady Estelle?”
The other one went back to brushing his horse. “She is quite spirited, Your Highness. Not so easily tamed, that one.” He looked right at his friend. “But I am up to the challenge.”
Hayden chuckled, “Of course you are. Though, I do not expect you to be fitting her with a saddle anytime soon.”
Ernest gave a lop-sided grin. “It would be quite a ride.”
His friend added, “Until she threw you. That would be quite painful.”
“If you fall off a horse, Your Highness, you just get right back on.”
Hayden shook his head. “It depends on how severe the fall was. Sometimes, you cannot get up again.” He paused, recalling something Lady Persephone had said: “that which was lifted can fall again. And it shall not fall upon those I hold dear.” His upper lip began to tremble.
Ernest looked at him. “Your Highness?”
The prince spoke as if to himself, “I married a witch. I must be wary lest she curse me.”
His friend walked over and patted him on the shoulder. “Marriage is an adventure.”
Hayden glanced at him, “Pray this perilous quest will not be the death of me.”
Ernest grinned, and gave a nod.
***
He opened the door, and saw her sitting cross-legged on the floor. Lady Persephone’s eyes were closed and he knew that she was meditating. Hayden sat down across from her. I wonder what she is remembering: time spent with me or with… them? He could feel jealousy welling up from within, but managed to hold it back.
Why should I be envious? She loves us both. We can share her. He realized she would be leaving soon to visit her people again. I should go with her. Why is she so cruel as to keep me from them? The young man glanced over at the meditating elf. She can see the future. Can she read my thoughts? Will she curse me for them?
Lady Persephone did not stir from her reverie. She merely sat there, awash with recollection.
Hayden’s curiosity grew. What is she thinking about? Is it me or someone else? He had watched her meditate before. How was this time any different?
I have given her everything. What have… they given her? He thought about her little ones, remembering that day at the pond. Hayden had desired them, but Lady Persephone offered herself instead. And that is fine. But I cannot forebear much longer.
And so, here they were. With all of the changes he had made, their relationship remained the same. I am a different person. I can feel it! But she refuses to recognize that. Why, milady? You vex me continually. Nothing I do is ever good enough. He grew irritated that she could just sit there, unmoved.
I made her happy. She said so herself. And yet, I am in misery. And her thoughts go out to… them. What can I do? The youth scowled. I am tortured, and she is at peace! Things have not gotten better, they have worsened. All of my kindness and what have I gained?
Hayden’s expression grew cold. I must confront her about this. I am the prince… nay, the future king of Androtopia. I will not be ill used! It is time to show my authority. She must be told. I cannot take this any longer. He sneered at the meditating elf. You gave yourself to me, milady. And now, you are mine. I can tolerate your insolence no longer.
Lady Persephone unexpectedly opened her eyes. There was a smile on her lips, which melted away quickly. “Hayden?”
He turned away, ashamed. “I am sorry, milady. I did not mean to disturb you.”
She answered, “What disturbs me is your countenance. What troubles you, my love?”
Hayden opened his mouth, but the words had fled from her presence. He bowed his head. “I was thinking how much I will miss you when you go to visit… them.”
“Be at peace. I shall return.”
He muttered, “I am not at peace…”
She stared at him calmly.
Hayden trembled before her. “I am not at peace, milady. I love you with my all, and you only love me some.”
“Your desire has grown in the darkness, my husband. Calm your heart. Listen to my voice. Your thoughts conspire within you to bring all that you have done to naught.”
He frowned, “Why should what I desire be forever kept from me? I love you. But you love…”
She leaned forward, placing a hand over his lips. “Cease! Do not speak the words.”
He looked right at her. “I am sorry, milady. But I must be honest with myself. You love your little ones more than me.” There was finality in his tone. It had come out. He had uttered it. The utterance of his heart could not be taken back.
Lady Persephone stared at him silently. There was a hint of sorrow in her eyes as she announced, “The covenant is broken.” She stood up and walked towards the door.
Hayden became concerned. “Milady?”
She replied, “Be at peace. That which bound us together does so no longer.”
The youth grew alarmed. “Milady, please. I am sorry.”
Lady Persephone did not look at him. She opened the door and stepped through.
He followed after her, pleading, “Give me one more chance. I spoke without thinking.”
The elf walked down the hall in silence.
Hayden’s eyes welled up with tears. “Will you now leave me?”
She looked at him. Though her eyes were dry, there was a profound sadness in her expression. “The covenant is broken. Desire has swallowed up that which I loved in you, Hayden. And now, I must go.”
A sudden anger broke through his grief. “I am ordering you to stay.”
“Foolish human, to think you could hold sway over an elf of the Queen? The bond once between us is no longer.”
He glowered at her.
She merely stared back at him.
Hayden gave a heavy sigh. “I will have someone take you back to your people.”
The elf held up a hand. “I shall go alone. Be at peace, little prince.” And with that, she glided down the hall and out the
door.
***
Years went by. Queen Melanie grieved for her son’s loss, leading to an early grave. King Thaddeus died and the throne of Androtopia passed on. King Hayden strove to live up to their example, but his reign was a troubled one.
He later took a wife. Queen Julia was young and beautiful, well loved by her people. She gave birth to a little girl name Angeline.
But time was not a friend to King Hayden. Even with his new title, and good fortune, he brooded constantly over the loss of his elven spouse. When grief was upon him the most, he imagined setting out to bring her back by force. However, he would awaken from his musings and heed reason.
He loved his wife and delighted in his ‘little princess.’ But Lady Persephone’s departure had left a void inside that nothing could fill.
King Hayden grew aged and infirmed, as is the custom of man. And eventually, was confined to his bed. His strength was gone and they knew his end would come soon.
One night, as he lay sleepless, he chanced to look out the window and see the full moon shining. His eyes went wide as he realized there was someone in the room with him.
Stepping into the moonlight, she seemed to glow. The elf was the same as he had remembered: long lustrous black hair, sharp features and those emerald green eyes which still seemed to mesmerize him. He lay amazed, for her olive skin was smooth and beautiful, having not even been touched by the ravages of time. “Milady,” he croaked.
Lady Persephone gave a slight smile, placing a cool hand on his forehead. “Peace, my love. I am here.”
He wondered how she had gotten into his palace, past the guards. She is a witch. His wife Julia had taken to her own quarters as his condition had worsened. So, he was alone with the elf once more. He asked, “Why have you come back?”
She replied in her melodious tone, “I am here for you, my love.”
A shiver went through him and he would have cried out, but something bade him remain still and silent. “Milady, I…”
The elf placed a hand over his lips. “Do not speak the words. Be at peace.”
He grew calm, and she pulled her hand back. The old man asked, “Will you slay me?”
Lady Persephone shook her head. “I seek not your death, but your life.”
Hayden gaped, realizing her intentions. “You would have my soul?”
She answered, “Once your body is done with it.”
The King of Androtopia began to tremble. “Why? Why, my love?”
Lady Persephone ran her fingers through his white hair. “I have come to reclaim what is mine. Have you forgotten the covenant?”
Hayden was aghast. She had given herself to him for the sake of her little ones. The elf had married him on the condition that he would never speak of them again. He had broken the covenant. “So, now I belong to…”
“Be at peace, my love. I come not to slay, but to preserve life.”
He became dizzy. “You would take me away from those I love.”
She shook her head. “I have foreseen this moment. Age has laid you low, my love. The body shall release the soul, and I am here to receive it.”
A lone tear dripped from the corner of his eye. “Please, milady. I am sorry.”
The elf placed a hand on his chest. “Be at peace, my love. Your sorrow shall pass.”
He wondered aloud. “Is this the curse?”
She answered, “It is my blessing, Hayden. What I love shall not be lost.”
He struggled to raise a withered hand and placed it over hers. “Milady, I love you.”
Lady Persephone gave a sad smile. “You also have my love. It is a shame you could not see that.”
The man shook once and then lay his head back against the pillow. “I… see it… now, milady.” For a few moments, he gasped for air. And then, he exhaled one final time.
She lifted up her hands, sensing the energy that was the very essence of Hayden. She wrapped her arms around it, drawing him close. “And now, my love, you are at peace.” Lady Persephone turned around and glided towards the window and into the moonlight.
HIDDEN DEEP
What am I doing here? Pippa wondered. Oh, yeah. A smile crept across the halfling's face. The treasure. She was half the height of a human woman, and wearing cloth armor. Her features were child-like, but she appeared to be full-grown. Pippa proceeded carefully down the dimly-lit tunnel.
"Hurry up" Grudo urged. He, too, was a halfling and also a rogue. "We'll never get to the Eye of the Earth at this rate."
"I'm going as fast as I can. Are you sure about the treasure?"
"When was the last time I was unsure about anything?"
Pippa gave him a mean look.
"Relax. I can't reveal my source, but I trust him... about as much as I trust anybody."
"Grudo, we came all the way down into the depths of the dwarven kingdoms. If we did all of this for nothing, I will be very angry."
"Cough up that hairball and you'll feel better. The Eye of the Earth is down here. I just know it."
Pippa wondered if there was anything of worth, this deep in the ground. "Even the dwarves don't live down here, Grudo."
"Well, that's a relief. Those guys have no manners. Just because I was cutting the string on his money pouch..."
Pippa began to giggle.
"Hey, that's not funny. He almost hit me with his axe."
"Maybe it would have improved your looks, dog-boy."
Grudo balled up a fist at her, but said nothing.
The female smirked. They would not fight until they had the treasure.
Down further into the depths they went. Grudo's map had led them here, deep in the heart of the earth. The light in the tunnel was beginning to fade. The male turned to the female. "It's evening up there, Pippa. Time to light the torches."
She dug in her pack, marveling at the dwarven workmanship that the tunnel represented. The ceiling was high above their heads, and there were shafts cut into its sides leading all the way to the surface. Though they were far beneath the mountain, there was plenty of ventilation, and there had been a moderate amount of light. However, the source of that light had to be vanishing from the horizon high above. "Here." She lit a torch and gave it to Grudo. Then, she lit one for herself.
"Thank you" he smiled. "Now, on to the treasure."
"Grudo, why would there be a diamond that big hidden down here?"
"Where else could you hide it?"
She crossed her arms and scowled at him. "Did your source even tell you what it was doing down here?"
"I don't know. But, he said it is a very well-known treasure. Perhaps, it was placed down here for safe keeping."
"Now, you told me that he had heard some dwarves speaking about it over drinks. They called it the Eye of the Earth. Do you think it is magical?"
"Silly girl. It is a jewel. It is very large. They probably call it the Eye of the Earth because it looks like an eye."
"Did he say it looks like an eye?"
"Well, sort of. He said it is round like an eye, and that it is cut so that the reflections of the light make it look like an eyeball."
"Something doesn't sound right, Grudo. I think he deceived you."
"He did not."
"Did too."
"Did not."
"Yes, he did. You followed after him like a sheep."
Grudo's face reddened. "Well, you came too. So, I guess that makes you a sheep."
"Nope. I'm the shepherd who keeps you from getting lost down here."
"Some shepherd you are, following my map."
"The map given to you. Not the one you made. For all we know, the guy who gave you that thing is probably buying a drink with the money you gave him... and laughing at us."
Grudo seethed. "Listen! We are down here, now. I got us past both dwarves and gnomes. And I think that we are close to the treasure. So, back off."
Pippa was startled. She thought to herself He isn't usually so upset. Maybe I pushed him too much.
The male thief con
tinued down the tunnel, no longer speaking.
Sighing, Pippa followed after him.
Soon, they came to the end of the tunnel, emerging into a vast cavern. Grudo stared at the map, and then at the open space all around them.
Pippa grew impatient. "Well?"
"Be quiet, I'm thinking."
"That's dangerous."
He ignored her and concentrated. "This way, I think."
"There you go doing it again. If you had been thinking earlier, you would have asked the source to serve as our guide."
"No way. He would have asked for a portion of the treasure. Besides... I know... exactly where we are."
Pippa shook her head, wondering if they would ever see the surface again.
The only light now, was the light of their torches. "Hey Pippa, there's an archway ahead. And it looks like there are letters carved above it. Grudo strained to read. "It says Codswinkle."
Pippa asked "What's a Codswinkle?"
"I don't know. But I think I see something shining up there."
The female perked up. "Treasure?"
"Maybe. Now, all we have to do is get up there." He searched for a way to climb the arch, but found none.
Pippa propped her torch against a rock. "Hey, dog-boy. Crouch down."
"What?"
"Just do it."
Confused, the halfling did as he was told.
The female thief swiftly perched herself on his shoulders. "Now, stand up straight and I'll try to reach the arch."
Grumbling, he struggled to maintain both their balances and hold the lit torch in his hand.
"Almost there. Hold steady, will you?"
Grudo shifted uncomfortably. "I can't help it. You're as heavy as an ox. Oww!"
She raised her hand to strike him again. "Do you want another?"
"Listen girl, I should drop you on your head for that."
"You'd do that, when I'm so close to the treasure? Now, pass me the torch."
He muttered something under his breath and gave it to her.
Pippa reached toward the arch. "Almost got it. Hey, where did it go?"
"You lost it?"
"It was just here."
Grudo was irate. "You lost the treasure. Now, I'm going to drop you on your head, for sure."
