“So that was you?” he said to his daughter.
“It was.” She refused to look at him.
“Then Oma was right.” He paced while he thought. “You now have Rosella’s power too, you know that? That fireball, nobody should have been able to stop that.” He looked at her with pride. He loved both of his daughters and would continue to even if neither of them was born a maga, but Renella knew he felt a sense of pride knowing he had provided magia for both of his girls and knew she would be able to protect herself.
Renella didn’t know if what he said was true about Rosella’s powers, but she knew she and Tyson were linked and stronger for it. She had not yet had the opportunity to discover just how strong.
“Then you will know I am safe. I also have Tyson to protect me,” she said, regarding Tyson’s pledge.
“What do you mean?” Rowan asked her.
“Ourobus has declared himself king; Buio King. He has sequestered the outcasts of the old world, and they have agreed to follow him as such.” She stood, showing her father she was no longer a child. “Tyson and I will be married, and then we will leave this place, but not until then. I will not leave without him.”
“Very well.” Rowan relented too easily, Renella noted.
“You’re not making me go home?” she asked him.
“No, Renella, you are my daughter, but you are a woman now. If he is worth it enough to stand up to me, then he is your match. I will not come between that.” Rowan ran a hand through his hair. “But I will ask that you both leave. Leave with me in the morning. You will be safe, and you will both be protected.”
“My father has bound me to him and to this place. I may not leave.”
Rowan, aggravated at that, hurled his fists into the air. “To what end?” he asked Tyson.
“I will be bound to him until I am bound in matrimony. Then I will be bound to only her,” Tyson answered and faced Renella, his gaze boring into hers. She clutched his hand in hers and squeezed.
“You are already bound to me,” she said hastily.
“Oh, young love,” Rowan said as a commotion broke out in the tent behind them.
Farlow exited the tent, and tears fell from his eyes. “My mother is no longer with us. Her pain has ended.” With that said, he withdrew back into the tent, the bright blue of his wings dulled and drooping low as he moved.
Rowan thought of the last week’s events. The dust had settled, the battle had ended, but he let his only surviving daughter remain behind. Lady—or “Queen,” as they now had to call her—Sheree came to them in the night. She said her husband and king had fled the castle to the old lands that he acquired for his own. It was by a small coincidence that he had been there to begin with. He had left the castle to gain more followers after the attempt on Renella had gone wrong and Rosella was injured. He had only arrived back at the castle to tell Tyson that he must join him.
Rowan allowed his daughter to stay behind with the man she loved. He did so under the condition that they would wed by the next full moon. As soon as it was done, he would send for them. Until that time came, Rowan had to come to an agreement with his advisors and the other lords of the realms to decide how the Buio King must be dealt with.
He returned to Hearthstone Palace without the girls, and Queen Karen had noticed as much when he and his men approached the palace gates. Grief overtook her when Rowan told her the news of their youngest child. However, she nodded in approval once told of his decision to let Renella stay behind, and that she would come to them in time.
“You’ve been speaking to Oma again, haven’t you?” he asked his wife at her sudden calm reverence.
“Yes, my lord, I have.” She set about her task of mending his travel cloak.
“So, you know she has come into her powers?” Rowan sprang the question at her.
“I have learned many things from Oma in regard to Renella,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
“Well, would you share your findings with me, or am I not to know?” he asked impatiently.
Karen placed her needlework in her lap and looked her husband in the eyes. “No, for I know that she is well protected, and that is what you may know. The rest only I shall know, for their safety.” She picked up her work again and set back to her task.
“Woman, you frustrate me. I’m to just take your word for it that she will be fine?” He waved a large hand in the air.
“Yes, my lord. Are you not the one who left them there, knowing they would be fine?” she answered without looking at him.
“Fine,” he said before stomping away.
He knew very well if his wife was content with the news from the old lady, even if it were odd, then he would have to be content with her contentment. He’d rather know the information for himself, but he knew she would not hold information from him willingly. Rowan decided to see to the matter at hand instead of dwelling on it. He had sent his best men, before he left Ormshire, to each of the three realms, requesting that each of their lords arrive on that day for an emergency meeting of the realms. He went to the throne room to inquire if they had arrived. Since the realms were divided around Hearthstone evenly, it took roughly the same amount of time to arrive from either realm. They should have beat him home.
Lord Lorthos was the only one who had not yet arrived. In addition, the king was told that Prince Farlow had been seen traveling for Hearthstone as well. Rowan knew whatever their plan for Ourobus, Farlow would want to be a part of it, which is why the news of his traveling to Hearthstone did not surprise him. He expected him to arrive days from then, as Renal would have needed tending to.
“Your Majesty.” Rowan had not heard the men enter and jumped at his friend’s voice.
Rowan was lost in thought of a simpler time when he’d been reacquainted with his four friends. He had been lost at sea for years before returning to them with no memory of who he was. They accepted him, reminding him of his life and of who he was born to be; a farmer named Traviaris, betrothed to a woman he didn’t remember. A friend to four men who cared for him like they were all brothers, including Ourobus. Yet, one couldn’t possibly feel that way any longer. No, Ourobus was no longer his kin. He was no longer his friend. Ourobus, once his closest comrade, was a traitor.
“Lords, I welcome you.” Rowan shook each man’s hand. “How are your families?” he asked the two men standing before him, trying to make small talk until all were present.
“The wife is good. Still no children, but we’re working on it,” Cantothos answered his king.
“I wish I had that problem. The wife is about to pop out child number five,” Regginad boasted. “How about you, my lord? How are your beautiful daughters?”
“Not well, but we will get to that once everyone has arrived.” He turned to the large windows, which gave him a clear view of the front gates to the palace keep. Farlow and Lorthos were entering together. He thought again of the days when they were mere friends, able to cajole women and drink till dawn; talk of women and the day’s work. In that moment, Rowan missed that more than ever. Although, he’d never fault Renal for her gift to them; not before, and certainly not then. To be a king and lords of their own land, a safer land, he would say yes to it all over again if given the chance.
“It looks like we don’t have very much time to wait. The other men have just arrived,” Rowan told the two, who took their seats around the meeting table.
Farlow entered the room, his head high, and he presented himself accordingly with royal custom, bending to one knee and taking Rowan’s hand. “Your Majesty, I have come to join your cause and offer whatever aid my people may be able to,” he finished, offering a kiss to the heart stone ring on his finger.
“Farlow, we appreciate your attendance here today. I would have invited you but did not want to put the fairies amongst a battle that is not theirs.”
“That is where you’re wrong, my king. We are involved now. My mother would have helped you in any way. You know she cared for you. I’m sure she i
s with your daughter even now, caring for her in your stead.”
“I thank you, Farlow, and thank you for coming.” Rowan clapped a hand on Farlow’s shoulder. “I do believe we can start now.”
“What about Ourobus?” Lorthos asked.
“This meeting is about Ourobus,” Rowan said as he tried not to split the wood of the chair between his fingers. “He has declared himself the Buio King, he has taken up with the outcasted, and he has slain my youngest daughter and our dear friend, Queen Renal.” He looked to Farlow with a nod. “He must be dealt with.” With his last word, he pounded his fist on the table then stood to pace the room.
“What about Renella? She is back here, safe?” Cantothos asked Rowan.
“She is in Ormshire with Tyson. When they wed, then they can come here to Hearthstone.” Rowan looked to the window, pulled his chair out, and sat down. “I need suggestions on how we are to deal with this Buio King.” He looked to his men.
Farlow stood slowly and looked around the table. “I have a small suggestion, Your Majesty.” Farlow bowed his head.
“Yes, Farlow, what do the fae suggest?” Rowan asked, eager for any answer.
“It had come to my mother’s attention that the realms would be coming into a great power, but this power will need time to grow. The kind of power you will need to rid yourself of this man may take a century to flourish.”
“How does that help us, Farlow?” the king asked impatiently.
“She was planning a banishment spell, but I think I may have a better idea. A confinement spell, not so much a spell as it is a curse.” Farlow sat.
Regginad was the first of the lords to ask. “Confine him to what?”
“Confine him within himself. He would be unable to do magia, unable to leave the confines of Ormshire, and unable to wreak havoc on anyone in the four realms.” Farlow played with his hands. He had been thinking on this for some time and was excited to finally submit it for the king. He was never given the opportunity to speak with Renal about it. She had been taken from him far too soon.
“What good would that do? Why not just kill him?” Lorthos asked, outraged.
“He cannot be killed,” Rowan said. “Not unless you’re willing to kill his entire clan.”
“What?” Karen walked into the room.
“My dear, this is a closed meeting,” Rowan said to his wife.
“If you’re to decide the fate of my own daughter, then I’m staying.” Karen pointed at the king.
“What is she talking about?” Cantothos asked.
“This!” Rowan bellowed above the voices in the room. “Something I learned of when I asked Renella and Tyson to return with me. Tyson told me he is bound to his father, which can only mean Ourobus has safeguarded his life with the lives of his people. He has bound himself to them all. If we kill him, then they all will die.” Rowan sat back in his chair, exhausted.
“What of Renella?” one of the men asked.
“Renella is bound to the heart stone. This was done at birth. He could not have bound himself to her. Once Tyson and Renella are married, he will be bound to her, as the heart stone will see to it,” Rowan stated with a wave of his hand. The curtains dropped and covered the massive windows, blocking out the light.
“What will happen to Renella if this curse enacts? She is there with them,” Karen asked Farlow.
Before he could answer, Rowan interrupted, “Nothing will happen to her. We will wait to do this after they are wed and they return home.” He slammed his fist once more atop the table.
“So, she will be safe from this curse then?” she again asked Farlow.
“Yes, if she returns before the curse is started.” He patted her arm in reassurance. “Once started, the curse will take three days and two nights to enact completely. As long as they return before the spell is said out loud, then they will be fine,” he said, trying to reassure the queen.
“Good, then it’s settled. We will bind Ourobus until this mighty power we need to defeat him is available. How long will that be, Farlow?” Rowan asked.
“Nobody can know that for sure. I say we consult Oma and speak with Calipee as well.” Farlow looked around the room. “My sister will be crowned our queen. She will have the power of the fae to enact such a curse.”
The members of the room simply looked on. The idea of cursing Ourobus to his home and banning him from doing magia did not sit well with Rowan. He felt like they should do more. While he was still breathing, he would be able to enlist the help of others to do his bidding. His advisors—all women, all maga—would be by his side, doing as he bid them.
After the men had been taken to their rooms, Rowan sat in contemplation in his study. He did not like the idea of taking the life of his best friend and brother, but he would do what was best for all the people of Pylira. He stood from his desk and wandered to the window. The grass was green in some parts, but it started turning brown. Pretty soon, all of the land would be gloomy, as in the days of winter. The flowers and trees had all started to perish, and Rowan felt the loss of his dear friend. Renal and the fairies were the ones who titled him king, gave him this land, and kept it flourishing for them to live. She was the one to give him his name when he washed up on the shores of Aurora, unsure of who he was or how he’d gotten there. Renal was the one he remembered giving his heart to first, but she persuaded him to make a life with his own people. Already, he missed her dearly. He looked at the grave marker, set for his youngest child, with a feeling in his chest like something was pulling him down. He felt as if the world had dropped out from under him. He had a hole in his heart, but he vowed to do what was needed to protect the daughter who still lived.
This plan of Farlow’s seemed far-fetched and long-winded, but if there was even a slight possibility of a power out there that could rid them of that monster for good, then Rowan would wait however long it took. He would see this through, to his end.
Chapter Thirteen
Cherry Valley – Present
“We have to get inside the house before he comes back. We’ll be safe there!” Ty yelled to the rest of the group.
“What house?” Sheree stopped running.
“The house they’ve been staying in with Hogarth and Gareth,” I told her.
“We can’t go there,” Sheree told Ty.
“What do you mean? Why can’t we go there?”
“Your uncles are not on your side.” She pulled him away from the direction of his house.
“We asked them to help us. You were there,” I pointed out.
“I understand that, but there is more that you do not know. Is there somewhere else we can go?” Sheree looked downright terrified.
I couldn’t remember ever seeing Sheree look scared of anything. To be honest, I had been afraid of her for a time, until I grew to love her like a second mother. Sheree was the mother of the man I loved. How could I not love her as well?
“We can go to the Foresee house,” Chase piped up from behind us, looking in the direction of a small group of people heading our way.
I didn’t know if I could be my true self in that house, so close to my mother’s belongings, yet so far away from her. We had spent the last seventeen years there, since I was born. How could I feel like a ruler in a place that suppressed who I truly was and held so many false memories?
“Good idea,” Ty concluded as Chase pointed out the fast-approaching horde. “I suggest we move now.”
Ty looked as though he struggled with whom he wanted to protect. He instantly grabbed onto his sister and hesitated for a moment before deciding on Sheree, leading them to the direction of the house in the cul-de-sac.
I ran alongside Chase and Nolan and was perfectly content. The wind picked up and leaves swirled together in a sort of funnel. The colors amazed me even though it was not the first time I had experienced them.
As we ran to the house, I noted once again how dark and abandoned it looked compared to the fake reality of before. I hurried with the key in the lock and
the door flung open. A strange light emerged down the hall, coming from my bedroom. While everyone else stopped in the living room, I ran to my room and discovered the closet had a vivid green light glowing around its edges.
I put out my hand and was abruptly stopped. Sheree laid her hand upon my own and pulled me from the closet.
“Not yet,” she said, turning back towards the rest of the group.
Instead of leaving, I searched for the small dagger I kept in the top drawer of my dresser and carved the sigil of luce back into all of the closet doors. I changed from my capris leggings and shirt into a pair of khaki cargo pants, sliding the dagger into a leg pocket. A handful of hair ties made their way into my book bag, and I stuffed a few items of clothing in as well, opting to stay layered in case we had to leave. I put on my favorite thin, long-sleeved green shirt and my brother’s jean jacket; the one I’d stolen from Xander when mom disappeared.
“If we went to the elders, we would have at least been protected from magia,” I heard Nolan say as I moved back into the living room.
“No, you wouldn’t. They may have protected that house from outside magia, but not from their own. When the veil drops between the worlds, everyone inside that house will end up in Ormshire. That’s the spell they have cast.” Sheree sat, pulling her flats off and rubbing at the balls of her feet.
“Care to explain that one, mother?” Ty looked irritated at his mother’s mistrust of his uncles.
Hogarth and Gareth had been approached by Sheree, Tyson, and I before the curse was enacted. It was Sheree’s insistence that they could be trusted, which led to them being asked to receive the gift of magia from the fae, and to help Tyson on his quest to reunite with me after the curse had been set.
They agreed, but only after voicing their reluctance of helping. They feared they would not be able to thwart their brother and survive. Once Sheree had given them a compelling argument about how they would not survive if they sided with Ourobus, she mentioned how their help would mean getting even with their brother for years of torment.
The Curse of Ormshire (The Beast Within Book 2) Page 12
