by Diana Green
“Thank you.” Her heart warmed at his offer. Even though his own quest had failed, he was willing to aid hers. Of course their capture was originally his fault, but it meant something that he chose to make amends.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t allow that.” The council leader rose from his seat, face grim. “The consequences, should you fall into the empress’ hands, are too serious. You must both stay here, under our protection.”
“Like hell we will.” Adrenaline surged through Valla’s body, as she tensed, preparing to fight her way out, if necessary.
Vadin’s grip tightened on her shoulder. “Not now,” he murmured. “Not like this. We’ll find a way. Later.”
To her surprise, she believed him. Together, they would prevail, but this wasn’t the right time.
“I apologize for any inconvenience.” The council leader became gracious once more, his voice liquid and smooth. “Given a chance to adjust, I’m sure you’ll find our valley a pleasant place.”
“Of course,” Vadin responded, bowing and retreating down the hall. Controlling her anger at the council, Valla bowed and followed him.
Chapter Fourteen
As soon as the council meeting ended, they were ushered to another hall for the evening meal. Eldrin surrounded them from that point on, giving Valla no opportunity to speak to Vadin without an audience.
Most of the eldrin seemed friendly and welcoming. No one spoke threateningly or laid a hand on them, yet she and Vadin were essentially prisoners. They wouldn’t be allowed to leave the valley unless the council leader changed his mind. And who knew if that would ever happen.
Despite the situation, Valla couldn’t help but appreciate the fine cuisine and even finer music. Eldrin were masters of both.
Candlelight glowed over long tables set with a bounty of dishes. Fish from the valley ponds, baked in a delicious herb sauce, succulent roast lamb, scrumptious breads, sweet cakes accompanied by fresh fruit from the orchards, and the best wine she’d ever tasted.
At one end of the dining hall, two musicians accompanied an exquisite singer. The instruments weren’t familiar, but one had strings reminiscent of a harp, while the other looked like two flutes joined in a V.
The songs ranged from lilting and joyful to hauntingly mournful. Valla had never heard anything to compare, except perhaps when her clan gathered for dragon funeral rites. But that was an entirely different sort of singing, raw and primal in its power. This eldrin music was delicate and refined, sparkling like a string of jewels.
After a particularly intricate piece, Valla turned to ask Vadin what he’d thought of the entertainment. To her surprise, his seat at the table was empty, and she couldn’t see him anywhere in the hall. How had he slipped out without alerting their hosts? Probably by using some sort of magic.
Her stomach knotted. Would he abandon her and the rescue mission? Surely not. He’d seemed genuine in his offer to help. Perhaps he just needed space and solitude, after receiving the news of Asahni’s death.
“Might I interest you in a brief astronomy lesson?” An eldrin male touched her elbow, offering a winning smile. “The constellations here differ from those you’re familiar with. If we step outside, I can teach you a few of them.”
She almost declined, before recognizing him. He was the council member who’d argued with the leader, earlier, at the meeting.
What did she see in his eyes? This fellow wasn’t simply making advances. He had something he needed to speak with her about, in private.
“I would like that,” she responded, rising from the table and following him out of the hall. No one questioned them or made a move to intervene.
Night had fallen, the sky dazzling with a million stars. They reflected in the dark surface of a nearby pond, winking and rippling like watery gems. Pale nocturnal flowers bloomed around the shore, scenting the air with rich perfume.
The eldrin led her away from the dining hall, into an open meadow. “May I introduce myself? I am Alloweth, and it’s a rare pleasure to encounter a dragon in the flesh.”
“My name’s Valla. It’s nice to meet you too.” She offered her hand for shaking, but he bent forward and kissed the back of her fingers instead.
“It’s a pity we didn’t meet under more favorable circumstances,” he said. “I should have liked to know you better.”
“That may be, but I don’t think you brought me out here to exchange compliments. What is it you want?”
“I and several others, would like to help you escape from the valley.” He dropped his voice so low, she could barely hear him.
“Why?”
“You saw how it was with the council. As long as Huranthir is our leader, we’ll never take decisive action. He’s unwilling to send more scouts, to spy on the empress. So we’re forced to wait, with hands tied behind our backs, ignorant of her plans.”
He shook his head and continued. “Huranthir hopes she’ll not bother with us, if we stay out of her way. But this is blindness. The empress is more dangerous than ever, and we must know what she intends to do.”
“How will letting us escape help?”
“I have something for you to take to her castle.” He reached inside his robes and pulled out a small transparent ball, about the size of an egg. “Once you’re inside her castle, trigger this, and it will allow us to monitor the empress’s every move.”
“How does it work?”
“Have you much knowledge of magic?”
“No.”
“Then I won’t try to explain.” He glanced around, clearly anxious. “A great deal of effort and spell craft went into making this spying globe. I can teach you how to trigger it. That’s all you’ll need to know.”
“All right.” She wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. If he wanted to entrust her with this, so be it. His assistance in their escape would be invaluable.
“I know of a secret way into the empress’ castle.” He leaned closer. “The last scouting party to return safely discovered a hidden entrance.”
“Excellent.” This just kept getting better. “Can you draw me a map?”
“Yes. I’ll bring it when I come to your quarters later.”
“How much later?”
“Expect me two hours before dawn.”
“We’ll be ready.”
Alloweth searched her face, his eyes worried. “Even knowing a secret entrance to the castle, your mission will be difficult. The danger of death or capture is great.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m doing this, one way or another.” She gave him a bold smile. “Don’t fret, I’ll make sure to trigger your spying globe, as soon as we’re inside. Hopefully before we meet with any trouble.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
****
Vadin breathed a sigh of relief, when he made it out of the dining hall without being noticed. His distraction charm was usually effective, but eldrin were well versed in the ways of magic. He hadn’t been sure his ruse would work.
Outside, the night closed around him like a dark cloak. All was still, without another soul in sight. Exactly the peace and quiet he needed.
The knowledge of Asahni’s death had hit him hard. He didn’t want to believe the news, but there was little choice. The truth spell would also have prevented the eldrin leader from uttering falsehoods. So Asahni had died. The last person who knew anything of Vadin’s origins was gone. There would be no help for him. He was alone, a stranger in a strange land.
Turning away from the populated areas of the valley, he strode along a narrow starlit path, letting his feet take him where they wished. His chest ached with old sorrows renewed. Would this always be his lot, to walk through life alone, losing everyone he cared for?
In seeking Asahni, he’d been yearning for connection, for a sense of belonging somewhere, with someone. It seemed pitiful that such a simple thing should be so difficult for him. Did he really need to travel between worlds in order to find love?
Reaching
one of the older orchards, he noticed wooden platforms, built into the gnarled branches of the fruit trees. The eldrin likely used these to aid with harvesting, but now they looked inviting as a place to sit and contemplate.
He pulled himself up into a cherry tree, finding a platform ringing the trunk about twenty feet off the ground. Through the foliage he could see a sweeping view of the valley, the lights from dwellings and gathering halls twinkling like fireflies in the night.
It was a beautiful place, and the people here seemed content. He thought of the fresh-faced children, following along earlier in the day. How much they reminded him of his long lost siblings, a sister and two brothers, so dear to his heart.
They had been the best playmates a boy could have. It almost killed him, when the dragon lords came and tore him from his family—never to see them again. Almost as bad as the day he learned his entire village had been slaughtered.
No wonder his once warm heart had turned cold. He held himself apart from others, avoiding meaningful relationships. All to save himself the pain of more loss.
But wasn’t this constant aloneness just as bad? It might not hurt so sharply, all at once. But it robbed him of true companionship and shared joy, year after year.
What if he’d chosen a different road? Could he have been a husband and father, a contributing member of a community? Was it too late to change direction?
Probably so. Old habits often died hard, and he wasn’t sure he remembered how to trust or connect with others. The dragon lords had whipped that out of him when he’d been nothing but a boy.
Vadin. Are you with anyone? We need to talk.
Valla’s mind link surprised him. It held a certain pleasant intimacy, even if she only did it out of necessity.
I am alone. He sent her an image of the path he’d taken and the platform in the tree.
Within a few minutes she appeared, hurrying through the orchard. Far from being upset, at having his solitude interrupted, he was glad to see her. Their relationship may have gotten off to a rocky start, but he enjoyed her company more with each passing day.
“Nice spot,” she said, climbing up to him.
“It offers a good view.”
She plopped down on the edge of the wooden platform, letting her legs swing over the side. “Under different circumstances, I’d like staying in the valley a while. It’s a lovely place.”
“Too bad they’re keeping us against our will.”
“Do you suppose they’d really be able to stop us, if we just walked out?”
“I suspect so.” He pointed to the hills, rising on either side of the valley. “They probably have guards posted all over, and eldrin sorcery is advanced. Who knows what magical alarms and traps exist along the borders.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’ve found us an accomplice.” She grinned, her eyes glinting in the starlight.
“That was fast.”
She proceeded to tell him about Alloweth, explaining his plan, and showing the small crystal object he’d given her.
“He taught me how to trigger it,” she said, turning the spying globe carefully in her hand. “They really are desperate to know what the empress is up to.”
“Not surprising, since she may have captured their last reconnaissance party. They’re worried she’s learned about the valley.”
“At least that’s pushing some of them to help us.” She slipped the spying globe back in her pocket. “It’s even better that we’re going tonight. I’m antsy to reach Hathos and Oliana.”
“They haven’t sent you another vision?”
“No.”
“Well, they’re probably fine. The empress doesn’t have cause to harm them.”
“As far as we know. But she might not need a reason.” Valla pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them and resting her chin on her knees. There was something poignant about her body position, making her appear young and vulnerable.
“I promise to do everything in my power to help you.” He meant it, though when exactly his change of heart occurred he couldn’t say.
It had been a gradual transformation, over the course of their days together. Learning of Asahni’s death provided the final straw, tipping the scales toward this new purpose.
Valla angled her head and looked at him, her eyes thoughtful. “I’m grateful for your offer, though I have to admit it surprises me. You seemed to despise dragons.”
“You’re more than just ‘a dragon’ to me…” He faltered, uncertain how to express his feelings. “I’d like to think of you as a friend.”
“Really?” Her eyebrows raised, and she sat up a little straighter.
“Does that sound ridiculous?” He felt unsure of himself in these uncharted waters.
“There’s nothing silly about friendship,” she answered. “I just didn’t think you’d seek it out with me.”
“I respect and like you, very much. And I’m tired of being so alone.” It was a simple statement, raw, honest, and open. Would she mock him for it?
She responded with a slow smile. “I like you too. Though I have resisted.”
A weight lifted off his chest. “Then, all things considered, is it safe to call you my friend?”
“I’d say so. But I am going to ask a favor first.”
“Oh?”
Wind rustled the cherry boughs, and light from the newly risen moon danced across the wooden platform. It felt dreamlike, sitting up high, balanced between earth and sky, floating in silver moonbeams and shadow. In that moment, he couldn’t imagine refusing her anything.
“I want to know what happened to you,” she said. “Why do you hate dragons so much that you’re willing to abuse them for your own gain?”
He tensed, wishing she’d asked anything but that.
“I need to understand,” she continued. “If we’re going to be friends, I can’t carry so much doubt and confusion about you. It’s obvious you’re not inherently wicked or cruel. So why did you do those things?”
He heard an urgency in her voice. She genuinely wanted to understand him. It was critical, in fact, if they were ever to build trust between them. If her friendship mattered, then he had to be willing to share his story.
“Very well.” He bowed his head, unsure how to begin such a heavy task.
She moved closer, laying a slender hand over his. He turned his palm up, twining fingers with her, taking comfort in the warmth of her touch.
He drew a long breath and released it. “The whole thing started when I was a child. I lived with my family, in a village called Graystone, near the sea.”
It was difficult at first, opening these old wounds for her to see. But as his story progressed, he found it came easier. No judgment showed in her eyes. She listened patiently, without interrupting, her hand holding his the entire time.
By the end, he felt scoured clean. Something important had shifted, as he bared his past, allowing him to let go of the vice-like grip with which he’d held those memories.
He was half afraid she’d reject him, after hearing the full history, but clearing the air had been vital.
“Well? What do you think now?” He couldn’t keep the trepidation from his voice.
She didn’t say anything but simply reached out and gave him a hug. The feel of her arms around him and the reality of her acceptance was breathtaking. He leaned into her embrace, as doors flew open and healing light flooded into the musty corners of his soul.
After a while, she pulled back, face solemn. “This doesn’t mean I condone everything you’ve done, but I do understand it better. You’re not a bad person, at the core. You’ve just had hard losses and taken some wrong turns.”
“Thank you for seeing that.”
She nodded. “I’m glad you let me in.”
“You did make it a condition of our friendship.”
Her mouth curved into a smile. “Well, I have been known to drive a hard bargain. When the stakes are high enough.”
How badly he wanted to kiss those ful
l expressive lips of hers. She was beautiful, generous, and strong. Desirable, inside and out.
But it was too great a risk. He couldn’t afford to damage the bond forming between them. One wrong move, and he could destroy what they’d so newly built.
Instead, he rose and stepped away. “We should probably try to get some rest, before your council friend comes calling.”
“Right.” She pushed to her feet. “This is going to be an interesting night.”
“It’s already memorable, in my books.”
She reached out, briefly touching his cheek. “In mine also.”
Chapter Fifteen
Silver streaked the eastern sky as they reached the top of a high ridge. Alloweth had been late in coming to their quarters, but he managed to lead them safely beyond the boundaries of the valley before dawn.
Valla had her weapons back, and her armor returned in much better shape. Vadin’s clothes were also mended and clean. Their eldrin allies had provided a map, travel rations, and two dark cloaks.
A thin mist trailed over the ground, pooling between the trees. In the dim pre-dawn light, the forest looked like nothing but shades of gray. A cool dampness hung in the air, water droplets suspended from the tips of every branch and leaf.
“Do you think Alloweth will be punished?” she asked, as they started downhill, into the next valley.
“Hard to say,” Vadin answered. “Huranthir certainly won’t be happy, but I don’t know much about their internal politics. Alloweth seems to have support.”
“Hopefully their spying globe will function properly and make all the risk worthwhile.”
She’d just finished her sentence, when a familiar buzzing clicking sound reached her ears. She grabbed Vadin and pulled him under the cover of a low-growing tree.
“A swarm.” She pointed at the mass of creatures coming into view beyond the tree boughs. Their insect-like shapes made stark silhouettes against the brightening sky.
“Thankfully they’re flying high up,” Vadin whispered. “I don’t think they’ll spot us.”
