The Flames of Arathia

by Jordan Liberatore

  The joker had turned wise. Whoever he was, Drusilla understood that it was better to have him with her and not against as Lu was forcing him towards. Whatever wrath he had was to be feared, and Drusilla now realized she had seen a flicker of it fighting just a few nights prior. He was much nobler than what Drusilla had first thought. Above all though, he had let his wall crack, letting Drusilla in. Even more peculiar, without even realizing it, Drusilla had let her defense crack as well. She’d mentioned things to him she would have never found the words for to others. He had brought her back to the surface again. He had brought her a little closer to home.

  Chapter 10:

  With this new insight, Drusilla turned, slowly walking down to bed. She felt Adam’s kind eyes watching her. It seemed that he was trying to find her fear. What even was her fear? She did not know what true darkness tortured her soul. Was it what happened four years prior? Was it the act or the man behind it? If not that, was it her fear to let another in? Was she scared of pain, or was it joy? Then slowly the thought crept in as she turned towards her room. Was she scared of herself? She looked down at her hand, for a brief moment letting some flame spark across her fingers. Maybe… Maybe she was simply scared of what she was.

  Clenching her fist and jaw, Drusilla went to change for bed once again. She curled up under the blanket, closing her eyes and letting the ship rock her into that strange area between sleep and waking. However, it was only for a while that she stayed there, as soon the voices came. “What shall we do?” the first asked. It sounded like Adam, urgency and wonder lacing his voice. It was a hushed tone, almost a hiss, quiet and just barely heard.

  “What can we do? Cor tana nashi ata?” the second voice replied. Given it was also male, it was easy to say it was Nathan. While once again Drusilla did not understand the language Nathan spoke, Adam heard that second question as, “What have we done?”

  “Dar yen. Cor tana len ata?” Adam snapped, no longer speaking in a whisper. Nathan understood Adam as saying, “Tell me. What have you done?” Drusilla listening in noticed how smooth the words rolled off Adam’s tongue. As compared to Nathan, it seemed the language almost belonged to Adam, was a part of him. It was natural and much more powerful when Adam spoke this strange language.

  “We use this in no way but fact. It is not in my power to judge one. As for your other question, watch and tell me whatever it is you find,” Nathan instructed calmly. There was a strength in his voice. He was clearly in charge, and carried an authority that Drusilla had noticed in Lokko. The voices stopped, followed by footsteps. Drusilla sighed, opening her eyes to stare at the ceiling. What was that language? She thought of the Alatarik, and what that word was. It was Elvish, clearly, of similar build as the word Galdirr. In fact, it seemed to be of the same dialect as what Nathan and Adam spoke.

  Suddenly it all dawned on Drusilla that the men spoke Elvish, a language near banned in Galdirr. Only the most seasoned scholars knew Elvish in its full. Breena barely knew more than a handful of words, and that only what was named in stories and history. Giving up sleep, Drusilla stood to change and braid her hair. Stepping into the kitchen, Drusilla saw only Adam staring at his tattoo. Drusilla sighed, grabbing some bread and water and joining him. “You finally fell asleep then?” Adam inquired, his bright blue eyes smiling at her. Drusilla just nodded her head. Adam stood to leave.

  “Yes I did, more or less, how about you?” Drusilla asked, suddenly wanting him to stay.

  “I don’t need a ton of sleep,” Adam answered. “Sometimes I even need none.” He walked away so softly that it seemed his feet never touched the ground. Breena used to tell stories of Elves that could walk like that. The earth loved them, and they loved it. Thus they avoided to putting pressure on it. It was those stories that Drusilla loved the most.

  “For a time it was just Man, Elf, and Ancient One,” Breena cooed, stirring the fire as Melody and Malcolm sat curled on the floor, watching Breena in her chair. “And then one day an Ancient One, beloved most to the Being Xiabor, fell in love. She fell in love with a man and from their love came twins, the first firebloods.” The historian could bring creatures from the fire, at least in the eyes of her daughter. The world was fast asleep and Breena would like the fire from the flames of her own blood, so bold for Northern Galdirr. Melody was always more careful of her gift, only using it when her mother asked.

  It was always safer that way, thought Melody as she leaned back into Malcolm watching her mother talk of Elves and Ancient Ones. It would be one of their last nights together, and in that night Breena thought it wise to discuss the Yulgarra War that led to the start of Galdirr. “While the fireblood may be persecuted now, just as they were so long ago, it must be remembered that it is thanks to them that we have the land we do now,” Breena concluded. She always had a reason for every story. That was what made her wise and not just smart, though she was surely that too. Breena was clever, more so than anyone Melody had ever met, and for that she would always be proud.

  Malcolm thought back on that night fondly as he stared at the sky, listening to the crash of waves against the shore. Needing to be away from people, he’d taken it on himself to just camp on the island. Salt mingled in the air, an early morning sun beating down. “It is thanks to the fire that we have the home we do,” Malcolm muttered, lost in thought as he played with a piece of grass. “I’m sorry, Breena. I never should have done it.” He didn’t know why he said the words out loud. It didn’t make a damn difference. The woman was dead, dead at his hands.

  Malcolm groaned, leaning back on the ground. He didn’t know if he could do it. If he saw her he’d fail. There was only one defense. Malcolm just hoped it would fall into place. The last thing he wanted was to face Melody, or should he say Drusilla. Sighing, Malcolm forced himself up and walked around the island, towards the trees. Already the day was threatening heat. For once Malcolm hated wearing black, but as a Brethren the darker colors were his friend. True black was for the highest ranking, and dark blue for the lowest. Malcolm took out his sword, studying it in the light. “I swear to you, Declan, that I will do all I can,” Malcolm whispered. He sheathed his sword and hit a nearby tree with a growl deep in his throat.

  He was done. He didn’t give a damn what the Eknar thought. He’d march to the Eknar as soon as this was done and resign. Brethren was a title for life, but Malcolm had to get out. He’d be a fugitive and become a Free Strider if he had to. He was tired of hurting those he loved more than anything. It tore at him, and he replayed that night in his mind every night. He watched Breena scream, and die in pain. How could have done it? How could he ever think to do it again? It was simple. He wouldn’t.

  Fog was dense in the air when Drusilla walked up. Nathan and Lu were lighting lanterns on deck to allow them to see ahead just enough. It was not too cold though, which was good. Drusilla helped as she could, not using her gift at all. No one went below deck save for food and personal needs. Instead they sat near the wheel, just watching the day pass by. “I don’t get it,” Lu growled when Adam and Nathan went to clean up after lunch. “Why the hell did you even tell Nathan yes?”

  “Oh? Only that? Not that I didn’t realize who my father was,” Drusilla muttered. She sighed. “A Free Strider learns to travel when needed, and to take whatever job comes as they are not so easy to come by.”

  “Hm. You should have said no,” Lu huffed as the men walked back up. Soon day turned to night. They still all sat there, Nathan and Adam talking turns steering through the heavy darkness as night slowly began to drag on towards dawn.

  “Won’t be long now,” Adam assured, winking at both the girls though it seemed more of his gaze was on Drusilla. Finally the sun began to rise and with it came the distinct line of a rocky shore on the horizon.

  “I believe it is time for some refreshment,” Nathan remarked with a sharp smile. Lu was quick to jump to her feet, retreating to the kitchen. She got out the four mugs and bottle of buttersip purchased for the occasion. With all four filled, she
slid her hand into her pocket. Lu grasped the bottle. Her body shook in fear, much against her mind which was thoroughly made up. Her brother would pay for this, for his stupid mistakes, for his love. She had to make sure that at least Adam was distracted. As long as that happened, she would be fine because there was no way Melody would use her powers. At least that good for nothing brother of hers scared that wretch from it. Lu let the poison drop into the mug, careful to let it be only enough. With each drop vivid memories of the children she grew up with filled her mind, their sinister laughing ringing in her ears. She slipped the bottle back and sighed. She’d fought hard for this, and it wasn’t going to end now.

  Finally Lu came up with half a smile, handing everyone a mug. To Drusilla something seemed off about her. Since when was she so enthusiastic? Adam and Nathan didn’t seem to notice, but Drusilla felt afraid. Yes, something was clearly off in this situation. Then it hit her where the nagging fear had also tormented her.

  “It’s late,” Melody insisted.

  “Come now, let’s just enjoy the evening,” Malcolm pushed. Melody shook her head.

  “It’s raining, Malcolm,” Melody argued.

  “Rain is good, sweet one,” Breena pointed out. “We should go for a walk. We have much to celebrate! Your own engagement!” Melody should never have caved. But it was too late. She’d said yes. Not even an hour later everything had changed.

  Drusilla fingered the ring in her pocket, other hand at the ready to grab her dagger. But Nathan simply smiled, looking back at the shore line. “We toast to the final leg of our journey. Before we drink, friends, I would like to explain the history as to this island,” Nathan mused. “I would like to explain what it is we search for at Outcasts’ Cove.”

  Malcolm saw them coming in. His heart froze. It was all falling into place. The next half an hour or so would decide the fate of everything to follow. “Come on, Melody, make the right choice,” Malcolm groaned. “You can do this. You were always the wise one.” He retreated from the sand to hide his boat and go to the shadow of the trees. It was time to wait. It was time to face everything he didn’t want to face.

  Chapter 11:

  “It all started in the tenth year of King Latarro’s reign. King Anikarra of Romarn, now Southern Galdirr, had begun his tirade for power,” Nathan began. “The oracle, Elliana, was given a vision to share with King Latarro. ’Your kingdom will fall,’ she explained. ‘Yet I warn thee that an heir will one day rise with two other firebloods. The heir will need the gem on your sword. Sire,’ she pleaded, ‘thou must let me take this gem and hide it where it shall wait for the coming heir.’ King Latarro granted this wish.

  “As war broke out, Elliana took the gem, the Fireblood Gem, to a small island where the Fireblood Temple had been built. She placed the gem within this temple and secured the entrance with spells that would allow firebloods to be the only ones who could enter.

  “This gem is said to have great power. We have come to obtain this gem and gain revenge against Malcolm and the Brethren,” Nathan explained. As he finished, Drusilla felt that familiar chill of memory. Her mother may have never said this story, but it was with that same enthusiasm that she spoke. With a smile, Nathan raised his mug. “To the ancient ways and to the Fireblood Gem!” Nathan shouted as they toasted, as though signaling victory not yet won. Lu was the first to take a sip, and with it she fell.

  It was a single moment of change. In one second there was joy and the next chaos. Mugs clattered, Lu going pale. Adam ran to her side, fear in his eyes. Sweat broke on Lu’s brow. Nathan grabbed her mug, smelling the liquid. He grimaced. It was all sinking in for Drusilla. “It’s been poisoned,” Nathan growled. “Take her down to her bed.” Adam picked up Lu’s limp body, her breathing ragged, and ran down the stairs. Drusilla moved, helping Nathan pour out all the buttersip in case it was all poisoned. Nathan then motioned for Drusilla to follow Adam. She went, hearing the anchor drop as she reached the stairs.

  Lu was worse now. She shook as though cold, though sweated as though in sweltering heat. Her breath choked and caught, her skin tinted such a subtle blue. Nathan stepped behind Drusilla, observing the woman on the bed. “The signs point to ice poison,” Adam informed them.

  “I agree,” Nathan sighed heavily.

  “There is only one herb that can stop this.

  “So has been shown.

  “It is on this island.”

  “That it true.”

  “Two firebloods are needed to open the temple door. I doubt Sill knows what the herb looks like.”

  “Then you must go ashore and find it.

  “Nathan, you will have to go alone to the temple.”

  “I have Drusilla.”

  “Nathan, she’s not a-”

  “Adam, stop now. Trust me. You have only a day to find the herb and prepare the remedy. Go now,” Nathan growled. Drusilla turned towards him as Adam growled in protest, carrying Lu up deck wrapped tightly in a blanket.

  “What do you need?” she asked.

  “Grab your dagger and jacket,” Nathan instructed with a sigh. Understanding there was no time to lose, Drusilla slipped out her dagger, showing him she was already equipped. “Now I know why everyone speaks so highly of Free Striders,” Nathan chuckled.

  “We always have to be prepared,” Drusilla argued. Fixing her braid, the two went up to the small lifeboats Nathan had on the ship. They prepared one and soon found themselves in the water. Adam was already gone. The sun was starting to rise high in the sky, reflecting against the crystal blue water. It wasn’t too long before the hit the rocky and sandy shore. They pulled up next to Adam’s boat and jumped out. Drusilla quickly began to survey the area, simply out of habit. It was better to be safe than sorry. Large white sails caught her eye away in the distance. “Damn it,” Drusilla hissed. Malcolm the Dark had already beat them to Outcasts’ Cove.

  “Nathan, look to the north,” Drusilla urged, tugging on the captain’s sleeve. He followed her finger and growled, his body tensing.

  “Ak,” Nathan muttered. “Nala kiklo!” He quickly folded the map he’d been looking at, pulling Drusilla towards the trees and a well covered path leading into the forest. “Hurry. We have very little time to reach the temple,” he urged. Drusilla wasn’t one to argue and quickly followed him. Her heart was pounding in her chest as her mind swam. It was one thing to be familiar with the idea of seeing Malcolm again, but it was entirely different to be facing him, to perhaps be running towards him. Every time she closed her eyes she saw him. Drusilla tightened her grasp on her dagger, palm clammy. Light flicked through trees as Drusilla’s knuckles slowly became white with tension.

  Finally they came onto a clearing. Silence. Nothing. Then the rustle of leaves on the ground… And the hooded figure. Malcolm’s black cloak billowed around him as he walked to meet Drusilla and Nathan. They froze, Nathan out of anger and pure rage and Drusilla out of… Well, she didn’t know. There were so many thoughts and emotions filling her that she could barely breathe. Sweat began to bead on Drusilla’s skin as Nathan slowly unsheathed his sword, the sound cutting the silence viciously as though it were a warning. Malcolm slowly lowered his hood, eyes right on Drusilla, Nathan forgotten if only for a moment. For him, Drusilla was the only focus in the world.

  “Do you want to at least hold him?” Luther asked. Drusilla, covered in sweat, simply shook her head.

  “I’d get attached,” she muttered. “I won’t get attached.” Luther sighed, taking the crying child in his hands.

  “I’ll get him to the wet nurse then,” Luther remarked. “Wait here a moment. I’ll get you some water as well.” As he left, Drusilla felt a single tear roll down her cheek. It was better to not love than to be hurt again. Still, it hurt her all the same. Why did it hurt so much? It should have been easy. It all should have made sense.

  Adam made his way through the trees, trying to find the needed cure for Lu. How could that buttersip been poisoned? Something to him wasn’t adding up. Then again, with Lu, nothi
ng added up. Nothing could. She was so irritating at times, and not at all the woman he had fallen for. No, she was much better back then. She’d smile and laugh, enjoying the world. She was sweet and loving, but no longer. Now she was cold. It’d been so long since Adam had been able to enjoy her. When they were in bed, she’d be wrapped in a different blanket. It was like their marriage was now just a word. There was no meaning, no love any longer.

  Why, then, was Adam doing what he was? As he glanced over at her shaking body, he sighed. It was duty. His love for Lu had gone, run to another. He knew in his heart that he loved Drusilla. There was just something about her. She was so brave, and so deep. She did what needed to be done, and that was that. When she smiled, it was stunning. In those rare moments Adam felt an admiration stir within him. It was an admiration for the woman she was underneath, whoever that was.

  Adam didn’t know why Drusilla hid herself so much. In the same sense, she wasn’t as closed in as Adam believed at first glance. She was starting to warm up to him. That was a humbling thought. She was beginning to trust Adam. He only hoped that his own secrets would not be the end of that trust. He at least acknowledged that they existed. Wasn’t there credit in that? Sighing, Adam pulled at the plant he was looking for, quickly glancing back at Lu who was beginning to cough. Considering how slow the poison was acting, she’d been given a low dose.