She happened to notice Artride was turned inside herself with her own thoughts.
After a moment of stillness she said, ‘What if I try to talk to her, I mean to try and change her in a positive way, so that she lets go of her anger and thereby the Silent Folk and you are released? If she is powerful surely she can release everyone if she wanted to? I know her story now and I can at least begin to understand the why about her actions. It does not justify her deeds, but … what if I can make her understand she does not have to live and act like she does, and that at least as a starter we will forgive her?’
‘A very noble thought, Artride, but a little naïve,’ Eolas remarked. ‘Not to mention risky. Look what happened to me and I think I have a little more power than you do.’
I hope she listens to him! Tirsa thought.
‘Therefore she might listen, as I’m no threat to her! I won’t kill her. I do not wish to kill anyone anymore!’ and she remembered the feeling she had even after she killed her uncle.
‘How are you planning to do this?’ Tirsa asked her uneasily.
‘I do not know yet.’
Tirsa could see she was serious about it, though, and she had to support her, being her minor.
‘What do you think our chances are, Eolas?’ she asked.
He sighed. ‘I wish her life could be spared too. I do not care for myself anymore. A life without her … but you … and the TalamhClann; even if you can reach her and talk sense into her, I doubt she truly will give something she has no desire in giving. She is not concerned about the wellfare of humans. In fact, when it comes down to it, she will not prevent nor cure any violence people do to each other. And this curse only means more harm to people, which is what she wants, I suppose. The more hurt to people, the better.’
‘How do you know we seek a counter spell for a curse?’ Artride asked.
‘Because it already existed when I walked freely upon Talamh, and the only curse in Ceartas powerful and worthy enough, undertaking this venture of yours.’
‘Hmm.’
‘Think about your country, Artride and about all those people and Silent Folk, even this god who will be saved if we just take her life. One life instead of many others. I too sympathize with her. How can one not? But her history is no excuse for all her wrong doing today! ’ Tirsa tried.
‘Not an excuse, but a reason,’ She silently answered. ‘All bad things have good reasons. I just believe people can change if he or she has the will and lets others help. Every grown, intelligent thinking person is responsible for their own actions and we all have a conscience. It is too simple to blame everything on your childhood, however bad it may have been. It hurts and shapes a person tremendously, but I still believe in the power to change and in the goodness of people and that no one is truly evil. It is only good out of balance. Negativity failing to be positive. I believe that Sempervirens as torn and troubled as she is, can be saved with the right help. Perhaps Eolas was too dear, to close to her. I am not saying she will ever become an angel or a saint, but if I can just make her see what she does isn’t right, then that’s something. If she is as strong as you say she is, she might have the power inside of her.’
‘We simply do not have enough time for all this, Artride. If we take her life she will be freed at once, and the Silent Folk and Eolas with her, and we can go home. On the Other Side they will take care of her, with love and understanding. It is not your task. Roalda wants us to do the same.’
‘It is not that you do something against nature,’ Eolas stated plainly. ‘You will indeed release her finally and both her body and soul will know rest and peace at last.’
‘Artride, the woman is a stone,’ Tirsa tried.
‘Yes,’ Artride reflected. ‘And in every stone sleeps a crystal. We just have to crack the stone to see the crystal inside.’
Artride got up and nodded at Tirsa. I don’t have to kill her for that.
‘As a queen I often have to choose the best thing for the majority instead of the individual, but remember we are all individuals who set their footprint upon the lives of others. Be that negative or positive. Once more I will do what’s best for everyone. Let’s go see Sempervirens.’
‘What about a weapon?’ Tirsa asked Eolas. ‘We are both stripped from our clothes and can’t conceal anything.’
‘You are both naked?’
Tirsa sighed at the sudden interest in his voice.
‘She wanted us to be naked, but we’ve found some curtains …’
‘Hmm, she must have had her reasons for that. She does nothing unless it means something, but a weapon … I have thought about that. The best way is to take her in her sleep, it seems like a coward’s way, but I see no other option. She will know and is too powerful to fight with her magic and all. You have to gain her trust first, of course, before you can get that close to her.’
‘We have so little time. Our days are running short,’ Artride remarked. ‘What weapon will do?’
‘Any weapon. She is mortal like you, even if she believes differently, so think of something. Look around for something sharp, her heart is the weakest part, but be fast and accurate. For you will only have one shot and she must not suspect anything. She is no mind reader, so act natural. I do think Artride has the best chance. I believe you truly care for her, don’t you?’
‘Of course I do. I am a queen, not a mercenary.’ And she glanced disdainfully at Tirsa who was shocked and hurt by her remark. Artride flushed a little, ashamed of herself, and turned away.
‘There is something that will help you, but only if you are sincere.’
‘What is that?’ asked Artride.
‘Within this room there must be an amulet. If you wear it, you cannot lie without the other knowing it. She has a very suspicious mind, but she has to believe you if you wear this. I used to wear it all the time, to make her believe I really cared for her.’
Tirsa began looking for it on the table with the other magical things. ‘What does it look like?’
‘It’s a silver necklace with a big blue oval stone, like an enormous drop of water.’
Artride searched among the things as well, and opened a tiny wooden box where she found it. Picking the jewellery up carefully, nodding at Tirsa, she told the god she found it.
‘Alright. Use it with care and only when you are sure of yourself. It needs to be worn upon the heart and it will shine bright when you tell the truth and stay pale when you lie. It also can be used to ask specific questions; it will shine when the answer is yes and stay pale when it is no.’
‘What about you? Can we just leave you here?’ Artride asked quietly.
‘By all means. I shan’t go anywhere. I will know when she is gone. I shall be free again and able to help you. Good luck and please be careful.’
‘We will.’
CHAPTER 20
LAST TEMPTATION
Your soul often is a battle field on which your reason and opinion fight with your passion and lust. How I would like to be peacemaker in your soul, and change the disharmony of your elements into unity and melody.
But how can I, unless you are peacemaker, and above all love your own elements?
Tanith.Lee
Stressed and worried, the women left the room empty-handed, save for the blue amulet Artride kept covered in her left hand. Sempervirens spotted them immediately and noticed they looked agitated and concerned.
The sorceress took it for what she thought it was; they had not succeeded in finding the spell. Of course she knew they wouldn’t; for there was no such spell to be found. Just some old books and old gadgets she had no use for anymore.
She did not feel sorry for them, not in the least, for to her these things they talked about: saving lives and fear of losing all did not matter to her, nor did she feel pity. Of course the women intrigued her highly; for she had never seen or met more driven people than them. And they seemed highly sincere and courageous; well, she knew they were after having observed them this long. Moreover, t
hey did not want anything for themselves and if they did, she knew now that it was a simple, carefree life they craved besides the counter spell of course. But nothing materialistic; no luxuries and wealth, and that was new to the sorceress, very new. Of course, she had her hidden agenda with them and there was time for that; lots of it. She would have them do what she craved for, for yes – Sempervirens needed something for herself and only these two women could get it for her. Only they had the potential. True, they had not succeeded yet, but they would over time when they had stayed with her longer …
She tried to shake the dream off; she had had just moments ago. No nightmares anymore, she took care of those; she sent them away to the dungeons where they remained dwelling, haunting the prisoners as they had Artride and Tirsa in the time they had been locked up.
This dream, however, was not new and she had been having it for years since she had begun using her spell to remain young. And this dream she had not been able to cast off: She had been standing in front of a mirror, admiring herself. Forcing a smile until her white, perfect teeth were visible. Then as always, she felt an ache in her mouth and touched one of her teeth; finding it loose. She pulled it out with one tug and she watched it with horror in her hand; amazed to see it covered with flesh and blood. More blood was seeping from the gap and she moved her tongue to fill it. Then, she could feel more teeth coming loose, and she pulled them out one by one, in horror and disgust. Feeling terribly old and unattractive, watching herself with a sudden terror in the mirror; thinking it real, until hollow gaps and smears of blood marked her once pretty mouth. Screaming from anger and frustration she clutched a rock and smashed the mirror. Crying with loud sobs and real tears she woke up and as always she would touch her teeth and check if they were still firm and holding. None of them were loose; they were strong. The spell was holding firm.
Not only did those dreams worry her; but the amount of sleep she needed lately. Even during the day she needed naps to make it through the rest of the day. She knew the spell still held when she checked herself in the mirror; making sure by calling one of her slaves to show her how much he admired her beauty.
Observing the two women, walking the corridor on their way over to her in silence, she felt a stab of jealousy. Even with all they had encountered on their quest and the small amount of food and sleep, their bodies still looked so healthy and well-shaped. That was why she wanted to see them naked; to check what kind of changes their bodies would go through out of interest, and of course to make them feel exposed, vulnerable and uncivilized in her presence. They had lost weight, unmistakably; but it had not done anything radical to their beauty.
‘How unfair!’ she yelled.
That was why she did not have women slaves, and could only sleep with men; no matter how curious she was, and however lovely women were in her eyes; they would remind her too much of her own mortality and body-cheating spell. She needed the difference; her opposite for the balance. And the men she chose were of course non -human, but of the Silent Folk, as she could never bed a human male without being reminded of her past. They were the lowest of the low in her eyes; beasts, brutes, and would never be allowed to enter her domain; she would not even give them a chance.
Sempervirens was perfect, though and beautiful even before the spell, in fact exactly the way she looked today. But she could not bear having attractive women around her to compete with.
Looking at Artride and Tirsa, and sensing the love they felt for each other troubled her, and made her feel odd inside. It was not an unpleasant feeling, but it left an emptiness inside of her, she could not seem to fill.
They were here. She felt them coming.
The green curtain gently swept aside and the two women stepped into the room. The room had changed since they had left. It was gloomy and had lost its brightness.
Sempervirens soon altered that, and with one snap of her finger the space was filled with a pink yellow light, and the sound of a gentle breeze among leaves was to be heard, yet there where no trees to be spotted. Soon they saw where the light came from; lilies and daisies in pink and yellow along the walls and scattered on the floor, even the ceiling shone in apparently her favourite colours, for the sorceress smiled warmly and contentedly.
Even the air was filled with a sweet scent of these lovely flowers. Impressed with the scenery Artride and Tirsa came closer until they stopped in front of her.
‘I’m sorry you failed,’ she spoke with a thick sweet voice, like honey.
Artride looked with different eyes at this woman now she knew her story. But she had to pretend she didn’t know, at least not yet. ‘Perhaps you can help us a little?’
‘You just didn’t pass the last test. But not to worry; your stay here will not disappoint you. I know what you crave for deep down inside, and I can offer it to you; both of you. You will have everything you desire, right here, right now. No more roaming, no more rules, no more lies. No more pain and suffering. I offer you clarity and opportunity. Here you can be yourselves. How can you not accept? Do you not deserve this, do you not deserve to be whoever you want to be, away from the pain and difficulties of human civilization?’ Her voice was deep and enchanting, as though she was putting a spell on them whilst talking. But she did not have to, for her words were genuine this time. She walked in circles around them like a dance, making almost no sound.
Don’t let her get to you! Artride spoke to herself. I have to remember my people who will have to bow to the book, and Tirsa’s brother who will die, and the Silent Folk who will lose more people to her whims, and Eolas who will be trapped forever if I do not go on with this!
Sempervirens felt Artride’s inner struggle and she remembered well it was she who had the most trouble to keep going, and not give in to the temptations created – although it was fairly balanced and it was she who got stronger in the end; seemingly more determined as they got closer to their goal. Although roles were reversed from time to time – when one was weak, the other was strong; they complemented each other perfectly.
‘I know you better than you know yourself, Artride.’ And she looked her deep in the eyes.
She cannot read my mind, she cannot read my mind!
‘I believe you do,’ she almost whispered. It surprised Sempervirens that she would give in without arguing, and she smiled slyly.
‘But it is most sad that you forget I care not only for myself.’ Artride said.
‘I have not forgotten. I will simply keep reminding you that it’s something not worth fighting for. Without a curse you’ll have more trouble controlling your people, believe me. It is like throwing a bucket of water on a burning fire. The flames will only perish a little at the time; but the fire will not die out. It will relight when you turn your back ...’ Perhaps a little less vivid … Sempervirens thought in shock.
‘There will still be rules and penalties, but fair. Yes, there will most likely still be crimes; people are people, but I can at least show them some goodness and guidance and with better rules in place there will be less frustration and strife amongst people; less reason for wrong-doing. Are you saying that evil will always return?’ Artride asked.
‘The flame will seek the fire. And people are feeding it, so your bucket of goodness won’t help much. It will flatter your ego for a while before you find out nothing has changed, really. You will need an ocean. No better you will need to stay here and give up.’
‘I think I understand what you are trying to say, but listen to me. I honestly believe that the slightest thing, as small as it may be, helps. True, if I stand alone and try to change the world on my own, and everyone remains living for themselves and pays no attention to others, I have failed, perhaps. But if everyone does the same as me; lives by the kindness in their heart, treats others the way they want to be treated themselves, we can change the world together. Fire is strong yes, and especially if we keep feeding it, and one bucket of water will do little indeed, but many buckets do make a difference and a whole ocean will surely exti
nguish a fire; even though it will take many people and lots of effort and time. ’
Sempervirens smiled lightly at Artride, her scarlet mouth a flower and her eyes warm for a change.
‘Sadly it doesn’t work that way. I have watched people too long for that. People rather fight each other than work together.’
‘Not if they are all clear on what the mutual goal is! And it doesn’t mean we have to give up as well, and stop convincing others to do something!’ Artride said briskly.
‘You mean you can actually watch people from over here?’ asked Tirsa, trying to switch attention to her instead. Sempervirens turned to the blonde woman and nodded.
‘Impressive is it not? I can teach you.’
Tirsa’s eyes grew bigger. That would be a great skill. She thought about her brother.
‘Can you see how my brother is doing?’
Her eyes flickered for just a second turning inwards, she closed them before meeting those of Tirsa with sadness.
‘I am sorry to inform you he has passed away.’
‘What?’
‘You are too late. A month has passed since you left.’
‘You lie!’ Artride had to hold her firmly around the waist from behind, for she was about to attack the sorceress.
‘There is nothing there for you now,’ Sempervirens spoke silently with curious eyes, clearly amused by the girl’s reaction.
‘Is this true?’ Artride spoke. ‘How much time has passed? It cannot be a month; we have been counting of sorts. It can be no more than two weeks.’
‘I am sorry.’ But she did not mean it of course.
She is lying so Tirsa will stay. Why does she want us to remain here that badly?
Tears hindered Tirsa’s view and she had to sit down on her knees. The queen calmed her and whispered in her ear that she thought she was lying. She must be.
‘You really want us to stay don’t you? Why is that?’ she asked the staring woman.
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