Elliana had made sure to write out her final prophecy the first chance she had. It wasn’t usually like her to do so, but she had the feeling Annloe would need it. She wasn’t wrong, not at all. Annloe let out a heavy sigh, sitting down. He hated the waiting. Still, until Captain Herto arrived, Annloe couldn’t really do anything. He began to wonder if the second half of the prophecy would happen in his lifetime. It was clear that both parts of the Dinthlayi Amarca had a gap of time between them. How they were related, Annloe didn’t know. The first part clearly spoke of the end of the Fireblood War, but the second wasn’t so clear.
“Mother, where art thou?” Annloe muttered. He could use her wisdom more than ever. She was always better than him when it came to waiting anyways. Annloe stood, walking to his bedroom. He opened one of the drawers in his dresser and took out a sheer red scarf. How many years had it been since he was given this? It’d been too long. Still, nothing could be done. It was forbidden, and that woman had her own issues to worry about. Still, Annloe couldn’t help but miss her greatly, perhaps even more than his mother. Without that woman he felt empty, a shell. His life had only one purpose, protecting his mother’s legacy. That included the Isle and making sure the prophecies happened as planned.
Annloe was shocked when the Wise offered any aid with the Dinthlayi Amarca. Usually that wasn’t on her mind. She had other things to concern herself with. He was also shocked when he first asked the Wise about that woman. But she had just smiled and told Annloe what he wanted to know. Annloe set the scarf back in the drawer and looked out at the sea. He could see very far out in the distance Herto’s ships. So his guests would arrive by morning. Annloe smiled. It was time to start preparing.
The soldier sat watching Declan play with his toys. “Malcolm is dead,” the Brethren growled.
“Do you honestly think I give a damn?” the soldier replied with a sigh. “I don’t work for you. I am a knight of the Royal Guard, not some man in a cloak. The boy stays with me.”
“Why is he so special?” the Brethren demanded. The knight sighed, shaking his head.
“Because, he’ll make more than a decent knight,” the knight confessed. “Touch him and I will cut off your head.” The Brethren frowned.
“Then when the Eknar arrives, you had better be prepared,” the Brethren warned. The knight smiled, looking down at Declan.
“Oh, don’t worry, I more than will,” the knight assured. “I more than will.”
Chapter 14:
Adam looked out on the courtyard to the back of the castle where he used to play as a boy. He once used to wish he could raise his and Lu’s children here. Now… Now he wouldn’t want to see her again. The prince sighed. Lillian walked up to him. “I think I remember you. You worked for Sefton,” Lillian remarked.
“Very true,” Adam confirmed. “He thinks you’re dead, Lillian. It eats at him every day.”
“It’s eaten at me too,” Lillian sighed. She looked back. “What’s Drusilla’ s story?” Adam smiled softly.
“Another broken soul,” Adam mused. “She’s been through hell and back, and come out stronger. She’s a Free Strider, has been since her mother was killed by the Brethren.”
“Damn them all,” Lillian hissed, “And Malcolm most of all.”
“Least,” Adam corrected, turning towards her. “Malcolm was trying to please the Eknar. He was a puppet acting on commands. He wasn’t the man you think he was, anyone thought he was.”
“Was?” Lillian inquired. Adam nodded.
“He was killed by the Eknar when he tried to end his ties with the Brethren and help us take them all down,” Adam explained. “He loved Drusilla more than anything. She loved him too.”
“I wouldn’t think anyone capable of burning down a village capable of love,” Caleb growled. The two turned back to him.
“I saw a man determined to watch Malcolm bleed suddenly respect the man. I’d say he loved her quite a lot,” Adam argued. “I wasn’t there myself when that change happened, but neither he nor Drusilla came back from that island the same.” Caleb slowly nodded.
“I guess what they say is true then. The Brethren manipulate their own men,” Caleb sighed.
“I wouldn’t put it past them,” Adam agreed. “I’ll let you two be. I’d like to enjoy being home.”
«You have accessed your true potential, child,» Queen Avariana explained. Drusilla stretched, energy coursing through her. “That blade was forged by the Ancient Ones from long ago. Their power has long been used to aid the most powerful firebloods. You and Captain Rodrick are both powerful firebloods, descendants of the very founders of the Yulgarra Tribes. Not even the Dark Forces that lay hidden deep can stop you or any of your bloodlines.” Drusilla let the words sink in. The founders of the Yulgarra Tribes were called Karret’s Mistake, the children of a man who slept with an Ancient One long ago. They led what would become the first firebloods in the battles of the Fields of Yulgarra in Tayanta long ago, forming Galdirr after their victory. To be a part of that bloodline was to be the purest and most powerful of fireblood.
Drusilla figured that her mother probably had no idea of their legacy. Breena used to talk about those leaders so often, but never once mentioned being related to them. Then again, after a thousand years, it was hard to keep track of one’s lineage. Still, perhaps Breena had some notion. Why else would she work so hard to collect stories of those battles or the red gypsy and the blue sorcerer? She wouldn’t deal with any tale though. No, she’d search hard for the truth behind each legend. It was her life’s work. “You are of great power, Drusilla. Never doubt yourself,” Avariana advised with a smile before walking away. Drusilla wasn’t alone long before Adam stepped in though. He was dressed in Elven garb now, a silver band of a crown on his head. He looked a true prince now, no longer the sailor. All the same it fit him perfectly. His hair was pushed back now, showing his ears. He truly did look a lot like his mother.
Adam studied her a moment before looking down at her dagger. He chuckled, crossing his arms. “I had a feeling you were one of the more powerful firebloods,” Adam remarked as Drusilla returned the still warm dagger to its sheath, resting her hands on her waist. She had a clearer understanding now, but still a lot of questions needing answered.
“Nathan’s the heir, isn’t he?” Drusilla questioned. Adam let out a heavy sigh, slowly nodding. “Why didn’t you say something earlier? We’re letting him travel alone with the person we believe to be the Eknar. There is no one else who can take that sword and wield it as it should be.” Drusilla didn’t want to think of Lu as the Eknar as that meant that Malcolm was killed by his own sister, but it made so much sense. It explained why he had been so devoted to the Brethren to begin with, and why he was so willing to bring them all down.
“He can care for himself. We must rely on the prophecy. If she doesn›t know that he›s the heir, which I believe to be true, then there is nothing to worry about. Please get some rest. It will help,” Adam explained. Drusilla studied him.
“We’re on the verge of war, aren’t we?” Drusilla asked quietly. Adam sighed, walking forward and taking her in his arms. It was clear he just wanted her safe, and Nathan too. They both wanted Nathan safe, but they both knew that fulfilling this prophecy meant putting their lives on the line. More than anything, they all just wanted to make it out of this alive.
“Yes, I’m afraid we are. Get some sleep, Sill. Trust me, it will help you. I’ll wake you when we’re ready to leave,” Adam answered softly, trying to sooth her. Drusilla pulled back walking to the servant that was waiting for her. “Sill?” Adam called after her. Drusilla turned. “You know what, never mind. Sleep well.” Drusilla smiled, being led away to a bedroom by the servant. Adam sighed heavily as his mother reentered the room.
“You should just tell her,” Avariana remarked. Adam looked at her.
“Is this coming from my mother or my mother’s good friend?” Adam inquired. Avariana smiled.
“The Wise would agree with me, but no, c
hild, this is coming from your mother who has missed you terribly,” Avariana replied. They sat down at the table.
“I heard of Father’s death,” Adam pointed out. Avariana slowly nodded.
“We have not figured out how, but I suspect that whoever took Elliana killed him. He was hunting in the north when they found him,” Avariana explained. Adam leaned back.
“North as in where the Wise dwells or north as in the mountains?” Adam inquired.
“Mountains,” Avariana replied. Adam tensed.
“He should have been smarter than that, Mother,” Adam hissed. “We’ve all been warned of that place.” Avariana just nodded, and Adam looked up at her. “Showing her Elliana may not have been wise. It’ll only get Annloe back searching.”
“Is that so wrong? I would hope if I were missing you would search for me as he has,” Avariana argued. Adam smiled. He missed the way they would banter like this.
“Of course I would, Mother,” Adam assured. He let out a heavy sigh. “I should have trusted your judgment on Lu. I apologize.”
“What’s done is done, my dear son,” Avariana sighed. She studied Adam’s face. “You have grown so much. You must learn by experience. You were always that way, even as a child.”
“I am a child no longer,” Adam remarked. He paused. “When all is said and done and this war over, I mean to return. For good. It is time. With Father dead…” He looked down at his tattoo. Avariana slowly nodded.
“When you do, bring the Free Strider along. Whether or not you tell her how you feel, I am beginning to grow quite fond of her,” Avariana instructed.
“If she is willing,” Adam promised. “Drusilla… She is a free spirit. She makes her own decisions. I think Nathan was drawn to her for how alike she and Lillian can be at times.” Avariana smiled.
“She is much better at following instructions,” Avariana laughed. Adam slowly nodded.
“Considering she told Nathan to go to Annloe on your word, I would agree,” Adam sighed. “So how is the Wise?”
“Putting the little details in place even though she does not have to. She comes less and less as of late, but I do not mind. With you back, I will have no need for a companion to talk with,” Avariana replied. Adam sighed.
“I do miss our talks, Mother,” Adam winked. Avariana smiled at her son. She was looking forward to having her son back entirely once and for all.
Drusilla dreamt of fire. It rose high in the air, devouring trees as people screamed. The clash of swords rang in the wind, ashes covering the fortress of a city. There was a forest, a distance away but not too far. It was a sacred wood, and in it was a calm and peace. It beckoned to her as she stood in the midst of battle, the screams of dying men all around her. Adam, out of breath, stood next to Drusilla, both watching what seemed to be Nathan and Lu. There was a piercing pain in her side. An arrow. Her eyes widened as she crumbled to the ground, the flames hot, the screams louder, ashes choking every breath. The forest beckoned to her, the ruins of something. A doorway in stone, broken down by time. Stairs led down into darkness… Darkness swallowing her… And everywhere there was blood in the flames.
Part 3: The Final Spark
Chapter 1:
The city of Anikarra had few nights as quiet as this. It seemed as though the fortress was holding its breath for something. Knights and soldiers walked the streets, their boots clanging against the stones. Families slept in their homes, stars shining bright over head as the late summer breeze brushed through the streets. An old and fat king was asleep in his chambers after another evening of partying and whores. Declan was asleep in his new protector’s bed after a bad dream, a child now happy to have a family. The light of torches reflected on the near empty streets, a few whores on the corners searching for work but no one was buying. The city was asleep, and for once at total peace. Very few people realized that this was only the calm before the storm.
Luther sat by the fire. Zerienne walked out to see him. “You’re thinking of that boy again,” Zerienne sighed.
“His name is Declan,” Luther muttered. “And I’m thinking more of his mother. Wherever she is, I hope she knows what’s going on. No one deserves revenge against the Brethren more than her.”
“She was just a child,” Zerienne agreed with a sigh. Luther slowly nodded.
“Serapha looks like me,” Luther pointed out. Zerienne glared at him.
“Don’t you go there, Luther,” Zerienne growled. Luther held up his hands.
“I won’t,” Luther assured. He looked around. “No, not at all.” Zerienne slowly nodded.
“Why did you ever help Drusilla? You were never the one for apprentices,” Zerienne inquired. Luther sighed.
“If a girl came to you with a story like she did, you’d do what you could to keep her safe,” Luther explained.
“This is the end of a war, Luther,” Zerienne reminded him.
“The end of a bitter era. And may Latorro’s heir rise again,” Luther echoed, getting up to go back inside his tent. They would have a long ride ahead of them in the morning, and that was only the beginning.
Nathan was watching the stars. Lu sat a bit away from him, staring out at the water. Both were silent, just as they had been. They’d reach Galdirr by the morning, and the real work would begin on foot. Nathan would prefer horses, but they didn’t really have much of an option. Now more than ever he was glad his parents had him memorize maps of Galdirr. It would all be helpful now. Nathan sighed, staring blankly at Lu. Was he right in trusting her? He supposed it wouldn’t be much longer now before he found out.
It was still evening when Drusilla awoke. A bath had been drawn for her. She could smell the fragrance of the water. Stretching and trying to push past her dream, Drusilla walked over to the tub. The water soothed her, calming her fears. “You’re in the thick of it now, Sill,” Drusilla muttered to herself, sinking further into the steaming water. It’d been such a long day and she was still a bit tired. All the same, there was work yet to be done. Drusilla understood that. She looked over at her dagger and for the first time all day wondered how much Nathan knew about everything. He obviously had to know something. He wanted to go to the sword. He had to have realized he was the only one who could use it.
Drusilla stepped out and began drying off, feeling much more relaxed again. A dark green shirt and light gray pants were sitting folded on the nearby couch. Drusilla smiled. She was growing quite accustomed to Elven clothing. It felt good against her skin, and she wouldn’t mind traveling in this. Looking around, she saw Malcolm’s cloak had been taken out of her bag and washed. Smiling, Drusilla slipped it on. It still smelled of him, oddly enough. Still, Drusilla liked it that way. In an odd way it comforted her. She slid on her boots, which had also been washed and repaired, and the belt that held her sword and dagger sheath. Malcolm’s sword had also been polished and sharpened, much more to Drusilla’s liking. She sheathed the dagger as well and grabbed her bag. Passing the mirror, Drusilla stopped. Around her irises was a gold band. She looked a little harder at it and realized that Nathan had the same thing. So the captain had also reached his true potential. Drusilla sighed, quickly braiding her hair.
Studying herself in the mirror, Drusilla saw someone new. She wasn’t Drusilla the Free Strider, or young Melody Kloy. No, in the fire those two had been merged and made new. This was Drusilla Melody Kloy, daughter of Captain Herto Blackwright and descendent of the Yulgarra Tribes. Drusilla let a flame dance across the palm of her hand and smiled. Yes, she could get used to this woman. In the mirror, Drusilla noticed some chain mail behind her. She slipped off her cloak and belt to slip the mail on, returning everything as it was. Now there was work to be done. Drusilla took a deep breath and left the room to find the others.
She only had to look as far as the dining room. Caleb, Lillian, and Adam were all sitting at the table. Adam stood with a smile as Drusilla entered the room. “Miss Free Strider,” Caleb greeted.
“Kloy,” Drusilla corrected, sitting down at the t
able. She studied Caleb with sharp eyes. He was the sly kind of charmer who loved to have a few women around. He reminded Drusilla of the soldiers at Lokko. Her eyes narrowed.
“Well then, Miss Kloy, we were just discussing the course of action to take,” Caleb sighed. He was obviously trying to draw her in. Drusilla knew the game. She also knew how to win. She leaned back, playing with the ring Malcolm had given her now hanging on a chain on her neck.
“We should go to the land of those who support the firebloods. We will need help,” Drusilla offered, knowing that if war truly was coming that the other Free Striders, most of whom were firebloods, would go there first to gain support.
“Why should we listen to you?” Lillian questioned. Without even looking at her, Drusilla slipped the dagger out from its sheath and placed it on the table. Lillian looked at it with wide eyes, Caleb looking over as well. Drusilla crossed her arms. “That- that dagger, it is one of the Ancient Blades!” Lillian exclaimed. Adam lightly chuckled, exchanging an amused glance with Drusilla.
“Miss Serenity, I do believe that you won’t need to think who should lead,” Adam remarked. “I also agree that it is a good course of action. I know that in Southern Galdirr a revolt is waiting to take action. All we need to do is ride in and tell the people that the heir is already marching towards Anikarra.”
“If a revolt is starting, the Free Striders will be a part of it and I know they’re gathering. I was going to meet them when I joined you,” Drusilla added. She sighed. “And the first place they’d go is an old abandoned town such as Norto to meet together before the fight.”
The Flames of Arathia Page 18
