“I’d like to stay on ship, Nathan,” the woman remarked calmly. “It’d be smart to have someone keeping watch.” Nathan didn’t know how to respond. On one hand she was completely right. On the other, this island would be her final test of loyalties. However, these were unknown waters to Nathan. He had to be safe rather than sorry.
“Of course,” Nathan muttered, walking over to help the other two. He noticed Drusilla lightly tense as he stepped past her. When was she going to finally start moving on? She was going to have to eventually. Then again, so was he. And he was having issues with that. They made their way silently to the isle, the sandy shore quickly drawing close against the water. August was nearing its end, hastening in on fall, but the air was still so warm and full of summer life, like it was just holding on despite the odds.
The smell of grass and flowers met Nathan, Adam, and Drusilla as they pulled the boat ashore, a light and welcome breeze in the air. Nathan closed his eyes and softly smiled. It was almost like home, a feeling he hadn’t felt in seven years. However it was Adam who had that spark in his eyes. Nathan understood that Adam probably felt closer to home than Nathan, and with very good reason. Despite the bitter sweet ache in his heart, Nathan had to be happy for his friend. They both deserved one good feeling, didn’t they? One good day?
Sighing, Nathan pushed back his thoughts as he looked back towards the stone structure that was the crowning jewel of the island. It was old, a relic from the days of King Latorro, with its rock walls decorated delicately with ivy. Most would probably over look it as being just a part of the past, not realizing it was still inhabited. “What is this place?” Drusilla asked quietly. “The architecture… My mother explained it once as being from the reign of Latorro. They said nothing was left of that time though.” Nathan and Adam chuckled.
“They didn’t know this place existed, Sill,” Adam winked as they walked forward. To the side they could see the distant lake that was the real prize of the sacred land. Nathan knew those waters held some power, though what it was Adam refused to say. Nathan didn’t push. Adam only ever kept secrets if it was what was best. Nathan had to trust him. The three fell into a line: Nathan at the front, Adam following with cheer in his step, and Drusilla cautiously behind them. It was probably a lot to take in for her. She seemed lost and unsure, as though trying to place the isle in her mother’s stories, trying to find meaning in the stones that faced her, looming overhead as they drew closer towards its shelter.
Soon tall wooden doors stood in front of them. They were an old pine, majestic in their own right. Nathan hesitantly reached out and knocked. Adam stood to his right, happy and calm. Drusilla, on his left, though, was tense. She seemed uneasy and restless. Nathan ignored her though when the doors were opened by a small boy. His light blue eyes gazed up, his silver blonde hair falling back to reveal pointed ears. His pants were a dark brown and his shirt a light gray, though he wore no shoes. He looked no older than ten, examining Drusilla, Nathan, and finally Adam. The boy’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the man, his jaw lightly dropping. He bowed to Adam before quickly running back into the house, the door shutting behind him.
“What was that about?” Drusilla asked.
“The boy has gone to fetch his master,” Nathan sharply explained with a hint of a smile. He couldn’t deny that her reaction amused him at least some.
“Yes, but why did he seem so shocked when he saw -?” Drusilla began before Adam quickly waved her off.
“Please just kindly ignore that,” Adam quickly interrupted. “I see Annloe keeps to the old customs,” he then remarked to Nathan. The men both smiled, holding back a laugh while Drusilla just looked at them confused.
“I’ve heard he prefers them. I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest. I am just surprised to see he’s Elvish,” Nathan sighed. Adam slowly nodded his head.
“I am in agreement. The boy seems used to the old ways though. I mean did you see his feet?” Adam continued, shaking his head. “That custom of servants hasn’t been used in at least an easy hundred years!”
“What do you mean?” Drusilla hesitantly asked. Nathan glanced at her, now realizing that she had been inching closer to Adam since the servant had left. Nathan could understand that. The poor girl was in very unfamiliar territory in more than one way.
“He only means to say that in the old customs of Elves, servants didn’t wear shoes in their master’s house as a sign of reverence and honor to the master,” Nathan replied. He thought for a moment before continuing. “Please watch yourself, Miss Free Strider, for any and all who have ill will towards another are not welcome in the home of Annloe.” Drusilla shot him a glare before easing up. It was then the door finally opened. In the doorway stood a tall man whose only sign of age was his silvery hair flowing down his back. He wore a navy blue cloak over grey clothing that is of Elvish make. Charming blue eyes pierce the three from underneath thin black brows. His face was youthful, with high cut cheekbones and a rigid jaw. His nose was curved inward and almost thin looking. He had in his right hand a tall and twisted staff of wood. He studied the two men, ignoring Drusilla almost entirely. His eyes slowly began to narrow.
“Who dares intrude upon this island of mine?” the man asked in a strong almost growling voice. “What business dost thou have?”
“My name is Captain Nathan Rodrick, and these are my crewmates: Adam Brightheart and Drusilla Free Strider,” Nathan politely introduced. Annloe thought a moment, looking them all over as he tried to recall something.
“Ah, I know of thy journey! Come, come friends! Please sittith at my table. Valtari and I were about to take our place for a breakfast. Yes, do come along now!” Annloe invited warmly, ushering them in. His eyes had a sudden spark in them, and a welcome nature had overtaken his harshness. Annloe sighed quickly, turning and walking right back inside so briskly that as the others followed, Drusilla entirely bewildered. The sorcerer had begun to hum some enchanting Elven tune, lighting candles with a wave of his staff and leading the others into the dining area. The young Elven boy, Valtari, was already busy setting up five places at the large stone table. The room had large windows looking out on a garden of vast rows of flowers and trees. It was a room so stunning that Nathan and Drusilla both paused a moment in awe. The chairs around the table were ornately carved wood with soft cushions. In the corner of the room near a fireplace that was crackling lightly was a red fox, curled up and sleeping. The sun caught on its fur so brilliantly that it seemed to shine, and the scent of incense hung in the air.
“Sit my guests, please, please sit! I am sure you are weary and hungry. Yes, we saw your ship out upon the water, didn’t we Valtari? I said to myself, ‘Guests shall we have today!’ Reddari, girl, wake up! Come now, my sweet, for guests hath comeith this day!” Annloe rambled, lightly tapping the fox with the end of his staff. The creature glared at him, but began to stretch, looking straight at Drusilla. Adam had already walked to the table, taking a seat. Drusilla sat next to him, unsure of what to do. Nathan let out a sigh and followed them, sitting on the other side of the table. The head seat was left empty for Annloe as Valtari ran to and fro from the kitchen. Nathan’s stomach growled at the thought of the food that Annloe and the servant were carrying in for the morning meal. Of the lore that Nathan knew to be true, Annloe’s table was a happy sight. It was sure to be beyond words and a comfort to such a weary traveler as himself. Adam had sung enough praises to secure that.
“May I help, Lord Annloe?” Adam asked calmly as the two hosts bustled about. Annloe froze, looking straight at the man. His gaze was hard at first, but softened filled with awe as a sweet recognition took over his face.
“’Tis been long since thou hath spoken in these humble walls, Aldarathi. ’Tis true I remember that voice well. Please sit, young man, for ‘tis I who shall serve you this morning,” Annloe replied with a sigh. With staff tighter in his hand, he walked into another room. Drusilla just looked over at Adam confused, not that Nathan could blame her. Aldarathi was a
rare and high title amongst the Elves. Adam just smiled at the Free Strider, perhaps trying to give her comfort as out of place as she was, trying to gather her bearings. Nathan, on the other hand, was regretting not having prepared Drusilla before this. Then again, they were all still adjusting after the Fireblood Temple and Tiarta.
Annloe returned, and Drusilla looked back at the table. The sorcerer had waved his hand, large trays filled with food following him out. There were bowls of honey and milk, fruit, sweet rolls, and other items that caught Nathan’s eye. Valtari followed his master holding a tray with svikarnal, an Elvish draught. Nathan smiled at the thought of it. If Drusilla needed anything, it was that. Adam flashed a smile of welcome, a smile that meant he felt at home. Drusilla was staring wide eyed and overwhelmed at all that was around her. Nathan just looked at Annloe as he sat before starting to dive in, grabbing honey cakes and strawberries before pouring himself a glass of svikarnal. The fragrant aroma of the liquid met Nathan’s nose. It was said that the drink shifted scent based on the consumer, matching something that meant home for them. For Nathan this meant summer days in a dock village. He couldn’t help but waste no time as he picked up the cup, taking a soft sip. Warmth flowed down his throat, a taste so sweet yet not dancing on his tongue. There was no way to describe the drink other than heavenly.
Drusilla was hesitant to begin eating until Adam finally nudged her, forcing her to pour a drink and grab a few rolls. The bread was freshly made and still warm. Nathan notice how quickly Drusilla relaxed as she drank the svikarnal. They were all silent, the travelers desperate for such a meal and Annloe lost in thought. Valtari went from eating, to clearing up, to playing with the fox. Finally as the meal was finished Annloe leaned forward, letting out a sigh as he looked around at his guests, his blue eyes landing on Drusilla.
“You must be longing to bathe, dear,” Annloe remarked warmly to Drusilla. His eyes seemed to cut through her, finding what she desired most of all. “Valtari shall show you to your quarters. Take as long as you’d like sweet girl. Feel free to walk around and explore afterwards.” The boy then walked over to Drusilla, lightly tugging on her sleeve with a shy smile. Drusilla couldn’t help but chuckle as she stood to follow him out of the room. With her gone, Annloe leaned back, studying the two remaining men with a sharp eye that hinted towards a man with more youth than he showed.
“Now for you two,” Annloe sighed heavily. He snapped his fingers, leaning forward again. “Oh, Prince Adam, how are you faring?” he asked kindly with a warm smile. Adam chuckled, nodding with a smile. . “That is well, yes. I know much of you, Captain Rodrick. Oh yes, things are not as they seem to be, thou hast much to learn. I would dare say you are close to ready. A great task lies before thee. Beware of any who may hinder your path,” Annloe then warned Nathan, who was all but bewildered at how Annloe acted, constantly shifting his tone and emotions.
“How do you know of me?” Nathan inquired, though he had some hint of an answer. Granted, as far as he could remember, Lillian and her father hadn’t been in contact with the sorcerer for years before that fateful night. A smile broke on Annloe’s face as he laughed and sighed, pointing at Nathan.
“Things as that may soon be answered. One who hast known you long and well hath spoken of you though dead is not they,” Annloe explained cryptically. All the legends spoke of how Annloe spoke in such riddles, but for Nathan, seeing it in person was entirely different.
“You must know why we have come, great Annloe,” Adam cut in, leaning his elbow on the table as he leaned forward. “Tell me what knowledge you may have.” The man’s voice was now heavily laced with an Elvish accent as Adam cast aside with great relief the customs of Galdirr. It was as though the man sitting at the table was not the same man that worked on The Star’s Flight. In many ways it wasn’t, but in many ways it still was. However, one thing was clear. This was a man who was not destined to stay in Galdirr. No, his time there was running out, as much as it pained Nathan. The man sitting at that table was instead a prince ready to return to his kingdom and rise to taking his throne.
“Yes I do know of such things, but I wish wait tell my advice. Your mother hath worried over you many a night. Tell me what you may for me to explain,» Annloe replied, waving his hand. Adam flashed a sharp smile.
“I wish to wait myself. I hath vowed to return, and return I shall. Besides, what may be now may not be for much longer,” Adam countered. He was slipping into the same style of speech as the sorcerer, not that Nathan minded. There was a time when that was the only way Adam spoke, as long ago as that was. Annloe slowly nodded, looking at the two of them once again.
“There is one missing, is there not? Another of your party?” Annloe asked. Nathan and Adam looked at each other, wondering how the sorcerer knew what he did.
“There is one, yes. She decided to stay back and watch over the ship,” Nathan confirmed. Annloe frowned, looking out the window.
«Beware of her. These waters hold no foul ships and this land no foul person. There may yet be more to her choices then what she tells. If the Amarca is true, be extra vigilant o›er her,» Annloe mused. He paused, looking straight at Nathan with cold eyes. “There may yet be blood on her sword.”
Chapter 7:
Drusilla looked around the room Valtari had led her into. A bath had already been drawn for her, the water steaming lightly into the air. Drusilla shrugged off her clothes, slipping into the heat as she closed her eyes. A tear rolled down her cheek. Malcolm was dead. She had finally forgiven him, finally had hope of a brighter future, what she always wanted, and it was taken away. She barely understood how it hurt as bad as it did, but as she submerged herself in the water she had begun to sob. She clutched the edges of the tub, bringing herself back up for air. No. He wouldn’t want her to be like that. He’d want her to be stronger, to destroy the Brethren. It was thanks to them that Drusilla and Malcolm had both suffered. It had to stop, to end. There was no other option.
It felt good to bathe. That was the one luxury Drusilla always managed to find. Out on the road, even a spring could be used as a bath. On a ship… Well that was harder. She also hadn’t had a chance in Tiarta, as much as she would have liked it. This was the best bath Drusilla had ever taken though. There was a light scent of lavender and rose wafting up to her nose. Drusilla leaned her head back, taking it all in. This was something she could get used to. Who knew? Maybe one day when the fighting was done she’d be able to have the life she wanted, the life Malcolm would have wanted her to have. She wouldn’t give up yet. She couldn’t. That was not the Free Strider Drusilla was.
Nathan felt a chill drop over his body as his heart began to race. With Annloe’s words, Nathan was sharply reminded of Lu cleaning off her dagger. It was blood on there. That blood could have come from anything though, Nathan reminded himself. Lu wouldn’t betray her family, not like that. Still… No, Nathan wouldn’t let himself think like that. He couldn’t. He had trusted Lu to work on his ship. Until he was absolutely sure, he would give her the benefit of the doubt. He would want the same of himself. “I doubt she would hurt anyone without good reason,” Nathan insisted, looking at Adam for support. The prince was frowning, lost in thought. Slowly he shook his head.
“I wouldn’t be so sure, Nathan,” Adam muttered. “She’s not the same person she once was. I’m not sure what all she could do. I don’t think I trust her.” There was an anger and sadness in his eyes that Nathan had never seen before. The emotions on Adam’s face were more complex than Nathan realized Adam could feel.
“You may be wise on that account, Aldarathi. Your mother was not happy with your choice in her,” Annloe remarked. There was a heaviness in the air of the room. It was tense but melancholy, but most of all solemn.
“I didn’t think she would. Lu’s a Mace, isn’t she? She’s Malcolm’s sister,” Adam sighed. Annloe thought a moment before slowly nodding. Nathan on the other hand didn’t know how to respond. He refused to say that someone he trusted for so long could possibly b
etray him. The very thought of it would cause Nathan to question too much.
“I can’t sit here and just believe that Lu is a traitor. She’s a fireblood for goodness sake! What reason would she have to work for the Brethren? She’d be killed without a second thought,” Nathan growled. Adam glared at Nathan, but Annloe looked over at the captain with a sympathetic sigh.
“Dear boy, nothing is as seems be. You may consider her good and well, just as others have, but under what assumption would that be said true? One cannot just say that one is well or one is good without first considering the other options. Now, this may not be for all cases, but I know that there are such things that have been thus accused without reasoning through by you. Do not be ignorant, my lad, be wise,” Annloe advised calmly. Nathan tensed, feeling the anger and frustration boil in his blood. He got up and stormed out of the room. Valtari was waiting at the bottom of the stairs to show Nathan to his room.
The room was large with a great large window facing east. A grand tub was to the right of the door, a great bed with silk sheets right across from it. There was a soft and sweet fragrance of flowers in the air as Valtari filled the tub. It was a pleasing and calming aroma, but it also brought to Nathan’s mind thoughts of summer with his own Flower. As the boy worked, Nathan sat on the edge of the bed lost in thought. Valtari looked to Nathan as he finished, the captain just waving the boy off. Nathan soon slipped into the hot water, letting his thoughts run wildly. He kept thinking of what Annloe said. Who did Nathan wrongly think dead? There was one obvious answer, but it couldn’t. Nathan saw the flames. There were no survivors that night. Nathan was sure. He sighed.
Finishing up and drying off, Nathan walked over to the bed. He was so tired after the week he’d had, and the bed was so inviting, so soft, and so warm. He crawled beneath the covers and closed his eyes, letting himself be comforted by the warmth. He couldn’t help but think that this bed was surely made for kings. Opening his eyes, he looked around the room. That’s when it hit him. This room was none other than the chambers King Latorro used when he would stay on this island. The desk by the wall was the one Latorro would write letters from, the window sills and walls places he’d touch. This room was vast and kingly, proud and noble. This room was the bedroom of a man who brought in an era of peace, however short-lived, to a kingdom at the height of its glory. It was with that thought that Nathan fell into a deep and much needed sleep.
The Flames of Arathia Page 13
