When they broke up their camp, Artride started to glance around; clearly feeling uneasy. They walked to a nearby green hill to feel the sun on their skin. She still gazed around.
‘What is it, my L … Artride?’
She turned to face her and answered quietly, ‘I was hoping to thank the White Lady who helped us… you–’
‘Why would you want to see her? You can thank her in your heart; that’s what I did.’
‘But she was not a spirit, she was real you know,’ Artride said dubiously.
What is real? Tirsa stared at the young queen whose hair waved in the soft breeze and shone healthily, almost had a crimson glow to it, in the rising morning sun. The sun was really bright by now and she squeezed her eyes to mere slits; emerald now like they were in the brightness of the sun, to stare at the queen. Something stirred in her, something she thought she would never feel again. It was like a reawakening all over again; it hit her, starting with a warmth around her heart, making its way down her body. She is so real; more than flesh and blood, more than spirit, more than Mab– Ruefully, Tirsa clenched her hands into fists and her nails dug in her palms until they bled. Artride did not realise Tirsa was staring at her, for she had her eyes fixed on something. Tirsa followed her gaze and saw a white cloud, or rather plume of smoke, change into a large transparent white- clothed woman walking towards them; smiling kindly and wise at the same time.
Artride lost her grace for a moment and ran to meet the woman, but walked right through her. ‘Oh–’
The White Lady turned daintily and smiled. ‘It’s the thought that counts.’
‘I do not understand; yesterday I could feel your hand on my shoulder.’
‘Yesterday all things were different. Now is today.’
‘Not to me; I will never forget what you did for Tirsa, name your prize, Lady and I will see if it is in my power to give it.’
‘Dear Artride, be careful with your promises.’ She shook her head ruefully. ‘It is sad that indeed there is a prize.’ And she stared at Tirsa who didn’t know what to do, but was stepping a little closer.
‘I see you have recovered, dear.’
She recognised her voice. She noticed her hair shone so white, it was like the moon itself.
‘I have. Are you … a spirit?’
‘We are all spirit underneath our shells, you of all should know now, but do not be bothered with how I appear. That is of no importance.’
‘What’s your name?’ she asked curiously, and Artride felt stupid for not having asked the same simple question.
‘They who worship me call me Roalda, but names are irrelevant. You can consider me a guide.’
‘The queen told me. I want to thank you, Roalda.’
‘You have got yourself to thank; you wanted to come back. I merely reminded you.’ And she locked onto her pretty eyes, shining so lively. ‘You are a brave young woman with a lot of potential. Your will and love for others is stronger than your own will to remain; that takes courage.’
Tirsa nodded gravely and touched her chest. ‘The wound …’
‘The laws of nature are slightly different here. But magic exists everywhere, as does love and hope. That was enough for me, really. I just helped a little.’ And she winked in conspiracy with one eye.
‘Still I am grateful, what is it you want in return?’
What happened to giving without wanting something in return?
‘Your help. I know you two are here to ask the sorceress for some spell.’
‘How do you know this?’ Artride promptly asked, agape.
‘I have been watching you since you got here and overheard some conversations. I understand it is of great importance for you to find her.’
‘Everything depends upon it. Do you know where this sorceress lives?’
‘Of course. She has been ruling this country for centuries, and I am still waiting to guide her to the Other Side.’
‘You want us to kill her?’ Tirsa bluntly asked, sensing Roalda’s discomfort.
Roalda gave a hearty chuckle; a little cynical. ‘If it only could be that simple. You must never forget she is a very powerful magician, even if she doesn’t use her powers the right way; or so to speak, nature’s way. She goes in against everything nature stands for. I despise her for that. But my resentment doesn’t matter; it is for love of my country I want to guide her out of this world.’
‘But you cannot?’ Artride asked.
Her form flickered a little, from anger or sadness or perhaps both.
‘She is too strong for me. I cannot come near her.’
‘What exactly do you know about her? If she is that powerful, do you think she can make a counter spell for a curse this powerful, and do you think she would do?’ Artride asked.
‘What I know is this: she outwits every sorcerer who has tried to bestow her or anyone asking help from her for that matter. She knows many spells and curses; but sadly enough, all for her own benefit and to torture others.’
‘Torture? What kind of sorceress is she that she doesn’t help others?’ Tirsa incredulously asked.
Roalda let go a heavy sigh. ‘There are many types of magician, my dear and she is one of the selfish type.’
Artride and Tirsa exchanged a sad look of understanding.
‘She is evil?’ Artride asked her.
‘It is not for me to judge her.’
‘Then what are our chances?’
‘I honestly cannot say, Artride. I have never met her; I have only heard stories from the Silent Folk that are terrified of her, and I have seen the signs.’
‘What kind of stories?’ Tirsa asked curiously.
‘But if you want us to kill her–’ Artride interrupted.
‘Hold on, ladies. I want you to find out a way to reach her for the spell you need most of all. I know it will be very hard to take her life, but if you are able to … do not hesitate.’
‘So it’s her life in exchange for mine?’
‘No, Tirsa, I know it must seem that way. I would have asked this from you even so. You will probably have the best chance to do so.’
‘But you said you can’t come near her; why is that?’ Artride asked.
Roalda’s white hair was caught by the wind and blew around her face and shoulders gently. ‘I shall explain.’ And she glanced around. ‘This part of Dochas is not under her spell, yet, but many parts are. Her domain is not far from here, though. We can reach the border by midday. She owns more than half of Dochas; from the first snow-capped mountain range west, all the way to the sea; but her presence can be felt in the whole country really. In her domain, however, everything is twice as dangerous, so I have heard. The border is spell-protected and for me it is not possible to penetrate. For humans it sometimes works. She must want it that way.’
‘I did not know this much,’ Artride reflected idly.
‘I shall tell you more while we travel, come.’
‘Thank you, for we indeed have little time, lives are at stake.’
‘Well you shall need all the time you can get in there, for she will have her ways to try you out and take her time with you two.’
‘She can try!’ Tirsa hotly remarked and grabbed the pommel of the saddle, hauling herself onto the horse’s back. Artride looked proudly at her companion and when she met Roalda’s eyes she smiled thankfully at her.
The blonde woman extended a hand at her queen and helped her up on her horse to be seated behind her.
‘I’ll lead you,’ Roalda said, and started floating before them quite fast.
They stared incredulously at her, and Tirsa dug her heels softly into her horse’s sides as they trotted after her.
~ ~ ~
The remainder of the morning they headed for the domain of the sorceress while Roalda told them everything they needed to know. The gentle terrain slowly gave way to sharp inclines and deep gullies with scattered trees dotting the landscape. Artride held on to Tirsa tightly by her hips to avoid falling off the horse.
> ‘You should be warned that there is peril and no one has ever met her and made it back alive. There are lots of stories, rumours. One of them being she is human, but resents her own kind and so will probably do anything to keep you out of her domain.’
‘But if she’s human how can she still be alive after centuries?’ asked Tirsa.
‘One explanation is that she must have found a way to stretch her lifespan; one other spell against nature.’
‘During the three centuries she rules, now and then some of the local Silent Folk disappear; occasionally Windchildren, but lately Woodchildren.’
‘No …’ Tirsa grimly echoed. ‘How is that possible?’
‘It seems they are not immune to her magic anymore. They say the sorceress takes away their magical abilities and as a result they become vulnerable. Are you still willing to go through with it?’
‘Pfff. We have no other choice,’ Artride quietly answered, shaking her head. She had no idea who the Wood – and Windchildren exactly were; but she had heard of the Silent Folk and thought they were immortal and divine little beings. Clearly they were dear to Tirsa.
‘And there is more …’ Roalda said with a tremor in her voice. Both women waited anxiously for her to continue.
‘Not only humans and Silent Folk are her victims; one of our guides, which was considered a god amongst people, vanished.’
‘A vanished god?’ Artride asked with one brow raised.
‘Gods are not very likely to be overcome by mortals. However, the two of them have been seen together over two centuries ago. It is said that no mortal ever had this much attention from him so she must be special indeed. Despite this unusual relationship, he did not neglect his work. However, all of a sudden, about two hundred and twenty years ago, he disappeared without trace. Nothing was seen or heard of him, anymore.. The gods united, for his presence was well wanted and his work praised; so they worked on a way to find him. But it was no use. Even the gods could not locate him.’
‘He could not have died, because he was immortal, right?’ Tirsa asked.
‘Precisely. He was just nowhere to be found. He must be alive of course; no one, not even this sorceress could kill a god, or I would have seen him for sure. However, the majority of us feel … or rather know, that this foul woman has indeed something to do with his disappearance.’
‘It does sound extraordinary for a god to disappear without a trace, never to be seen again, but … if she is that powerful … we might have a chance to get what we need. Do we know him; what was he called among us mortals?’ Artride asked pensively.
‘Among humans he was simply called ‘The god of knowledge, but his mortal name is only known among us gods of course.’
‘Of course,’ Tirsa said with a hint of humour. ‘Are you saying that with his disappearing a good deal of knowledge is lost?’ she asked.
‘Well, let me put it this way … everyone who normally prays for the wisdom to do this or that, to understand a situation better or get some clarity, will not be heard nor answered, or receive any useful signs, as was his way, for as long as he is gone. Mortals and immortals alike are on their own. His task was to help or guide people, not give them clear knowledge; but guidance in order for them to gain that knowledge. A very important task.’
‘I see.’
A short silence followed.
‘Perhaps you can try to find out what happened to him. It would mean very much to us.’
‘We certainly shall,’ Artride reflected courteously and nodded at her.
‘If you have to use his name, use it,’ Roalda said. ‘He was mortal once before he became divine. He is more than a thousand years old and born as Eolas. Remember that; Eolas.’ Both women nodded and repeated his name; ‘Eolas.’
They came across grassy rolling hills covered with many colourful flowers, bathing in the thin sunlight. The frantic cawing of crows, flying above them underlined their uneasy feeling of being watched.
‘I feel bad to guide you to her territory, but you are my last hope as well as she is yours.’
‘We understand, Roalda, but don’t forget this is our own choice. What exactly is your plan? Do you want us to ask her something personally for you, or pass a message?’ Artride asked honestly.
‘No, concentrate on your own task as much as you can. I have a feeling that will take all your time and energy. It is true I want her existence vanished from Talamh; however, it is too much to ask from any mortal to try and take her life. You might peril your lives, not to mention your spell.’
Tirsa exchanged a troubled look with Roalda. ‘Even if she is willing to give us a spell, after all I have heard so far, she can’t possibly go on with her game unpunished. I don’t know about you, Artride, but I am willing to take her life after we get what we came for.’ And she automatically reached for her sword.
Artride shot a fierce glance at a half turned Tirsa. ‘I won’t have this discussion, Tirsa. We shall not take any life, is that understood?’
‘With all due respect, didn’t you just hear what Roalda told us?’
‘And did you forget what I told you? Believe not the bad report till it be proved. Now, I will stick to that and so will you. We cannot be involved in this. It all is too much for us to grab a hold of, and to be even the slightest bit of help to this country and this lady here. We do not posses any magic and nor do we have an entire army behind us. We are just the two of us, if we can come close to her at all, but might be risking our task and our lives.’ And she looked reluctantly and painfully at Roalda, knowing she owed her, but that it would be almost impossible.
‘If we can we shall do everything possible within our ability; you have my word on that, but … the sorceress must not see us as enemies. If she finds out; it is too high a risk.’ And to Tirsa: ‘Let’s focus on our main task first.’
Roalda nodded slowly, but with understanding, compassionate eyes, and pointed at the nearest forest range. Tirsa turned around so that her back was facing Artride again, but she looked at where Roalda was pointing.
‘That wood leads all the way west to the mountains; the border of her domain. If you follow the main track west through the woods you should reach the mountains within a few hours.’
Tirsa halted her horse and both women stared in that direction. Roalda turned to them and locked on to their eyes.
‘Your lives are out of my reach from here; only she can decide what to do with you, but it will be up to you as well. I have heard she is capable of cruel things, but you unlike her victims, the local Silent Folk who call Dochas their home, have chosen freely to enter her domain. And no doubt, she will remind you of that fact. Remain close to your heart at all times; and all should be well. Don’t let her get to you. You will probably experience frightful things, but remember, it is all an illusion. It’s in her mind; don’t let her get into yours or you’ll be certainly lost. Your souls are pure and good. Be brave and calm and hopeful; nothing is impossible then. Never doubt, nor give up; how hopeless it may seem. I of all believe in you, but you also have to believe in yourself; your own kindness and goodness. Maybe she won’t help you or truly cannot; but in either case you will have tried. For it is better to search and never to find than never having tried at all.’
Her appearance quavered along with her voice.
She is frightened. Artride thought. For us.
‘I certainly will not return without a cure for the curse that lies on our Law Book and she has to be more powerful than Kromdan.’
Tirsa raised her eyebrows and looked questionable at the queen. ‘Who is Kromdan?’
And in a soft voice she answered, ‘That’s that sorcerer who put the curse on the book. I never like mentioning his name.’
‘What’s the name of the old sorceress anyway?’ Tirsa asked Roalda.
‘Like Artride, I do not like mentioning her name either and you should sparsely use it. I always have a feeling if I mention her name; she somehow notices me and listens. A very unpleasant feeling.’
‘You feel reluctant to say it now?’
‘I shall whisper it in both your ears.’
And she did. Closely the White Woman leaned over to them; Artride first, and then Tirsa and they both heard her say, ‘Sempervirens.’ Her whisper sounded like a wind growing to be a storm. They both felt Roalda’s fear.
They nodded in conspiracy.
‘Wishing you the best of luck is all that’s left to say. I will think about you and await your return in anticipation.’
‘But wait,’ Tirsa began. ‘You speak of her domain; but do you also know where we have to look for her exact home?’
‘I’m afraid you will have to find that out for yourselves.’
‘But what if she does not want us to find her?’ Artride pondered.
‘If she truly does not, you possibly won’t.’
‘Great.’ Tirsa grimly responded.
Uneasily they said their goodbyes.
Tirsa unfolded the map and marked the spot where they thought they were and where they were heading. They both looked up to gaze at the breathtaking sharp, high-peaked mountains; not the friendly mountains they were used to. These giants seemed uninhabitable and low hanging misty clouds surrounded the eerie peaks. They both hoped it was not the mountains where the sorceress lived or they would be doomed as they did not have the right tools and equipment to be able to travel through such mountains; unless there was a mountain pass of some sorts.
Artride had a frightful vision of a pure white castle on top of those cold mountains; a castle in the skies, where no human had ever set foot; other than skinny little tortured Wind-and Woodchildren. A shiver ran down her spine and she tried to look for comfort in her companion, but she had the same look in her eyes. Tirsa swallowed, but tried to regain her composure and gave a tiny smile to the queen before both women looked back at the vast domain of Sempervirens where nothing was certain, and without Roalda, not even their lives …
CHAPTER 7
WOMAN OF STONE
‘From that moment on I promised myself not to be hurt again.
The Queen's Curse Page 13
