Soul Goblet

by J. A. Culican

  By the time I managed to escape, it was late, and my feet were sore. I gratefully accepted Dara’s help getting ready for bed, not even attempting conversation. I had just enough energy left to put my notebook in the drawer of my bedside table before I fell into a dreamless sleep.

  When I awoke the sun was already high in the sky, which meant I’d wasted valuable time. Dara helped me dress, and I didn’t bother to eat, instead heading straight for the library before I was required to do something else.

  Grateful for the reprieve from questions and interruptions, I painstakingly laid out the books again. As I’d expected, the rest of the books had been put away at some point during the night. Pleased at our cleverness, I settled into the chair and set to work.

  Laying my books out, I placed my notebook on the table. The sound of my quill tapping the page echoed around me as I considered what I knew so far. I had five books with matching bindings, which appeared to have been written by the same unknown hand. Each book had a chapter with the same passage, alluding to paragraphs in the other books, but each passage was slightly different and didn't touch upon the things in the other chapters in much detail.

  The creak of the door startled me, and I tensed, only relaxing when Sel's calm face poked around the large wooden door. I gave him a sheepish grin.

  "I had a feeling I’d find you here." He assumed the relaxed, watchful position he favored.

  "I feel like I'm close to something. I just can't quite decide what." I wrinkled my nose, "Were there any other books? Anything else in the back room we might have overlooked?"

  He walked over to me. "Was there something in particular you were looking for?"

  I scratched my head. "I'm not sure. Do you see here, this part?" I tapped the passage that mentioned the Temple of the Suun, "I feel like this part is important, but I don't have it sorted out in my head yet."

  "Let me look. I think I found a book mentioning the Bruhier Elves yesterday."

  My head whipped around. "The Bruhier Elves? Why would you mention them now?"

  He raised an eyebrow. "Just a feeling I had.” His words sounded smug, but when he looked at me, he relented. “I watched you having a conversation with your uncle. If anybody knows old stories, it would be him."

  I absently bit on my quill, immediately spitting it out. "Yuck," I brushed my mouth off, but I was certain it was stained with the ink. By the time I’d finished removing the taste, Sel was gone. I tried to see where he’d vanished to, but he was already returning from the stacks with another ornately decorated blue book.

  It wasn't as massive as the black ones, but it would have still made a decent weapon if you wanted to hit someone over the head. Like maybe my Aunt Bhārjini. I grinned as I allowed myself to imagine a scenario which involved me hitting her over the head when she told me to get married to make my parents proud.

  "Thank you. Wow, this book looks ancient."

  I ran my hand over the binding, enjoying the way the blue seemed to almost ripple in the warm light of the library, the shade fluctuating between the blue of the ocean and the darkness of the night. Yellow jewels were arranged in a diamond shape on the front cover, and as I flipped it open, I discovered the identical, difficult handwriting I’d seen in the black-covered tomes.

  My heart began to pound with excitement. Could this finally be what I needed? I placed the blue-covered book in front of the black-covered ones. When I squinted, I realized the handwriting was subtly different even though the language was the same. I didn't know if it was because of the dialect, or simply due to the passage of time since it had been written, but it felt almost as if I was reading a foreign language.

  I immediately lost track of time, immersed in trying to decipher the words in front of me. It wasn’t until the familiar click, click, click of high-heeled slippers sounded on the tile just beside me that my head snapped up. My eyes widened and heat crept over my cheeks.

  "So, this is where you've taken yourself off to?" My mother looked at the books on the table, wrinkling her nose.

  She rubbed her arms, and I realized with some surprise it was chillier than usual in the library. I looked down at the table, wondering what she would think if she knew what I was trying to find. Somehow, over the course of the morning I'd managed to fill the table with books again.

  "I was reading something last night, Mother, and I wanted to see if I’d understood it correctly.” I followed her gaze to the books spread in front of me. "I must've lost track of time." I shrugged. "Did you need me for something?" I wasn't surprised when she answered in the affirmative.

  "Yes. A few of the guests from last night are staying for supper. I wanted to ensure you were available and prepared to entertain them this afternoon. One of them, Sjen, has professed an interest in discussing our library’s holdings. I would like you to be polite to him, and if he were to happen to find you personally interesting, I do not think I need to tell you your father and I would find him acceptable." She absently checked the fingernails on her left hand, then looked over my clothing, wrinkling her nose. "I'd like you to be ready within the hour. Dara can assist you with the appropriate attire. I’ve already spoken with her about what I would like you to wear today."

  My head dropped in defeat. "Yes, Mother. I’ll finish here, and be ready within the hour, as you wish."

  My mother gave me a cool smile of approval before she walked away.

  I loved my mother and knew she loved me, but we were completely different. At times, I felt as if my family and I had drifted so far apart we’d never find a way back. Over the last year, I'd fallen deeper into my books as the noble elves and warriors had fallen deeper into preparing for a war we didn’t want. I was looking for an answer that would save my people from fighting and dying, and my mother was looking for an advantageous match for marriage. Apparently, the best way she could think of to ensure the survival of our people was for me to spend the rest of my life as a broodmare and a figurehead.

  Well, I didn’t think so.

  I got up, closing the book I’d been reading with a snap, and walked over to the window, unsurprised to see only half the warriors in the courtyard today. They were still preparing, but the celebrations last night had left some with headaches, I was sure.

  I’d already painstakingly copied out the important passages from the five black-bound books, and sometime during the morning, I’d added the important bits from the blue one as well. Sel, as swift and efficient as always, replaced the books on the shelves almost as fast as I was able to close them.

  I was walking between the window and the table, hoping that the act of moving would jar something loose in my mind, when a passage in an old history book caught my eye. It spoke of a lost manuscript, written by Piotr the Elder. My hand fell away from the text as I recalled what I’d read over the past few days and what my Uncle Jorel had mentioned about the Bruhier Elves.

  This particular manuscript was no longer lost. Instead, it had been discovered in the Library at Abrecem Secer only a year earlier.

  I jotted down the title of the manuscript and the words “Abrecem Secer” and reluctantly headed to my duties. Even though I’d done so grudgingly, I was ready within the hour as I’d promised. I loved my parents and my family. I just didn't want what they wanted.

  It was difficult for me to explain even to myself how I felt, but I was a dutiful daughter. I joined my mother and sisters to fulfill my obligations, even if the idea of the afternoon ahead made me cringe.

  On the surface, the guests we were entertaining were interesting. Several younger elves were present for a change, having come along with the elder statesmen, so it wasn’t all boring, lecherous old men. One was even attractive, and I watched with amusement as both my sisters vied for his attention.

  Luckily for me, the elf my mother had wanted me to entertain was older and more studious than the others and clearly as interested in matrimony as I—not at all. He had kind violet eyes that he wore spectacles to brighten and we had just begun discuss the Libr
ary at Abrecem Secer. I was excited to hear what he’d thought of it and whether he knew of the book written by Piotr the Elder when my mother’s alarmed voice cut through our discussion.

  "Do you hear that?"

  I’d never heard my mother's voice sound anything other than sedate and polished, even when I was in trouble. But now, fear was the only thing I could recognize. A split second later, the early warning alarm deafened me, and I clapped my hands over my ears.

  I’d never heard it before, but there was no mistaking what it was. Within seconds, every available warrior was racing past the sunroom to the ramparts and the armory, including the handsome elf my sisters had been swooning over.

  I stood, knocking my chair over behind me. My heart raced as I watched in stunned silence as activity erupted. My father, who'd been discussing politics with another guest, jumped to his feet and rushed out of the sunroom, along with every other able-bodied man in the room. The elder elf I’d been conversing with had a wistful look on his face, and I frowned when he stayed seated. Other than him, it was only my sisters and mother who had remained in the room.

  "What's happening?" My heart was still racing from the unexpected excitement, but at least the volume of the alarm had decreased enough that I could hear myself.

  He pointed his chin toward the men who’d now vanished from sight. "That sound means we are being attacked by ur’gels." He regarded me solemnly. "If I'm not mistaken, it isn't just Cliffside being attacked, but the castle as well." He stood, his hand resting on a decorative cane which I hadn’t noticed earlier. "If you ladies will follow me, we should move to a safer location."

  I critically examined the bright, sunlit room with its large windows. If we were under attack, this room was not a great location to be. The inner courtyard was the most secure location, in the very center of the castle.

  My room, as well as those of the rest of the family, were organized around it, with all our windows facing inside. The idea that I would be trapped if the walls were breached made my chest clench. Surely, there was another option.

  I pressed my lips together as I waited for my mother, sisters, and a few of my cousins, along with my irritating Aunt Bhārjini, to stop panicking and follow Lord Sjen. Our manservants met us outside the door and flanked the women in front and behind. It was the first time I’d ever seen any of them walk in front.

  When we finally gathered in the courtyard, I watched as the others milled around, crying and shaking. My youngest sister even managed a decent swoon at one point after she’d worked herself up enough. After only a few minutes, I knew I would be ill if I had to stay and watch them wringing their hands and wailing.

  “Please, Mother, I’m not feeling at all well. I’d love to return to my room and rest. I promise I’ll send Dara out if I need anything.”

  My mother dismissed me with barely a glance, nervous and visibly paler than usual. "Fine, fine, go rest. We should all retire to our chambers. You may send Dara or Sel if you would like to speak with me."

  I curtsied, leaving before she changed her mind. Once back in my chambers, I turned to Sel the second the door shut. "I need to get out of here. If we’re under attack already, we're no longer safe at Cliffside. We’re running out of time and I can’t wait any longer. I have to do something before it’s too late."

  He looked at me, eyes full of concern, and I remembered how young he was. "I'm not sure you know what you're proposing. You've never been outside these walls alone. You won't last five minutes if someone sees you, let alone if an ur’gel gets to you first."

  I clenched my fist as irritation and impatience outweighed my fear. "I can't just stay here, simpering and wringing my hands like my stupid sisters and cousins, waiting for a man or an alliance to save my people. I may not know how to fight, but I have a brain, and I’d like to think it's a good one. I found something I believe means I need to go to Abrecem Secer. I’m positive I can figure out what the ritual and the artifact are if I can just get there. If I can find the information I need, maybe I can stop this war before too many lives are lost, and send Dag’draath away for good this time."

  He grimaced, running his hands through his floppy hair and causing it to stand up, and I knew he was considering helping me.

  I pressed the advantage my words had gained me. "Come on, help me escape. I couldn’t live with myself if someone I love dies because I just sat here and did nothing. What if the answers are in Abrecem Secer? I must go, I need to find out if my theory is right. I’m useless here, but if I can get there… Please, help me?"

  He sighed and dropped his head, and I knew I'd won him over.

  I grabbed him, squeezing his thin, gangly frame in a giant hug. When he stiffened in surprise, I realized I’d never hugged him before. He was even thinner than he looked. I pulled back awkwardly and gave him a sheepish smile.

  "Sorry. Don’t worry, I won’t make hugging a habit. Tell me what to pack. If you can point me in the right direction and keep my mother distracted long enough for me to get a head start, that would be wonderful. You can tell her where I’ve gone after I leave."

  He raised an eyebrow. "Do you really think I'm going to let you leave here unescorted?"

  "What do you mean? I'm capable of looking out for myself." I felt my hackles rise, which transformed into full-blown irritation when he started laughing. I crossed my arms, glaring at him.

  "I'm sorry, but you’ve got no idea how to read a map, and hardly even know how to ride a horse." He crossed his arms, mirroring my stance, his jaw set stubbornly. "I'm coming with you."

  When I opened my mouth, he held up a hand.

  "There's no point in arguing. I may only be a slave here, but I’m making it my choice to come with you on this harebrained mission." He raised an eyebrow. "While you've been a decent mistress, I wouldn't be going with you if I didn't believe you knew what you were doing. If anyone can find a way to trap Dag’draath, it's you and your quirky brain."

  I blushed at the unexpected praise. "Thanks. But as I'm sure you're aware, we may be heading to our death. I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me."

  He gave me a mischievous smile. "Don't worry, I’ve got no intention of dying. Besides, it's time we both see a little bit more of the world, don't you think?"

  My face split into a grin, unable to believe my friend was willing to throw his lot in with me. I was terrified at my audacity but somehow, having Sel at my side made it feel like an adventure.

  I changed into an old pair of leggings and a tunic my brother used when he’d first begun his training. I was positive my mother had no idea I’d had Sel steal them for me, and I'd kept them hidden away at the back of my closet for several years, hoping to one day use them.

  Today was that day.

  I packed an old leather satchel that had been my father's when he’d been a messenger for my grandfather a century ago and took one last look around my room, spotting my notebook and writing implements. Grabbing them, my heart skipped a beat at the possibility I could have forgotten them.

  Scribbling a note to my mother on a sheet of paper in my notebook, I tried to explain my reasoning, but gave up. Instead, I told her that I loved her and Father, and to let my brother and sisters know that no matter how much we fought, they meant the world to me.

  I sighed, feeling as if my love of words had somehow failed me, then placed my notebook and quill carefully within my satchel. I looked at Sel.

  "Ready to go?" He held out his hand. I placed mine in his and squeezed.

  "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Now, let's go stop this war."

  I placed an envelope with the note for my mother on the bed, turned my back, and walked away from my life.

  Chapter 4

  I was extremely relieved Sel was with me. When it came to sneaking away from the castle without being observed, I knew that he would be far better at it than I. As I’d noticed more than once, no one ever looked at the servants, and he was more adept at appearing out of nowhere than most.

  He led me
from my wing of the castle away from the center of the castle, away from safety. I'd hardly ever left Cliffside and hadn’t been past the Low Forest before, and I knew it was why my heart was racing with a strange exhilaration.

  The first step was getting out of the castle. With the castle under attack, the usual exits weren’t an option. I’d never tried to leave without notice before, but Sel appeared unfazed as I followed him silently down the servants’ stairs, acting as if it were a regular day and he was going about his work.

  Surprisingly, the servants’ stairs led all the way down to a hard-packed earthen cellar which smelled of harvest and root vegetables. Once we arrived, he flashed a quick smile. "Keeping up okay, Princess?"

  I glared. "I'm not a princess. As for your actual question, I'm fine. How are we going to get out? I was under the impression that everything was locked up tight."

  He smirked. "All of the known exits and entrances are. But, no one ever notices the comings and goings of servants on their daily errands. There's a small window over here the kitchen boys like to use to sneak out at night."

  I tilted my head, narrowing my eyes suspiciously. "How did you discover that?"

  Sel wiggled his eyebrows. "I've been around. I may or may not have used it when I was younger and smaller." He hesitated, and it was like a cloud hiding the brightness of the moon. When I saw the size of the window he was referring to, the reason for his sudden uncertainty was clear.

  "You're not sure you can fit through it anymore, are you?" Amusement colored my voice and earned me a surprised look.

  "I'm pretty sure…" He paused, looking around the empty storage room before he leaned closer, admitting his real concern. "I'm worried one of the kids will see us and try to follow. As much as you don't want me on your conscience, someone else getting hurt is not something I'm eager to deal with."