The Everlands Chronicles: The Truth

by A. J. Bell

  “You want me to be her friend? That’s your big quest for me – to become a friend to the Princess. Now that is a dangerous task,” I said sarcastically.

  “If you do this for me, then I’ll let you go to Dorian–”

  “I don’t need your permission to see him,” I snapped.

  “He won’t make any advances as long as he thinks you’re marrying me. You go and deliver the news of my wedding personally, under the seal of His Majesty’s official messenger – sash and all. You’ll stand before my cousin and announce your freedom to him. What happens after that will be entirely up to you two, unless you’d rather go to Richard?”

  “Leave Richard out of this conversation. He is better off not knowing the truth. When are we leaving?” I said eagerly.

  Victor smiled, since he knew I couldn’t wait to know if Sir Dorian felt anything for me.

  “Daniel has to prepare his men for the trip. You’ll leave when they arrive in Abilene. I have sent a messenger out for them to prepare The Jewel of the Seas, the ship in which you’ll sail. I’ll have them bring enough gowns to last you the entire trip. John can get on the ship, but once you set sail, Elle needs to be the one aboard. Is that clear?”

  I rolled my eyes at him. I wasn’t a little girl; yet, sometimes he talked to me as if I were. “Crystal clear, Your Royal Highness,” I said.

  Victor, Daniel, and Richard would be leaving the following morning for the Everlands, taking Doctor Stern with them to take care of Richard on the way, in case of a relapse.

  I would depart for Abilene at the same time because I wanted to have enough time to spend with Meav and her family before I left for Ganzale.

  We said our goodbyes with early dawn. Victor, Daniel, and Richard gave me my much deserved pat on the back and half-hug that was notorious of the knights of the realm.

  “I’ll see you soon in Abilene,” said Daniel. I nodded.

  Leaving Andora took longer than expected. Mother smothering me in hugs and warnings delayed me a bit on the start of the journey.

  “You better stay out of trouble,” Mother repeated, often, and followed it with a bear hug.

  Stardust, my loyal mare, had returned to Andora while I was in Surien, and helpful Dash had prepared her for me to ride. He was a good help to have around, or so I thought until he showed his stubborn side.

  “Where do you think you are going?” I asked as he mounted his horse and lined up with Stardust.

  “With you,” he said simply. Mother sighed in relief. I’m sure she would’ve hugged him too, had he not been on the horse already. “You need me to watch over you, and also it would give your mother some peace to know her only daughter won’t be traveling alone on the wild roads to Abilene.” He looked at my mother, who was not just pleased but was extremely happy, so I decided to play along.

  “Fine! But don’t expect me to protect you if someone decides to take it personal I’m with a Gypsy.”

  “Ouch!” he said jokingly. He was like the male version of me, except that he was a bit more stubborn.

  “Where are we camping for the night?” Dash asked me after we’d rode for a few hours.

  “We need to get deeper into the woods, and then we can set up a small fire to keep us warm through the night.”

  “Are you always this fearless?” he asked in awe.

  “Fearless?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Not fearless. I’m just a good actress,” I responded.

  “Doesn’t seem like an act. I guess you’re that good.”

  The nights were getting cooler, because fall was knocking at our doorstep. Not having a fire by night was out of the question, so Dash quickly gathered some wood and started a fire. We ate bread with jam and some dried meat Mother had prepared for us. Our canteens were still half-full, so we were able to quench our thirst easily. I took first watch so Dash could get some rest; I wouldn’t be caught sleeping again. As soon as we were out of Andora, I loosened my hair and put on the ring that Kaneethee gave me. For some reason, wearing it made me feel safe while on the roads, but only when I was Elle. Looking at the reflection of the flames on the onyx rose was captivating – a beautiful jewel for anybody to possess.

  “Where did you get it?” asked Dash, sitting up. I wanted to say it wasn’t his business, but if Daniel and Victor were telling the truth and Dash was a Gypsy, it was his business.

  “It was a gift,” I said, remembering the night of Kaneethee’s murder.

  “I’m sorry about your loss,” he said. How did he know? I wondered, but I didn’t ask. He noticed my reaction. “A gift like that,” he said, nodding towards the ring, “can only be given at someone’s passing away. Only one person can bear its power; only one person can be ruler.”

  “Ruler?” I was taken aback by his words.

  “You were wearing that ring in Surien when we caught you. That’s the reason father pledged Surien to you – not the help in battle, but the ring. The power that your ring represents gained our allegiance.” I kept quiet. “I was very surprised to see your parents. They’re Everlanders, correct?”

  “It’s Mother’s blonde hair. Father’s hair was darker when he was younger, like mine.” I felt the need to explain.

  Dash chuckled. “Everlands people hate Gypsy people,” he stated, “but they seemed to love you.”

  “Not sure what you are insinuating,” I said, defensively.

  “That you’re not their daughter,” he said calmly, “or at least, that’s what Kaneethee thought when she gave you the ring.”

  “You don’t know me or my parents, so I suggest you shut your mouth before I shut it for you! And how did you know about Kaneethee?” I stood up and began walking towards Stardust, pretending to look for something in the saddle bags.

  “I didn’t mean to insult you. I was only telling you what seems obvious to almost anybody but you, even your Prince. Besides, being a Gypsy isn’t that bad,” he said. “Kaneethee owned that ring and my father knew her, if you need to know.”

  I ignored him until he finally lay back down and fell asleep. I didn’t wake him up to do the second guard, since I couldn’t have fallen to sleep anyway with so much on my mind.

  As we approached the Abilene city borders and stopped by a small pond so that we could refill our canteens and get cleaned up. Dash stayed back with the horses while I got in the water. Vanity could be my fatal flaw. I couldn’t imagine myself as a woman on the streets of Abilene with a dirty face and a bad hairdo. The water felt cold when my skin first came in contact with it, but as I lingered there, my body became more comfortable.

  “Did you get those scars in the Everlands prison?” asked Dash.

  “What are you doing?” I snapped back at him while using my arms to cover my front. “I’m watching your back!” Dash replied, laughing.

  “Get out of here!” I commanded. I was infuriated. I came out of the water and put on the first gown I could find. Then I got on Stardust and began riding towards Abilene, not speaking to him.

  Dash caught up with me and began to apologize. “Sorry about–”

  “About spying on me?” I cut him off.

  “You were taking too long. I was just making sure you weren’t in trouble.”

  “I don’t need a nursemaid. If that’s the reason you came, you might as well go back. But if you stay and I catch you spying on me again, you’ll regret it.”

  “It won’t happen again. Unless you call for me, I’ll keep my distance next time you are naked.”

  “Did you see my–”

  “Only your back, nothing else, I promise.”

  He seemed truthful. I relaxed a little bit. I could only hope he was telling the truth and not that he had enjoyed the view and lied to me to avoid any more trouble.

  The streets of Abilene were crowded as usual; nothing seemed to have changed from the last time I was there. We arrived at Lord Darius’s house around supper. The smell of apples and spices was breathtaking. Madam Kressie was baking her delicious apple pie.

  We knocked,
and the door opened to show a woman of about twenty-nine-years-of-age with a shy smile. She was unfamiliar to me. I didn’t remember her from my past trip to Abilene.

  “May I help you?” she asked. “My name is–”

  “Elle! You are here!” interrupted Meav. She pushed the woman aside and wrapped her arms around me. “And who’s this?” she asked, very excitedly looking at Dash.

  “This is Dash from Surien, and the answer is No! We’re he does not fancy me.” Meav didn’t hide her disappointment, but I was glad I cleared that up.

  “Too bad!” said Meav. “A double wedding would’ve been so much fun.”

  I laughed at her implication.

  “Then, perhaps, we can get Jane to marry,” said Ghad now, standing next to his bride-to-be. The woman who opened the door blushed. “Was your journey smooth?” Ghad asked.

  “He must know about your getting in trouble all the time,” mumbled Dash. I shot a glance at him.

  “That’s not a secret, my friend,” said Ghad, shaking Dash’s hand in a welcoming grip.

  “Jane, this is my friend, Elle.” Jane bowed her head in acknowledgement. “Elle, this is my older sister Jane, who just got back from the Gardenhills border the day before yesterday. She brought news of Dorian’s whereabouts–”

  “Sir Dorian!” Jane remarked firmly.

  “Anyway,” said Meav, “she will stay for my wedding, and then go back up there.”

  I wondered if she would share the news with me if I inquired about Sir Dorian. Maybe I could ask her later, in private, since Meav seemed to be in control.

  “We need to ask Darius–”

  “Lord Darius!” Jane corrected her sister.

  “Lord Darius,” said Meav, rolling her eyes at her sister. “I’m sure he’ll let you stay here, but it still doesn’t hurt to ask. Your friend can stay with Ghad.” She blew a kiss in Ghad’s direction. He pretended to catch it and put it in his pocket over his heart. Then went out to help Dash unload the horses. I did my best not to laugh at their silliness. “I have so many things to tell you,” Meav said as she pulled me by the hand along the hallway towards her room.

  Jane followed us silently. The sisters were so different in their personalities, but not in looks. I was sure Meav would look like Jane in a few years. I was also sure Jane once looked the same as Meav did. “Close your eyes,” Meav demanded. Jane grabbed the door knob while Meav came and stood behind me, covering my eyes with her hands. “I don’t want you to peek!” she said excitedly.

  Meav’s emotions were contagious, and I couldn’t help but let the excitement build inside of me too. When Jane opened the door, Meav removed her hands.

  I opened my eyes slowly, and there was the most gorgeous gown I had ever seen. The sleeves were elbow length with draped ends that almost reached the ground. The bodice was embroidered in pearls and tiny white seashells that shone multicolored in the sun. The skirt fell sleek and smooth to the ground and was covered in lace that looked like the sea waves on the Abilene shore.

  “Is it not the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?” Meav asked.

  I nodded in silence, mesmerized by its appearance. “You’ll be the most beautiful bride Abilene has ever seen,” I said and gave her a big hug.

  “Meav, you need to ask Lord Darius for permission to have My Lady stay here,” said Jane shyly.

  Meav sighed. “I guess she’s right,” she said. “I’ll find him. He should be getting ready to go to dinner. Jane, will you stay with Elle?”

  “No, I must help Mother in the kitchen.” She exited the room quickly.

  “I’ll come with you,” I said, following Meav.

  Lord Darius was inside of his office, perhaps reading or taking a nap, or maybe both. When he walked out with Meav, he had one arm wrapped around her shoulders, until he saw me, and then his eyes widened.

  “Meav dear,” Lord Darius said, “why don’t you go and help your mother with dinner? I’m starving,” he told her, but looked straight at me. “I’ll show your friend where she’ll stay.”

  “I’ll see you at dinner,” Meav said. She kissed my cheek and went down the hallway, running.

  “Follow me, My Lady,” Dorian’s father said. We stopped in front of his son’s room. He opened the door and watched for my reaction. He recognized me! I am doomed! He walked to the small chest by the door and took a folded piece of paper out of it.

  “My son was right. You’re alive,” he said, staring at the paper. “He should be here to see you with his own eyes.” Lord Darius could read me perfectly. “You’ve seen my son?” I nodded. “Why then, is he not with you?” he said, handing over the paper to me – my drawing.

  “If it is true that a woman is to blame for your son’s departure to the Gardenhills, then I’m at fault, Lord Darius,” I said regretfully.

  “I wish I could blame you and feel at peace at last, but it is not so easy. My son is the Peace Ambassador of the Everlands, so wherever turmoil arises, Dorian goes. He can either calm the war or fight it; that’s the way my son has chosen to serve the Crown.” We remained silent for a few moments, until Meav and Jane showed up with the announcement of dinner being ready.

  “You will stay here, My Lady, in this very room. I would send you to the castle, but I’m afraid since we weren’t expecting you, the castle isn’t prepared for visitors. Tonight, Dorian’s chambers will be yours.”

  “Thank you, My Lord. May I be too bold and ask to remain in your son’s chambers until it’s my time to depart?” He nodded in consent, although I noticed a pair of eyes staring at me resentfully – Jane’s. Her stares continued all through dinner.

  At the table, I was honored to sit next to Lord Darius. Next to me were Meav and her soon-to-be husband Ghad.

  Lord Darius leaned towards me. “I never got to thank your mother properly for what she did for me. Without her, I would’ve lost my life and not just my leg.”

  “Healer hands. I hope one day my hands work the same wonders as hers.”

  He squeezed my hands with his. Although I knew not the complete story, I could feel his gratitude.

  “I’m sure of that,” Lord Darius said, giving me a smile that made me feel at home.

  The next few days were full of excitement and went by so fast that, sooner than expected the wedding day arrived. Meav looked stunning in her bridal gown. The wedding took place at the castle by the shore of LaFonte Manor.

  Half of Abilene was formally invited; the other half showed up anyway. That was the Abilene way. If there was food and drink and a party, the Abilenes would make sure to be numbered among the ones present.

  Lord Darius walked Meav down the aisle, where Ghad waited for her anxiously. There was so much happiness in the air that I was choking with joy.

  The dance was wonderful too. Even Madam Kressie and Lord Darius joined in the dancing. Lord Darius did an excellent job shuffling around on his wooden leg.

  I danced a few times with Dash. Nobody here seemed to care he was a Gypsy – another great thing about the Abilenes. However, I noticed that Jane wasn’t sharing the joy; she declined every request to dance. She looked sad, as if she would rather not be there. After a few minutes, I didn’t see her anymore.

  Dash had so much energy that he danced with me, Madam Kressie, Meav, and he even tried to get Jane onto the dance floor before she disappeared, but she said no to him.

  I had too much dancing for one night, and I needed some fresh air. Walking to the terrace, I heard Jane quietly sobbing. She had her back leaned against a wall and was trying to muffle her cries with her hands over her mouth.

  “Jane, are you all right?” She wiped her tears and tried to hide her face from me. “Is there anything I can do for you?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “I’m fine,” she said.

  “Do you want to share your pain with a stranger like me?”

  “I said I’m fine!” Jane said sharply.

  “Well then, sorry to disrupt you. If you happen to want to talk to somebody about it, I
’m a good listener.”

  “She looks very happy,” she said as I started to walk away. “Meav is nine years younger than me, you know, and she’s married now to a good man. I just wonder if anything like that will happen to me.” She began to sob again. I stood next to her and put my arm around her; not speaking – only listening. “I wonder if there will be a man who cares for me like Ghad does for her.”

  “Being alone isn’t that bad. You’ve a bit more freedom.” She looked at me like I made no sense at all, but our lives were very different, since I was a woman who pretended to be a man. “Many women choose the path of solitude without regrets–” She continued to stare at me like I was speaking in Fieldstream.

  “I haven’t chosen to be alone. The man I love doesn’t acknowledge me, and thus I stand alone.”

  “Men can be ignorant when it comes to that.” I knew that for a fact, having shared many nights among men as one of them. “Maybe you should summon the courage to tell him how you feel; maybe you should stand up straight in front of him and just show him how he makes you feel when you are close to him…”

  “Are you out of your mind! What kind of woman would do that? Lower your dignity like a whore for money on the streets–”

  “A woman in love would do it. If you think that loving him is wrong, then you can die full of dignity and alone, but if he’s a free man, not engaged nor married, why would you just stand there and do nothing. The worst thing that could happen is he won’t love you back, but at least you’ll know for certain that he’s out of reach, and you won’t have to hide in the shadows to cry your sorrows. I would take a broken heart rather than the torment that such uncertainty would put me through,” I concluded and walked away from her. Perhaps I should take my own advice and seek the man who has been clouding my judgment lately. I must speak to Dorian.

  On the day of my departure, Lord Darius presented me with a gift – a pendant, about four inches long, three inches wide, and encrusted with all sorts of unimaginable jewels and symmetric engravings as decorations. He also pulled out a braided silver necklace, threaded it through the loop on the upper part of the pendant, and then put it around my neck.