The Secret of the Keepers

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  “We’re afraid that when we get close to the castle, the energy coursing through us will be too much, and someone will get hurt. We’re not trying to fight it, but we want to control it so others can be comfortable around us, especially our clan.

  “Why are ya thinkin’ yer power would be harmin’ others? They’ll be right uncomfortable, but they’ll be growin’ in strength as they’re spendin’ time with ya. If yer wishin’ to make the land stronger, you must be strengthenin’ the ones livin’ in it.”

  “How can you be sure?” Gavin asked.

  Rune’s eyebrows rose, his incredulousness swirled. “How can ya not, Prince? Why in blazes would the Maker be producin’ somethin’ as wonderful as the Princess, only to have her be containin’ power that would be harmin’ his creation?” Rune’s voice rose aggressively, his conviction caused the horses to jolt. I siphoned the energy. Rune glanced at the bracelet.

  “Yer amulet, Lass, well, that’ll be part of the Prince’s essence, now wouldnit? Its purpose’ll be symbolizen’ yer devotion an’ makin’ sure yer source has energy, even if yer weak as a kit.” His gray teeth flashed in a smile. “Yer thoughts of containin’ the power, that’ll be foolish. While ya’ve both grown in bendin’ energy, you’ll never be containin’ it.”

  My heart sank.

  Rune’s eyes narrowed to slits. “I’d be careful about wishin’, Princess. If yer able to contain the power, it’d not be strong enough t’ be healin’ the land.”

  “It’s just all so new.” I tried to explain. “I’m afraid. I still need to learn control.”

  “Weren’t we just discussin’ that?” Rune grew frustrated.

  “Not controlling the energy. I need to control my mind.”

  Rune scoffed. “You’d be thinkin’ yer mind’s weak? Tis hard to believe.”

  “No ... and yes.” I smiled as Gavin patted my knee. “You see, I was born human.”

  His feathers ruffled; the sight was a bit disturbing.

  “Does that bother you?”

  “I’d been hearin’ tales of yer comin’ from Earth, but yer lookin’ like an Alfar lass. How’d ya get here? And how’d yer eyes be findin’ the jewel that’s showin’ only yer essence?”

  “How do you know human eyes don’t look like this?” I questioned back. Before I met Gavin, I had hazel eyes, now they looked more like faceted topaz. “Rune, have you been to Earth before?”

  “I’ll not be discussin’ such matters.” His voice grew dark, his eyes glanced at Gavin before looking back at me. “Now, if you’d be human, why aren’t yer eyes full of spirit?”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked.

  “What in blazes has weakened ya so only yer essence’ll be contained in yer gaze?”

  I blankly looked at him, still not understanding.

  Rune growled. “Human eyes’ll be havin’ depth, showin’ the soul. The eyes of the Alfar’ll be showin’ traits given by the Maker.” He sat on his knees, leaning forward. “Them faceted ones like yers and Princes’ll be showin’ power and intelligence. Solid eyes’ll be showin’ depth and understandin’. But them one-sided ones.” He shook his head, “now those’ll be dangerous, they will.”

  My breath caught. “Mia.”

  “Who’s this Mia?” Rune no longer looked at me, but at Gavin.

  The afternoon faded to dusk as Gavin shared the story of his ex-fiancée and her descent into despair. When he told of her escape into the lake that led to Earth, Rune’s expression became worried.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “The lake’ll not be defendin’ against this Mia?” When no one answered, Rune continued. “Ya know. The water ... it wasn’t spittin’ out the bones of the enemy? It didn’t fight?”

  Gavin leaned over, alert. “Not that I recall. There was a contingency of troops following her through the portal, but I was so worried about the Princess I didn’t pay attention.” He frowned. “Why?”

  “Ahhh...” Rune grumbled, his feathers ruffled. “The portal, that’ll need protectin’, Prince.” He stared at Gavin. “Aye ... immediately.”

  Chapter 7

  Home Again

  THE CASTLE WALLS ROSE in the distance. Sentries watched from every tower. Flashes of silver uniforms darted in and out of the trees, which made me think the entire guard was on alert.

  I shuddered realizing the gravity of the situation. Thousands lived here. If the Dokkalfar found a way to come through a portal, it would be difficult for the warriors to defend everyone.

  “That’s why most of the castle is encased in the mountain’s protection,” Gavin muttered.

  I looked at the great structure beyond the rampart. A grand courtyard stood between the protective curtain wall and the front of the fortress. The structure extended ten stories up, like a regal carving on the mountain’s side. Arched windows and several towers created the face of the structure, but the entire keep was practically encased in deep recesses of the mountain.

  The horses ran through the gates and into the courtyard, cantering through a circle of two-story monoliths, not stopping until they reached the castle’s steps. Six figures stood in a row, just a few yards from the carriage doors. The smallest one bobbed up and down, waving her hands overhead.

  Putting five of the six strains of thought on the task of siphoning energy, my hand shook as I unlatched the door. The carriage door flung open, and I jumped out, running to her. Gavin stepped out of the carriage followed by Rune.

  “Rena!” I shouted, wrapping my arms around her slim torso. She held her breath, her eyes wide, shocked.

  “It’s so good to back,” I said, reaching for the next in line.

  Tark backed away, but Elias stepped forward, stiffly hugging me. His chiseled eyes never left the small, hairy figure behind us. “Princess, it is good to have you home. Although I wish the circumstances didn’t warrant such haste.”

  “How bad is it? Are the Dokkalfar here?” I whispered.

  His hand gripped my shoulder. His eyes held a frank candor I’d never seen before. “None have been spotted in the land, but there are traces of their scent on the southern border.” His expression warmed. “Don’t worry, Princess. I’ve taken the matter in hand.”

  “Well then, I’m sure there is nothing to worry about.” I smiled a little too widely, but he dipped his head recognizing the compliment.

  “Welcome back, my lady.” Elaine’s cheek brushed against mine in the briefest of hugs before she too pulled away. Queen Lera was next, and I tried to contain my shock.

  She had aged at least thirty years.

  She stumbled back a few steps. I stopped in my tracks.

  “My daughter, I’m so glad your travels have been uneventful.” Her voice, while still authoritative, was higher and softer.

  Malachi came forward. “Be mindful, my light. Your energy is too strong for her.”

  “This is as good as it gets. I have no idea how much power is coursing right now because I have no webs.”

  “That is troublesome.” His arms circled me in a fragile embrace and then pulled away.

  The smile slipped from my face as I looked down the row. The emotions swirling around me were mixed, but they all had a common theme—fear.

  “Why in thunder are they fightin’ the energy?” Rune’s gravel voice rose in disbelief. Six sets of jeweled-tone eyes became defensive.

  “And who might this be?” Malachi motioned to Rune’s small frame, still hovering by the horses.

  “My apologies. Everyone, I’d like for you to meet the last of the Urisk clan, Rune.”

  As I introduced them one by one, their calm reaction let me know that Gavin had been filling Elias in as we traveled home.

  “I’m still not understandin’, Lass. Why are they choosin’ to stay weak?” Rune’s eyes narrowed in frustration.

  Elias took a threatening step forward, but Malachi raised his hand in a silent command. Elias stopped.

  “They do not want to dishonor their mate.”

  “Why wo
uld ya be thinkin’ love’ll be dishonored with strength? I’m findin’ yer ideas of the Maker a bit strange.” He shook his head in disbelief. “The Urisk know love’s needin’ all the strength it can be gettin’ to express.” His eyes danced as I blushed. “The Princess’ power comes from intent. T’aint no essence there, and yer daft if ye think she’s sharin’ somethin’ she ought not be sharin’.”

  “They’re not strong enough.” Malachi murmured. Elias bristled, his lips thinned to a line as his eyes became faceted sapphires.

  “Nay,” Rune disagreed. “They’d be scared, is all.”

  Elias practically growled.

  “He means no offense,” I said, trying to calm him down. “He’s been alone for a long time, and I think his social skills have suffered.”

  “That’s where you’d be wrong, Princess.” Rune chuckled. “I never had ‘em. But I’ll be apologizin’ if I’ve offended the serious one over there.”

  Elias ignored the remark and stood next to Gavin, becoming ensconced in a discussion. I skipped over to Rena, linking my arm with hers. She struggled, and I felt terrible, but already five streams were working overtime. This was as good as it gets. We walked up the steps.

  “The Prince has told of your experiences in the cave. It seems adventure still finds you wherever you go.” Her breath was shallow, her smile more of a grimace, and sweat beaded on her forehead.

  I stopped and turned to Gavin.

  Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe we should stay in the mountain until Rena can be near me.

  Malachi’s eyes warmed with compassion. He came and put his arm around my shoulder as we made our way through the castle’s foyer. “No, Light. The Urisk is correct. The keepers must become stronger. The mountain still won’t let them in. As I have suspected, the power understands they are not yet ready. The responsibility of this error rests on my shoulders. We need not weaken you and the Prince so others may find comfort in your companionship. We must strengthen them.”

  I put my head on his shoulder. My chest ached at the thought of my best friend not being able to be around me. I missed her so. Rena patted my arm, her emotions resolved.

  “Do not despair, I’ll be stronger tomorrow—though I’m not sure if the Prince will let you out of the upper chamber for a few days.”

  I blushed, and the whole clan chuckled.

  Rena gritted her teeth as the power surged; her breath became labored. Tark held her hand, and I concentrated all six thoughts, siphoning off energy.

  “That is most curious,” Rena said. “I take it you can no longer stop your thoughts, but you seem to be controlling the energy. How is that possible?” Her voice echoed down the empty corridor.

  “I’ll tell you when we get to the Prince’s chambers,” I muttered. “What have you been working on since I’ve been gone? Can I see some of your sculptures?”

  “We’ve gone back to school, my lady. I haven’t had time to sculpt, but I do have a few paintings you’ve not seen. If you wish, I can bring them to your chambers tomorrow.”

  As soon as we entered the part of the castle encased in the mountain, the walls flashed blue. It eased my mind to see power; I now had a gauge. Rena stopped, allowing the rest of the clan to catch up with us. Queen Lera’s hand gripped Gavin’s arm, her complexion pallid. My heart sank.

  “Before I depart for my quarters, I would like to make a few requests.” She leaned on Gavin patting his arm.

  “Nora, I would like to meet with you tomorrow in my chambers.”

  My eyes widened. The Alfar rarely invited anyone to their home.

  She smiled. “You are family now, dear. There is much you must learn about the past histories of the monarchy.” Her voice held a sad, soft timbre.

  “I would be honored.”

  “My other request is more an order.” Her slumped shoulders squared, and she raised her head a fraction. “I decree Rune shall learn from the Ancient One and be given full privileges of the mountain.”

  Everyone tensed; Elias’ head snapped to Gavin. “Do you feel that wise?”

  Rune scoffed. “I’ve been runnin’ through those tunnels since before you were born. And I’ll be runnin’ through ‘em long after you’re gone.”

  “I’m sure you have. However, the Ancient One—”

  The Queen held up her hand, staying his protest. “Rune will meet with Malachi. I have my reasons, Captain.”

  The muscles around Elias’ jaw clenched.

  “It will be as you wish, Your Grace.” Malachi’s demeanor remained calm.

  “Good. Then tomorrow we dine tomorrow in the Ancient One’s quarters. Until then, goodnight all.” Queen Lera’s hand tightened around Gavin’s arm.

  “I’m taking Mother to her quarters. I’ll be home in a while,” Gavin said.

  I nodded, squeezing his hand as it brushed mine.

  Gavin and Queen Lera veered right; I followed Rune and Rena to the left. We made our way down a familiar corridor that ended with ornate double doors. Rena took Rune inside while Elias, Elaine, and I stopped at the threshold and stood in awkward silence. I wanted to ask Elias about his opposition to the Queen’s request, but I knew it would be inappropriate.

  “Why did you place my pajamas in the tallest drawer?” I blurted out, my mind struggling for a comfortable topic.

  “Those were the most intimate of apparel, my lady.” Elaine’s eyes twinkled, as her frame relaxed a bit. “Had you looked to the drawers below you would have found your other sleepwear. I take it you did not discover those?”

  Heat warmed my face. “Actually, no.”

  Elaine chuckled. Elias became stiff as a board and cleared his throat.

  I couldn’t help but smile.

  “We’ll see you in the morning, Princess.” Elaine hugged me one last time before she and Elias walked away.

  I stood in the doorway looking at our suite. The bottom floor was nothing but a vast open space. It seemed a shade darker than when we left. Must be due to the new webbing.

  Large portraits Gavin had painted over the years hung on the walls. Plush furniture, woven in the softest cotton, sat in comfortable groupings throughout the room. Lights bobbed toward the ceiling, turning off as the webs flickered in the walls. The Alfar didn’t rely on finite energy as the people of Earth but instead harnessed the power of the mountain. To the right, a staircase wound up three flights, ending on a landing that led to the bedroom above. I smiled remembering the last time I walked down those grand, marble steps. I was in my wedding dress, sure that I’d lose my footing and stumble in front of the entire kingdom. It seemed so long ago.

  Rena’s frustration rolled off her in waves, bringing me out of my reverie. She looked like she was ready to pounce.

  “Why are ya havin’ such trouble with the original language?” Rune asked, truly perplexed.

  “You speak too quickly,” she muttered, anger sparked in her Jasper brown eyes.

  I stepped between them. “Rena is one of the greatest warriors in the land. She’s been given many gifts, including the ability to talk to the animals, but I don’t know if understanding the ancient language at lightning speed is one of them.” Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with that one either.

  Rune shook his head. “Our tikes’ll be speakin’ better than her or the Prince.”

  Rena’s eyes narrowed to slits.

  “You’re in a different culture now,” I muttered. “I’m sure there are many things the Alfar can learn from you, but I also know there are many things you can learn from them—if you keep an open mind.”

  His feathers ruffled as his head tilted in thought. “Aye, Princess,” he finally agreed, flashing his jagged teeth at Rena; she tried to smile back.

  Dinner stood on a small table toward the back of the room. Rune helped himself while Rena and I walked around, discussing a few new art pieces that I hadn’t seen.

  “Rena, did you do this?” We came to an unfamiliar frame hanging next to the fireplace. The portrait was of Gavin astride a magnificent unicorn stall
ion, my unconscious form draped in his arms. Devotion charged through every brush stroke.

  Rena shook her head. “This is Malachi’s wedding gift to you. He wished for it to be placed in your sitting room as a reminder of the power of love.”

  “This work rivals Michael’s mural of Edna.”

  “One of my greatest regrets is that we weren’t able to find a way to preserve his masterpiece.” She smiled, her eyes warmed. “Michael was a gifted painter, but he outdid himself with Edna’s mural.”

  “I wish I had known him. He was such a part of Edna’s life, and he meant so much to Gavin.” My voice dwindled away as I watched a tear spill down Rena’s cheek.

  Disgruntled, she brushed it from her face. “My lady, I don’t know what it is about you, but whenever you’re near, my feelings come to the surface and are much harder to control. I’ll have you know I haven’t cried since you left, and here you’ve been in the castle for not even an hour, and I’m turning into a faucet. It’s not a trait I readily share with the guard.”

  “I won’t tell a soul, I promise.”

  She rolled her eyes, and I smiled. The walls brightened, and all streams of thought siphoned.

  “How are you doing that?” Rena asked, and I held up my wrist. Green and silver gleamed from the amulet.

  “Gavin’s soul stone is actually a part of his essence; you can store power. I’ve been collecting this energy for the past six months. We could probably go to Earth and eradicate the Dokkalfar now.” I grinned watching Rena’s jaw drop.

  “You must teach me how to do this!” she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming.

  A loud belch echoed in the room, and I turned to find Rune patting his rounded belly. The empty platter sat next to him on the couch. I’d been so concentrated on Rena that I’d forgotten he was there.

  “The bathroom is over here if your stomach starts to ache.” I laughed, and he followed me to the extensive first-floor facilities. All the fixtures had been molded from rock.

  “Amazin’.” He grinned, obviously impressed. “How is it yer makin’ the water flow?”

  Rena explained the logistics of the castle, and his appreciation of the Alfar’s ingenuity caused the webs to glow. I waited until Rena was sweating before I siphoned the energy. We left Rune to explore the wonders of the shower and headed toward the door.