Once I reached the top of the staircase, I headed directly into my bedroom. A few of the servants saw me, but fortunately they carried on with their tasks. I dropped onto my bed, embracing the sea of blankets. It didn't matter that my feet were hanging over the side or that I was horizontally lying down. At least I had my peace, and nothing would end this moment. With my eyes closed, I felt for the closest pillow and dragged it underneath my head. As I hummed quietly, my heartbeat slowed until I was nearly asleep. An image of Nicia flickered in my head, and I peered my eyes open to check I was alone. I thought about her blonde hair flowing in the wind, and the breeze tugging at her dress. Perhaps she was the woman I shared a true connection with, but the thoughts I had didn't involve anything Esmour had prophesied. My eyelids felt heavy, and at last I let sleep take its toll. Before I fell asleep, though, one last thought of Nicia crossed my mind. I missed my best friend, the one I had sent away.
***
My bed sheets were torn away from me, and I jumped up in alarm. Alaire stood with the blankets in his hands, snickering at my reaction.
“What day is it?” I asked. How long had I been asleep? Hours, days, weeks? I remembered talking with Alainne, but after that everything was hazy.
Alaire grinned widely. “It’s my wedding day, and you are my best man. Come now, out of bed!”
Sliding off of the bed, I was more alarmed than before. Nicia had mentioned something about wedding plans, but no one informed me it was today. Perhaps she had been right when she said I was too preoccupied, especially if I couldn’t keep track of my best friend’s wedding.
“I know with everything that happened yesterday this is poor timing, but Jacquette insisted. You know how she is,” he said.
I nodded, though that did not reassure me at all. “Will Malin be there? I know how he feels about churches…”
“He’s still missing,” he responded, scratching his head. “Are you well, friend? If this wedding is too much, I can postpone it.”
“Of course I’m fine,” I said, though my voice shook. “Where has Jacquette been lately? I haven’t seen her, and after the fight yesterday I thought she would show up.”
Alaire shrugged. “Want me to help you dress?”
“Am I a child?” I replied, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him. I directed him to leave my room and find a maid who could bring my clothes. Following him to the door, I quickly closed it once he stepped into the hallway and let out a sigh of relief. There was something about the wedding that felt… wrong. I had not seen Jacquette for days, and I wondered if it was possible she too went missing.
Pacing around the room, I searched for a quill and paper. Once I found both, I wrote down the names of everyone who had fallen from Destin within the past month. Three names all within a short time period, and Esmour had the nerve to tell me that a downfall was impossible. We had lost magicians before, but never like this. No one else seemed concerned. They weren’t fighting magicians with the memories of the partners they lost or falling asleep with a guilty conscious.
There was a tap on the door, and I stood still. A maid entered in with clean clothes and one of my fancier vests for the special occasion. It was black with gray designs around the edges. She stayed in the room, offering to help dress me, but I managed on my own and kept silent. Today was an important day for Alaire; I couldn’t lead on my concerns.
Moments later I walked out of the room and bumped into Alaire. He wore a long black jacket with golden symbols matching the fabric. It was his wide smile, the same one from earlier, which made him all the more handsome. Whatever doubts I had, his enthusiasm was enough to convince me otherwise. I pushed aside my worries and fears, and instead I patted him on the back and offered a grin.
“All of my best to you,” I said, shaking his hand.
Nodding, he replied, “After this I should be attending your wedding. There’s a woman out there for you.”
“Plenty,” I agreed.
As we descended down the staircase, I realized Mama was waiting at the bottom. With Alaire by my side, I could only hope she would reconsider before saying anything too rash. Even as I held onto hope, her lips began to part.
“Might I have a word?” she asked, looking directly at me.
It was impossible to avoid her, but even as I stepped closer to her I considered the possibility of running. Seconds later I stood in front of her with my head hung low, feeling like a dog with a tail between its legs.
In a hushed voice, Mama said, “I may not like what you did, but I’ll dig up some of your father’s… materials if I can.”
“Thank you,” I responded, kissing her on the check.
Alaire was standing at the open door waiting, and I jogged over before Mama could say any more. Simply knowing that I had magic wouldn’t be enough for her to be a person I could trust. There were matters I could never tell her about, that she would never forgive me for. Today wasn’t the day for me to care about that, though. This was Alaire’s day, and I was determined we would make it everything he could possibly want.
We walked to the church together, side by side like the old days when we had been partners. This wedding could change everything, and I realized it could also separate Alaire from me. He was a man, now with a job and a family to protect. Whether we admitted it or not, each day we grew apart.
Nudging me with his elbow, Alaire said, “Remember when we were children, and I climbed to the top of a tree? I couldn’t come down for hours, and you swore you’d never let me forget it.”
Of course I remembered it. Those were the days when we were too young and naïve to know that the magical world existed.
“Now look at us,” I remarked. “You’re old and almost married, and I’m not different from who I was as a boy.”
He wasn’t listening to me now, though, because we could already see crowds of people piling into the church. Alaire was well-known amongst the locals, and after what happened with his family it was no wonder he was their pride and joy. Here was a boy who lost everyone, walking into a church as a strong man. We stepped up the stairs and entered through the doors. All of those who were already sitting turned and watched him with smiles on their faces. I winked at several of the young ladies I recognized, snickering at the sound of their squeals. Searching the benches, I spotted Esmour at the front with Jacquette’s parents. Despite the disagreements we had over the past few days, this was one of the times I was grateful for him. He wasn’t sitting in the front as our leader, but rather as the father Alaire never had.
“We have all lost someone, and many of us have lost family members. When the day comes that you start a family of your own, expect me to be there, standing by your side. That is what a father does for his children,” he had said.
I took my place at the front, and Alaire left to stand with the priest. Watching the doors, I smiled at the people who were arriving. One woman stared directly at me with a smile, and I realized it was Nicia. She wore a light green dress that was tight around her chest, and on her neck she wore a necklace with a round pendant hanging down. As he stepped further down the aisle, I panicked. Nothing should destroy this wedding, especially not Nicia. I shook my head at her, mouthing the words “don’t,” and then she sat on a bench and started talking to the man next to her.
“Time for the bride,” Jacquette’s father said, patting me on the back. I jumped back, wondering how long he had been standing beside me. While he walked to the back of the church, I caught myself before I glanced over at Nicia again.
If you ignore her, she’ll go away. I thought. It was easier if she altogether disappeared, and then I’d never have to come to terms with losing her forever or risking everything to keep her.
The musicians held up their instruments, and I let out a long sigh of relief. Jacquette’s father was moving around hastily in the back of the church. The music began, everyone stood up, but when the bride’s father turned around his flushed face spoke for what words could not. He glanced back once more as if Jacq
uette was directly behind him, but then he turned and ran down the aisle. The music came to an abrupt stop, and the old man’s voice was loud enough to be heard over the gasps and murmurs.
“We’ve lost the bride!” he shouted.
***
Jacquette looked stunning in the wedding dress, but she couldn’t fool him. He knew everything to say that would convince her to say yes. After all, once she said yes there would be no turning back, no second chances, and no wedding.
“This is your last chance. This is the last time I can promise your safety,” he said. Each word was spoken with caution because the wrong tone could scare this deer away.
Folding her arms and furrowing her brows, she stared at him unconvinced. Even so, there was still a spark in her eyes like secretly she was admiring him and for once had the desire to do something dangerous. Perhaps it was lust or simply her pathetic, over-protected lifestyle, but the desire existed nonetheless.
“I thought I would have more time. The others don’t know yet… Christopher, is there no other way?” she asked.
Concealing a smile, he said, “I can take you now, but that is all that I can promise. If there is a way to save them we’ll find it, but first I need you to come with me.”
It was a lie, but as long as Jacquette believed it that was all that mattered. Nothing would convince her ‘friends’ to leave behind the only lifestyle they knew. Being one of Aldemund’s favorites, this was a one-of-a-kind mission that Christopher had the responsibility of completing. While he had grown to care for Jacquette, this stretched further than one Dark magician. Legends and visions had come to speak of the Dark magicians’ downfall, and now Christopher could help that destiny be fulfilled. They were the vile creatures that had killed his grandfather, some of his closest friends, and even their own kind. Their very existence was a disgrace to the magical world, and the sooner Jacquette wasn’t one of them the better.
“Don’t get involved, don’t get attached, and do not turn your back,” Aldemund had said.
Taking a step forward, Christopher offered his hand. The church music would begin at any minute, but all he needed was her hand.
“Maybe I should…” she glanced back to the church, though the roof was the only visible part past the trees.
Tapping his foot, he tried again. “You told me that Alaire has changed, that he’s been distant from you. If he doesn’t put your safety as a priority, then what is left?”
Though it was risky, Christopher turned and untied his horse from the nearest tree. He counted the seconds, holding his breath and waiting for her decision.
“If I do this, we'll be safe? I should not have grown fond of you... but I cannot bear the thought of going to war against you someday.
He smiled at the horse, knowing he had her right where she needed to be. In the sweetest voice, he answered, “Yes, I will protect you.”
The music started, and Christopher winced at the noise. He was too close to lose this chance, but the reminder of the wedding could ruin everything. Even as he thought this, though, Jacquette advanced to the horse until she was standing beside him.
“Today was my wedding…” she said, sounding like she had forgotten about it entirely.
Christopher mounted the horse and then held out a hand for Jacquette. She accepted and was lifted up onto the animal without making any fuss. There was no objection or even a single tear, and at that the horse was ordered to gallop and they began the journey back to camp. Aldemund would be waiting just as he had promised with a magician to perform Kinhlr.
***
Everyone in the church panicked, but Alaire ran down the aisle and out of the doors without anyone stopping him. I pursued after him, hoping that it wasn’t true. The moment I stepped outside there was no sign of Jacquette. Alaire was pacing back and forth frantically calling Jacquette’s name. The locals out in the street stared at him like he had gone mad. Having no way to comfort him, I started shouting her name too.
“Gentlemen, stop making fools out of yourselves,” Esmour yelled from behind.
We both silenced, though more people were exiting from the church. Among them were Jacquette’s parents, who pushed past the others to stand by us.
“What has happened to my daughter?” her father asked.
Esmour replied calmly, “We’ll gather together as many people as we can and start searching. She can’t be too far… return home and wait there in case she shows up.”
They nodded and hurriedly headed home. I watched Esmour all the while amazed at him calmness. I was waiting for him to blow up, but even when he spoke to Alaire he made it seem like everything was under control.
“Let’s search behind the church,” he said, gently tugging on Alaire’s tunic.
“No,” Alaire snarled, shaking Esmour’s hand away. “I’m going back inside to wait for her.”
“You’re…certain?” Esmour asked with a puzzled look. At Alaire’s silence, he turned to the people who were standing around us and ordered, “Any and all able men come with me. We’ll search the grounds first and then expand the perimeter.”
Several of the men raised their hands in response, and then Esmour began leading them through town. I joined them, glancing back as Alaire stepped back into the vacant church. This would be the fourth person in Destin we had lost, and I was fully convinced it was no coincidence. I wanted to tell Esmour about my theories, though I didn’t have any currently that could explain the disaster, but he was the people’s leader. He pointed the way to different locations in town, ordering the men around like they were his own magicians. As expected, they followed his command with little challenge because that was the kind of man he was. He could convince these people that they were doing a public service by looking for a bride who had disappeared without a trace. It was all about leading on there was hope when in truth it was a huge puzzle. Even so, I started following after a couple of the men who were headed for the marketplace.
Esmour grabbed me, dragging me back to stand by him. “That’s not where I need you, son. Go with our spies and see what you can gather.”
I winced at the word ‘son,’ but nodded my head and chased after the group that was walking into the forest. Despite my disapproval of the spies, I caught up with them and offered a welcoming smile. It was a group of six, but a majority of them I could not remember. Most of the spies spent hours out on missions, so it came as no surprise that most of them barely recognized me either. Once we stepped into the forest with the trees hiding us from society’s watchful gaze, all of the men withdrew their weapons. A few had bows and arrows, the others were armed with sharp and long swords. I stood amongst them feeling naked, having forgotten my own weapon at home. One of them noticed and handed over an extra sword, chuckling at my reddening face.
“Spread out, men,” one of the others commanded.
Everyone split up, heading in different directions. Nearly everyone had another person with them, except for one man who didn’t seem to mind wondering the forest alone. I barely spoke to the spy who accompanied me, for I knew the woods better than the back of my hand. There was nothing about it that frightened me, but the thought of Jacquette being lost in such a dangerous area was a new feeling I couldn’t push away. If anything happened to her there was no telling what Alaire would do.
“I would go to the end of the world to find her,” he had said.
His voice filled my head with maddening thoughts, but I refused to accept Jacquette was truly gone. It also occurred to me that while we were out in the forest I should keep an eye open for Malin, though a part of me still held onto the belief that he had never gone far to begin with. He would come back and explain the disaster of events that led up to his absence. They all had to come back.
Chapter Fourteen
A Brother’s War
After hours of searching, someone finally called out that he had found something. The spy who was with me turned around and darted in the direction the voice came from. I was right behind him, running as f
ast as my feet would take me. Then suddenly he was gone like something had ripped him out of the forest without a sight. I skidded to a stop, nearly causing myself to fall. Panting, I glanced around with my grip around the sword. Someone nearby whistled a quick and short tune, and it was one I recognized all too well. I had heard the noise one other time in my life during a mission with Alaire.
No, not this again. Not an ambush… I thought, but if we were being ambushed the others needed to know.
Quickening my pace, I turned past a tree and shouted, “Ambush, ambush!”
Some of the other spies were shouting amongst each other, but all of the voices sounded distant from me. Whoever had taken the man who was with me would catch up with me in a matter of minutes if I was lucky. The signal was one Aldemund’s magicians used, and they couldn’t have chosen a better day to attack us. It was almost as if they knew Jacquette would disappear and leave us searching blindly through the woods. Despite whatever connections there might be, I had no time to fret over it. Someone was behind me; he breathed heavy, and his footsteps pressed hard against leaves and sticks. Just as I passed another tree, I turned around and cast a spell at my opponent. The short, stubby man was hit with a gust of wind, knocking him over into a pile of leaves. He jumped back up much quicker than I anticipated, but I held up my sword and bound it to my magic. It illuminated dark blue, yet it did not stop the man from charging at me. As I swung the weapon, he cast a spell and knocked it out of my hands. It went flying into the air, and when I glanced up I realized it was headed back down to hit me.
Wincing, I ducked down and rolled over as the sword struck down where I had stood seconds ago. While he picked up the sword I gazed out into the forest, noticing there were others charging this way. If I didn’t move quickly I’d be surrounded, and there was no way for me to fight off an entire group of magicians on my own. Keeping that in mind, I decided to do something dangerous. There was a spell I could perform that would instantly kill my enemy. It was an attack few magicians could use, and those who were able to were at risk of killing themselves if they performed it wrong. At this point, though, it was the most efficient way to end the battle and group up with my allies.
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