by E. L. Todd
Aleco’s eyes widened. “Why does it house them exclusively?”
Father Giloth sighed. “The Asquith people are the creators of the finest weapons. They used a rare metal that allowed them to create such useful battle tools. The metal was also useful in construction of keeps, homes, and palaces. The keep of Roslyn is made with this material, where the guild collected these stones. The magic they used to create this material inadvertently created a hollow gap within it, allowing someone to store their thoughts for review at a later time. What they didn’t know was that the stone could also act as a Soul Binder, which is what these stones are.”
Aleco was confused. “Why would they make Soul Binders if it risked their immortality?”
“They didn’t realize the abilities of these gems until it was too late. They were far from reach in a land they had no control over. I suspect that when Accacia’s parents, the ambassadors of their realm, came to the Continent, their true agenda was either to harvest the stones or destroy them.”
“How do you destroy them?” Aleco asked with earnest.
“I have no idea,” he said. “It may be impossible. The weapons they forged will not melt, break, bend, or dull despite the best efforts to do so. This is why their weapons are priceless,” Father Giloth said. “Their stones are also unbreakable.”
Aleco’s face fell. “Why are there souls within these gems?”
“The combination of the stones used to erect the keep of Roslyn contains a plethora of these gems, and their presence creates a beacon which sucks wandering souls into the stone, sealing them within the surface forever. When an Asquithian is murdered, their soul is attracted to the stone and enters it. If an Asquithian perishes by normal means, their souls will remain unaffected by the power of the gems.
“Where did these souls come from?”
“When Drake flooded the island, their entire population was massacred,” he said. “When their souls were wandering to the light, they felt the beacon of the Soul Binders in Roslyn, and their entities were sucked into the rock.”
Aleco stood up and paced the room. He wanted to vomit. All of Accacia’s kin were stuck within these stone prisons, captive for uncounted years. Their immortal souls were merely gas in another man’s engine, and then the used souls simply vanished. Accacia could never know the truth of the Soul Binders. A horrific thought flooded his mind as he thought of her. “Drake murdered Accacia’s parents,” he said more to himself than Father Giloth. “That would mean—”
“Yes,” he said. “Their souls are trapped as well.”
Asylinth House
33
Aleco poured himself a brandy from the decanter. He swallowed the liquid in one gulp. “When will she leave?” Aleco asked.
“A boat and crew will be waiting for her on the morning of the third day. They will carry her five miles from the coast of the island, and she will row a lifeboat the rest of the way.”
Aleco nodded. “Are they trustworthy?”
“The sailors or the Asquithians?” he asked.
“Both.”
“The sailors will not harm Accacia. They have my trust. I have no doubt the Asquithian society will accept Accacia. They will fear her initially, but I know she will ascend in their government and gain their trust,” Father Giloth said. “How could they not love her?” Father Giloth drained his own glass of whiskey.
Aleco nodded his agreement. “What of me?”
Father Giloth looked at him. “What of you?”
“How will I overthrow Drake?” he asked. “If I want your advice, I should ask now, right?”
“You intend to pursue this?” he asked with raised eyebrows.
“Until he is dead or I am,” he said. “Whichever comes first.”
“It is hopeless, Aleco,” he whispered.
“No arguments there. But I have to figure out how to destroy the Soul Binders,” he said. “I care more about that than killing Drake.”
“They can’t be destroyed,” he said.
“Are you certain?” Aleco asked.
“No,” Father Giloth admitted.
“Then I will try,” he said. “I owe Accacia that much.”
Father Giloth stared at Aleco. The light of hope flickered in his eyes like a candle running low on wick. He hated to be the one to douse the flame. “Aleco, even if you overthrow Drake, establish yourself as the rightful ruler, and free the souls of Accacia’s late parents, she will never return—ever.”
“She might,” he whispered.
“She won’t know the way, her people won’t release her, and she won’t have a ship,” he said. “And she will never know the events of the Continent, so she will have no reason to return.”
“I’ll find her,” Aleco said.
“How long will it take you to accomplish your wildest dreams, and then find her? She will have moved on by then, son,” he said. He looked at the stoic expression on Aleco’s face, and knew he was on the brink of rage. Father Giloth hated expressing these horrible thoughts, but Aleco needed to hear the voice of reality. “I’m sorry, Aleco, but it’s the truth. Enjoy your time with her and cherish the memory then move on—I know you will find happiness again someday.”
Aleco laughed. “I thought you weren’t allowed to lie.”
“I’m not,” he answered.
Aleco rose from his seat. “Your advice is no longer needed,” he said. “If I wanted to give up, I wouldn’t need to ask you how. I can just watch you do it.”
Aleco turned towards Father Giloth once more before he left the house. The command in his voice reverberated around the room. “Accacia is mine until she leaves,” he said. “You have no bidding rights when it comes to her time. Drake dragged her from the forest, and you did nothing to stop him. You knew what he planned to do, but you still failed to protect her. She claims to forgive you, but I never will.”
Father Giloth dropped his gaze at Aleco’s words.
“With those majestic powers you possess, you could have intervened, but you didn’t even try,” he yelled. “All those years you could have spent with her are gone. Now it is my turn to cherish them, the only one who is worthy to do so.
“I am the one who rescued her, saved her life so many times that I can’t recall the number, and you did nothing. She was there for three years, and you did nothing.” Anger flooded his body at the travesty Father Giloth had committed—the man who claimed to be her father. He had been angry with the old man before, but never like this. The knowledge that she was leaving tore a hole in his chest. None of this would be happening if Father Giloth had protected her that afternoon. “You aren’t awakened every night by the screams of her nightmares, which are always about the same thing—Drake.”
“Enough.” He silenced him.
Aleco left the house, slamming the door behind him.
Aleco slid his body between the sheets. He buried his face within the crook of her neck and breathed in the scent of her hair, something he would treasure during his lonely nights without her—but he couldn’t think about that. Aleco withdrew his Soul Catcher from his necklace, where he now stored the stone, and inserted the memories of their winter within the gem. The intimate moments when they made passionate love, laughed together under the trees, and the serene moments when he watched her sleep—all worthy of being remembered.
The contents of his Soul Catcher had been altered. What was once a storage of painful memories full of death, revenge, and bloody battles, was replaced with the memories he made with Accacia—the only happy memories he possessed. They were going to have to last him a lifetime. For Aleco, there was no moving on—this was it.
Aleco wanted the following days to be the best they ever had—but the gods always laugh at your plans. They made love often, more than usual, but their conversations were forced and difficult. They refrained from discussing upcoming events, Accacia’s departure, Drake’s coronation, the fate of the forest, and the freedom of the citizens of the Continent, which left few subjects to discuss. The only saf
e avenue was the past—which was a painful topic for both of them.
Accacia attempted to visit Father Giloth often, but Aleco always distracted her from her goal. He had no plans of sharing her. He found himself staring at Accacia almost every second, memorizing her face for the years to come. She knew why he did this, but never commented on it.
Their last evening together was the hardest night. They ate dinner in silence, as they both thought about what they didn’t want to discuss, and they looked at each other with saddened expressions. Aleco was enraged with the events of his life. He’d already lost his parents—did he have to lose her too?
That night, Accacia slid her bare body between the sheets and watched Aleco stir the embers of the fire. She watched his back muscles ripple in the light of the flames as he moved. He threw another log onto the fire and the flames rose. Aleco rose from the hearth and followed her under the covers. His warm embrace surrounded Accacia and made her sigh—she knew how much she would miss his touch. He caught her expression and kissed her lips, attempting to change the course of her thoughts, but it made her realize how much she would miss that, too.
Aleco leaned over and inserted himself within her, and she gasped at his entrance and pulled him deeper. He made love to her in a way he never had before. He focused his attention on the soft touch of her skin, the feel of her silky hair, and the beautiful green color of the eyes that always betrayed her hidden emotion. They were soaked with tears. The sight pulled at his heart, and his tears fell too, dripping on her chest as they made love in the throes of their pain. Neither of them enjoyed the interaction the way they had before, but they needed to be as close to each other as possible.
They didn’t sleep the entire night. They spent the evening discussing insignificant topics, and embracing each other as if it would be their last opportunity. Their limited time together made him realize just how special every moment was with her, and he wished fate had been more kind to both of them. Accacia’s eyes never left his as she ran her hands down his chest and along the curves of his torso, savoring the feel of his muscular physique. The fair color of his skin complemented his crystal blue eyes, which were so beautiful it was painful to look away. The image flooded her mind even when she closed her eyes. The stern cheekbones of his face and his large eyes made him the most attractive man she had ever seen. She ran her hands through the blond hair she adored, and felt the strands glide through the gaps in her fingers. He looked like a king. He had broad, muscular shoulders that always stood straight when he walked. His gaze was never unfriendly, but always kind, unless you gave him a reason to make a sour face, which was often, she learned. He was absolutely perfect. Aleco would never become the king he should be, and that tugged at her heart painfully. She had come to know Aleco for who he really was and not the sarcastic man he projected. He just had a broken heart like she did.
“I’m going to miss you,” she whispered.
“Stop,” he commanded her. He closed his eyes and held her hand to his heart. “Not yet.”
Roslyn Palace
34
The peasants gathered around the grounds of the beautiful keep, staring up to the platform where Lord Letumian stood. His crown glittered in the spring sun and shined brighter than the stars on a cloudless night. Father Hyphalia chanted his blessing through the Channel of Souls, the hollow spire that reached up to the sky. Drake kneeled before his feet while Father Hyphalia communicated with the gods of the universe, asking for wisdom and guidance for the new king, the first they’d had in many generations. Father Hyphalia ended his communication through the Channel and looked down at the Sole Sovereign of the Unified Continent. “Rise,” he commanded.
The king rose to his feet and smiled. The strong wind blew the strands of blond hair from his eyes and revealed the cerulean color of his irises, which glowed in the light of the sun. He fit the description of a kingly sovereign with his handsome features and strong frame. He supported the burden of his armor and gleaming sword, but the look was deceptive. His black heart was hidden from view.
Drake approached the end of the metallic platform and looked down at the peasants gathered in the streets. They cheered as they caught sight of the magnificent king, standing tall over the rail with the golden crown upon his head. He smiled down at his citizens and they cried again.
He walked back to the center of the dais and looked at the other dukes of the Continent. As the recognized leader of the surrounding realms, Drake had power that surpassed their own. His dominance was absolute. They were mere figureheads now.
“Congratulations, Your Highness,” Artremian said as he extended his hand.
Drake took it. “Thank you, Artremian .”
The Steward of Morkarh approached him. His red cape billowed around him in the wind, and his metallic necklace shined silver in the light. “To many fruitful years, Your Majesty,” he said as he grabbed his shoulder.
“Yes, many fruitful years,” he answered. He smiled at his ally and friend. His cooperation was essential to this undertaking. Drake would reward his allegiance handsomely during his reign.
“May the gods bless your role as the leader of this Continent,” Father Hyphalia spoke. “We are at your disposal during this time and will assist you in any way we can.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Of course, my son,” he answered.
Drake looked at the congregation of officials surrounding him. Rancar nodded at him from his high seat alongside the other councilmen. Rancar had also been essential for this glorious day and Drake would remember his effort. He noticed Father Giloth’s absence. “Under my command, the unified armies of the Continent will guard and protect the innocent lives of those who cannot protect themselves. The possibility of war between nations will disappear and our commerce will blossom with fortune,” he said. “The horrific past of our nation is buried with those who lie in their crypts, and I will never repeat their mistakes. The Continent will always be at peace as long as I am here to protect it. Will you stand with me?”
“Yes.” They finished the pledge. “Always we will.”
The duke smiled. “Let’s begin this new age.”
Harbor of Orgoom Forest
35
Father Giloth, the Naturalists that Accacia knew well, and Aleco walked her to the harbor at the far end of Orgoom Forest. Every thud of his boots against the earth reminded Aleco of the second hand of a clock, ticking towards the hour of his doom. He held her hand as they walked. Before they even approached the harbor, tears were stinging behind his eyes. Aleco blinked them away. If Accacia saw his tears, she would cry too.
The massive ship came into view when they exited the trees. Its craftsmanship was evident in the dimensions, making the boat sturdy and formidable. White sails reached to the sky, and the wind danced along the seams. The sun splashed the fabric of the mast and highlighted the color, making it look as pure as bleach. The brightness of the sunstar reflected in the ocean water, and the waves sparkled under its rays. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. It was as if the elements themselves were wishing Accacia farewell. Aleco looked over at Father Giloth, and suspected he had intervened in the weather.
Men were hauling cargo onto the ship. Aleco assumed they were extra provisions for the lengthy trip. Their feet left the wild grass of the forest and thudded against the planks of the pier, which extended out to sea for one hundred feet. Accacia stopped in her tracks before she stepped onto the pier. Aleco nudged her forward.
The captain of the ship approached Father Giloth and they embraced. “Thank you for granting me this favor, Captain.”
“Of course, after all you have done for my family, it is the least I can do,” he said. “I am happy to do anything for you, Father.”
Father Giloth smiled.
“Now where is the stowaway?” he asked. His skin was brown and leathery from exposure to the sun. It contrasted against the whiteness of his teeth, making him appear darker in comparison. He smiled at the group of gath
erers and looked into the faces of each person. His eyes landed on Accacia. “Hello, my dear.”
“Hello.” She smiled. The brightness of the sun caused her eyes to squint, so she shielded her face with her hand. “I’ve never sailed before,” she admitted.
“You are going to love it, dear.” He smiled. “I’ve been sailing for twenty years. Believe me when I say that I’ll get you wherever you need to go, safe and sound.”
“I look forward to it,” she said.
“Can I have your pack and belongings?” he asked.
“Thank you,” she said as she handed him her gear.
“Whenever you’re ready,” he said as he turned away.
Aleco let go of Accacia’s hand. She turned to the Naturalists she had known her entire life and said goodbye to each of them in turn. She smiled warmly as she said her farewells, and Aleco was surprised by her reserved emotions. They each kissed her on the brow and returned to the forest, giving her privacy with Father Giloth. Tears covered all their faces.
He smiled at her. “I am very happy for you, Accacia. I always hoped you would visit your people,” he said. “You will be welcomed, I am certain of it.”
“I hope you are right, Father.” She smiled in return, staring at the man she had known as a father her entire life, and the tears began to swim before her. She looked down and blinked them back. She silently berated herself for not lasting longer.
Father Giloth lifted her chin. “Accacia, I’m sorry I failed to protect you from the duke all those years ago. I want you to know that I have never forgiven myself for it.” His watered eyes mirrored her own.
“Please don’t say that,” she whispered through her tears. “It wasn’t your fault. I forgive you, so please forgive yourself, Father.”
“I can’t,” he whispered. “I’m going to miss you dearly.”
She hugged him. “I will miss you.” She sobbed.
They embraced on the deck of the harbor, holding each other for the last time in this life. The seagulls cried overhead, but Accacia did not hear them. All she could hear were her childhood memories echoing in her mind. She recalled the worry on her father’s face when she had lain in the meadow all day, arriving home after dark. He was so grateful she wasn’t hurt that they celebrated that night with wine and dessert. She couldn’t believe this was the end. “I love you.”
