The Secret of the Keepers

by Elizabeth Isaacs

  Gavin’s arms tightened around me. “This is how we train. What did you expect?”

  “I don’t know, but it never occurred to me I’d have to watch you get beaten. I hate that Weylin hurt you.”

  “He didn’t, see?” He tilted his head, showing me the side of his face. “That was nothing compared to warrior school.”

  “How can a culture that hates manipulation and negativity be so brutal?”

  Gavin shook his head. “The word brutal implies cruelty. We fight to defend. Learning to control pain and to heal quickly is part of that process. I know it seems barbaric, but it is necessary.” His palm rubbed soft patterns down my spine.

  “Princess.” Weylin came forward, his eyes rested on Gavin before finding mine. There was a cautious humor about him, his turquoise eyes bold as brass. “I want you to know this was my idea. Rena warned me there would be repercussions, but I didn’t understand it would affect you so.”

  I held up my hand, not sure I could take an apology from someone who, just moments ago, was beating Gavin into the ground. “Please, don’t ... I should be the one apologizing for losing my temper. Are you all right?”

  “Let’s just say the experience is not one I wish to go through again.” Weylin grinned. “During battle, if you show that tenacity the black elves don’t stand a chance.” He clapped Gavin on the shoulder. “And Sire, I’d like a rematch. One in which you put up a fight. I only request you leave your mate at home.”

  Gavin’s eyes glittered at the challenge. “I look forward to it.”

  Weylin turned back to me. “My lady,” he enclosed my hand in both of his. “It truly was a privilege being bested by you.” That stark kindness tempered with ferocity once again shone in his turquoise eyes. He nodded to Gavin and took off for the forest.

  “Can we sit for a minute?” My body ached, and I was emotionally drained.

  “Why don’t I get you back to the castle?” He started to pick me up, but I shook my head.

  “I’ll be all right. I don’t want the others to see you carrying me.”

  Gavin muttered something about my being stubborn under his breath and pulled me to his lap. I leaned my head on his shoulder and took in his delicious scent, which seemed heady and intense. The amulet hanging around my wrist was nothing more than a cool, liquid emerald. This morning the entire center was silver. I nestled closer, wincing as his arm touched my throbbing side.

  “Hold still.” Gavin’s voice became wooden as he tugged my shirt up in the back.

  I startled. “What are you doing?”

  He leaned me up exposing my side to the sun. A deep, purple bruise the size of a small foot extended from my torso to just below the shoulder blade.

  “I couldn’t fix this without placing my palm directly on the skin,” he muttered. Heat prickled with pain, itching as it healed. He pulled my shirt back down.

  “That’s better; thank you.” My voice slurred as my mind fought sleep.

  “Let’s get you back home.” He stood, taking me with him, keeping his arm firmly at my back as I found my footing. I leaned into him, appreciating his warm frame. Rune came to my side.

  “Lass, I’ll be speakin’ my piece before yer tryin’ this again.”

  “What is it, Rune?”

  “This is foolishness, this is. Yer on the right path, but yer goin’ about it the wrong way.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Yer thoughts are linear.”

  “What?”

  “The wild one’ll be tellin’ ya what’s what. Allow that’n to be mixin’ all the others—mesh ‘em together. Yer fightin’ for yer mind to control yer actions, when ya’ should be allowin’ the energy to be controllin’ both.”

  I grew cautious. “The last time my thoughts were jumbled, I couldn’t think at all.”

  “Exactly.” Rune smiled.

  Malachi waited at the front steps, scowling.

  “What’s wrong with Malachi?”

  Rune glanced at me and huffed. “The old one’s scared that I’m givin’ ya knowledge that’s needin’ to be gained with experience. But I’m fearin’ that ya’d be needin’ it now.” Rune squeezed my hand before releasing it. “And I’m agreein with the Prince, Lass. I’d rather be fightin’ all the Dokkalfar in creation than watchin’ that again. I’m goin’ to play in the energy.” He walked past Malachi without so much as a glance.

  “You really shouldn’t worry.” I smiled, trying to put Malachi’s heart at ease. “I don’t think I would be brave enough to try this while turning over my mind to instinct.” This seemed to distress Malachi more.

  “Do you doubt, Princess?”

  “No, I just understand limitations. I’ll get there, but you’re right. It’ll take time.”

  He sadly smiled. “I fear the Urisk is correct.” Malachi’s voice became grim. “We have word. They are here.”

  Chapter 19

  The Two Stones

  QUEEN LERA SAT AT THE table, her hood pooling on her shoulders. She waited to speak until everyone was seated.

  “It pains me to inform you the situation is worse than once feared.” She held on to the front of her cloak like a talisman. “A herd of unicorns happened upon a razed field. All the animals had been slaughtered and then burned. From the evidence left behind, it appears to be an army of Dokkalfar.”

  My hands started to shake, and I placed them in my lap.

  Queen Lera closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “There is one other piece of information that must be given. One of the sentinels we sent to the meadow has just reported back. He was in the battalion that fought the enemy on Earth’s last pure land. When he reached the field this morning, he recognized the scent. Their leader has made it into this realm. Jakkar is here; the first portal has been compromised.”

  Gavin stood so quickly his chair threatened to topple. “Send the Elite Guard to investigate.”

  Elias’ eyes blanked. “Micah said they should reach the field by nightfall.”

  Grim silence rocked the chamber. Rena’s eyes found mine. “I will commission a larger troop to help guard the Princess.”

  “No, I need to train. If the Dokkalfar are here, we’ll need all the warriors to protect the land.”

  “It is too late, Light.” Malachi’s voice grew somber. “We need to prepare.”

  “Malachi, what have you seen?” I demanded.

  His jaw clenched as he shook his head, refusing to answer.

  The Queen was the one to speak. “I’ve made the same request, my daughter. He will not respond.” She smiled in understanding. “Elias, what do you counsel?”

  “I don’t believe the Dokkalfar have discovered the power of the Sfera ... yet. But it is alarming that we haven’t found Ester. We have no idea how much she knows, or if she can defend her mind against their ways.” He took a deep breath. “Micah has sent his best six to find her. They have no news to report.”

  Malachi rubbed his eyes with one hand. “If she finds her way into the mountain she will have access to things she should not.”

  “She’d not be in the mountain,” Rune said. “And if she’s knowin’ what’s best, she’ll not be tryin’ neither.”

  “What if there’s something still in her house ... something that’s helping her hide?” I asked.

  “Have Weylin go over every inch personally.” Gavin looked at Elias. “And then burn it to the ground.”

  “Wouldn’t that cause suspicion?” I frowned. “If the Dokkalfar are headed this way, they’d be drawn to the destruction. After Weylin’s done, can’t we leave it like it’s been abandoned?”

  “I think that is an excellent idea, Nora,” Rena smirked. “It isn’t exactly like she kept the place fixed up.”

  “That’s if they can’t feel the energy.” Gavin countered.

  “Wouldn’t they weaken if they could?” I asked.

  “The clan of Jayril did not.” Malachi’s voice became bleak. “As you’ve witnessed through his thoughts, it is one of the puzzles the ancient
s never solved. How is it the Dokkalfar were able to withstand the Sfera and still grow in darkness?” He stood, taking his walking stick in hand. “Clan, if you will excuse us, there is one other place I need for the Princess to see.” Sorrow flashed in his expression as he looked at me. “Bring your source. You’ll need him.”

  “Malachi?” I’d never seen him this way. Since the night we went to the ancient forest, there had been moments where he seemed bitter—about what I had no clue, but now that feeling was back. Was it me, or did he resent something else?

  Malachi linked his arms through mine. We walked in silence. He seemed preoccupied as if he were trying to find the right words. Finally, he spoke.

  “You must see the sparrows in the fall,” he mumbled, his eyes looking blindly ahead. “They are fascinating creatures, building their nests out of whatever they’re given. And you must have the Prince take you to the sea. You’ll like the sea. It’s as blue as the energy field. He’ll grumble a bit, but don’t let him fool you. He loves the tang of the salt air almost as much as Tark.” He smiled, his expression became wistful. “There’s a farmer who grows the softest flax and heather just down the grove. His mate combines them in a woven rug that never loses the mountain’s scent.”

  “Malachi?” I started to worry.

  “It is tragic, really. That you didn’t grow up here,” his voice became thick. “You’ve seen so little of the land. You’ve yet to experience the wheat meadows to the west, or the blackberry groves just beyond the training fields. The loam, where giant boulders, covered in moss, make even the biggest creatures feel small.” He patted my arm. “I haven’t been there for centuries, but you must travel there someday.”

  My pulse thumped through my body. “I’m not sure now is a good—”

  “You also missed the Prince when he was a child.” Malachi kept talking as if I hadn’t spoken. “Elias had a devil of a time keeping up with him, Weylin, and Michael.” His eyes twinkled. “I always suspected Corina was in on their shenanigans, although I never had proof. Some thought the Queen too lax in her handling of him, but I knew she was allowing him to spread his wings early, to make mistakes while she could still fix them, so he could learn.”

  I pulled him to a stop. “Why are you telling me this?” My voice became raw.

  “Because, Light, in my lifetime I’ve never wanted to share my mind with anyone as much as I do right now.” He motioned me forward.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To a place that I have longed—and dreaded—to show you.”

  A chill crept through the air as we reached the mountain’s depths. I shivered from the dampness seeping into my clothes. Pungent mushrooms fragranced the air, and we traveled on in silence.

  We came to a short tunnel that led to the entrance of a cave. The walls danced with golden white light as the air warmed.

  “These are the last Guardians of Kailmeyra—this is my clan.” His hands shook, his voice a mere whisper, but still it echoed through the endless space above. Sending energy up the wall, I found that we were at the bottom of a ravine. Sky blue illumined stalagmites as tall as skyscrapers. Water wicked down their sides, dripping to the floor and then collecting in a stream which ran through seven crypts. I took a step closer. The tombs were set almost end-to-end as if they were guarding the middle of the floor. The water ended in the center of the chamber, spilling into a chasm below. My heart ached as I realized this was an undercroft. I froze when I spied the last tomb.

  Its top rested to the side. It lay empty, waiting.

  “Why have you brought me to this place?” My voice barely made it past the lump in my throat. Malachi patted my hand and sadly smiled.

  “You are the last light of the ancients. This is the most important place in the land, for herein lies the heart of Kailmeyra.” He pointed to a spot on the floor where the water cascaded to an antechamber below. Blue flames danced from the bottom, reaching up as if to touch my face. The light played off the curtain of water, and I held my breath. The energy was pure, and its intensity heated my skin. My hair whipped away from my face, and I concentrated on Gavin’s soul stone. Within seconds, I almost filled the amulet to its edge.

  “The past few hundred years, the heart has been a mere flicker, but I am honored to see it blaze once more.” Malachi kept his eyes on the flames. “The flame you see at the bottom is the original breath of life; the energy gathering here comes from the devotion for creation itself.” His arms spread wide as he hobbled around the graves. “This will be my final resting place, but you must promise me after I’m gone you will seal this tomb. Allow no one to know of its existence.” His eyes became that of a warrior, his features hard. “Promise me, last Light of the Ancients.”

  “I promise.” My voice broke.

  Malachi’s eyes became desperate. “Swear it in the ancient language.”

  Surprised, I shook my head. “You made me vow—”

  “My apologies,” he interrupted; his eyes shifting back to the flame. “I should not have asked that of you. It was foolish.” He took a long look around the room and then turned and walked away. “We have but one more stop.”

  Malachi led us out of the tunnel and traveled a short distance, where a tangle of thick vines hid an entrance like the one guarding my memories. Blinding light shot from the door’s crevice as he pulled the handle. It looked as if the room contained the sun.

  Malachi opened the door a little more, and we walked through. Thousands of stones as big as boulders lay across the open cavern.

  “You and the Prince are allowed knowledge of this place, but no others. The keepers know of the Sfera, but they may never know where they are located or how many there are.” Malachi stooped, finding a golden orb that fit in his hand. He turned it, watching the contents swirl within the clear stone. “Just a few drops are needed for the amulets. We’ve used but a handful since before the ancients were in power. Its secret has been kept for thousands of years.” He slipped the stone into his pocket.

  “Why?” I searched his gaze. “I mean, Kailmeyra’s been through a massive energy shortage for centuries. And here sits an abundance of power, enough so the land wouldn’t have to produce its own for some time, or to assure the kinsmen wouldn’t suffer. Why not use it?”

  Malachi lowered his head, his diamond eyes became piercing. “Because that would be selfish.” I started to disagree, but he held up his hand. “Light, you come from a world where humans desecrate the land in search of energy to make their lives more convenient. In our world, our lives are convenient because our land thrives.” He opened his arms wide to the sea of stones. “Even though the Sfera seem endless, they are, nevertheless, a finite resource—as it was meant to be. We were given the exact amount of stones the Creator wanted us to have, and when these run out, there are no more. Distributing power is difficult at best. It would be easy for me to open the coffers, allow this generation to become gluttonous, feeding like the fatted calf on the land. But to sacrifice the future for abundance and comfort is the ultimate in selfishness. We must respect natural energy in a way that not only honors the land, but the kinsmen, and the future as well.”

  I couldn’t help but think about the mountains of Kentucky slowly being leveled for their coal, or the vast wilderness of western Canada, the last habitat of the Spirit Bear, being threatened for the sake of oil. I looked at Malachi with new admiration. He had singularly shown more self-control in his one lifetime than all of mankind.

  His eyes twinkled. “I am humbled by the sentiment, but I cannot take credit for self-control. It is one of our sources of strength. By understanding limitations, we grow.”

  I came beside him, linking my arm through his. He glanced at me and laid his hand on top of mine before looking back over the sea of stones. “Soon, you alone will bear this burden. Know the ones before you used the liquid of the Sfera sparingly, only when it was necessary—after the great fires that destroyed the northern forest, to add support to parts of the mountain, such as the cavern hol
ding your memories. If you are ever in dire need, you may use this energy. Otherwise, the Sfera must remain secret.”

  I laid my head on his shoulder; a tear streamed down my cheek. “Are you leaving me?”

  “Not this day.” His eyes became poignant. “One other matter.” He pulled away, his hand gently cradling my skull. “I must apologize for my behavior these past few weeks. I’ve never resented before. It is an emotion I find odd to experience at such an old age. Understand, I do not resent you. I resent not having more time with you.”

  “I love you,” I whispered through the knot in my throat. His arm increased its pressure as he held his breath.

  “As I you, my light.” Diamond eyes held mine. His features softened. “I feel you need your source. I’ll wait outside.”

  I looked out over the countless stones, wishing for the one thing I couldn’t have—the gift of time. Malachi didn’t seem old to me. I never really considered being here without him. Overwhelmed with the thought that one day I would be responsible for the energy of an entire existence, I started to panic. Gavin came from behind, pulling me to him. His chin rested on the top of my head, and I sank into his warmth.

  “How am I supposed to do this without him?”

  “We will find a way. And you are not alone. I am here.” The timbre of Gavin’s voice reminded me of the day we laid Edna to rest. “Always remember, I am here.”

  Chapter 20

  Letting Go

  WE WALKED BACK TO THE suite in silence, my mind still numb over all that had taken place the past few hours. Empty tombs, blue flames, Malachi’s diamond eyes, the Dokkalfar back in the land. So much darkness, so much doubt.

  Images of trees covered in ash ran through my mind. I’d seen those twice. Once, when I’d found the inlet that housed the art born of pain, the other time when I’d had nightmares at the cabin. It seemed odd that now when the Dokkalfar were an actual threat, I didn’t dream of them at all. I mean, even when we were on Earth, I had nightmares when they were near. If they were near now, why wasn’t my subconscious picking them up?