Suriax

by Amanda Young

  “Mamma, I’m hun’ry,” the girl said.

  She patted the girl’s head and smiled affectionately. “Dinner will be done soon. Here, take some bread.” The girl giggled and ran off with her prize. The woman laughed and turned back to the food.

  “You have a beautiful family,” Marcy commented, feeling slightly jealous. “Are you two bonded?”

  “Yes, for almost ten years.” She looked off dreamily.

  “I’ve never understood doing that, giving up half your life for someone. I mean . . . it’s a big decision, but I can see you two really care about each other.” She hastened to add, afraid of insulting her host.

  The woman laughed. “It’s okay. I get that all the time. Before I met Bradley, I felt the same way. But when you find true love, you realize you would rather spend a few hundred years with him than seven hundred without him. Given the choice, I would make the same decision again.”

  “You have to catch the ball,” Thomas called from outside. He and Bradley ran across the yard, throwing a small hollowed out gourd they were using as a ball. Running along side them was Brad and Veronica’s older boy, Max. He picked up the ball from the ground and looked at it for several moments before dropping it again. Brad went to grab it, but the boy kicked it through the man’s legs before he could lay a hand on it. The sound of laughter filled the air. Marcy smiled.

  “How long have you two been together?” Veronica asked.

  “Hmm, what? Me and Thomas? Oh, we’re not . . .”

  “You aren’t? I’m sorry, it’s just that the way you look at each other, I assumed.”

  “We just met. We’re helping out a mutual friend with his uncle. That’s all.”

  “If you say so.” Veronica scooped up the pieces of the vegetables she was cutting and put them in the stew pot.

  “What do you mean by ‘the way we look at each other?” Marcy asked, unable to help herself.

  “Honey, Thomas doesn’t look at you like a stranger, and there was something in your eyes just now, too. Besides, that awkward silence between you when you arrived speaks volumes. No one can make you quite as angry as someone you care for. You may have just met, but there is definitely something there.”

  “Hey, Max asked for some bread,” Thomas leaned in the back door. His hair was disheveled from their play. Marcy felt her face flush and looked away. Veronica handed him the bread and they exchanged a few words, but Marcy wasn’t listening. Thomas was handsome, and he did save her from the guards, but could she really have feelings for him? She chanced a glance up and saw him staring at her. He looked away quickly, mumbling something to Veronica and going back outside. They cooked in silence after that, Veronica allowing her to brood on her thoughts.

  Marcy didn’t say much throughout dinner. She was so distracted she didn’t even notice when everyone went to bed. Sitting outside, looking up at the stars, she slowly realized the house was quiet and all the lamps were out. She thought to go to bed herself, but several minutes later she hadn’t moved. She listened to the distant hum of music from the ongoing festival. Bryce would probably be wondering where she was by now. She wished there was some way to contact him without putting him in danger. Her eyes grew heavy, and she found herself drifting off where she sat. Arms wrapped around her and she felt herself be lifted into the air. Turning in to the embrace, she rested her palm against a broad chest. It rose and fell with deep, even breaths, his heart beating loudly under her ear. She relaxed into his arms, feeling slightly bereft when he laid her down on her bed. Opening her eyes, she saw Thomas walking quietly to the door. “Veronica thought we were a couple,” she said softly.

  Thomas stopped and looked back at her. “What did you tell her?”

  “That we just met.”

  He acknowledged her response through the slight upturn of his face. “Good night, Marcy.”

  * * *

  Kern stared up at the stars, the grass at his back. In the distance he could see the walls surrounding the palace. The palace tree towered above it. As with most buildings of importance in Suriax and Aleria, the palace was crafted with powerful magic and expert designers from the structure of a large tree. He could almost make out the upper levels, nestled among the tree limbs. He spent most of his day looking around, gently probing people for information about the palace and its security. Now he had to decide how to get in. That could wait until tomorrow, after a good night’s sleep, he reasoned. Closing his eyes, he strained his ears to listen for the distant sounds of celebrations. Aleria was quiet, most everyone asleep. He heard a horse shuffle his feet in his stall at the stables down the road. A cricket chirped softly. He almost gave up hearing anything when the slow beat of a drum caught his ear. One . . . two . . . three . . . three beats. It was the ceremonial drum announcing the start of the third day of celebration.

  And then he heard the flute. Kern opened his eyes and saw a wedding procession walking to the gazebo at the center of the park. They were led by the bride and groom, walking hand in hand. The man was an elf, the bride a human. This was a bonding wedding. It was traditional in elven society to hold the ceremony at midnight and follow it with a full day of celebrating. Midnight was the start of a new day. The couple joined, not when all was light and easy, but in the cold darkness of night. Together, they pledged to face the coming day and all the hopes and problems it may bring. In a bonding wedding they entered the ceremony site together with hands joined to signify their added level of commitment. They walked as equals, already joined in their hearts.

  Kern watched the couple step up to the priest and recite their vows. Clerics stood to the side, working the bonding magic. A glow came over the bride and groom. Their features shifted subtly. It was more noticeable in the man, who aged many years in the span of a few seconds. They looked into each other’s eyes and smiled, happier than anyone he ever saw.

  Bonding weddings weren’t as common in Suriax. Full elves and humans were mostly bred out, and few new ones chose to move to Suriax. While there was a lifespan difference between a quarter elf and a three quarter elf, it was not as substantial as that between a full elf and human. Besides, Suriaxians were less willing to sacrifice any of their life for another, even for love.

  The couple shared a kiss, and their family and friends cheered. The once quiet night burst into song and dance. In an odd way, it reminded him of being home for the Solstice Celebrations. He watched them for some time. Their happiness was contagious. He longed to be a part of the celebration, to sing and dance without a care, to know that no matter what happened, you weren’t alone. Tomorrow, he would meet his family, and he had no idea what to expect. That thought in the back of his mind, Kern went to sleep.

  Chapter 4

  Things were oddly relaxed between Marcy and Thomas the next day. He wore a loose tunic, borrowed from Bradley. While he looked dashing, charming and dangerous in his Flame Guard jacket, the casual clothing seemed to fit him better. He was a natural with the children. They ran up to him, wanting to show him a rock or piece of string they decided was an ogre, and he played right along, pretending to be scared. They would laugh and run off, only to come back a short while later with a new imaginary monster. This was who he was, not some hired assassin or mercenary. She could easily picture him turning his back on Suriax and never regretting it. The funny thing was, while she watched him, she could easily picture herself doing the same.

  The adults sat around the dining room table for most of the morning. They drank tea and ate a late breakfast, talking about how Thomas and Bradley met. As it turned out, Thomas knew Bradley from his village. They grew up together, getting into much mischief in their younger years. When Thomas decided to leave, they traveled to Suriax together. While Bradley never had any interest in the Guard, he decided he too could find a new start there.

  Veronica tilted her head to the side, her keen elven ears hearing voices only her and Marcy seemed to notice. “Is someone outside?” she asked, interrupting a story of how Brad talked Thomas out of letting a practicin
g mage try to burn his hair shorter for a bet. Bradley shot up and went to check on the children.

  Going to the window, Marcy felt her blood run cold. “It’s the Royal Guard.” She and Thomas looked at each other, wondering how they were found so quickly.

  “Can I help you?” Bradley asked, putting a protective hand on Max’s shoulder. Vivian hid behind his legs.

  “We are looking for a half elf Flame Guardsman who goes by the name, Kern. He may be traveling with an older elven man and a young elf woman.”

  “I haven’t seen anyone like that around here.”

  “I’ll need to check the house to confirm that,” the guard said.

  Thomas reached for his sword at his waist, but Marcy stayed his hand. If they got into a fight here, someone, possibly one of the children, could get hurt. “I have an idea.” Running to her bag, she pulled out a book with several scrolls loose inside. She flipped through the scrolls quickly, looking for the one that could help. “Ah, ha,” she said triumphantly. Putting the book down, she ran over to Frex and took his hand. “Apelai Chamealton,” she said. The scroll disappeared in her hand, dissolving into a glowing mist that surrounded them. When the mist was gone, Frex and Marcy had the appearance of humans. Before anyone could say anything, the front door opened. Bradley was the first to enter. He faltered a half step at seeing them, but quickly recovered. Marcy could see the look of relief on his face.

  The guard looked around the room and then down at a paper in his hand. “It says here there are only four people living at this residence.”

  “That is correct,” Bradley said. “Some of my family is visiting for the Solstice Festival.”

  The guard nodded and proceeded to check the rest of the house. He looked in every closet and cabinet, He even pulled back the curtains. After checking the rest of the house, he came back in the front, looking around again for anything out of place. Marcy looked over at Thomas and felt her heart catch. Directly behind him, on the arm of the chair, was his Flame Guard jacket. One look at that jacket would give them away. If he found out any of them were with the Guard he would know they lied about their identities, and he would not be inclined to look the other way. The Royal Guard hated the Flame Guard. They were constantly competing for the crown’s attention. Technically, the Royal Guard was the Queen’s personal guard, but she used the Flame Guard often enough that a fair amount of jealousy developed. Marcy caught Thomas’ eyes and looked over at the jacket. His own eyes widened as soon as he saw it. Stretching casually, he knocked the jacket to the floor and kicked it under the chair. The guard turned at the movement, but Thomas covered by sitting on the arm of the chair with a sigh. Apparently satisfied, the guard bid them a good day and left.

  Marcy released the breath she was holding and let go of Frex’s hand. The illusion melted away, restoring their normal faces.

  “How did you do that?” Veronica asked.

  “It was a change appearance scroll my friend Lynnalin gave me. She makes magical items for my brother’s tavern all the time and threw it in as a gift.”

  “Do you have any other ones?” Thomas asked hopefully.

  “Unfortunately, no, that was the only one.”

  Thomas looked off thoughtfully. “How could they have found us so fast?”

  “I don’t think they did.” Marcy answered. “They didn’t ask about you. I don’t think they know about you, yet. I sounded like they were checking everyone.”

  “What did Kern get himself involved with?” Thomas asked in wonder. It was no small feat to get that kind of attention from the Crown, especially during the festival.

  “He said it had to do with his parents, but he didn’t tell me who they were.”

  Both of them looked at Frex expectantly. Looking uncertain, he shifted in his seat. “I suppose you should know. Kern is the son of Crystillia and Veritan. He is the half brother to Queen Maerishka.”

  The shock in the room was palpable. “No wonder they’re looking everywhere. If anyone found out there was another heir to the throne . . .” Thomas let his words trail off. Everyone knew what would happen. There would be civil war. Those who desire power would use the situation as an excuse to unseat the queen, thinking it easier to undermine, influence or dethrone an inexperienced new king. “Do you think you can get your hands on another one of those scrolls?”

  “I can try, but Lynnalin lives at the mage academy.” The academy was near Kern’s apartment, just outside the walls of the palace grounds. Going there would not be easy.

  “I think it is worth the risk. We need a back up plan in case Kern’s contact isn’t able to get us across the border. Bradley, I know this is asking a lot, but can Frex stay here while we go get the scroll?”

  “He may. The guards have already checked us, so it is unlikely they will come back again right away. He should be safe here for the time being.”

  Borrowing a shawl from Veronica to cover her ears and partially hide her face, Marcy and Thomas left.

  * * *

  Svanteese knocked on the chamber door. He heard a moan and knocked again. “Your Majesty?” When he didn’t hear an answer, he pushed open the door. She may kill him for the intrusion, but the queen missed all her morning meetings and no one knew where she was. The last anyone saw she was at the temple. Even more troubling, there was now a fourth name on the scroll of Venerith.

  There was no one in the main chamber. He heard a groan in the bed chamber and hesitated. “Your Majesty?”

  “Help me.”

  Svanteese tore open the bedroom door. Maerishka lay curled in a ball on the floor. “I’ll get help.”

  “No,” she reached up, but the movement was weak and her hand quickly fell heavily to the floor.

  Svanteese thought of what to do. She obviously didn’t want anyone to know she was hurt, but he needed help if he was to care for her and whatever ailment plagued her. Rushing from the room, he found her handmaiden. Azalaie was the only other person the queen trusted. She was, after all, the person who warned her of the former king and queen’s plot on her life.

  “She is burning up,” Azalaie pulled back her hand. Unable to touch Maerishka without burning themselves, they grabbed blankets and used those to move her to the bed. Pulling out a beaded necklace Azalaie ran her hands over the beads and sang. Healing magic poured forth and surrounded the queen. When the song was done she tried again to touch her, but the result was the same. “This is not a natural illness.”

  “I fear she may have entered into a pact with Venerith.”

  Her eyes widened. “Then there is little we can do for her.” Silently they set about the impossible task to make her as comfortable as possible.

  * * *

  Walking through the city was nerve wracking. They opted to walk in the open. No one was looking for a single elven woman traveling with a human, so they were unlikely to attract much attention. Hiding in shadows and alleys would only look suspicious, should they be seen. The festival week was about halfway over. Mindful of travel delays, visitors often arrived weeks in advance, not wanting to miss the first two days of non-stop events and activities. Normally by this time, the tourists would begin to clear out to start their long journeys home, thinning the crowds. This was not a normal year. Thousands of people of every age and race were arriving every day for the Tournament of Fire. The opening ceremonies were only one day away.

  “You need to relax.” Thomas took her hand as they rushed in front of a parade float to cross the street. “It’s a festival. If anyone sees you looking worried or nervous, they may start to ask questions.” He smiled warmly, waving to people as they passed.

  “Easy for you to say,” she replied through a fake smile and clenched teeth. “You aren’t the one they are looking for.”

  “Not yet, but that could quickly change, especially if you don’t loosen up.” Grinning mischievously, he spun her around to the music playing from a nearby shop. “Relax,” he whispered into her ear. Her worries temporarily forgotten, she stared up into his eyes. �
�Wait here.” Ducking into the shop, Thomas came out with cake and drinks. He looked completely at ease, and she could almost pretend they were just two regular people enjoying the festival together. They ate and drank as they walked, taking in the sights and stopping to look at some of the performers. He was right, she felt much less nervous now that she was behaving normally. By the time they made it to the mage academy, she felt more like her old self.

  The academy consisted of a large tree with several buildings perched on the massive limbs. The inner trunk was hollow, leaving open a chamber only accessible from the homes. The magi there were big about privacy. Lynnalin answered the door on the first knock. She wore black leather pants, a black halter top corset with bright blue flames licking up the sides and front, and fake Venerith horns strapped to her head. “Marcy, I’ve been looking for you. I have a birthday present.”

  “You didn’t have to,” but it was already too late. Lynnalin ran inside excitedly.

  “It’s your birthday?” Thomas asked.

  Marcy shrugged. “I don’t really celebrate it.”

  “You have to,” Lynnalin said, returning with a small box. “It’s the big two-oh-oh.”

  “Wait, so your birthday is at Solstice, and you’re two hundred? That would make you the same age as the city,” Thomas commented.

  “Are you calling me old?” Marcy saw the look on his face and grinned to let him know she was teasing.

  “No, I just didn’t think there were any children here when the city was founded. I mean, wasn’t it pretty dangerous with all the recently released criminals from Aleria?

  “Marcy’s parents were dangerous criminals,” Lynnalin commented, her hands on Marcy’s arms. Her chin rested on Marcy’s shoulder.