Found in Night

by Ben Alderson

  Domed pavilions linked with walkways and taller buildings all around us. The grey stone streets were wide and full of life. The farther we walked into Lilioira, the more elves we saw. For every three elves we saw, a soldier stood by, statuesque and watching.

  We moved through the interlocking buildings, passed by pillars and walked beside water features. Cool sprays of mist coated our faces, tempting us to catch the droplets in our mouths. I was thirsty and hungry and in dire need of a wash.

  The palace came into view as we rounded a street lined with shops and hanging signs.

  The Queen’s living space was erected at the highest point of the city. To reach it, we had to walk up many steps. No matter how high up we climbed the steps, the presence of soldiers did not waver. Once we reached the top, we were each lost for breath. All except Nyah, who stood tall with not a single drop of sweat on her forehead.

  “Welcome to the grand city of stairs, as I call it,” Rowan said, with a hint of a smile. “Your friends will arrive shortly. Until then, please wash, dress. You each have been supplied with fresh clothes for your stay.”

  “Do you know when there will be food?”

  Everyone looked to Jasrov who had asked the question we had all been thinking about.

  Rowan smiled, gripping her Staff with both hands and leaning her weight onto it. “A feast is being prepared. Once your audience with Queen Kathine has concluded, I can assure that you will have your bellies full before sundown. How does that sound?”

  “Perfect,” Hadrian interjected. “Shall we?”

  Rowan nodded. “Follow me.”

  We were let inside the palace quickly, where we followed Rowan through a winding corridor and up yet another set of stairs towards our rooms. The T-shaped floor we entered was magnificent. Full of fresh air, due to the open arched windows and the sweet scent of roses and lilies that spilled from large vases.

  “You will find everything you need on this floor,” Rowan said. “I will return for you shortly. Is there anything else I can get for you?" she asked, twisting the head of the walking Staff in her hands. Up close, I noticed the many rivets in the wood and the metal clasp at the end. It was not a flat base, but a sharp spike.

  "There is one thing." Hadrian spoke up. "Can you provide me with a long sleeved and hooded cloak?"

  "I will speak to our tailors immediately. I am certain they can accommodate."

  "Are you aware if an empath by the name Gallion knows we have arrived?" I questioned, half for Nyah.

  Rowan's face twanged with confusion at the name, but Nyah responded for me. "Gallion knows."

  As Rowan bowed and left, I caught her before she got away. Away from the crowd, no one could hear my question. “Is council member Cristilia here? In the city?”

  “Cristilia arrived with Queen Kathine, yes.”

  “I must speak with her,” I said. “Please, can you pass on a message. I would appreciate if you could keep this between us, for now?”

  Rowan nodded “I will pass a message, if I can find her. I know Queen Kathine has kept her busy in the past days. I am not sure I have seen her since she arrived.”

  “Well, if you do…”

  “Yes, I will tell her you are looking for her.”

  *

  WE WASTED NO time in rushing for a wash.

  Nyah went first, followed by her new roommate Jasrov, leaving Hadrian and me to explore our room.

  “I finally feel comfortable, Petal,” Hadrian said, looking over at the view of Lilioira from our balcony. “I am overcome with a sense of nostalgia. Last time I visited was with mother and father. When times were… different. And the city has stayed the same when everything around it has changed so dramatically.”

  “I still wish we were looking for the Staff,” I replied, standing beside him. The view was beautiful. Even from there, I could see many Alorian elves mixing with soldiers in the streets below. Music floated up to greet us, the light tune of string instruments from an unknown location within the city.

  “All those lives down there in the streets. They rely on the Queen for safety from this unknown threat. We cannot leave now.” Hadrian’s knuckles were white as he gripped the windowsill.

  I rested a hand on top of his and ran my thumb in circles. I wanted to agree, to say I understand, but I didn’t. Surely, if the Queen knew the threat Hadrian could be to the very people he just spoke of, then maybe she would send us back for the Staff.

  “Do you feel safe?” he asked, turning his golden eyes towards me. His face was thinner than usual, his beard now thick and as dark as his brows.

  I didn’t know how to answer. For once, I did feel safe, surrounded by so many armed with steel and silver. But I would trade that safety for the Staff. And how safe was I really with the looming possibility of Hadrian causing more destruction?

  “I do.”

  “I am unsure how long we will be here for, but I need to find some answers whilst we are here,” Hadrian said, turning back to the view as if searching for something within it.

  “Your father, you want to find him?” I asked, although I knew the answer.

  Hadrian didn’t reply straight away. He seemed to shake himself, replacing the stern expression with his heart-stopping smile once again.

  “My father is out there. When the Druid is distracted, I will find him. And this city might hold the answers for me to locate him.”

  “Do you think the Druid still has him?” I probed. It was possible. What the Goddess had shown Hadrian sounded much like what Illera had explained she felt before she escaped.

  Hadrian shrugged his shoulders, brushing off the possibility, and kissed my head. “For the Druid’s sake, I would hope not. Lilioira is filled with many who have magick even I will never understand. I need time to find answers, and I know I can get them here.”

  "If there is any way I can help..."

  Hadrian placed a finger on my lips and a warm kiss on my forehead. "I will call on you, I promise."

  "Please do." I tried to make my smile genuine. "How about you go and clean-up first? You do not smell like a prince."

  Hadrian laughed, leaning his face in close. "And how do princes smell?"

  "Go and have a wash," I whispered, pushing him towards the door, "then I will answer that.”

  Hadrian stole a kiss before he left me lost in my thoughts. I pressed my back against the door and let my smile fade.

  There would soon come a time when Hadrian would leave. I knew it in my heart.

  I had to ask myself. Would I stop him?

  *

  THE SOUND OF running water was a song to my ears.

  Closing myself in the washroom, I faced what was in store for me. The wall farthest from me was not made of the same light wood and stone as the rest. Open rock covered in moss and small green leaves took up the entire space. Running down the rock face was a fast stream of water that splashed on the floor, dripping through it. There were no windows; the only light came from the dripping wax candles in the far corners of the room.

  I stripped off my tunic and slacks, chucking them into a pile. Days’ worth of sweat, salt and dirt had dried onto them. I didn’t notice just how bad they smelled until I had washed in the natural waterfall. A dried piece of coral was waiting for me to rub my body raw. It felt incredible as I scratched at the dirt. I didn't stop until my arms and legs were red. The water was neither cold or hot, a perfect temperature to wake me up and prepare me for the rest of the day. I could have stayed beneath the stream for hours.

  Once dried, I pulled on the clothes left for me. The ivory shirt was too big for me. The material swallowed me whole. The trousers fit better, held up with a leather belt that was left for me.

  I found a small mirror hanging on the wall and moved to it. My hair was still wet, giving its silver-tone a darker illusion. I pulled the long strands from my face and twisted it into a bun. My braids had come undone long ago, and I had no skill in redoing them. That was what mam did for me. I had grown used to the plain bun.<
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  In the reflection, I saw movement behind me. My breath caught as I turned around to see the visitor.

  Gallion stood, hands on hips, with a smile and bright eyes; it made my heart leap.

  “You, my boy, need a haircut.”

  GALLION SEEMED DIFFERENT. His frame was not as full; his skin had taken on a pale undertone. Dark circles framed his wise eyes, and his cheeks were so gaunt in the low light, it gave the illusion of a bone skull.

  But as he waded over and threw his arms around me, his familiar warmth had not wavered since our last encounter. I melted into his fatherly hold. Allowing myself, for just a moment, to think of nothing but the feeling of familiarity.

  “I have heard your adventures have been testing.” He held me at arm’s reach, eyes scanning over me from head to toe. He then pulled me into yet another hug.

  “My adventures are incomplete,” I grumbled, straightening the new shirt I wore. “Although I am sure you have worked that out by our early arrival.”

  Each passing minute in Lilioira only made me feel more aware that the Staff was being forgotten about. It was no longer the main priority. Would it take another blue fire to prove Hadrian’s need for healing?

  “Indeed, but I have a feeling it is not over yet. Let us walk and talk. Queen Kathine and her wife are waiting for you, and I don’t want to be the one to keep you any longer than you already have been.”

  Side by side, we left the bathing room. I followed Gallion’s directions without question.

  “How have you been?” I asked. Did I bring up his physical change? How the weeks had aged him years.

  “I have been better. I am not as young as I used to be. All this fun is taking its toll on me more than I like to admit.” I'd noticed the slight hobble in his walk, which I added to the list of worries for him. “Queen Kathine has been very welcoming, but in return, I have kept myself busy. I feel better knowing I am earning my keep and helping her efforts in locating the Druid.”

  "That doesn't surprise me. You have talents that would help in such a time of unrest. But even Queen Kathine would allow you to rest.”

  "Lilioira is a hub for many with gifts and powers. I am just one extra old man who sleeps more and eats less," Gallion muttered. “Do not worry about me. You have enough in that mind of yours already.”

  I tried to keep my gaze on the passing corridors and open pavilions, but my curiosity took over. Glancing at Gallion, I noticed the pinch of his face and the way he rubbed his hands together. In the natural light, I could see just how much he had changed. He had aged considerably in the past few weeks. His already grey hair was almost entirely white. His scars stood out more than before; even his eyes were rimmed with red.

  “Stop looking at me like that, my boy,” he said, catching my glace. “Haven’t I told you not to worry?”

  “Not everyone is as skilled at forgetting as you,” I replied.

  “Now.” Gallion stopped me. “I had to leave you in Kandilin, you know this. You were supposed to be safe. If I had known what was to come, I would never have gone. It has all been necessary. The libraries in this city are far greater than any other, twice the size of the library in Olderim and holds more. I must admit, I was rather surprised to see the volume of tomes containing histories and information on not only Eldnol, but Mortagis and Thessolina as well. I never took Queen Kathine as a collector.”

  As he spoke, I remembered the library in the temple. I couldn’t imagine another being as impressive as that.

  Curious, I pushed on. “What does Kathine believe you will find in these books?”

  “Queen." Gallion pulled on my arm. "Don't let anyone hear you dropping her title. She has earned it, and we must use it."

  I nodded, cheeks red. "Sorry. I didn't mean any offense."

  "My son, you have not offended me, but this palace is crawling with the Queen's people. They hold great admiration and love for Queen Kathine and her wife and would not treat you with kindness if they had the slightest whiff that you do not respect her. Of course, I know you do, but strangers make rash decisions from the smallest of proof."

  "I understand." I smiled at two elfin women who we passed. They were dressed in aprons and had hands full of glass bowls dripping with a multitude of flowers. "What does Queen Kathine believe you will find in the libraries?"

  "Mystery shrouds the Druid. She hopes we can find something within the books and histories to suggest his story. A name, anything. In war, mystery and secrecy is a great weapon.”

  “And you think you will find something?” I had believed all histories of the Druid's and their history had been destroyed once their reign had ended.

  Gallion gave me a look, his bright eyes alight with mischief. “Everyone has a story, dear boy. It is just a case of uncovering it.”

  “And you are going to be the one to do it?”

  “Who knows? There is a lot this old man can do that might surprise you.”

  I raised a brow and scoffed on a laugh. “I don’t doubt that for a moment.”

  The hallways of the palace were wide and open. I drank as much detail as I could see. From the arched ceilings coated in twisted vines to the large bots that bloomed with bright flowers. The farther we walked, the more the calm atmosphere seemed to dissipate. The presence of soldiers standing guard increased and with it a sense of urgency. It meant one thing. We were close to Queen Kathine.

  “If you need any company, call on me. I have a feeling Queen Kathine will not want us leaving for a while.”

  “Zacriah, if you think the Queen does not have a role for you, you are very wrong. Niraen elves may have forgotten about the Dragori, but, in Eldnol, you are referred to as royalty. Gods. You have a lot to learn about your position in this story.” He nodded to the soldiers who stood before a large door. We came to a stop, and he turned to me.

  “Have you heard from Nyah?” I asked.

  “Of course.” Gallion clapped his hands. “She is a strong empath. I am impressed with the growth of her power with so little training. All she needed was direction, and she has improved with incredible leaps.”

  Pride flushed Gallion’s face with a new life of color.

  “Did she tell you about Illera?” As I said her name, I whispered, Emaline’s stern face flashing behind my eyes.

  Gallion nodded. “She did.”

  “Well, what do you think about it?”

  Gallion crossed his arms over his chest. “My opinion does not matter. In fact, I think you should drop this curiosity with Illera’s loyalty. Don’t you think she has risked enough? If she were going to betray you, she would have before she entered the most guarded city in this world.”

  “But—”

  Gallion placed a hand over my heart.

  “You are trying to convince yourself to distrust her, my boy,” he whispered, face close to mine. “I feel it here. You’ve already made your mind up, haven’t you?”

  I dropped my gaze to my feet.

  “See?" He lowered his hand. "Now, let us go in. I must say you have gathered yourself an unlikely team. I look forward to being introduced.”

  Gallion raised a hand to the soldiers, and the doors opened soundlessly.

  *

  QUEEN KATHINE AND her wife, Sallie, sat at the head of the room with two thrones of ice and thorn. Queen Sallie held a baby to each of her breasts, feeding them while they gave commands to a line of soldiers before them. Rowan was amongst them.

  Gallion directed me to the side of the moderate room where Hadrian stood with Nyah, Jasrov, Emaline and Illera. As I joined them, they smiled in welcome. Jasrov face was burning red, his gaze stuck to the other side of the room. I followed it to see the cause of his embarrassment. Bell lurked amongst the many potted plants, pouncing and screeching while she played. I even caught the subtle smile Queen Sallie gave as she looked up at the little familiar.

  Nyah nibbled her lip, her shoulders shaking as she watched. That seemed to calm Jasrov a bit. They shared a silent smile and looked down at their
clasped hands. My heart leaped with excitement for her.

  Hadrian greeted Gallion, placing two kisses on each of his hollow cheeks. If he noticed Gallion’s frail body, Hadrian did not say anything.

  “Petal.” Hadrian took my hand.

  “My prince.”

  “About that answer…”

  I leaned in and took a smell. He was cloaked in fresh scents that were pleasant to be around.

  “You smell delectable,” I whispered, hiding my smile.

  Hadrian made a low hum, between a laugh and a growl. “Do not say such things.”

  “And why is that?”

  “How do you expect me to behave when you throw comments like that at me?” He squeezed my hand.

  “I don’t expect you to do anything.” I squeezed back.

  We faced the room together and waited.

  “… return by sundown tomorrow with news and make sure you have something to tell. I want the surrounding land to be scouted. Any sign or suspicious activity must be reported immediately. Am I clear?”

  The line of soldiers stomped their right foot in agreement.

  “We will be expecting refugees to arrive today and over the following week. I want you to send a team of soldiers to patrol the roads and keep our people safe. If the Druid chooses to attack them, I need you to be there ready for that possibility.” Queen Kathine literally glowed as she spoke. The large stained-glass window behind haloed both Queens where they sat. Queen Kathine wore a frosty crown of silver and crystal. It caught the light from the window and created dancing orbs on the floor.

  "Update me on plans regarding the housing for my people," Queen Kathine commanded. "There will be countless Alorian's flooding to this city, and I want them to feel comfortable and safe."

  Rowan stepped forward, her Staff colliding with the floor. "Each family in this city has offered their spare rooms to the those seeking asylum. Children will be kept with mothers and those willing to help fight will be welcomed into the ranks."

  Queen Kathine smiled on as her wife gave the final command. "This truly is a city to be proud of. Please ensure this transition for our new arrivals is smooth. They deserve some peace after their journeys. Rowan, you are the strongest of my commanders. I trust you will keep an eye and make sure we are without problems in the coming days?"