She and Aeron were surrounded.
The leader, a dark haired elf that had more than a passing resemblance to Aeron, stared at her as if she was something of an oddity.
‘I am surprised at you Aeron,’ the elf said as Aeron hurried next to her. ‘You are now travelling with the enemy?’
"Melia is not the enemy," Aeron retorted immediately.
"My apologies," the elf returned. "The way you both were arguing, you can understand my mistake."
Despite the elf's sarcasm, Aeron broke into a smile at the sight of his older brother. 'Hadros, what are you doing in Eden Iolan?’
‘We chased a band of Berserkers into these woods,’ Hadros answered staring at him with that haughty expression that Aeron knew so well growing up. ‘What are you doing here? And why are you travelling with this...woman.’ He made no effort to hide the contempt on his face.
Before Melia could respond, Aeron silence her with a gesture and shot her a look that demanded she give him lead to speak for them both. ‘Hadros, mind your manners. This is the Lady Melia.’
‘Lady?’ Hadros' brow pressed into his forehead as he regarded Melia with disbelief that she could be described as such. ‘She hardly looks like a lady to me.’ His eyes travelled up and down her form critically, ‘In those clothes, I would say she looks like a man.’
‘At least one of us does,’ Melia responded icily and immediately produced stifled sniggers amongst some of the elves present.
‘Melia!’ Aeron ordered, wishing her to remember that Hadros was a Prince of Eden Halas and commanded respect even if he was poor at showing it. Still, Aeron did not deny enjoying immensely seeing his brother put in his place for his discourteous behaviour. ‘Hadros, the lady is a watch guard and we are travelling companions.’ Aeron explained while he felt Melia’s glare burning into his back.
‘Really?’ Hadros turned his eyes upon her and seemed to study her in a new light. A little smile curled his lips and at first Melia did not understand why he looked at her that way. The other elves too seemed to study her with renewed interest and Melia began to feel a little self-conscious by their scrutiny.
‘I would have thought that you would have selected an elven woman to be your 'travelling companion' not a barbarian whose people were known allies of Abraxes. Is she a souvenir from Astaroth?’ Hadros sneered.
‘Enough brother,’ Aeron said sharply and gripped Melia's elbow to keep her from reacting to Hadros’ insult that she was his whore. ‘Hadros, Melia is my guest and I will have you treat her accordingly. She is a friend to Arianne and helped with the defeat of Syphia. Arianne has asked that I guide her to Tor Iolan. I should not like Arianne to hear that we could afford her friend simple courtesy.’
Hadros stiffened because if Arianne was displeased by his conduct, that report would find its way to the High Queen and Halion would be furious if it resulted in being rebuked by Lylea for his son’s behaviour.
Surprised and somewhat touched by his defence of her honour, Melia calmed down somewhat and decided her own behaviour bore scrutiny. Aeron was absolutely right of course. Hadros was the heir apparent of Eden Halas and he deserved her respect even if he was a dolt.
‘Prince Hadros,’ she spoke in a calm and conciliatory tone, ‘I beg your forgiveness for my rudeness. I do not wish to disrespect you or cause any difficulty while I travel in this realm.’
Embarrassed that the apology he should have made first was now being delivered by the woman he insulted, the older son of Halion regarded her with as much dignity as he could manage under the circumstances. ‘We both chose our words ill,’ he said after a moment, ‘let us forget this unpleasantness and start a new, my lady.’
Melia’s gaze touched his and nodded in acquiescence. ‘I would like that my Lord.’
Aeron relaxed visibly and offered his older brother a smile of gratitude, ‘thank you brother.’
‘You and your companions,’ Hadros shook his head with a resigned sigh. ‘Come on then. Let us go together to Eden Iolan. Lord Gavril will be pleased to see you.’
Chapter Seven:
A Night in Eden Iolan
As Hadros Melia and Aeron through the Veil and into Eden Iolan, Melia found herself gaping in awe at resplendent beauty of the elven city. Even Hadros's insult was distant as she stared in wonder at the settlement that seemed to have sprung forth from the land like the great trees of Iolan. She knew that unless the elves permitted it, a traveller moving within this space would see nothing of the colony, only the trees within it. The enchantment of the Veil ensured that the elves could live here safely amongst the evil menacing the woods.
Despite his brother’s apology which Aeron knew was for the benefit of his men and any report to Arianne, he reminded himself to clarify with his older brother the nature of his relationship with Melia. The last thing he wanted was for Hadros to report to the court of Eden Halas that Melia was his lover, particularly when she was not. She had behaved like a lady throughout their entire journey and he would not have her virtue slandered as Hadros was likely to do after she insulted him so properly.
Ascending a spiral set of stairs that coiled around the trunk of a behemoth tree, they stepped onto the floor that was built above thick branches strong enough to support it. The rest of the house was built with logs that had fallen naturally, ornately carved with intricate patterns that looked like marble instead of wood. Seated on his throne, was Lord Gavril, an elf dressed in robes that looked more fitting on a priest than an almost King. At the sight of them, he left his seat and met them half way across the floor.
‘Prince of Eden Halas,’ Gavril greeted with genuine pleasure, clutching Aeron’s shoulder as he spoke, ‘it has been too long.’
‘Likewise Lord Gavril,’ Aeron bowed in respect for Gavril even if the former captain answered to Halion.
Melia bowed without speaking, wishing to fade into the background while Aeron and Gavril made their greetings. Flanked by both Aeron and Hadros, Melia felt very much out of place and was convinced that all eyes were fixed on her, trying to decide what she was to their young Prince.
‘We stumbled upon my brother and his,’ Hadros paused as he threw a glance at Melia before continuing, ‘his companion approaching from the river. I almost thought he had lost his way home.’ Hadros teased.
‘Very funny brother,’ Aeron gave him brother a look. ‘Melia is a watch guard and she needs a guide through these woods. We were both in Sandrine at the same time and I offered to help her.’
‘Watch guard?’ Gavril turned to Melia who immediately wished she was anywhere because she expected a reaction akin to the one she had been given by Hadros. ‘The same one who aided Queen Arianne on her quest to fight Syphia?’
‘The same,’ Aeron confirmed, pleased because Gavril’s knowledge of Melia’s part in that affair would help smooth the way for her in Eden Iolan.
‘We are in your debt then,’ Gavril said taking Melia’s hand in his and gazing down at her with warmth. ‘It is no small matter to face a Primordial. Trust me I know.’
She supposed he would if he had fought at Halion’s side during those wars. ‘Thank you,’ she gave him a smile of gratitude at his acceptance. ‘Arianne is my Queen and my friend, I was honoured to be of service to her.’
‘It appears she considers you a friend as well,’ Gavril replied, ‘Arianne has made some inquiries on your behalf. Is that why you have come here? To see Tor Iolan?’
Aeron turned to Melia, his eyes showing his hurt that Gavril knew more about her mission to Tor Iolan than he. After all he was her travelling companion and guide. Should she not have trusted him too?
Melia saw his reaction and immediately felt a pang of guilt at not trusting him enough to reveal her purpose at Tor Iolan. She wished Gavril had not disclosed what Arianne had done for her since it only complicated matters between them.
‘Yes,’ she swallowed thickly, aware of the Prince's eyes upon her as she answered. She knew she would have some explaining to do once this audience with
Gavril was done.
‘There is nothing there,’ Hadros stated before Gavril could. ‘It has been completely emptied. The fortress stands but nothing more. We swept it clean after the Shadow War.’
‘I must go there nonetheless,’ she replied, directing her answer at Gavril instead of Hadros or Aeron for that matter. ‘I have to see it for myself.’
‘Your mother will not be found there,’ the Lord of Eden Iolan declared.
‘Your mother?’ Aeron blurted out, unable to hold in his shock. ‘This has been a search for your mother?’
‘I told you,’ Melia met his gaze. ‘It was a personal matter.’
‘Melia, no human survived Tor Iolan,’ Aeron insisted, sad that he had to dash her hopes with the truth. ‘The Disciples were very thorough.’
Melia wished she did not have quite so much of an audience when answering him but she felt badly that Gavril should know more than he, especially since he had guided her this far. He had earned the right to know. ‘My mother was not human, Aeron.’
‘Not human?’ His eyes widened in shock. ‘What was she? Elvish?’
‘Not elvish,’ Gavril answered for her, seeing Melia's difficulty in explaining. ‘Melia’s mother was a River Daughter.’
A River Daughter. He knew the legends. They were vassals of the Water Wife, the Celestial Goddess Dalcine. ‘Like a Sprite?’ Aeron asked.
‘Yes,’ Gavril replied. ‘However as Melia’s father is mortal so is she.’
Despite himself, he felt a wave of disappointment at hearing Melia was also mortal like her father. River Daughters were also immortal and for a brief moment, Aeron had hoped that Melia might have been too. However, those hopes were now dashed. If Melia were a true River Daughter then she would possess a life span that would ensure that he would never lose her to Father Death the way he would eventually lose Dare and all his mortal friends.
‘Why could you not tell me?’ He asked, his voice reflected his hurt.
‘I did not want anyone to know,’ Melia answered softly, deciding that he deserved an honest answer. ‘For so long I was not even certain that River Daughters were real. I did not want to appear foolish for believing in a fantasy and perhaps I feared of what I would learn about myself in discovering what they are.’
Aeron could see her point. Even to the elves, the River Daughters were something of a mystery. It was said that they were vassals of the Water Wife but few had ever been seen. If Melia had made her parentage known, she would have brought undue attention to herself or worse yet, been the object of ridicule and disbelief. Melia was too proud for that. Nonetheless, knowing the truth explained much as to why she was so determined to see Tor Iolan for herself.
‘As you can see,’ Aeron turned away from her and faced Gavril, still absorbing what he had just learnt. ‘We have some ways to travel before we arrive at our journey. We ask for passage through your realm and shelter for the night.’
‘You shall have it,’ Gavril replied without hesitation, aware that Aeron need not ask but was touched by the respect nonetheless. ‘Tonight, you will rest here and enjoy our hospitality. I am eager to hear what progresses beyond in Carleon.’
It was an offer that Aeron was happy to accept because it had been a long day and the comforts of a bed were not unwelcome after they been travelling rough and would have still have to travel more before they arrived at Tor Iolan. He had no idea what would happen once they reached that desolate place because he knew that there was nothing there to find. Aeron had been a part of the force that cleared Tor Iolan after Balfure's fall and he had seen for himself that its dungeons were emptied during that sweep.
However he did understand why Arianne was so insistent that he accompany Melia on this quest, she should be alone when she arrived at Tor Iolan and found nothing.
******
It became apparent after their arrival that Gavril did not have much opportunity to entertain guests for much pomp and ceremony went into the feast he ordered to celebrate their presence at his court.
For the second time in as many weeks, Melia found herself needing more formal wear than the breeches she was accustomed to wearing. Unfortunately, this situation was even more nerve wracking than the gathering at Sandrine Keep because there at least, she was among friends. In Eden Iolan, the only person she knew was Aeron and everyone else probably saw her as a barbarian Easterling.
Once again, Melia was forced to wear the same gown and felt self conscious that Aeron would recognise it when he saw her in it. She supposed she could have accepted the offer of a gown from one of the elven maids but Melia preferred to wear something of her own, even if it was the only dress she had.
She studied herself in the mirror and was pleased by her decision to wear her hair loose. It was in keeping with elvish fashion and she wanted to stand out as little as possible. There were some pretty white flowers in her room and she used one in her hair, deciding that was all the embellishment her dark locks needed.
Still if it were possible, she would have remained in her room all night because she did not relish having to emerge from its safety into the company of people she did not know. It was too long since Melia was required to be in the presence of so many and she knew much of her social skills had been eroded by years of living rough in the wilderness. Out there, there was no need for airs and graces, of being polite and diplomatic. There was only herself and she was not easily offended.
Unfortunately, the knocking at her door meant that there would be no escape from this ordeal. Melia drew in a breath to brace herself for the evening before going to answer the door.
She expected to find Aeron standing outside but instead it was Hadros waiting in the hall beyond her doorway. Melia grew immediately wary at his presence, recalling his insult at their first meeting and knew despite conciliatory gestures on both their parts, appearances could be deceiving.. She wondered why he was here and was suspicious at what he might say now that they were alone.
Hadros seemed to stare at her for a moment, taken by surprise at how she looked in a dress and Melia steeled herself for another biting remark at her expense.
‘I thought I would escort you to the hall,’ Hadros said stiffly although he was making no effort to hide how his eyes were raking over her form from head to toe. ‘I behaved harshly to you at our earlier meeting and I thought I should make suitable amends for my conduct.’
Melia was convinced he had an alternate agenda.
‘Fine,’ Melia declared sweeping past him, deciding the only way to end this ordeal was to begin it as quickly as possible. ‘Let us be off then.’
‘I must confess,’ Hadros remarked as he fell into stride with her, ‘you do not look so much like a barbarian when you are properly attired. I commend my brother’s taste.’
Melia stopped short and turned around to face him with clear annoyance. ‘Your brother and I are travelling companions,’ she stated firmly. ‘Nothing more.’
Hadros returned her fierce gaze just as intently, ‘That is a pity. You are in your way beautiful, for an Easterling that is.’ His hand reached for a strand of her hair, causing Melia to flinch slightly. However she did not retreat and held her ground. Did he think to unsettle her with his advances?
‘Come now,’ he lowered his hand, noticing her ambivalence at his touch. ‘We are not children. Surely you would have enjoyed the comforts of a warm body on some cold night out in the wilderness? You are a watch guard. There cannot be much opportunity to make attachments in your chosen vocation?’
His voice was no longer arrogant but husky and try as Melia might; she was affected by his closeness. She had paid little attention to Hadros physically during their first meeting because he had found him rude and arrogant. However now that she was in the mind to take note, she decided he was handsome though the beauty of him was different to that of Aeron’s.
‘There are not,’ Melia admitted without shame, aware of what he was alluding to and suspected he was attempting to seduce her. She wondered if he would dare
make such assumptions about her sexual intimacies if she were noble born instead of a mere Easterling. ‘I have shared my bed when I have met someone I liked enough.’
‘That is all I seek to offer you, a night of comfort satisfying your needs and my curiosity. I have never had a woman of the Rayan,’ his eyes filled with suggestion.
‘I am not Rayan,’ she corrected. ‘I am Nadiran.’
She should have been offended by his offer but she was not. If she were, she would have never consented to travel with Aeron alone. She was not a maiden untouched. She did not consider herself wanton even though she had known physical intimacy and saw no need to bind herself in marriage because of it. However, she chose her dalliances carefully and never out of simple lust.
‘I thank you for your offer but I have to decline,’ Melia said politely, feeling less intimidated by him now that she knew what he was about. She had no wish call to satisfy his curiosity about Easterling women if that was his purpose For all she knew, this could be an ill conceived way for him to determine her loyalty to his brother or was it a game of brinksmanship between brothers? Whatever it was, Melia had no wish to be caught in the middle of it or for that matter betray the Prince.
‘Because of Aeron?’ Hadros asked pointedly.
While he would have like to have bedded her, he was not terribly disappointed that she refused him especially now he knew there was his younger brother to consider. Despite both Melia and Aeron’s protestations that their relationship was platonic, Hadros could tell that Melia’s refusal almost certainly had to do with Aeron. Besides, there were many others would oblige him if Melia was unwilling.
‘No,’ Melia stated more hastily than she should have.
Avalyne Series 02: The Easterling Page 9
