Below the Peak (Sola)

by Juliet Lili

  “Your leaving tomorrow” his voice made the air vibrate.

  “To where?” Nara asked calmly even though her stomach knotted with nerves.

  “Leena and Finn will escort you back to your city” Calemir stated.

  Ahhh so that’s what they met here for, Nara deduced. “I am not leaving” she responded.

  “What?” Calemir’s forehead furrowed.

  “I’m sure your pointy ears heard me perfectly” Nara snarked.

  Calemir ignored the insult. “You said you wanted to leave.”

  “No, I did not mention such thing” Nara retorted. “I only asked how to kill the cursed spirits, but you took it upon yourself and assumed I wanted to return” she sent him an accusatory glare.

  Face neutral, Calemir brought his hands to the table and rested them there. Calmly, he said: “Tell me why you wish to know.”

  Nara stilled, becoming sensitively aware of the dagger resting in her boot. No, today she wasn’t going to entertain him, let him make her his prey to play with however he so pleased. Nara would cut him before he did that shit again.

  Aware of her apprehension, Calemir added. “I swear on Faethurin I won’t do anything against your will, I just wish to know why you’re so keen on wanting to know.”

  Nara eyed him suspiciously and not because she didn’t trust his words, he had just sworn, but because he was reluctant to disclose the piece information. Nara looked him in the eye, an action she both hated and started to get accustomed to. His gaze, whenever she lifted her eyes to his, his green eyes seemed to ground her instead of overwhelming her like it did when she met someone else’s. His bewitching green eyes made her stomach turn and her pulse speed in a strange way.

  “If I tell you my reason” Nara began, “You swear you’ll also tell me how to kill them?”

  “Yes, I will,” Calemir said then added when he saw the doubt on her face. “I promise.”

  Nara noted the loophole in his vow but didn’t mention it.

  “My reason is…I could’ve done something, but because I didn’t know what to do, Lucky…my horse died. He meant a lot to me” Nara said the last six words in a small voice, feeling her chest tightening with pain. “I don’t want to be helpless next time.”

  Nara grasped her spoon white knuckle tight and waited for him to speak. She braced herself for the worst, see his lips spread into a condescending smile, his face to change into an incredulous look that said how stupid her reason was.

  Calemir spoke after a dreading silence. “Dead man’s blood mixed with ash from the ash tree.”

  Nara rose a brow. How could that be what destroys them? It didn’t make sense to her.

  As though hearing her question, Calemir added casually, “No one knows the reason why but it works to put them down, and that’s all that matters.”

  Nara nodded even though she still struggled at the logic.

  “There is some of it in the jars in the armory,” He pointed.

  Although the misunderstanding had cleared between them, the stiffness had yet to dissolve whenever they bump into each other. Calemir sensed her anxiety whenever he was near her. Nara stayed always guarded, expecting him to do something terrible. He had done her wrong, and he regretted it. Also, he didn’t want to be in a house full of hostility when he has enough of that from his work. Thus, one afternoon when she had been sitting under the big red tree behind the house, Calemir decided to approach her. Her head and back were resting on the tree, her eyes closed, breeches clad legs stretched and crossed at the ankles. She hadn’t sensed him. Calemir stole the moment and just looked at her. His gaze traced over her winged brows, fine long lashes fanning over her lower lids as her chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm in accordance to the quiet inhale and exhale. She seemed at peace. Calemir envied her. His gaze moved to her slighted parted lips. For an unbridled second, he contemplated how her lips would feel against his. What she’d taste like. His blood heated. Calemir shook his head and cleared the ridiculous thoughts.

  “I apologize for what I did the other night,” Calemir said awkwardly as he watched her lashes flickered before opening completely. Nara tilted her head up to him, brows furrowed. Calemir licked his lip, feeling uncomfortable. He hardly apologized to anyone. After all, he was a prince and people apologized to him whether they were wrong or not. Still, here he stood in front of his wife mumbling an apology. She frowned slightly. Calemir understood her reaction. Not good at forgiveness talk, he decided to barrel through it and say straight. “I understand there’s no way out of you in this sham marriage. You are here to protect your family. Anyway, since we’re living together, we should try to get along. No good would come if we don’t” he paused, his voice turning serious. “I don’t want us walking on eggshells around each other. I’ve already given you my word I won’t do it again.” He sighed tiredly. “I just want to be comfortable in my own home.”

  He stood there as she studied him intently, the cogs working in her head, thinking about his words and what she should do.

  Nara stretched her hand. Calemir glanced at it then at her, puzzled. “To fresh starts” Nara wiggled her fingers, waiting for him to shake it. She bit on her nerves, her muscles tightening with fear of their bare hands touching. Nara was beginning to doubt if he was going to shake her hand when strong fingers grasped hers tightly. Calemir gave a lopsided grin, his chest breaking with relief. He hadn’t realized how stiff and nervous he had turned.

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  “Where are you going?” Nara asked.

  “To the market” Izza closed the front door then turned to face her. Nara eyed the empty straw basket on the elf’s hands.

  “Care for the company?” she asked.

  “Yes, join me” Izza chirped.

  They strolled side by side as they went down the hill. It was a sunny late afternoon, the weather hotter than usual. “Is there something you want to buy?” Izza asked, swinging the basket back and forth. Nara shook her head, feeling a sweat trickle at the back of her neck. “Nothing really. I have time to spare, and I have yet to see the market.”

  Izza glanced at her and smiled. “Then I’ll be glad to show you around.”

  The walk was little longer than Nara anticipated but it was fine because after about ten minutes the colorful market stalls came to view. Elves moved and stopped from one booth to another, studying the goods on display. A smell only markets possessed wafted in the square. Some of the customers and sellers alike, glanced their way as they approached, their eyes lingering on her a little longer. Nara bit the inside of her cheek, dismissing the glances and whispers as mere curiosity. “We need spices” Izza weaved through the shoppers as Nara followed her lead until they stopped at a red canopy booth.

  “Welcome,” the elf farmer greeted in elvish, smiling broadly at Izza before turning toward her. His smile wavered as his eyes grew absurdly large and exclaimed in elvish. “The rumors are true! A human in our town.” Nara rocked on her feet uncomfortable, however, before she could say something Izza clucked at the man and reproached in elvish, causing the guy to flush and cover his embarrassment with a cough. As if nothing happened Nara watched her companion studied the spices before them and went about asking for their prices. While Izza haggled over some yellow powder spice, Nara’s attention got snatched by a stall several meters away boasting gems and crystals that shone lustrously. Few people huddled around the booth of the jeweler and admired the jewels.

  “You want to go and have a look?” Izza voice rose over the chatter and kept a small knotted sack of her purchase in the basket. “If you don’t mind,” Nara said.

  “Come on.” Again, making their way through the throng before making a halt at the stall. The man and woman clothed in finery took several steps back with hands intertwined tightly. The jeweler slightly bowed at her and greeted. Nara was grateful when the merchant didn’t try to shove the goods in their faces but silently kept back and allowed the products on the wooden table to speak for themselves. Nara moved her eyes ov
er the rows of beautiful pieces of necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and bangles sporting colorful gems. “Beautifull” Nara muttered in Nyr as she continued to admire the pieces. Her gaze returned to a thin round bracelet with a small allodia gem in the middle. Nara took the gleaming bracelet from the table and brought it closer to her eyes. She admired its simplicity and beauty. Nara had never been one to covet to jewelry, she only wore one piece of jewelry, and that is the gold necklace hanging around her neck now. “Really lovely” Izza commented.

  “It is” Nara agreed, returning the beauty back at its spot-on display begrudgingly.

  “You don’t want it?” Izza asked.

  “No money” was her simple reply. Nara’s eyes widened and started shaking her head when Izza showed her a porch of silver coins.

  Just then the seller spoke in elvish, using words she still didn’t know. Izza replied then turned to her. “She reduces the price. We can buy” she translated. “It’s okay. I don’t need it” she told her in Nyr. She wasn’t going to spend Izza’s money. She just came to sight see and not deplete someone’s funds. Izza’s twisted her lips and shrugged. They had just turned to leave when the seller stopped them. Facing her, the seller held the bracelet and stretched her hand toward her. Nara frowned, puzzled. The seller spoke in elvish then bowed at her again. “A gift, for you lady” Izza smiled. She was about to refuse again when Izza muttered with brows furrowed. “Take it. It’s an insult to reject.” Controlling her glee inside she humbly accepted and even allowed the seller to fasten it on her wrist.

  They left for home shortly after they had purchased fruits and vegetables.

  Later in the early evening, as Nara wished Izza a goodnight, she found herself staring at the tall man casually climbing up, with a sheathed sword resting on his shoulder, fair hair plaited in one braid. She watched as he gave her friend a nod and a smile as she trekked down to her home while he ascended for his. He looked resplendent with the field and sunset glow behind him. Nara had no clue if she should wait or turn back to the house. His eyes made a choice for her when they latched onto hers, shinning hypnotically as he drew closer. Her stomach flipped as she stood there and waited for him.

  “Is there a problem?” the space between his brows scrunched as he stood in front of her. Nose crinkling, Nara gave a little shook. “No, I just wanted to say hello”. “Oh” his features slightly relaxing, Calemir rasped. “Hello.”

  “You are back early” she mentioned. Nara could tell he didn’t know what to make of her behavior, from his hesitation. He wasn’t the only one caught off guard, it was strange to her too. She had never waited for him or asked such mundane questions. “I had little orders to give out today” he vaguely said, bringing down the sword from his shoulder to his side.

  “Where is your horse?”

  “She’s with Finn. Unfortunately, his took an accidental arrow to the ankle.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “Uhh,” he mumbled.

  ……cricket sound...

  “I’m going inside,” Calemir said, saving them from the awkwardness.

  Whew. Nara wiped an imaginary cold sweat.

  Calemir was sitting in his study, reading the message written on the lamp illuminated small scroll on the table before him when he heard the light steps coming up the stairs. He rose, moving across the span of the study room to stand outside by the door.

  “Nara” he tested her name as it left his tongue. It felt good and intimate. He watched her halting just at the top of the stairs, head jerking, unsure eyes shooting to him.

  “Come” his order assured her he had indeed called her name. He didn’t check to see if she followed him as he turned on his feet and went inside the study room.

  Pursing her lips, Nara entered the room. Other than the first night in the house, were she had briefly peeked inside by the door, this was her first time to step inside the room. She took a minute to examine the intricately carved shelves against the walls stacked with the spine of books and scrolls. Her gaze returned to him, noting the wetness in his gold locks suggesting he had just taken a bath. She also took notice of the short sleeve white shirt he wore, revealing not overly toned arms. She traced the veins on his forearms. She had seen plenty of shirtless men and hadn’t an inkling of reaction on her but why was she fascinated by his bare arms?

  “I have received word from my men back in Murisa. You remember them?” he asked, moving across the table, lowering himself on the chair.

  She tensed, as a sickly sensation dripped down her neck.

  She nodded then she asked. “What of Murisa?”

  Two months and three weeks had already flown by since she was forced into this sham of a marriage and had been threatened by king Lorenz what he’d do to her family if she didn’t secure an army of elves for the Kingdom without caring how she’d do it, he demanded an army. Two months and three weeks since she left, uncertain of the safety of her family and the lives of the people of her kingdom. His gaze lifted to hers and in an assuring voice, he said, “You can breathe. There has been no war. My men were able to change Abasi’s mind in time.”

  Calemir felt and, visibly saw some of the tension ease from her shoulders. Taking the short scroll from the table, he offered. “Read it for yourself.” She walked almost hurriedly toward him like she couldn’t get fast enough. As Nara took the inked scroll from his hand, her fingers grazed his. A warmth shot through her veins, the skin there tingling even after she pulled away. Bringing the papyrus close to her face, Nara examined it. She bit the inside of her cheek as she stared at the strange letters. The words could be gibberish, but she wouldn’t know. “I cannot read this.”

  Calemir looked at her blankly for a second before realization hit him. “Sometimes I hear you speak our language with Izza and I unconsciously thought you can read it as well.”

  “Unfortunately, I cannot” she muttered, handing him back the unreadable message.

  “You’re learning skills are impressive, with just a little more time you’d be able to speak the language with little trouble,” he remarked. A blush rose from her chest to her cheeks at his sincere compliment. “I also think it will be to your advantage if you also learn how to write it too” he added, folding the piece of paper. Nara nodded absently, as another concern pressed on her mind. “What about my family, do you have any word of them?” her voice was apprehensive with hope and fear

  “I do not,” he said softly as if he didn’t want her disappointed but she was as soon the words took life. Putting on a composed face, she moved her head in the barest nod.

  The emotion that could be assumed as pity etched on his features. Sympathy aimed at her. She moved her eyes to his forehead, her skin crawling with a sudden shame. A woman of high caliber whored out by her greedy and vile king. She could hear the walls of the room echo the words.

  The screech of a chair pulled Nara from the taunting thoughts and directed her attention to the prince. She watched as he moved fluidly to a shelve and picked a short sheet from a pile then returned to the table.

  “Why don’t you write to them and I will send it, and one of my men back in Vessener will deliver it personally to your family” Calemir said as he pulled a drawer open on the side of the table and retrieved the ink bottle and quill from and placed in on the table. Nara’s mouth fell, his offer putting her at a conflict of emotions. Tears of gratitude itched her throat. She swallowed, with a quiet voice she expressed, “Thank you.”

  Calemir grunted. Something past between them and stayed. Call it a connection, an affinity as walls of mistrust for each other crumbled. He stepped back from the table, their shoulders brushing as she moved to sit. Emotions bubbled her blood, causing her chest to tighten as she stared at the quill and ink bottle. Ingrid and her parent's faces swam in her vision. Nara had missed them so much like she has never done before, that it made her heart ache. A day hadn’t gone by without thinking of them. Some nights she couldn’t sleep because of worry and fear what the king might have done to
them. Couples of weeks early, she’d planned to ask him if it were possible to send a sort of word back to inquire about her family but the prince’s severe absence made it impossible and when he was around she had forgotten.

  One, two, three… she counted in her head, tempering her emotions to an aching hollow sensation. With a dull hammering pulse, Nara picked up the quill, dipped in ink and dragged it onto the sheet waiting to be filled by words.

  Hello,

  It is I your daughter and sister Nara. I know you are all worried of what has become of me. However, I write this to put your fears and worries to rest and assure you that I am well.

  How are you, papa?

  How are you mama and the baby?

  How are you, Ingrid?

  Sincerely,

  Nara.

  She clamped her jaw as she lowered the quill beside the letter, her fingers twitching. She wanted to write so much that she couldn’t. Too overwhelmed, it crippled her mind. So, she said and asked the most important question that relayed everything and could be answered in many ways. Fisting her right hand to hide the twitching, she looked at him. “When will you send it?”

  “Soon” he replied. “What are-” she began as he grabbed the quill, dipped the tip into the ink and started writing. “I am not sure they can read Nyr, they might get confused. Hence I’m writing instruction in elvish that this letter should be read and delivered to your parents only” he explained as his left hand moved fluidly under where she had written and imprinted the words on the scroll.

  “Alright.”

  Nara keenly watched as he rolled the sheet once he finished writing his own orders. He took a small red ribbon and knotted it tight over the rolled scroll. Her gaze remained glued to Calemir as he went to stand at the window which he opened. Her eyes narrowed when he began to hum a tune.