Fire and Fantasy: A Limited Edition Collection of Urban and Epic Fantasy

by CK Dawn

  Elaina was captivating, but it wasn't her appearance that drew Marcus in—it washer bearing. Buried beneath what the eye could see was an inner strength and sense of purpose that Marcus found alluring. The woman possessed a natural beauty, not the heavily-powdered facade of the women of King's Court. Elaina was not another dainty court flower seeking to increase her station; she was self assured and confident. He had never seen anyone stand up to his mother like Elaina had, he thought with a smile. She is fearless.

  Marcus realized just how little he truly knew about Elaina. She had remained silent for most of the journey back to the Palace and what little she said only added to the mystery. The Sea of Stars? I've never heard of such a place. The only stars he knew of were those he had gazed on in the night sky.

  Beyond where she came from was the mystery of her age. She looked no older than Marcus but her comments indicated she was much older than he would have thought. How was it possible that she might be older than Amarisa and yet look his own age? If her comments were true, the years had been kind to her. Perhaps it's a side effect of the magic. Marcus recalled the tremendous power she had manifested in the darkened alley of the Docks district. If he had not been there himself, he would not have believed it possible for a person to possess such power. Marcus had heard tales of witches and wizards, beings of great power, but he had never met one before. Such people were not found on Valaar.

  And she had saved Greensbrook from the fire—yet more questions in Marcus's young mind. Why did she do it? She exhibited great compassion for people she didn't even know.

  The people of Greensbrook, Dariyen in the alley. How many lives has she saved? And why does she do it? Marcus heard the banquet beginning in the Great Hall. Normally there is nothing he would like to do more than feast and make merry with his friends, but with more questions than answers he found himself wishing for a quieter opportunity to speak with the enigmatic Elaina.

  Hearing footsteps echo down the corridor, Marcus turned to see two women approaching. The first he recognized instantly as his mother, wearing an elegant black gown cut in the current fashion of the ladies of King's Court. The Lady Listar's calculated choice of attire would serve to remind those in attendance that while Listarii may be the furthest point from the capital, the lady of the house was far from out of touch with the comings and goings in the court.

  It took Marcus a moment to realize the woman at her side was Elaina. Gone was the bloody blue dress—now she wore a dress of shimmering silver that swayed as she walked. Her long dark hair was pulled up in dizzying array of curls, all fixed in place with hair pins set with precious stones. Around her neck was a set of pearls, no doubt his mother’s, cultivated in the oceans around Listar—a prized commodity in other parts of the island. The string around Elaina's neck was worth more than a small town. Few women in Valaar possessed such wealth.

  Whatever had transpired between the two women, it appeared they had resolved their differences. They approached and Marcus found himself at a loss for words. “I'm glad to see you found a change of clothes with less blood on them, son.” Amarisa greeted Marcus with an embrace. As Marcus went to pull away, Amarisa held him firm. She whispered quietly so that she could not be overheard. “She is different, Marcus. Whatever you do, do not do anything foolish—think with your head . . . do you understand me?”

  When Marcus nodded she released him. “Excellent. Now Marcus, don't leave a woman waiting. Take her by the arm and tell her how she looks.”

  The motherly instruction caused Marcus to flush with embarrassment but he happily raised his arm and offered it to Elaina.

  Elaina smiled as she took the offered arm. When nothing was forthcoming Elaina craned her head expectantly and prodded. “Well . . . ?”

  “I cannot.” Marcus choked out.

  “Why not?” Elaina replied, a little hurt.

  “I'm afraid the mere sight of you has robbed me of both my breath and my wits. Forgive me.”

  “Forgiven,” Elaina replied, beaming at the compliment. Gesturing at Marcus's elaborate court attire, she continued: “You clean up pretty well yourself.”

  “I don't know about that. Fortunately, no one will be looking at me Their eyes will be firmly fixed on you”.

  The oak doors swung open and a herald announced their entrance. “Lady Amarisa of the Listarii, accompanied by her son Marcus and his companion Elaina. As you are all no doubt aware, Marcus placed second in the Midsommer's Tournament.

  There was a healthy applause as the three entered the room, but the applause gave way to whispered conversations as the attendees of the banquet spotted Elaina. The woman was previously unknown and it was a surprise to see her alongside the heir to the house of Listar. Her entrance alongside Marcus and Amarisa was a powerful statement, as the Listarii Matriarch's favor was not easily won.

  Marcus led Elaina to the head table and drew out her chair for her. With Elaina seated, Marcus hurried around the table to his seat opposite her, beside a very baffled Dariyen. The Lady Amarisa swept to her place near the head of the table, and as she approached, Alford rose from his seat to draw out her seat for her. Amarisa smiled. “Oh Alford, you needn't do that. I'm perfectly capable of seating myself should the need arise.”

  “While I am most certain you are capable, my lady,” Alford replied gently, “I do it not out of your need, but out of respect. I have no doubt were your husband still here and I not, that he would do the same for my dear wife. Such was the man he was, and he will not soon be forgotten, not at this table.”

  The kind words struck a chord within the matriarch of the Listarii and emotions threatened to break her steely countenance as she sat down. Amarisa nodded her appreciation. Eager to divert attention away from herself, Amarisa signaled to the musicians to resume their play. The quartet sprang to life and soon a lively jig rolled through the Great Hall.

  Dariyen leaned over to Marcus and whispered quietly as he gestured toward Elaina sitting opposite them. “How is it that I triumphed at the Tournament and yet find myself feeling like you came off the better for it?”

  Marcus laughed heartily. “Patience, my friend—there is a room full of women here, all just dying to meet their champion. You'll find your match soon enough.” Leaning closer, he continued: “if it were not for her finding us in the alleyway we would both be bleeding out in the docks or floating face down in the harbor.”

  “It was her?”

  “Shhh!” Marcus implored. “Yes, she drove off the remainder of Khazim's men and healed you before you could succumb to your wounds.”

  “So I wasn't dreaming—I really did get stabbed?”

  “Very much so,” Marcus replied.

  “When I awoke there was no sign of the wound or a scar. I thought perhaps I'd fallen asleep and dreamed the whole thing.”

  “Afraid not, my friend.”

  “Could you introduce me to my savior?” Dariyen asked.

  “Of course.” Turning to his companion, Marcus said, “I'm sorry, Elaina—permit me to introduce Dariyen Gardeau, Champion of the Midsommer's Tournament. Dariyen, meet Elaina.”

  “ I understand that thanks are in order,” Dariyen said. “I may not know how but I am most grateful for your intercession on our behalf.”

  Elaina smiled warmly. “No thanks are necessary. I am glad to see you are feeling better.”

  The conversation was interrupted by the appearance of serving staff laden with plates of steaming food. Roasted meats with vegetables covered in gravy, the scent of which set their mouths watering in eager anticipation. The feast would run into the early hours of the morning with rest the following day, not only for the nobility but for the entire city.

  As the banquet continued there was a gradual movement from the tables to the dance floor. Dariyen excused himself in an attempt to win the favor of a young lady who had caught his eye. Elaina looked expectantly at Marcus. “Well, are you going to ask me to dance or do I need to find another suitor who will?”

  Her good-natured ton
e told Marcus she was kidding but all the same he scrambled out of his chair and around the table. He bowed and extended a hand to help her out of her seat. “My lady, might I have the honor of this dance?”

  Elaina laughed. “I thought you'd never ask.” Taking Marcus' hand she rose out of her chair and followed him onto the dance floor. Marcus wrapped his other arm around her waist as he turned her gently and drew her close. Following his lead, Elaina delicately placed her arm on his shoulder. He found himself much closer to Elaina than he had ever been, and Marcus found himself wishing he had offered to dance sooner.

  The two made their way around the floor, Marcus exercising great care not to tread on Elaina's feet.

  Noticing his intense concentration, Elaina spoke softly: “You do not need worry so much—for a swordsmen as gifted as you are, this sort of footwork should be a breeze.”

  “If only,” Marcus replied, a little embarrassed. “Dancing has never been my forte.”

  “You are doing well, Marcus. I haven't danced in years. If you were any swifter I probably couldn't keep up.”

  Marcus doubted the truth of the statement but was glad for the reassurance. Taking his eyes off his feet, Marcus instead focused on Elaina's steely gray eyes. At this distance they seemed to bore straight into his soul. “You know so much about me, Elaina, and yet I know almost nothing of you, except that you have a kind heart, are older than you appear, and are tremendously capable in a back alley brawl.”

  “Older than I appear? I'm not sure whether I should be insulted or flattered—don't you know it's rude to talk about a woman's age?” Elaina feigned offense.

  “I don't mean to upset you. I simply meant that the more I learn about you, the more I realize how little I know.”

  “What is it you wish to know?” Elaina asked, a little hesitant to reveal the truth about her nature.

  “Anything and everything!” Marcus exclaimed enthusiastically.

  “I don't believe this song is long enough for everything,” Elaina replied coyly.

  Marcus raised an eyebrow at the obvious diversion.

  “I am a private person, Marcus. There is much about me I cannot share. Particularly here, among so many people.”

  “Then come with me,” Marcus replied. “We don't have to stay here at the feast. We can go somewhere less crowded.”

  “Oh, trying to sneak me off to your room already, are you?” Elaina taunted.

  “No, not like that. I just meant somewhere that isn't here. In a room full of people, staring at you. We can take a walk in the gardens, or I could show you the Palace. Whatever you would like. I simply wish to get to know you better.”

  “Very well, the gardens sound lovely.”

  “I thought you might say that,” Marcus replied with a smile.

  “Oh?”

  “Just a feeling I had, that's all.” Marcus led her off the dance floor and out of the Great Hall. The two walked arm in arm through the Palace and into the courtyard. Wandering past the fountain, Marcus led his companion into the gardens, eager to learn more about his enchanting companion.

  When they were alone Elaina turned to him. “So what is it you would like to know?”

  Marcus had been carefully considering that very question as they had walked and yet still struggled for a moment before settling on the one question that intrigued him the most. “How do you do it . . . the magic?”

  “It's something I've always been able to do, ever since I was a child. I can feel the energy coursing through my being. It feels like it is a part of me. I can shape it to my will or use it to meld or shape the Elements. It is hard to imagine what life would be like without it.”

  Marcus nodded, considering the answer, mulling it over. “Where are you from? What is the Sea of Stars?”

  “Oh that is much easier to explain,” Elaina replied, placing a finger below Marcus’s chin and raising it upwards until he was looking straight up into the night sky. “That is the Sea of Stars.”

  “But that would mean you come from . . .”

  “Another world,” Elaina answered, finishing the astonished youth's sentence.

  “How is that possible?” he asked.

  “Magic—it is possible to use magic to fashion gateways between worlds. Using them, we are able to cross the Sea of Stars and visit other worlds that lie within the Allfather's domain.”

  “All this time I had wondered if the Allfather was the God of this world alone.”

  “Not at all, Marcus. He presides not only over this world but over hundreds like it. He refers to his domain as Creation.”

  “What is your world called?” Marcus asked, emboldened by his curiosity.

  “I can't tell you that. Not yet. There are some things about me you must wait to learn. Besides, you've asked me three questions. When is it my turn?”

  “I'm sorry,” Marcus answered. “My curiosity got the better of me. Ask away—what do you wish to know?”

  “In my lifetime I've observed countless people clamber over others in a quest to satisfy their own greed and avarice,” she said. “How are you different from them and why should I trust you?”

  The questions stunned Marcus. His first instinct was to race to his own defense, but rather than approach the question confrontationally Marcus took a moment to reflect and consider it carefully. After a time he replied. “You know me, Elaina, much better than I know you. If I were not worth saving you would not have bothered interceding on my behalf—twice in as many weeks.”

  “Human life is sacrosanct,” Elaina replied. “Just because you are worth saving does not automatically mean I can trust you.”

  “Exactly,” he agreed. “Life may be sacred but you were still willing to kill five of those thugs to spare mine. Why do that if I am untrustworthy? Why show yourself at all? Come to think of it, how did you even know we were there?”

  Elaina realized she had been backed into a corner but recovered quickly. “That is a lot of questions, Marcus, and you still haven't answered mine yet. You're not allowed to answer a question with a question!” How could she ward Marcus away from the realization that she had been watching him since she first saw him in the woods outside Greensbrook?

  Marcus was no fool, though. Elaina had shown her hand and her heart, but rather than press on and embarrass her before she was willing to admit to it, Marcus eased off. “You can trust me because I have never given you reason to believe otherwise. Ask whatever you wish and I'll answer you honestly.”

  “What were you doing in the town this afternoon?” Elaina asked.

  “We were going to the Golden Galleon for drinks to celebrate. The Galleon is well known for its fine wines and fine women. We were hoping to take advantage of our success in the Tournament.”

  “Is that something you do often?” Elaina asked.

  “Drink or chase women in the town?” Marcus asked, looking for clarity.

  “Chase women.”

  “I do enjoy their company,” Marcus replied honestly.

  “And yet you remain unmarried. Why?”

  “There are fine women to be sure, but before I marry I want to find a woman I can spend the rest of my life with.”

  “Which one am I?” Elaina asked. “A fine woman, or someone you'd want to spend the rest of your life with?”

  It was a loaded question and Marcus knew it. He'd known Elaina for only an afternoon, but already she was the most engaging woman he had ever met. In spite of that he feared to speak his mind, worrying that his openness might drive her away. Eventually he replied: “Well we are in the gardens and not my bedchambers—I think that gives you answer enough for now.”

  Elaina smiled. “Very well. Lead on, then, and show me these gardens. After all, you've given up a rather enjoyable night to be here.”

  Marcus brushed off the cheeky taunt and took Elaina's hand in his. They had scarcely taken a step when a line of golden energy illuminated the sky before them. The line widened and continued to move swiftly, cutting through the night. The golden energy
soon took the shape of a doorway, and as the ends of the golden line met the area inside the line flickered. Suddenly rather than the night sky they were staring at an elaborately furnished room, as if through a window.

  Elaina pulled Marcus behind her. “Whatever comes next, stay behind me. Say nothing. Do nothing.”

  A man appeared in the room and could be seen moving swiftly toward the portal.

  The man stepped through the gateway and Marcus reached for his sword. Elaina reached out to restrain him as the man of indeterminate age stopped before them. The newcomer was much shorter than Marcus—only five foot tall—but impeccably dressed, clad from head to toe in black tunic and trousers finished with silver trim. His large silver belt bore the Allfather's heraldry, that of a large smiling sun. The staff he carried in his hand had the same symbol. His boots and cloak completed the ensemble—both black with silver stitching. The figure could have been menacing but for his small stature and immaculately groomed beard and mustache—instead he appeared genteel and refined, albeit overdressed even compared to the banquet patrons who stood before him. The golden gateway dissipated as quickly as it had formed.

  “Oh Elaina, the years have done nothing to dim your beauty—you are looking as lovely as ever!” The man began.

  “Tanith, what are you doing here?” Elaina demanded. You are far from home, and your presence here is neither required nor appreciated.” The agitated Astarii returned none of the warmth that the new visitor seemed to exude. It was clear Elaina was uncomfortable with the timing and manner of his appearance.

  “Is that any way to greet an old friend, Elaina?” Tanith replied.

  “Friend, Tanith? You sought to undermine my assignment here. You practically perjured yourself to ensure the Council would dismiss my request to become a Guardian.”

  Tanith's eyes went a little wide with surprise. “Oh, you heard about that?”

  “Of course. I am sure half the reason the Five posted me here on Meldinar was to ensure I didn't wring your scrawny little neck,” Elaina concluded.

  “That might be so, but I did it only because I could not bear for us to be separated. With you taking on the mantle of Guardian and me remaining on Altiran, we would never see each other.”