Although Violet did not know the king personally, a part of her ached for leaving him. It felt as though she betrayed both her conscience and Silas’ wishes. How could he love her now after such an act?
She reasoned that her motives for leaving were just. Her loyalty to Avani was unquestionable, and she wanted to aid in the forging in any way possible. But in her heart she knew that she had disappointed the future king of Aldron. Whatever hopes of a relationship she held on to were now dashed.
“Blast it, how long is this infernal bridge?” Brandewulf asked, breaking Violet’s musings. He sidled his warhorse next to Avani, who rode a speckled mare.
She frowned at him, a common look she gave the man throughout the trip.
“It’s another four miles from here, Brandewulf. If the distance isn’t to your liking you can always turn around and head back to Aldron,” she said pointedly.
Brandewulf smiled. “You are a feisty one, Princess. I know you’re not fond of me, but I’m not all bad, am I? I’ve cooked every meal on our trip and fetched water for our camp every day,” he said.
“It’s true. He’s been the requisite gentleman, Avani,” Violet added, glad for an opportunity to converse. Talking distracted her from the immense guilt she felt.
Avani’s frown deepened. “If you think you’ll get into my good graces by doing menial housework then you’re sadly mistaken.”
“I figured as much,” Brandewulf replied, his smile widening. “I suppose that beef stew last night wasn’t to your liking? That’s really what this is about, isn’t it?”
Violet stifled a laugh, but Avani still cast a glare in her direction.
“All joking aside,” Brandewulf said, his face growing somber, “I want you both to know that I’m on your side. My reputation has been flaunted as someone who is uncaring and capricious. I assure you these are lies meant to sully my family’s name. In truth, I only put on the pompous facade to entertain the common folk. Would you find any humor in a noble who took himself so seriously?”
“You’re a fool and a horrible liar, Brandewulf,” Avani said.
“Avani!” Violet blurted out, her cheeks growing hot. The princess was always blunt about everything, but this seemed quite out of line.
“It’s all right, Violet. I’ve been called worse. Would you care to elaborate on your charges about my character, Avani?” Brandewulf asked, the smile returning.
“Every nobleman should always carry himself in a way that is appropriate to his position. Your statement about being pompous merely to entertain your subjects is the high point of folly,” she explained, nudging her horse to trot quicker than Brandewulf’s.
“I see,” Brandewulf said. “And the part about me being a liar?”
Avani hesitated for a moment. “I’ve heard rumors of your sympathies toward the Draknoir. Your family suffered a terrible humiliation when your uncle was exiled for his dealings with those beasts. Some have reasoned the apple has not fallen far from the tree,” she said coldly.
Violet had not been privy to that bit of information. She studied Brandewulf now to see how he’d respond. But the man was only nodding and looking off into the distance.
The reply came a few minutes later after an awkward pause in the conversation.
“I am not my uncle. He committed a treasonous act, and the king showed him mercy by exiling him rather than killing him. For that I am grateful. But I have always been loyal to the throne. Allesmeade has prospered under the rule of Aldron for centuries. The Draknoir have attacked us many times. Tell me, what would I have to gain by being sympathetic to those scaly monsters?” Brandewulf asked.
Avani shrugged. “I’m not sure. Power, perhaps? It seems to be the one thing on every man’s mind,” she said.
“That is a very cynical view of mankind even coming from an elf,” Brandewulf said. “Would you have the same appraisal of the Ellyllei—this Lucius of Nostra?”
At the mention of Lucius, Violet saw a noticeable change in Avani’s countenance. A flash of sadness crossed the princess’ face, but in an instant it was gone. She seemed to compose herself again with that proud air that caused her noble peers to grow tired of her. But Violet could see through the facade. She knew there was something about Lucius that caused Avani to bring her guard down.
“The Ellyllei is not like any regular man,” Avani said calmly. “If you want me to believe that you have the same honor as a prophesied savior of Azuleah then you must do more than simply boast about your venerable qualities.”
Brandewulf pursed his lips, but said nothing in return.
They continued on the bridge at a slow canter for most of the mid-morning. Violet tried to strike up more conversation about the weather, the beautiful design of the bridge, and anything else she could think of, but the tension between her companions crushed any hopes of lengthy talk. She sighed and stroked Homer’s mane. The horse shook its head in an appreciative way. He almost seemed to understand her dilemma, and she wished he could speak. He’d probably have plenty of things to say, and they would converse for hours so she wouldn’t have to keep thinking about Silas and Alfryd.
Around noon, they reached the metal gates at the end of the Eternal Bridge. The gates were made of a polished steel that was richly decorated in a floral pattern. The metal barrier blocked any access into the realm of Numa, which consisted of large buildings made of stone and topped with terracotta roofs. The highlands and proximity to the western coast gave the city a relaxing air. Violet felt as though she could take a holiday here and stay for weeks, admiring the scenic landscape. But the architecture was also uninviting in an ethereal, mysterious way. The flowing geometric shapes of the windows and latticework were unlike anything she’d ever seen. It seemed familiar and yet alien to her.
“Here we are last,” Brandewulf said in a bored tone. “I’ve never come in this way. My ships usually dock in the harbor when I come for a visit with the king. Is there a knocker here somewhere or—”
“The city watchers have already seen us,” Avani said impatiently. “They’re probably wary of visitors due to the war with my brothers.”
“Yes, but wouldn’t they recognize you and let us in?” Violet asked.
“Perhaps, but they’re likely deciding whether or not this is a trap of some sort. They could see my unannounced return as an omen. I may have joined my brothers in their rebellion, and my coming could be detrimental to the safety of the city.”
“Hmm, so it’s not just you that’s cynical. It’s your entire race,” Brandewulf quipped.
Avani rolled her eyes, but kept any retorts to herself.
A sudden movement beyond the gates caught Violet’s attention. There was a slight fog in the cold air and it was difficult to see the dark figures approaching. Brandewulf let his hand fall to the spiked mace that hung from his saddle. Violet remembered the dagger tucked beneath her apron and slipped her hand to grasp it. Looking over at Avani, she noticed the elf princess was calm and sitting straight on her horse with no discernible emotion on her face. The figures became more visible now, and Violet could make out their features. Two elves dressed in leather jerkins with a peculiar chainmail underneath resembling dragon scales. Thin curved swords hung from their belts, and quivers full of arrows were slung over their shoulders. Panic suddenly rose inside of Violet as she saw the two elves holding bows each nocked with an arrow and at full draw.
“Go back where you came!” the elf on the right announced. “Numa is forbidden to outsiders!”
Avani raised her hands in a passive gesture, but the elves grew more cautious at the movement. “Please, I am no outsider. I am the daughter of King Sikahr Rubiwind—Princess Avani,” she said softly. Carefully, she pulled back the headscarf covering her ears and hair.
The elves stepped closer and a flash of recognition passed between them. They lowered their bows and bowed before her.
“Princess, please forgive our alarm,” the taller elf on the right said.
“Rise,” Avani commanded.
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The two elves obeyed and, now that they were closer to the gate, Violet could examine them closer. The elf on the right had a light complexion that contrasted with his dark eyes and hair. He seemed to be the elder of the two, but it was impossible to tell due to their immortal qualities. The other elf was noticeably taller, and his long orange hair was braided in an elaborate fashion. His face was well-defined with high cheekbones and a pointed nose.
“My lady, I am Watcher Orwin,” the elder elf said. He gestured to his companion. “And this is Renauld, my apprentice. We did not expect to ever see you in these lands again.”
“Believe me, neither did I. But I come with urgent news for my father. Please let us in,” Avani ordered.
Orwin glanced at Brandewulf and Violet, hesitating. “I’m sorry, my lady. But the king has commanded that only Numan elves are allowed inside our realm.”
Avani furrowed her brow and glared at the elf. “I am ordering you, Watcher Orwin, to allow us inside. Or do you wish to be responsible for the downfall of Numa if I should leave here without my father knowing of the calamity that approaches?”
Orwin swallowed hard. “No, my lady,” he replied. He gestured for Renauld to unlock the gates.
The apprentice did so, and they were escorted down the cobblestone path leading to the famed House of Numa. It was a grand structure constructed of polished marble and adorned with the same terracotta roof as the other buildings in the city. From what little elvish history Violet could remember, she knew the House of Numa was the equivalent of a great hall in a human kingdom. King Sikahr’s throne was within the hall, where he and the royal family could make pronouncements and decrees in the presence of all their subjects.
Orwin led them to a stable just outside the grand house, where a stablehand unsaddled their horses. The House was located in the center of the city, surrounded by dwellings and other buildings. Violet noticed vendor stands about a block from the stable in front of a building with a wooden placard. The placard had a gilded symbol which looked like a wineglass—perhaps a tavern or inn of some kind. But what stood out most to Violet was the fact that the market and the inn looked completely abandoned. She wasn’t sure how such places of business operated in Numa, but in Aldron or Sylvania, a lack of people was generally a bad sign.
Following Orwin and Renauld, the three travelers made their way inside the large house. The interior was an open room with a vaulted ceiling that allowed plenty of sunlight to shine through. Three long tables with benches ran the length of the hall. At the end of the hall was a dais where two thrones sat. King Sikahr and Queen Vilina sat on each throne, watching them approach. The hall was empty save for the two elf watchers, the royals, and the three visitors.
Violet studied the king, who had a hawkish gaze and a prominent nose. His skin was a light brown which matched Avani’s complexion. He wore a golden crown which laced around his forehead in an intricate pattern. The queen wore a similar crown, but more feminine in design. Her eyes were sympathetic and her skin was a lighter shade. From where Violet stood they seemed in appearance to provide a stark contrast to each other. She wondered if the same was true of their temperaments.
They stepped up to the dais and Avani bowed before her parents. Brandewulf and Violet followed the gesture. When Violet looked up again she saw Sikahr frowning at his daughter.
“Avani,” he said simply, his voice deep and devoid of warmth. “So you have returned. My listless daughter who flees to seek out a foolish prophecy.”
“Father, I do not wish to have this discussion again,” she replied sternly.
“Is this how a daughter greets her father and the king of Numa?” Sikahr asked. Before she could respond, the king turned to Brandewulf and his frown deepened. “And what business have you come here for, Lord Brandewulf? Our trade agreement has already been settled. Or do I have you to thank for bringing back one of my wandering children?”
“Enough, Sikahr,” Vilina interjected. “We are not at war with Brandewulf or Avani. Can we not be more welcoming in our address?”
Sikahr scoffed, then waved a dismissive hand at the queen. “Do as you will.”
Prompted by his dismissiveness, Vilina stood and descended the dais, walking toward Avani. Violet watched Avani’s resolute composure break as her mother threw her arms around her in a tight embrace.
“I’ve been worried sick over you, child!” the queen said.
Avani returned the embrace, but quickly pulled back and held her mother at arm’s length. “Mother, we come with ill tidings,” she said.
“Of the dragons? We already know, Avani,” her mother replied. “We had an influx of refugees from Evingrad come here over the past few weeks.”
“Refugees from Evingrad? There were survivors?” Brandewulf asked, his eyebrow raised.
The queen nodded. “Yes. Many of our kinsmen have arrived with countless wounded. Quetulya and Helmer number among them. But most of the Cyngorell of the Breninmaur have perished.”
“They should have never secluded themselves in that tree,” Sikahr said absently. “Quetulya was a fool to think they could keep themselves hidden from the affairs of the world.”
“Do you not do the same when it concerns the Ellyllei, Father? You ignore the prophecy as fanciful nonsense and yet Numa’s fate rests upon the Ellyllei succeeding,” Avani retorted.
Violet saw the king’s eyes flash with anger. “I will not embroil myself in a blind quest to aid the ragged peoples of Azuleah when my nation is struggling to survive, Avani,” he replied.
Avani sighed, but Violet saw her face soften slightly, and she tried another tack. “Father, I know this war has caused our people much pain. But please, do not prolong that pain with a misstep concerning the prophecy. I was destined to forge the sword, and I have collected the materials to do so,” she said.
The king looked up at that. His eyes furrowed curiously and Avani motioned for Orwin, who still stood in the room behind them, to give her a rucksack he held. “Over the last year, I have collected everything needed to forge the sword. Everything that Irruben Silverhart documented when the Requiem Sword was first created. I can do this, Father,” she said in a pleading tone. “Please allow me to reforge it in the Sky Forge as our ancestor once did.”
King Sikahr frowned slightly and glanced at his wife. Vilina nodded and said, “Sikahr, what do we have to lose by aiding our only daughter? We have lost our sons to rebellion. But she has returned…to complete a calling told long ago. Surely you won’t deny her this?”
The king sighed heavily and he waved his hand absently. “Fine. Do as you will, Avani. I have more pressing matters to attend to anyway,” he said resignedly.
Avani suppressed a smile and nodded. Violet could barely contain her joy, and allowed her smile to beam widely in spite of herself. She looked over at Brandewulf and saw that the duke was also smiling at the news.
“But you will not forge this blade yourself, Avani. Quetulya and Helmer will oversee the forging. I trust your skills as a blacksmith, but they are far more experienced at the art than you,” Sikahr said.
“That will be just fine, Father,” she said softly.
Now that the matter was settled, Violet noticed a distinct warmth enter the king’s countenance and the room overall.
They discussed the current state of Numa’s civil war with the twin brothers, Balavan and Eshan, which shed light on why the streets of Numa seemed abandoned. Apparently, the twins had sent spies into the city who were conscripting Numan elves to their cause. The major point against Sikahr’s rule was that the current monarchial form of government needed to be thrown aside. A democratic government was more suitable to the high elves of Numa rather than the dictatorship of Sikahr—or so went the propaganda of Avani’s brothers. In truth, Violet knew the real reason for the attempted coup d’etat was the issue of succession. Avani was the eldest-born among the siblings, and power would pass to her when Sikahr died. According to Avani, her brothers were always obsessed with ruling Numa, but she
stood in their way. A failed assassination attempt when she was younger emboldened them to aim higher. Over the years they had created civil unrest by spreading lies of the abuses of power in the royal family, all the while undermining Sikahr’s rule and creating a rift in Numa.
The entire affair was full of political twists and turns that Violet could scarcely keep up with. Noticing her boredom over the political talk, Avani requested that they retire for the day. The king and queen acquiesced, and the two watchers led them out of the House of Numa to a lodge just across the cobblestone street.
In complete contrast to the empty street outside, Violet saw masses of elves dining inside the lodge. They entered the crowded sitting room where many elves watched them curiously, then went back to eating their meals or conversing.
“Many of the refugees are staying in the King’s Lodge, my lady,” Orwin said. “Your friends can stay in the nicer suites upstairs, but I will escort you to your quarters in Castle Numos, my lady.”
“That won’t be necessary, Orwin. I will stay here,” she said flatly.
The watcher looked aghast. The notion of the princess lodging somewhere less than the royal palace was scandalous to the elf watcher, but he did not object to Avani’s wishes.
Orwin and Renauld bowed, then left the lodge.
“Are you sure the castle isn’t much more suitable than this?” Brandewulf said, glancing around the crowded room and frowning.
“These elves have lost their home, Brandewulf. They are my kinsfolk and if they can bear staying here, so can I,” Avani replied.
The innkeeper, an elf named Ambrosius, led them to their rooms upstairs. Violet shared a room with Avani while Brandewulf settled in a suite adjacent to theirs. Their room was rather large, but not incredibly so. There was a single bed large enough for two people to sleep in. Violet hated sharing a bed, but Avani didn’t mind sleeping on the floor most nights. Elves were peculiar that way.
Gauntlet of Iniquity (The Azuleah Trilogy Book 2) Page 23
