“And for that, we’re eternally grateful.” Owen said.
“What’s the plan?” She asked reaching the glass of water.
“You, recovering. The quicker the better.” Braian’s joke earned him an elbow to the ribs from his brother. “I was kidding.”
“Will you two stop?” Adriana said. “Honestly, you two can’t behave yourselves for five minutes.”
Phoebe laughed, “You have no room to talk! Corbin is the most mature out of the four of you.”
Corbin’s eyes lit up at the mention of his name, not his title, and not said with disdain.
“Someone has been paying attention.” He said.
She continued to laugh until the sharp coughing started. “I’m fine. I’m fine.” She said between rasping breaths. “Could you three leave us girls alone?” She asked her fingers worrying against each other.
“What if something happens? I should be here just in case.” Owen shook his head.
“I’m capable of taking care of her. She doesn’t need you to hover over her like a mother hen.” She said. They glared at each other, waiting for the other to relent.
“Fine. We’ll be outside if you need anything.” The elder of the men ushered them out, the door closing behind them.
Crawling onto the bed, she sat next to her sister, leaning her shoulder against hers, “I’m not too heavy am I?” Adriana asked.
“I don’t understand how you weigh so much for being so small.” She said, teasing.
“There is a lot of food in our room.” She said shrugging her shoulders. “Now are you going to tell me why I went toe-to-toe with Owen or are you going to keep calling me fat?”
“I doubt Corbin thinks you’re fat.” She continued her teasing. “Probably thinks you’re too thin. Needs a girl with more meat on her bones.”
“Now, that’s just rude.” Adriana said as she cracked a smile.
“When the mages brought me here, they thought I was unconscious. I think Kellick knew I was not. He kept talking in these low tones and he whispered most of his requests. This other man came in through that side door. He asked if we were the ones.” Her breath caught in her throat as she spoke. “Kellick, he said, time would tell.”
“Time would tell what?” Adriana asked. Her brows pinched together. She wondered if her friend was running a fever. “Are you sure you’re feeling well? Maybe I should get Owen.” Ice-like hands grabbed her wrist before she could remove herself from the bed.
“He said we would know soon if the prophecy will come true. Something isn’t right. He said, one of us will -”
“I think Lady Phoebe needs to rest more.” Adriana spun towards the voice to see the old mage standing in the doorway his hands folded in front of him. Sleep claimed Phoebe quickly, her head sliding down the bedframe to the top of an overstuffed feather pillow. Two young women came into the room, shooing her off the bed and laying the Elflan down onto the bed. “She needs to travel her dreams if she is to get any better, my lady.” Kellick and her watched each other as the two women moved between them. He took a deep breath and reached his hand out to her. “You look so much like your mother,” He said. “She was radiant. Always had a youthful glow, even after you were born. Once you learned how to crawl and then walk she was always chasing after you.”
“How did you know my mother?” She asked, watching his hand, taking notice of how smooth his fingers were, no callouses like the ones that peppered her fingers and palms. He had never touched a sword, or a bow. Any work he had done it was not physical labor. What caught her breath in her lungs was just how radiant he looked. Like a sunrise, joyous for the breaking of daylight as it spreads across Belleza’s harbor in the fall. Just crisp enough outside, you hope for snow.
“She came to our village quite often in her time. She would come to trade, tell stories, or sometimes she would dance during our festivals. After you were born, she stopped traveling as often. Even now, some villagers say they still see her sometimes.” His eyes lowered a little.
“She’s dead.” Adriana’s voice was even as she spoke, not willing to give in to the emotions threatening to bubble to the surface. “It is only wishful thinking on their part.”
“You are right. It is not important right now. What is important is that your comrades are changing for supper. You are appropriately dressed and it would honor me if you too would joined us.”
“What about Phoebe?” She asked.
“My lady, she needs her rest. Please come with me.” Kellick held out his arm to her. She examined him from a distance before she wrapped her hand around his upper arm. There she discovered that he was hiding strong arms under the long sleeves of his robe. “You need not worry about the things you do not know about yet. There is still time to relax, enjoy a meal.”
“How long has this village been here?” She asked, breaking the silence.
“For a very long time. But it was not all built at once.” He said. His thin lips creased into a smile. “Our first buildings were our homes. We wanted places to live, but even those look different now than they did when we started. Then came the inn for any weary travelers who came through. Finally, we wanted a place to spend time together, so we built this hall and here it has stood. A testament to what we could accomplish.”
Warmth radiated from the walls. Adriana did not need to touch them to know how they would feel under her fingers. There was a glow about them. A shine that refracted any light that hit them.
“What is causing the walls to give off that light?” she asked pointing to the walls.
“Diamonds.” He stated.
“Everything here looks like it glows. Are there diamonds in all the buildings?” There was a wonder in her question, Kellick smiled at her.
“No, just the main hall. After the walls were constructed, our craftsmen were sanding and polishing, that is when they found the diamonds embedded into the stone.” A chuckled escaped his lips as he spoke, echoing against the walls. “It was quite a shock. Some wanted to take apart the walls, which would have disemboweled the building. But I would not have it. It turned out to be quite the argument. My people are very polite so when one gets angry and yells, everyone becomes involved. If anything, people gather to watch.”
“How long ago was that?” Adriana asked.
“Over eight hundred years I believe. Centuries tend to run together when you are as old as I.” He said his voice lowering as he spoke. “Mages live long lives, like elves we both are immortal to a point. If we hurt, we bleed. We can die if the wound is bad enough. My favorite is an old wives tale that says mages and elves can die from a broken heart.”
“Is it true?” She asked.
His expression turned crestfallen, he opened his mouth, but no sound came from his lips. His breath caught and hitched as he spoke, “My bond mate left centuries ago. If it were true, then I would not be here.”
“Bond mate?” She knew better than to ask, but the words escaped her mouth before she could change her mind.
“Yes. We have families just as other cultures. She was a strong soul, always kind, and never cross.” He smiled. “We were just children when she was chosen for me.”
“You did not get a say?” The words came out tight, her throat clamped around her vocal cords. The mere idea of not being able to choose who she loves felt beyond her.
Kellick chuckled, “It might seem different to you, but that is our culture. Once a match is chosen, the children grow and learn together. I loved her very much.”
“How did she die?” She asked.
“Die?” Regret covered his words. “She was exiled,” For a moment, his eyes looked to the floor, downcast in shame from the memory. “That can be a fate worse than death.”
They neared the end of the hallway, greeted by glass doors with leafy vines etched around the perimeter. A gentle push of his left hand and the doors opened. An iridescent glow filled the room with a welcoming warmth.
In the center of the r
oom, there was a long, dark, mahogany table where Owen and Braian already sat and were in the middle of a heated discussion. The elder of them pointing to other’s breast pocket. Stretching out his hand, Braian pushed his brother’s finger away, shaking his head.
“Those two are not the most observant of fellows.” Kellick asked, leading her down a set of stairs.
Before Adriana could answer him, another voice entered the conversation. “No, not really. But they make a wonderful conversation piece.” Prince Corbin said taking the last few steps to meet them. And a prince he was, dressed in grey linen trousers and a loose fitting cotton shirt. She knew if she touched his shirt, she would know how soft the texture was and how warm his body made the fabric. The loose ends of his hair had gathered at the nape of his neck, tied neatly with a black ribbon.
“His Highness has requested to walk you to your seat.” Kellick said, his fingers guiding her hand to Corbin’s awaiting hand.
“Requested?” She asked.
He squeezed her fingers, a smile pulling at the corner of his eyes, “I told you once to allow me one prince-like duty. You must forgive me as I am asking for one more.”
“Dinner is ready my lord.” Nona said tilting her head.
“Very well.” the mage said, making his way to the head of the large mahogany table.
With Corbin’s fingers wrapped around her hand, he led her to her chair, “My lady please have a seat. Let me push in your chair.” he said, his breath touching the soft baby hairs on her neck.
A growl caught their attention as the chair slid up to the table.
“Jealous much?” Owen said, his wine glass touching his lips as he savored the sweet flavor.
Kellick motioned for the mages that had gathered along the walls to bring their goods forward. Silver platters glittered in the light from the chandelier above their heads. The smells of roasted pheasant, garlic and steamed vegetables filled the room as one by one their feast was laid out before them. Each of them felt their mouths water. After days without a proper meal, to eat their fill was a blessing.
“I hope we are among friends here tonight,” the older mage said, his eyes scanning the room, “we will fill our halls with tales of heroes, and laughter once again. Now eat my friends.”
The scuffling of silverware filled the silence as each member ate. It would not take them long to get their fill and then some.
Watching as her company ate their meal, Adriana wished she had a way to memorize this moment. A single breath of peace where no one was fighting, no food was being thrown, and she even counted a smile or two. Even Braian who had been a cause of heartache the last two days was missing the gathered crow’s feet around his eyes.
Setting her fork down at the edge of her plate, she caught Corbin’s eye.
“Sir, you said something about sharing stories. Do you have any you wish to share during our meal?” She asked.
A smile spread across his face as he considered her request, “I was wondering when you would ask.” He took in a deep breath, wiping his pink lips with his napkin. “I have a few. Would you be interested in hearing the story of the ancient trees of this forest? Of course you would.” Adjusting himself in his seat, his flowing sleeves settling on either side of his chair. “This is one of my favorite stories.”
“Before this place was here, just to the east there was a village, and in this village lived a boy. His father was a smith. His job was to make the weapons the hunters would use. The boy watched as his father would make bows and the arrows and carving knives. He wanted to learn how to make such weapons like his father, so he would watch and listen as his dad taught him how to wrap the string of a bow. Or what wood and metals were preferred for knives. However, he was curious about the world outside their village, but his father forbid him from going into the forest. He could get lost and for such a small boy he could easily get hurt. But he was too adventurous for his own good. The boy would sneak away when his father was not looking. He would climb the rocks surrounding the village gazing through the trees. Believing he could hear his name being called.
“As the boy grew older, his father allowed him more freedom. He could leave the village with the hunters. His father knew it was important, not only for the nourishment but also for the bonding with his fellow group of hunters. One night while the other hunters slept he heard his name. He looked at his companions expecting one to be playing a joke on the young man, but he watched as they all slumbered.
“The voice called him again. This time not taking anything to chance he stood up from his spot, grabbed a knife and walked into the forest. The voice continued to call him, telling him to come closer, quickly now before they ran out of time. He ran, not sure what was waiting for him, but he could feel the urgency pumping through his veins as loud as the drumming of his heart.” Kellick came to an abrupt stop only to take a deep breath before continuing the tale.
“The young man came to a clearing. There in the middle of the clearing was a large willow. Her leaves hung low to the grass below, but her branches reached towards the midnight sky above. The voice spoke through the tree to him. The tree told him that his calling was not in hunting, but on the crafting of swords. That he needed to go back to his village to learn all he could from his father. One day he would create the most fantastic sword, one where one side would bring great destruction and the other could bring renewal. He was to create this sword and protect it, keep it within his family lines until it was time.”
“Time for what?” Corbin asked. His voice breaking the spell that Kellick had weaved.
“Until the children of destiny have need of it.” He said.
“Who?” Braian said cocking his eyebrow.
“The children are the survivors of a mass genocide.” he said. “There are two such survivors in this room.” The mage turned to Adriana and pointed to the emerald necklace around her neck, “Have you not asked? She is the only one who knows the answers to the questions you seek.”
Her fingers danced around the stone.
“You mean the oracle?” Corbin whispered. “She’s always been with us, around your neck.”
“She? Who would that be?” Braian questioned. “Care to inform the rest of us?”
“It might be complicated, but I think it might be time to hear what she has to say.” the mage said, his fingers reaching out for the necklace. “To find your destiny, you only have to ask.”
Gently touching the stone between her thumb and forefinger, Adriana spoke. “What is the prophecy?”
Green smoke surged from the emerald. Lyla appeared from the vapors at the center of the table.
“The time of the rebirth is upon them. Destruction and chaos. Holy hymns to scattered ashes. They will be lost. After the twenty-fourth rotation of the planet-the children will rise-up. With the sword in hand, they control the tides. Drums of war, or hands of salvation. Only they can choose which sun rises. It only works when two become one.”
Lyla continued, “The prophecy was made in the church in the village of Iglesia to Delyth and Edwyn. Alongside them was Heather and her infant child, Corbin.”
“Me? I have no memory of this.” He said.
“You were too young to remember. Your mother only wanted to protect you. She sent word to your father to come collect you. You weren’t there to see, or witness.” The Oracle explained. “Adriana was only a small twinkle in her mother’s heart. She was there, she saw. To witness the end.”
“Yes, okay. I get it.” She said through her clenched jaw. “But what does that mean exactly? The prophecy speaks of a sword, of war. How are two people supposed to fight a war?”
“You won’t.” The voice echoed across the hall. “You will die before it even starts.” Across the table, a palm turned towards the sky, Braian stood with the key in hand. Black flames engulfed his hand, swelling and cascading to the floor. “Kellick, my dear,” Lady Mairwen appeared as the flames dissipated around her body leaving her black dress to unrave
l about her. A vibrant red mask burned over her face. “Did you not think I wouldn’t have found a way into your get together? I had hoped you saved me a seat at your table.”
“When you left, we warded this place against you. You are only a figment, not truly here. Not even you are that powerful.” He stood as he spoke, following her face from the other side of the table. “Release the poor boy. He is not your puppet.”
“Where is the sword?” She said placing her hand on Braian’s shoulder. “You tell me where the sword is, and I let him go. Simple as that.”
“Are you controlling him?” He asked.
“Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. What if he is doing all of this on his own accord? After all, he wanted what was best for his friends. Just wanted to help.” Her voice was breathy, teasing him. “Skip the foreplay. Where is the sword?”
“I will never tell you.” He said.
Mairwen considered him for a moment before turning her back to him, “I believe you, my love. You could have joined me all those centuries ago.”
“You destroyed the people we were meant to protect.” He said.
“Because they would betray me. Their prophecy only foretold my downfall. If only you had come with me. I could have spared you this pain.” She leaned closer to Braian’s ear, “Kill him. Then come to me. We will set this world on fire, together. As for these three if you are smart you will disappear before I find you.”
“And what if I find you first?” Adriana said, growling through her teeth.
“My child, if you haven’t figured out who I am yet, you never will.” She plucked the diamond hoops from her ears, tossing them on the table. “I leave you with these as a parting gift.” The flames ate away her visage leaving no trace of her ever being there. The breath they had been holding escaped from their lips.
“Braian, stop!” Owen yelled. His body trying to move forward but failed. Kept in place by a magic unseen. “You’re my brother and I know you would never kill an unarmed man.”
Crouching down, Braian pulled the dagger from his boot, the one he had told himself he needed to have. The maids told him no weapons in the hall, but something whispered to him to take it with him. The surrounding room was white noise as he advanced on the mage. He could not hear his brother screaming for him to stop, that smug prince yelling, or the woman he had loved with tears running down her face as she begged him to stop.
Children of Destiny Page 15
