by CK Dawn
Dariyen leaned over to Marcus and whispered quietly as he gestured toward Elaina sitting opposite them. “How is it that I triumphed at the Tournament and yet find myself feeling like you came off the better for it?”
Marcus laughed heartily. “Patience, my friend—there is a room full of women here, all just dying to meet their champion. You'll find your match soon enough.” Leaning closer, he continued: “if it were not for her finding us in the alleyway we would both be bleeding out in the docks or floating face down in the harbor.”
“It was her?”
“Shhh!” Marcus implored. “Yes, she drove off the remainder of Khazim's men and healed you before you could succumb to your wounds.”
“So I wasn't dreaming—I really did get stabbed?”
“Very much so,” Marcus replied.
“When I awoke there was no sign of the wound or a scar. I thought perhaps I'd fallen asleep and dreamed the whole thing.”
“Afraid not, my friend.”
“Could you introduce me to my savior?” Dariyen asked.
“Of course.” Turning to his companion, Marcus said, “I'm sorry, Elaina—permit me to introduce Dariyen Gardeau, Champion of the Midsommer's Tournament. Dariyen, meet Elaina.”
“ I understand that thanks are in order,” Dariyen said. “I may not know how but I am most grateful for your intercession on our behalf.”
Elaina smiled warmly. “No thanks are necessary. I am glad to see you are feeling better.”
The conversation was interrupted by the appearance of serving staff laden with plates of steaming food. Roasted meats with vegetables covered in gravy, the scent of which set their mouths watering in eager anticipation. The feast would run into the early hours of the morning with rest the following day, not only for the nobility but for the entire city.
As the banquet continued there was a gradual movement from the tables to the dance floor. Dariyen excused himself in an attempt to win the favor of a young lady who had caught his eye. Elaina looked expectantly at Marcus. “Well, are you going to ask me to dance or do I need to find another suitor who will?”
Her good-natured tone told Marcus she was kidding but all the same he scrambled out of his chair and around the table. He bowed and extended a hand to help her out of her seat. “My lady, might I have the honor of this dance?”
Elaina laughed. “I thought you'd never ask.” Taking Marcus' hand she rose out of her chair and followed him onto the dance floor. Marcus wrapped his other arm around her waist as he turned her gently and drew her close. Following his lead, Elaina delicately placed her arm on his shoulder. He found himself much closer to Elaina than he had ever been, and Marcus found himself wishing he had offered to dance sooner.
The two made their way around the floor, Marcus exercising great care not to tread on Elaina's feet.
Noticing his intense concentration, Elaina spoke softly: “You do not need worry so much—for a swordsmen as gifted as you are, this sort of footwork should be a breeze.”
“If only,” Marcus replied, a little embarrassed. “Dancing has never been my forte.”
“You are doing well, Marcus. I haven't danced in years. If you were any swifter I probably couldn't keep up.”
Marcus doubted the truth of the statement but was glad for the reassurance. Taking his eyes off his feet, Marcus instead focused on Elaina's steely gray eyes. At this distance they seemed to bore straight into his soul. “You know so much about me, Elaina, and yet I know almost nothing of you, except that you have a kind heart, are older than you appear, and are tremendously capable in a back alley brawl.”
“Older than I appear? I'm not sure whether I should be insulted or flattered—don't you know it's rude to talk about a woman's age?” Elaina feigned offense.
“I don't mean to upset you. I simply meant that the more I learn about you, the more I realize how little I know.”
“What is it you wish to know?” Elaina asked, a little hesitant to reveal the truth about her nature.
“Anything and everything!” Marcus exclaimed enthusiastically.
“I don't believe this song is long enough for everything,” Elaina replied coyly.
Marcus raised an eyebrow at the obvious diversion.
“I am a private person, Marcus. There is much about me I cannot share. Particularly here, among so many people.”
“Then come with me,” Marcus replied. “We don't have to stay here at the feast. We can go somewhere less crowded.”
“Oh, trying to sneak me off to your room already, are you?” Elaina taunted.
“No, not like that. I just meant somewhere that isn't here. In a room full of people, staring at you. We can take a walk in the gardens, or I could show you the Palace. Whatever you would like. I simply wish to get to know you better.”
“Very well, the gardens sound lovely.”
“I thought you might say that,” Marcus replied with a smile.
“Oh?”
“Just a feeling I had, that's all.” Marcus led her off the dance floor and out of the Great Hall. The two walked arm in arm through the Palace and into the courtyard. Wandering past the fountain, Marcus led his companion into the gardens, eager to learn more about his enchanting companion.
When they were alone Elaina turned to him. “So what is it you would like to know?”
Marcus had been carefully considering that very question as they had walked and yet still struggled for a moment before settling on the one question that intrigued him the most. “How do you do it . . . the magic?”
“It's something I've always been able to do, ever since I was a child. I can feel the energy coursing through my being. It feels like it is a part of me. I can shape it to my will or use it to meld or shape the Elements. It is hard to imagine what life would be like without it.”
Marcus nodded, considering the answer, mulling it over. “Where are you from? What is the Sea of Stars?”
“Oh that is much easier to explain,” Elaina replied, placing a finger below Marcus’s chin and raising it upwards until he was looking straight up into the night sky. “That is the Sea of Stars.”
“But that would mean you come from . . .”
“Another world,” Elaina answered, finishing the astonished youth's sentence.
“How is that possible?” he asked.
“Magic—it is possible to use magic to fashion gateways between worlds. Using them, we are able to cross the Sea of Stars and visit other worlds that lie within the Allfather's domain.”
“All this time I had wondered if the Allfather was the God of this world alone.”
“Not at all, Marcus. He presides not only over this world but over hundreds like it. He refers to his domain as Creation.”
“What is your world called?” Marcus asked, emboldened by his curiosity.
“I can't tell you that. Not yet. There are some things about me you must wait to learn. Besides, you've asked me three questions. When is it my turn?”
“I'm sorry,” Marcus answered. “My curiosity got the better of me. Ask away—what do you wish to know?”
“In my lifetime I've observed countless people clamber over others in a quest to satisfy their own greed and avarice,” she said. “How are you different from them and why should I trust you?”
The questions stunned Marcus. His first instinct was to race to his own defense, but rather than approach the question confrontationally Marcus took a moment to reflect and consider it carefully. After a time he replied. “You know me, Elaina, much better than I know you. If I were not worth saving you would not have bothered interceding on my behalf—twice in as many weeks.”
“Human life is sacrosanct,” Elaina replied. “Just because you are worth saving does not automatically mean I can trust you.”
“Exactly,” he agreed. “Life may be sacred but you were still willing to kill five of those thugs to spare mine. Why do that if I am untrustworthy? Why show yourself at all? Come to think of it, how did you even know we were there?”
&nb
sp; Elaina realized she had been backed into a corner but recovered quickly. “That is a lot of questions, Marcus, and you still haven't answered mine yet. You're not allowed to answer a question with a question!” How could she ward Marcus away from the realization that she had been watching him since she first saw him in the woods outside Greensbrook?
Marcus was no fool, though. Elaina had shown her hand and her heart, but rather than press on and embarrass her before she was willing to admit to it, Marcus eased off. “You can trust me because I have never given you reason to believe otherwise. Ask whatever you wish and I'll answer you honestly.”
“What were you doing in the town this afternoon?” Elaina asked.
“We were going to the Golden Galleon for drinks to celebrate. The Galleon is well known for its fine wines and fine women. We were hoping to take advantage of our success in the Tournament.”
“Is that something you do often?” Elaina asked.
“Drink or chase women in the town?” Marcus asked, looking for clarity.
“Chase women.”
“I do enjoy their company,” Marcus replied honestly.
“And yet you remain unmarried. Why?”
“There are fine women to be sure, but before I marry I want to find a woman I can spend the rest of my life with.”
“Which one am I?” Elaina asked. “A fine woman, or someone you'd want to spend the rest of your life with?”
It was a loaded question and Marcus knew it. He'd known Elaina for only an afternoon, but already she was the most engaging woman he had ever met. In spite of that he feared to speak his mind, worrying that his openness might drive her away. Eventually he replied: “Well we are in the gardens and not my bedchambers—I think that gives you answer enough for now.”
Elaina smiled. “Very well. Lead on, then, and show me these gardens. After all, you've given up a rather enjoyable night to be here.”
Marcus brushed off the cheeky taunt and took Elaina's hand in his. They had scarcely taken a step when a line of golden energy illuminated the sky before them. The line widened and continued to move swiftly, cutting through the night. The golden energy soon took the shape of a doorway, and as the ends of the golden line met the area inside the line flickered. Suddenly rather than the night sky they were staring at an elaborately furnished room, as if through a window.
Elaina pulled Marcus behind her. “Whatever comes next, stay behind me. Say nothing. Do nothing.”
A man appeared in the room and could be seen moving swiftly toward the portal.
The man stepped through the gateway and Marcus reached for his sword. Elaina reached out to restrain him as the man of indeterminate age stopped before them. The newcomer was much shorter than Marcus—only five foot tall—but impeccably dressed, clad from head to toe in black tunic and trousers finished with silver trim. His large silver belt bore the Allfather's heraldry, that of a large smiling sun. The staff he carried in his hand had the same symbol. His boots and cloak completed the ensemble—both black with silver stitching. The figure could have been menacing but for his small stature and immaculately groomed beard and mustache—instead he appeared genteel and refined, albeit overdressed even compared to the banquet patrons who stood before him. The golden gateway dissipated as quickly as it had formed.
“Oh Elaina, the years have done nothing to dim your beauty—you are looking as lovely as ever!” The man began.
“Tanith, what are you doing here?” Elaina demanded. You are far from home, and your presence here is neither required nor appreciated.” The agitated Astarii returned none of the warmth that the new visitor seemed to exude. It was clear Elaina was uncomfortable with the timing and manner of his appearance.
“Is that any way to greet an old friend, Elaina?” Tanith replied.
“Friend, Tanith? You sought to undermine my assignment here. You practically perjured yourself to ensure the Council would dismiss my request to become a Guardian.”
Tanith's eyes went a little wide with surprise. “Oh, you heard about that?”
“Of course. I am sure half the reason the Five posted me here on Meldinar was to ensure I didn't wring your scrawny little neck,” Elaina concluded.
“That might be so, but I did it only because I could not bear for us to be separated. With you taking on the mantle of Guardian and me remaining on Altiran, we would never see each other.”
“—A state of affairs that hasn't disturbed me in the slightest.” Elaina replied.
“Now you’re just trying to hurt my feelings,” Tanith replied, waving his finger as if he were a parent disciplining a wayward child, though Elaina towered over him. “It is hard to believe you would rather spend your time with this fool than one of your own kind. It's absurd.”
“Who are you calling a fool?!” Marcus replied, reaching for his sword again.
Spotting the motion, Tanith cut him off. “Oh, do it—I dare you—draw your little sword. I could cut you down before you take a step. The Council wouldn't even censure me for it—attacking an Astarii will earn you a death sentence, you foolish child.”
“An Astarii?” Marcus asked, perplexed.
Elaina pushed Marcus back behind her and continued to impose herself between the newcomer and her companion. “As I said, Tanith, you are not welcome here—depart before I send word to the Council that you are interfering with my duties.”
“By all means, please do. I am here on their errand. I bear a message for you . . .” Tanith's countenance turned somber. “It concerns your duties and your recent actions. They have been noticed by the Five, and the Five are furious.”
Elaina's face fell as she realized that Tanith was not here on his own account.
Tanith continued: “After observing your interference and callous disregard for life, the Five have met to consider your fate. After discussing your actions at length they have.”
Elaina tensed. “What was their decision?”
Marcus could feel the energy gathering around her as she prepared herself. The hairs on his arms and neck stood up. Marcus was sure Tanith must be able to feel it, though the little man showed no indications of fear at the gathering power.
“What was their decision?” Elaina asked through gritted teeth.
“After careful deliberation, one was in favor of death, one of exile, and three of the Five felt that you should be warned before a more thorough punishment was applied. Consider this your warning. Should you neglect your duties again, or continue to place the life of this human over all others, you will feel the full weight of the Council's judgment upon you. Consider yourself warned.”
Without any further explanation Tanith raised his hands and executed an elaborate pattern in the air between them. The golden gateway appeared once more, and Tanith's face changed into an almost apologetic expression as he turned to Elaina. Unsure of what to say, the little man bowed deeply and departed as suddenly as he had arrived, leaving Marcus and Elaina alone in the gardens.
Marcus looked at Elaina. “Surely even where you are from,” he said, “that sort of thing warrants an explanation.”
Seven
Elaina looked from Marcus' expectant expression down to her feet and back to Marcus. “I don't know where to begin.”
“You could start with who that was, and where he came from.”
“Tanith is one of my people, the Astarii. We were once human like yourself but the Allfather, finding himself in need of servants to carry out his will, endowed us with great powers like those I manifested when I came to your aid in the alleyway. My people the Astarii serve as servants and messengers of the Allfather, carrying out his will across Creation.
“From among our ranks, the most gifted students are chosen and trained to serve as Guardians. It is a Guardian's solemn duty to watch over and protect their world. In doing so a Guardian is expected to gently guide those who inhabit their world in their obedience to the Allfather and his will. Above all we are expected to use our gifts to preserve the lives of the people we serve. Many G
uardians are quiet observers, but I have found it difficult to watch silently as injustices are committed before me. I cannot bear to see innocents suffer. That is why I came to your aid in Greensbrook, and why I came to your aid again at the docks today.
“Unfortunately, when I came to your aid today, I violated my mandate. Tanith came here to warn me that my violation had not gone unnoticed by the Five.”
“Who are the Five? And how did you violate your mandate? You saved our lives. What was wrong with that?”
“In saving both your lives I had to kill six of those who sought to do you harm. In the arithmetic of the Astarii I should have let you perish to preserve the greatest number of lives. The Five are the Grand Council that govern the Astarii. Their will is second in importance only to that of the Allfather himself. They are beings of immense power and masters of the magics that are the Astarii birthright.”
“So these Five are upset because you killed a handful of criminals to save our lives? Does the quality of one's life mean nothing to you?”
“It means everything to me,” Elaina replied, hurt by the accusation. “Why do you think I did what I did? To take any life . . . it hurts my soul—but I couldn't watch you die. I have intervened to save lives before, but never at a cost of others. I didn't think anyone would ever know. It appears the gaze of the Five is more watchful than I had believed.”
“What will happen now?” Marcus asked.
“I don't know. I must tread carefully. The Five may have sent a warning this time but they will not do so again. As you heard from Tanith, already one of the Five is calling for my death. Another for exile. If I am found in defiance of their will again, those numbers will swiftly turn against me. I must tread carefully.”
“It's a good thing you are so light on your feet,” Marcus answered, to lighten the mood.
Elaina tried to smile. “I should leave. My actions have brought you into harm's way. I'm sorry, Marcus.”
Marcus raised both hands. “Wait just a minute, Elaina. It was just a warning, a sobering one perhaps, but if we know what will draw their ire, isn't it a simple matter to just not do so again?”
