Fire and Fantasy: a Limited Edition Collection of Epic and Urban Fantasy

by CK Dawn

  A pounding sounded on the door. Before Davi opened it, the King responded to Trystan.

  “Son, we don’t even know where to begin – or if it can be done.”

  “Shit,” Davi grunted, pulling the door wide.

  Rissa looked to him and saw a woman she assumed was Lorelai collapse through the door into Davi’s arms.

  “Lorelai.” The King jumped to his feet as Davi carried her towards the bed.

  The poor woman was out of breath and obviously in pain. She must have limped all the way here.

  “I had to wait until the healer gave me a moment alone before making my escape,” she wheezed.

  Davi set her down and looked into her face. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Davion?” she asked, tears springing to her eyes. “Is it really you?”

  He nodded.

  “You remember me?”

  He brushed her filthy hair out of her face and smiled. “Only bits and pieces, but I know you took care of me.”

  “Sire.” Lorelai took her eyes off Davi to look back to the King. “It can be done.” She leaned her head back against the pillows with a sigh of pain. “Because I know where to start.”

  The room was stunned into silence as they waited for her to explain.

  “Sona. It starts on the Isle of Sona.”

  Trystan leaned forward. “How do you know this?”

  “I doubt you know much about the power of a seer.” She paused. “I can feel the use of magic. Back when everyone was able to wield it, it was an ineffective tool. But now, well, now there are only two people with the power to wield magic in Dreach-Sciene.”

  “The Tri-Gard,” the King whispered.

  “Yes, the very ones who stripped our land of magic in the first place are the only ones who can give it back. One of them is known to be a prisoner in Dreach-Dhoun, but that is a problem for another day. They’ve been in hiding like my kind has, but it’s time they come into the light. And one of them has made their first mistake.”

  “They used their magic,” Rissa finished the thought. The excitement was building within her and she knew she had to be a part of whatever was going to happen. She felt like the earth itself was reaching out for her help.

  “Why were those men after you?” Trystan asked.

  “I revealed myself. Seers aren’t looked kindly upon by those who want our magic. We are the only connection left to the Tri-Gard. The last remaining remnants of a power which was once possessed by all. They can’t take it so they take us instead.”

  All conversation was dropped as a gaggle of servants showed up with their dinner. Both Trystan and the King seemed to be lost in their thoughts. Rissa told them where to put everything and sent one with a message telling the healer Lorelai would be staying in her rooms.

  Davi helped get some food into Lorelai as the rest of them barely ate.

  “I have to go,” Trystan finally said, breaking the heavy silence.

  “No.”

  “Father, this is our chance. It’s my duty. You said as much at my ceremony. A Toha’s duty is to help his people. We need to restore our kingdom. We need to keep our people alive. I’m going. I’m sorry, but you can’t stop me. I have to do this.”

  The King seemed to shake as he looked at his son, worry etched into every feature.

  “I’m going, too,” Davi said.

  “And me,” Rissa put in.

  “Absolutely not,” Trystan argued.

  “No,” the King agreed.

  Rissa folded her arms across her chest, her lips tight with anger. They expected her to stay behind? Disbelief turned into irritation. They weren’t even listening to her. Her pulse raced as she narrowed her eyes and watched her father give in to her brother as he always did.

  The King looked back to Trystan with a weary sigh of resignation. “You’re right, son. It’s your duty to our people and I must be as brave in sending you as you are in volunteering. You will choose a contingent of men to accompany you.”

  “No,” Lorelai interjected. “A few men can accomplish what many cannot. Speed. Stealth. I can’t accompany you because of my injury, but I know of someone in Sona who will be able to trace the magic just as I could.”

  “Understood,” Trystan said. “I’ll take Davi, Avery, and one other.”

  Rissa huffed out a breath, unable to keep quiet any longer and looked to her brother. “This is just as much my duty as yours. They’re my people, too.”

  “You are not the Toha.”

  “But I would be – if I had been born first. You don’t understand.” She stepped towards him pleadingly. “It’s not just the people. It’s everything. I feel like the earth is calling me. It isn’t supposed to be devoid of magic. It isn’t right. I know you’ve never believed in my connection, but please, Brother, believe in me now. I need to be a part of this.” Her voice was clogged with unshed tears as she glanced between her father and her brother.

  When her eyes traveled to Davion, he looked away.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” her father finally said. “The best thing you can do for this realm is to remain safe so your marriage can strengthen our alliances.”

  Rissa stumbled backward. Her brother tried to reach out in comfort, but she jerked away from him. “That’s all I’m good for? To wed and bed a man I despise?” She shook her head in disbelief and then straightened her shoulders, her voice going cold. “Your Majesty. Your Highness. Davion. I would appreciate it if you leave me to my rest. This dutiful daughter has a journey to prepare for.”

  “Your brother’s wedding will be postponed,” her father said softly. “We have no other choice. So, you don’t have to travel for quite some time.”

  “No,” she said, her voice devoid of emotion. “I will keep my schedule. I’m of no use here and am better suited to sit in Willow’s sewing room than perform any duties here at the palace apparently. Now, respectfully, Sire, go.”

  The King looked at her with sad eyes and Rissa knew he thought he was doing what was best for her, but anger and disappointment warred within her and she turned her back on them to look out the window over the land she wanted to save.

  Davi lifted Lorelai from the bed and together the four of them left to go make their own preparations. Preparations they thought had nothing to do with her.

  As her eyes roamed over the darkened landscape, she knew with certain clarity if her brother was going to bring magic back to Dreach-Sciene, then she’d be by his side – no matter how hard they tried to stop her.

  Dismay clutched at Trystan’s chest as he watched Rissa prepare for her journey. She left without so much as a farewell to her father, brother, or Davion. The three men stood in the courtyard with their host of servants and guards as the wagons were loaded and she climbed onto the bench of one of them. They stepped forward to speak to her, but she wouldn’t meet their eyes. Refraining from even a backward glance, she gave the order to move out.

  When Trystan looked to Davi, he saw the same despair mirrored back to him. Rissa felt betrayed and belittled, but he knew that would lessen as she realized they were all trying to protect her. He just hoped she’d forgive them in time.

  He couldn’t bear the thought of her in any kind of danger. He hated that she was traveling through the very same woods in which Lorelai had been attacked – but at least Lord Drake had taken care of the threat. What he couldn’t stand even more was he was soon leaving on a dangerous task and he didn’t have her blessing.

  Dying frightened him less than dying with regrets.

  Trystan turned away from the road to walk back in the iron gates, but Davi didn’t move. His eyes remained on the woods into which Rissa had just gone. Trystan clasped a hand on his friend’s shoulder and went to find some preparations to do to occupy his mind.

  His sword was as sharp as it could be, yet Trystan still found himself sitting at the grinding stone. He enjoyed the steady vibrations against his blade, the loud grinding noises in the air.

  There was nothing left to d
o. The packs were ready, the maps were received, the advice was given. As prince, he’d never undertaken much responsibility, and as Toha he was still untried. The weight of the realm pressed down on his shoulders and the grinding sounds rang in his ears.

  Davi was taking their impending expedition as lightly as he took everything else, but to Trystan, it seemed an impossibility that they’d succeed. Even if they found the two missing members of the Tri-Gard, the third was locked in a dungeon guarded by the dark king.

  Everything about Dreach-Dhoun terrified Trystan. He wasn’t embarrassed to admit it. And he knew eventually he’d need to cross those borders.

  Sweat shone on his brow and he wiped it away as he pulled his sword back and sheathed it.

  “Are you prepared for what lies ahead, Toha?” Lorelai’s voice came from the doorway.

  He turned abruptly and saw her hobbling forward using a walking stick to stay upright.

  “I am, mistress.”

  Lorelai was recovering. Rissa’s maids had cleaned her up and Trystan was shocked by her beauty. He’d looked on in moderate horror as his father stuttered the first time he saw her after she’d bathed. It wasn’t often the King grew flustered. He’d met the seer when she was little more than a child, but she was a woman now. She’d stay at the palace under the King’s protection.

  “Dear prince.” She sat in a chair along the wall with a sigh. “I don’t mean physically prepared.” She gestured to his sword. “You must be prepared in here.” She touched a finger to her head. “And here.” She placed a palm over her heart.

  His eyes met hers and all bravado seemed to fall away.

  “It’s a dark road ahead for you.”

  “You’ve seen what is to come?”

  “Not in its entirety. I know many possibilities and only one can come to pass. But I’ve always seen the burden on your shoulders.”

  “The burden of Toha?” he asked, desperate to know more.

  “The burden of which I speak has nothing to do with position. There’s an ancient curse, one of death, that now falls to you.”

  Trystan sucked in a breath, unable to speak. Lorelai leaned her head back and dropped her walking stick with a clatter to the ground. When she spoke again, her voice sounded as if it was coming from afar.

  Someone you love will die because of you.

  Someone you love will sacrifice their life for yours.

  Someone you love will forsake your name.

  Death.

  Sacrifice.

  Betrayal.

  A curse of kings.

  She looked back at him and her shoulders shook. “I’m sorry,” she stuttered, reaching for the stick she no longer held.

  Trystan scrambled to hand it to her, not knowing what else to do as her words ran through his mind. Darkness closed in and he couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom.

  Lorelai used her walking stick to push herself to her feet and her light words stood in contrast to those spoken only moments before. “Good luck, Toha. May you succeed where others have failed to even try.”

  She rushed from the room as fast as her injured leg would allow, leaving Trystan behind, staring after her in bewilderment and shock. Good luck? She’d just informed him he was cursed and that was the best piece of advice she could give?

  Up until he’d met her, he’d never even seen a seer, let alone magic. How could he be cursed? A cold shiver racked his body as the full weight of her words settled in his chest.

  So much death. Maybe he was doomed before his journey even began.

  They left before even the birds had woken. No one was to know what they were doing, lest their enemies hear. The Toha, his second in command, and his top sword-master were all leaving, but the King assured Trystan his remaining officers were more than capable of continuing the training.

  Trystan, Davion, Avery, and Rion climbed into their saddles. Rion was a young novice who was chosen because of his skill with a bow. Trystan hated bringing one so young along and was reminded again if they’d allowed Rissa to join, they’d have no need of Rion.

  He shifted in his saddle and looked at each of his companions in turn, thinking of the Seer’s curse. Would they be the ones to fulfill it? He tried to push those dark thoughts away.

  Davion’s usual jovial attitude was gone in place of stern fortitude. Avery’s face was a mask of cool indifference, which was not unusual for her. Rion was the only one who showed any kind of fear, but he did his best to hide it.

  “I believe in you, son,” the King said. “I believe in all of you.”

  Belief. That’s what Rissa had asked of them.

  Trystan pushed the thought away and nodded to his father. “We’ll find them, father. And then we’ll come back and figure out a way into Dreach-Dhoun.”

  “Go with the power of the realm behind you.” He looked at each of them and then shocked them by lowering himself to one knee in respect and honor. “Be our hope.”

  Trystan gave his father one last long look and then tore his eyes away and gave his horse a hard kick. He took off down the road with his companions thundering after him and as they entered the dark woods of Aldorwood, they could no longer see the palace behind them.

  Nine

  The first five days of their journey hadn’t been the easiest of travel. The road to the port city of Whitecap in Aldorwood would have had Trystan and his party arrive much quicker, but they’d forgone that route. Instead, they’d decided to travel through the forest into Aldorwood. It would take a few days longer but it was a much less traveled route and the fewer people they met along the way, the better. Trystan’s face was well known and the last thing he needed was speculation on why he was away from the castle and traveling without the royal guard. Plus, the road to Aldorwood was filled with bandits. The royal guards traveling with Rissa would deter any attack, but four horsemen traveling alone were easy targets. The only people they would probably encounter in the woods were traders and farmers.

  The weather was more of a bother than anything at the moment. Every day had been colder and wetter than the one before. The bare branches of the trees provided little protection from the sleet that soaked through their cloaks, leaving them chilled to the bone. This morning was no exception. The rain finally slowed to a drizzle, but the wind sliced no less. Trystan pulled the hood of his cloak further over his face as Davi’s whining reached his ears.

  “Become my second in command, he said. It’s an honor, he said. We’ll have grand adventures, he said. This? This, Toha, is not a grand adventure.”

  Trystan merely glanced over his shoulder in amusement. “I don’t recall saying any of that, actually.”

  Davi met the Prince’s amused glance with a frown. “Well not in so many words, but it was implied. And I was foolish enough to believe you. Now, look at me. Stuck in the middle of the forest, cold, wet and looking as attractive as a drowned rat in a water barrel.” He let loose a dramatic sigh. “What I wouldn’t give to be curled up in front of the warm fire in my room right now with a mug of ale in my hand and the new maid rubbing my feet.”

  Rion, riding alongside Trystan, perked up in his saddle at the comment. “Ooooh, you mean the redheaded girl? She’s a looker, alright. She kind of reminds me of the Princess.” He swerved his head in Trystan’s direction at realizing what he’d let slip. “No disrespect, Toha. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  Trystan bristled, but sensed the boy’s unease and let it go.

  Davi, however, did not. He snorted in indignation. “What? She does not. Are you blind, boy? She looks nothing like the Princess. She doesn’t even begin to compare.”

  This had Trystan laughing out loud. “Back down, Davi. The boy meant no harm. Thou doth protest too much, methinks.”

  “Protesting? I’m not protesting. I’m merely suggesting the boy has poor vision.”

  “No, you were saying the new maid can’t hold a candle to Rissa’s beauty. At least that’s what I heard. How about you, Avery?” Trystan glanced over his other shoul
der at the sword-master following along. The woman hadn’t bothered with a hood and the cold rain had plastered her hair to her head like a helmet, but she didn’t appear to be the least discomforted by it. Then again, she never appeared to let anything bother her. Her typical no-nonsense look stayed in place at Trystan’s question, not a trace of a smile to be seen.

  “I gather that as well, Toha,” she responded.

  “Hmph, of course, you do,” Davi scoffed at Avery’s answer. “Trust you to side with the Prince, Avery. You always did believe he was capable of no wrongdoing, even when he was the one behind most of our boyhood escapades. I was just the innocent bystander.”

  “Innocent,” was all Avery said, but the way she said it had Trystan shaking with laughter. The word said quite clearly bullshit was afoot.

  “Ouch. That stung a little, Mistress Payne. Not gonna lie.” Davi, always the dramatic, gave her an overblown huff of false exasperation, much to Trystan and Rion’s amusement, but Avery chose not to respond. She stared ahead in stoic silence as always.

  They continued for a few more hours in relative calm, each lost in their own thoughts. Even Davi had fallen quiet. Trystan let himself be lulled by the calm and muffled trot of his horse. Just a few more hours of riding then they would find a suitable place to camp for the night. Hopefully, they’d be able to find some firewood that was still dry enough to burn, otherwise, they would be in for a very cold night.

  The scream that pierced the forest spooked Trystan’s stallion so much he had to rein him in with a strong hand to keep him from bolting.

  The scream died off only to be followed by the unmistakable sound of clanging swords and colorful cussing.

  “This way,” Trystan bellowed, and as one they turned into the thicket of trees to their right.

  The sight that met their eyes as they advanced into a clearing on the other side of the copse was not something they were expecting. A hooded figure in a muddy, torn cloak was surrounded by a circle of five uniformed men. Although two of the tunics were unfamiliar, the three others identified them as Isenore soldiers just as the long dark curls peeking out of the hood confirmed their target was a woman. She was trying to hold them off with her rapier, but as skillfully as she handled the weapon, she was no match for their heavier blades. She thrust and parried with admirable form, but the circle was closing in.