by Amy Morris
“So since Ned and Alex are cousins, first cousins at that, is King Alex like you,” Talia blurts out.
“No, thankfully Alex’s parents where not of our line, but my husbands are. My poor sister has to wait him out to put it bluntly, but Vernet helps where he can.” She gives me a wink, I assume she knows what I do about their relationship.
My mind is still trying to ignore the sexual comment my mother just made. I still have to ask, “My father’s alive? Why isn’t he here?”
“To survive we had to separate again, unfortunately. But do not fear he knows as much about you as I do, actually I’ve communicated twice with him since you arrived here.” Her smile and words feel almost comforting, but with everything I’ve just learned, they aren’t completely. “I can hear the worry in your mind my child, but do not fret. We never meant to hurt you, only protect you. There is a force in this land that still strives to destroy what little magic exists. With you possibly being the chosen one to restore it, we had to make the hardest decision of our lives, leaving you and each other to bide our time until you were ready. And for that I am deeply sorry, and your father Abigail.”
“Did you just now speak to him again?” I ask, she quickly nods to confirm my suspicion. “Where is he then since he’s supposed to be dead?”
“When he disappeared it was to Calisle Monastery in the foothills of Cordova.” She answers readily enough.
“So how did you just see him two weeks ago?”
“Easily enough, no one ever second guesses business between religious houses. Ambassadors from convents and monasteries meet all the time under the guise of trade or spiritual enlightenment.” The look on her face leaves me astonished at how easy it is for her to live like this. My confusion has turned to hurt, during this conversation it seems I was the only one not let in a secret they all share. “Do not fret my child,” she tells me, entering my mind once again, “All was done to protect you. The family we chose was not the right one, and for that we are sorry. But know that everything we did was with your best interest at heart.” She takes a deep breath and opens her eyes before she continues aloud. “I am deeply sorry if they mistreated you, we never dreamed you would be. But it was paramount at the time to keep you safe, my dear.” I’m getting offended with how everyone has lied to protect me, even if it was for my own good.
Gossimer yawns first as another nun comes in to take the tray. “Dinner was over an hour ago, but if you need anything sent in?” My mother waves her off with apologizes for missing the main meal, and assurances that we are fine before leaving the sofa to direct us as to where we will sleep.
Opening the door two rooms down, she informs us that this is where Goss, Talia and Angel can sleep. I’m waiting expectantly for her to call this my room as well when she notifies us I’ll be sharing hers. I’m at a loss when she announces this, but my friends take their leave, expressing gratitude for the room they are to share. Goss squeezes me in a hug before we depart, whispering that this will be good for me. That I should learn what I can while here before yawning and entering the room similarly outfitted to my mothers.
“I don’t mean to keep you all to myself, but I’m not sure how else we’ll be able to get to know one another with the short time we have.” I want to reply that not abandoning me all those years ago would have made it a lot easier. She turns to me with sadness in her eyes, “I regret having to do that every day that has passed. And before you ask or think about it, your father feels the same way. If it had not been for the constant updates on you or being able to see your father every few months I don’t think I would have survived.”
“Will I ever meet my father?”
“You will, my child. Now shall we have a glass of sweet wine? I can start answering all those questions you probably have.” We walk past the sitting room from earlier and enter what is really her bed chamber. The same elegance is present. No wonder they come to places like this to hide before reentering the world.
She gestures to the two armchairs with a small gilded table between them nestled in front of a warm fire. Before even taking my seat, I lose control of my mouth. “Why did you go at all? You knew where my father was and could have easily taken the crown back.”
Taking a deep breath as she settles into her own chair, she stares at the fire for a long moment before answering me. “That is actually more complicated than it seems from the outside. If I had brought your father back Alex surely would have killed him. I almost gave in and wed Alex just to keep you, but at Annibelle’s encouragement I stuck to the original plan of disappearing. Even though they turned out of her control for a bit in the beginning. But she’s been so strong all these years, thankfully her favored power can subdue Alex quickly.” She lets out a quick snort, “actually she taps a person a certain way and they fall asleep for hours.”
“That explains why she’s able to keep him out of her bed then. What’s my father like? Does he have a special power he favors?” My hand shakes as I set the goblet down, eager to find out more about him.
“Ned is taller than both of us at over six feet, muscular build much like you, very athletic. His eyes are a soft brown with specs of green and medium brown hair that he keeps short. He has two forms of power he favors, which is more than average before you ask. The first is the power of suggestion and the second is conjuring storms.”
“He can control other people’s minds?” I almost choke on the date I’ve been chewing.
“Not so much mind control, more of the ability to sway people to do what he wants. I see I may not be explaining it correctly, let me try it this way. Controlling someone’s mind would give him the ability to have that person slap their own face. He can’t do that. It’s more of getting a dark secret to come out or change a negative thought to a positive one. Does that make more sense?” she asks.
“Let’s be honest, none of the past few days makes much sense, but I get the gist of what you’re saying about his ability. So what’s your secret power?” I’m more than curious at this point to find out.
She laughs, then after a moment of silence a large fluffy white cat jumps into her lap. “I can control animals, hear their thoughts and communicate with them without speaking.”
“Do you have any idea what mine might be?”
“More than likely it’s one of your father’s or mine, since abilities seem to be a hereditary trait. Since your powers aren’t tested yet, we have no way of knowing. I don’t want to keep you up too late, so if you’re tired we can turn in.”
“Just one more question please, what is the prophecy I’m supposed to fulfill? Am I really meant to put back together an amulet to restore the magic in Fraine? Or is Kermit a bigger loon than I thought?” These are the actual answers I need, I repeat in my mind, hoping she knows the truth of all of this.
“You know, I’m still surprised that Vernet didn’t have that discussion with you and left it to Kermit. The next time I see those two, I’m asking about that. Of all people to discuss a prophecy with, Vernet is definitely the better choice. But I digress, yes, the story he told you is true. After he broke the amulet, Verona, the strongest seer in Fraine, ordained that the rightful heir to Fraine and Groves would be the one to make it whole again. Magic will once again fill the land and our people can return. The power from the line that destroyed it and the ones who control it.”
“How am I the rightful heir to both kingdoms?” I ask while rubbing my temples, trying to sort all this out still.
“This entire land was full of magic long ago, just like Fraine. Greed and power destroyed it with wars until they left only a handful of people with abilities in existence. The only royal family with any magic line left was King Edmond’s. He would keep magic users prisoner and use them against enemies in battle to win without effort. That’s why he could destroy the amulet. Only someone with powers could do what he did. Your father is a direct descendant of his, actually I’m not sure if I should be the one to tell you this or not. King Edmond is your grandfather. That�
�s why we believe you’re the one to undo it. A complete heir from both direct lines.” She changes into her chemise and robe while I sit silently in my chair still.
How is any of this possible? How do I fix a broken amulet? What powers do I possess? Still trying to piece everything together, I let out a loud moan and throw my arms up into the air, giving up at this late hour.
“After a good night’s rest, much will be clearer to you in the morning, I think.” She holds out a nightdress to change into and I numbly comply, not knowing what else to do. “Do not fear my child, things are about to change for you. Not all of it will be easy, I’m afraid. But I know you can accomplish this task. For now, sleep is what you need. Tomorrow is the start of two busy days of training before you leave me.” Tucking us both into bed, I can’t for the life of me figure out how I’m going to sleep.
But before I know it she’s using her fingers to comb my hair, the gentle touch is soothing, leaving my eyes to grow heavy enough to shut. With no more thoughts, I slip into a deep sleep cuddled against my mother.
10
My teeth rattle again inside my head as the impact from the practice sword vibrates through me. Angel looks apologetic from the sidelines, but Talia who just struck my left shoulder doesn’t look sorry at all. “I was told not to take it easy on you, you have a lot to learn in a short time princess,” she throws at me ignoring the dirty look I’m giving her.
“Shouldn’t I be learning how to form my magic not deflecting sword blows?” I ask, looking my mother’s direction. “What’s next dodging arrows?”
“This exercise daughter is to learn how to use a sword, not just deflect blows. With more training you’ll be able to control your sword better, so you just aren’t defending yourself. Do not worry about your magic now, that will come at the right time. I will do all I can to prepare you for that. Now Angel trade with Talia and work with Abby some more.”
“So that’s a no for a break I’m guessing?” Angel uses his sword to correct my legs and everyone here ignores my comment. He takes it a little easier on me compared to Talia for the next three hours, but the work is still hard. I’m already sore from previous hours spent on these lessons.
After lunch I get a reprieve from sword play and am set up with a bow by Goss. An hour has passed before I no longer scrape my arm with the string and can hit the target. Two hours later, I can hit a bullseye every five to six arrows. My preference for defense is now the bow after my disastrous morning with a sword.
At sunset we stop for dinner, but instead of being led to the dining hall as we were for lunch I’m led to my mother’s room while the rest head elsewhere.
“I heard the bow progressed much better later in the day, I’m glad for that. For myself, I always fancied knives for close contact over the sword, so maybe we give that a try. But for now, follow me for a bath before we eat. I’m sure you could use a hot soak after today.” I follow my mother through the sitting area and into the bedchamber. She waits for me holding a dark blue dress and robe. “Here, try this on,” she directs me. “And leave off your undergarments if you will.”
After pulling on the dress, I don’t need a mirror to realize how short it is. “This is small, wouldn’t you say?” as I walk from behind the dressing curtain to see her similarly attired waiting for me.
“Don’t worry its fine.” Following her through a side door I hadn’t realized was in the wall beyond the fireplace, we enter a room lined in white stone and engulfed in steam. Hearing my friend’s voices echo ahead, we continue to walk past small circular pools of water to a larger square one. “So I see the three of you decided on using the hot bath first.”
“They mentioned the cold baths, didn’t sound as nice as this,” Talia quips from the pool emanating the steam that fills most of the room.
My mother steps in ahead of me and lets out a loud sigh, “I needed this.”
“Come on, Abby, it feels great,” Goss calls to me. I need no more encouragement and enter the waters. The water is hot but not scolding, it feels great on my aching body.
“They say the cold baths are better for aching muscles. I don’t use those often even if I am sore,” my mother smiles at me knowing my thoughts.
Angel moves to sit next to me along the edge, “How are you feeling?”
“Relaxed, don’t want to move for a while.” I answer, too sore to even speak much.
Our chatter quiets quickly as we soak in the water, they bring cold lemon water in after a few minutes and we drink the whole pitcher within minutes. I float in the pool releasing my thoughts from my mind, let it go blank for the first time in many days. Twenty minutes later, we leave to change and meet in my mother’s room for a quiet dinner.
After dressing casually back in her room, we sit and chat while waiting for the others to join us. A servant comes through the open door with a tray for us, “The other three send their regards. They dined light and headed to bed early,” as she sets the tray on the table. She bows, taking her leave of us.
“You already knew they planned to do that didn’t you?” I ask.
“I could see it in Angel’s mind, but did not know if it was a final decision yet. My feeling is that your friends want to give you as much time as possible alone with me.” She grips my left hand and cradles my right cheek in her other. “Gods, I have missed so much, how about tonight you tell me about how you were raised. Any boyfriends? I want to know everything I missed. Can you do that for me, Abigail?”
Tears burn at my eyes as I stare into her face and see the regret that she can’t hide. I take a deep breath, “now where to start…”
“Whatever you remember first, I want to hear it all. Good and bad. Even if it was trouble you were causing I want to know. Don’t worry it’s late for me to punish inappropriate behavior,” we both laugh at that.
So I do what she asks, recount my life from as young as I can remember to my birthday that just passed. At the heartache of Therin’s betrayal she consoles me, the time Goss and I dusted the store accidentally in cinnamon we laugh. After hearing how the Cray’s treated me she grows angry.
“I wish we had gone with my choice, but your father won out and the Cray’s became your adoptive family. They weren’t fit for the task…” before finishing she’s up and pacing the room, arms flailing and muttering to herself, but I can’t tell what she is saying. After stopping the tirade, she goes still, doesn’t move or speak for at least two minutes. I rise from the sofa to approach her, but her hand raises to stop me. “It’s alright, my dear. I just finished telling your father some of what you told me of Shaun and Oma. He’s going to interrupt their dreams tonight with a few nightmares to keep me from sending a pack of wolves after them.”
“Don’t hurt them, they weren’t always kind to me but it could have been a lot worse mother.” Albeit, I have no issue with some bad dreams for them to be honest. “Why was it so much effort to communicate with him this time, you went stark still?”
This time she answers me silently, “I was making a point to your father, that’s all.” She resumes her position on the sofa and draws me into a warm embrace. “Long distance communication is tiring though, even after almost a hundred years of practice. Everything will be fine now. And at least the presumption that Gossimer would be a protector came to fruition.”
Never in my life would I have thought of Goss as a protector, Angel and Therin sure, but she always seemed too prissy for that role. My heart lightens at the thought of the person who’s been a sister to me has stayed with me. At least I hope she continues to.
We are mere hours from dawn, having spent most of the night reliving my life when both of us fall asleep in the sitting room. I wake once before dawn with a start from a vision, unable to remember what I saw in it. My mother stirs beside me, guilt fills me for waking her over a dream I can’t recall. After dwelling on it for just a few minutes, I’m lulled back to sleep by my mother combing my hair with her fingers again.
Sword practice isn’t until after lunch I
’m informed after breakfast. Instead, it’s hand to hand combat with knives. Yeah, this sounds fun, I think to myself as we enter the dining hall where the tables and benches are now against the walls.
A swoosh sound passes my ear as I walk by a thick wooden post, the thwack of a knife sticking into that wood alarms me. “Who the hell’s just tried to kill me?” I ask to the room. Talia tries to suppress a laugh, but I can see the guilt in her face. I pull the knife from the stump and yell. “What is wrong with you, you could have hit me.” With a sharp flick of my wrist, I point the knife in my hand at her as a blue spark shoots at her right hand.
“Hells Abby, when did you learn that?” Angel asks while checking on Talia’s hand she’s now nursing.
“That was a bigger zap than what the hermit hit me with. You trying to paralyze me?” she asks, looking sincerely upset.
“Sorry Talia, I didn’t mean to do it. Obviously I’ve never even done it before until just then.” I look to my mother for help. She nods her head in understanding.
“We tie our magic to emotion when it first emerges, I assure you Abby did not know she could do that until now. How is it feeling?” she asks Talia.
“A little better, but it’s hard to move it. Almost like its frozen,” trying to get her fingers to move. “I didn’t mean to snap at you Abby, sorry for throwing the knife.”
I nod my acceptance of her apology while Goss arrives in the dining hall just as the chaos has calmed down. After explaining to her what she missed, her face turns ecstatic at the prospect of my magic. “I still don’t know what I don’t know Goss, I could be a hindrance and not a help.”
“Don’t fear your powers, Abigail,” my mother approaches us. “You’re much like a baby snake at this point.” Blank stares join as one when she finishes that statement, “let me explain. A venomous snake knows how much venom to eject when it bites to either warn or kill prey. Baby snakes don’t know how to temper it and inject too much either killing or making their food inedible.”
