by Jana LaPelle
I hold onto Tempest's silky mane as his muscles bunch beneath us with every step he takes. I see that we're entering a forest with trees taller than I have ever imagined. They're enormous, larger than any redwood from back home. We veer to the right and take a path less traveled, and we slow as we come to the lookout point that Alaric spoke of. I am stunned at the beauty I see before me. The forest itself is enchanting and I long to explore it, but the view from the overlook is incredible. I look out over the valley below us in the bright morning sunlight to see that the Keep is surrounded on all sides by a beautiful crystal clear lake. The sun reflects off the mirror-like surface like a multitude of diamonds. In the background, there are multiple waterfalls that spill into the lake below. The Keep seems to be nestled in a valley surrounded by forest-covered hills and mountains. The structure itself is a massive square with a large courtyard in the center where the men were training as we left out. There's one entrance into the Keep, and that's via the very long bridge that spans the lake to the pastures that house the cattle, sheep, and other livestock. There are four square turrets on all four corners of the Keep. It is a stone structure that appears to be very well fortified and would be difficult to breach. "Why did Danu doubt the integrity of your Keep?" I look over my shoulder to Alaric as I inquiry.
"As you have already said, she's not a fan of mine, it may have to do with the strained relationship between her and my mother, but where my Keep and my guard are concerned, I have the utmost confidence. My uncle, The Dagda is expected this evening, and then my parents and Danu are supposed to arrive in the next couple of days. We will also be expecting other high ranking officials that have been invited to the binding ceremony. Dailey, there will be celebrations leading up to the ceremony. We can talk to The Dagda about our unexpected spiritual binding when he arrives tonight. He may have some insight as to this unexpected turn of events." He says, bringing me up to speed on what is to transpire in the next week or so.
I relax back into him feeling safe and secure, and we both let out a sigh of contentment. We’re so in tune to one another now that it’s difficult not to recognize the growing desire between us. Although the constant pull has lessened since the binding, the attraction is still there, but there is also a contentment in knowing that it will only be a matter of time before the bond is completed.
“You’re welcome.” I hear a musical lilting voice from over our left shoulders.
Tempest turns to the voice, pawing at the ground. Standing before us is an enchanting figure. Her hair is a platinum blond bordering on silver, her complexion is luminescent, and her eyes are a brilliant violet color. She is regal in appearance yet has an innocent look about her as two white doves flutter about her, and the sun seems to gravitate towards her, creating a halo effect about her. “Your binding has been long overdue. Don’t you agree?” she asks innocently with a smile and bowed head looking up at us through her lashes.
"Might I ask who you are?" I ask hesitantly, as Alaric pulls me closer and wraps one arm around my waist to nestle me against his front. Unconsciously, I melt into his embrace as I await her reply.
"Why? I am the goddess of love. My name is Clíodhna. I expect to be invited to the official binding ceremony, although, it will only be a formality at this point as your binding has already been given my blessing. I knew the moment you entered this realm, daughter of Danu. There have never been two souls so drawn to one another as you and your kindred. I could not bear for the two of you to be separated in spirit any longer. Your binding gives me great pleasure as yours will be a union that will rival any that this realm has ever seen. You must beware. There will be obstacles sat in your way, but you will be able to overcome anything as long as you have faith in one another, and faith in the love you have for each other." She says cryptically.
“I’m not sure that my mother, Danu, will be happy about this turn of events,” I say with hesitation, “although, I am very grateful for your blessing, my lady.”
“As am I, my lady.” I hear Alaric say from behind me as we both bow our heads in her direction. “Your blessing is most generous, and you are most welcome to the official binding ceremony. We would be honored if you would officiate the ceremony.”
With a tinkling laugh, the goddess of love replies, "It would be my utmost pleasure to officiate the binding, but as you already have my blessing, you should know that you may choose to complete the binding at any time. I would not be offended if you did not wait for the official ceremony. In fact, it may be to your advantage to do so as soon as possible. There are those who would attempt to thwart your completed binding at any cost. Heed my words prince and princess of the realm."
“But my mother would not look kindly upon the bond being completed before the ceremony. She has already warned us both not to do so. As it is, she will be upset by the partial binding.” I say.
Clíodhna looks angry for a moment before she composes herself and then says with derision, "Danu has her own agenda, one that does not include you being with your kindred. It is my job to see to it that you two complete your binding, the sooner, the better. You are stronger together than you are apart, mark my words. You must stand as a united front in order to overcome the challenges that will be set before you. In order to save the realms from certain disaster, the binding must be completed before Danu arrives." She says with an ominous tone.
“What will happen if we don’t complete the binding?” Alaric asks in a gravelly voice.
"I cannot say, but I fear that nothing good will come of an incomplete binding. The longer you delay, the more chance that those who oppose you will find a way to keep you apart, and by doing so they will achieve their own agenda." She says solemnly.
I look to Alaric in alarm, with a sense of foreboding as he hugs me to him and Tempest tosses his head and snorts his understanding of what is being said. Alaric and I both stroke his mane in an attempt to calm the beast. When Alaric speaks up, it’s with trepidation as he says, “My uncle will be arriving this evening, and we’ll ask for his counsel. Thank you, my lady, for your blessing and your words of wisdom. Know that what you have imparted to us this day will be taken into consideration.”
“I am new to this realm, but I am honored. Thank you.” I say, hoping that I am expressing my gratitude to her.
With a sigh, she says, "It is I who am honored little one. Know this. I only seek to give you both the best chance that you have to defeat those that will stand in your way. It is not my intent to rush either of you into completing the binding. If you have any doubts about moving forward, look to your hearts, look inside yourselves. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks, only how you feel. Be true to yourselves, and the rest will fall into place." With that she smiles and dematerializes in front of our eyes, her amethyst-colored eyes are the last thing that I see disappear before us. It's then that I notice how very still the forest is around us, and Tempest dances nervously.
“Alaric?” I look over my shoulder with wide eyes.
"Hold on! I'm getting us out of here. There's something not right. It's too quiet." Alaric spurs Tempest into action. He rears up, hooves pawing the air and then takes off at a breakneck speed back through the forest path. Soon we are back on the main path heading toward the Keep, but all too soon it is apparent that we are being followed.
I feel oddly naked as I did not strap on any weapons. Alaric spurs Tempest on, and we break free of the forest and race down to the pastures below us. I steal a glance behind us to see that there are six horsemen following us and shout back to Alaric, "Weave, they have archers!" Tempest picks up the pace as he follows Alaric's direction and begins to run in a zigzagging pattern. As we come upon a checkpoint in the valley, I hear Alaric yell out to any that will hear him, "Sound the Alarm!"
Tempest continues his furious pace back toward the Keep as I hear a bell ringing in the distance. As we hit the bridge, I feel Tempest falter and know that he has taken an arrow or two, but he recove
rs quickly. As we get to the halfway point across the bridge, I see archers take up their stations across the front top of the Keep. The Guard, all on horseback, ride out to escort us in. It's at that moment, I breathe a sigh of relief and know that we're in the homestretch. As we make it across the bridge to the front lawn of the Keep, Alaric reigns Tempest in and we turn about to face our enemies.
They have stopped midway across the bridge, their horses prancing, unable to stand still as the leader of the assassins that were sent here for me makes a proclamation, "You will not keep her from us! We will have her! There is nothing you can do to stop us!" The archers take that moment to let loose a volley of arrows, and it is at that instant that I wish that I had my own weapons with me. I would have gladly joined in on that retaliation. One of the Guard lets loose several arrows on his own, and they meet their mark. Of the six horsemen, only two were able to race off in the direction of the forest that we came from, the rest were either injured or dead.
“I want the injured brought in for questioning! Now!” Alaric demands behind me as he reigns in Tempest. “We will have to beef up the wards around the perimeter, get Nemus, and if we have to hire several more druid or witches so be it! I want no reason for Danu to have an excuse to take Ashlinn away from this Keep!”
I turn around on Tempest and say, “First, let’s take care of Tempest and second, Danu cannot make me leave your side. Let’s get him to the stables so we can remove the arrows he took while getting us to safety, and then we can talk. There’s much to discuss. Can you arrange for safe passage for your uncle?”
“Άlainn, The Dagda does not require additional protection. He is The Dagda, High King of Faerie and the most powerful god in the realm.” He says.
"Alaric, you should still send out an escort to greet him and escort him and his men in," I say.
“You’re right. It would be the honorable and respectful thing to do especially in light of what just happened.” He reluctantly agrees.
"I know I'm right," I say with a cheeky grin, and wink. "Now let's see to Tempest," I say as we enter the courtyard and head toward the stables.
Chapter 22
(Ashlinn)
The day passes quickly. After our little adventure outside of the Keep this morning that turned up unexpected guest by way of hostages in the dungeon. Wow, what a difference two weeks makes. Alaric and his men stay busy trying to not only fortify the wards around the perimeter of the outlying lands, but they're trying to make the prisoners talk. All Lexie and Jasmine seemed to be concerned with are the upcoming festivities. As soon as Jasmine sees my mate markings, she literally flips out making me laugh at her excited acrobatics. I'm distracted by the events from earlier, so I tell them both that we'll talk about it later this evening. They both do what they can to take my mind off of the standoff just outside of the Keep, but I want answers, damn it. By midafternoon I’ve lost my patience with the whole situation in the dungeon and make my way toward my kindred. I quickly realize that if I concentrate on our bond it’s like a compass pointing me toward him, and I march in that general direction. I come upon an impressive door inside the Keep located outside near the stables. I see that I am going to have to talk my way in as there are two guards at attention on either side.
“Excuse me? Can either of you point me toward the dungeon?” I ask rather nonchalantly.
Both bow and say in unison, “Princess.”
"Well? You can show me in, or I can find my own way. One way or the other I am going to be shown to the dungeon." I say as I stand there with hands on my hips. Since this morning's incident, I had decided to gear up with my crossbow and weapon's holster strapped around my waist and right thigh. Both men shift uncomfortably on their feet. I can feel Alaric through our bond bristle, and he knows that I'm close. "So?" I shoot both of them a glare. "Show me in," I demand.
The door opens and Alaric steps through, “Ashlinn, this is no place for a lady. I must insist that you go back…”
“To what, Alaric? Twiddling my thumbs? Planning the festivities? You really think that six horsemen come after me and I am not going to want answers? You have been in there long enough. It’s time that you let me ask some questions.” I demand. “I can feel your frustration, and it is grating on my nerves. Either you allow me in, or I’ll ride out to meet your uncle unattended. The choice is yours.”
“You will not ride out of this Keep!” He all but shouts at me.
"Try me." I glare back at him. "What happened with together? We do this together, isn't that what you said?" I ask. "We need answers, and if you give me a chance, we may be able to get them." I can tell he's on the fence and trying to protect me, so I say, "Give me fifteen minutes tops. If in that time, I can't get anything out of them then I'll go back to our rooms and prepare for this evening's events. I know that what I'm about to walk in on is not going to be pleasant. I can sense your unease, but we have to try a new tactic."
“Are you absolutely sure you want to do this? They despise you and will be brutal. I don’t want to subject you to their insults.” He looks so very torn, and for a moment I contemplate my request, but I know that I must follow through.
“It will be but a few minutes. They mean nothing to me, even less now that they have tried to harm you and Tempest just to get to me. I will protect those I care for with my life. They mean to do harm to all the realms not just me, and they mean to undermine the Tree of Life. I cannot stand by and allow that to happen. They can do nothing to hurt me. They're prisoners. Alaric, what I'm planning to do will be unconventional by your standards. Do you think you can follow my lead?" He pulls me into his arms, and I breathe in his scent because it calms me. Everything around us comes to a standstill as we take each other in, our bond is strong, and it calms us both.
"I see a pattern here." He says, kissing the top of my head as he releases me.
I smile up at him and ask, “And that is?”
He sighs, “You getting your way. A lot.”
I snicker, and I hear the guards try to contain their snorts as well. I had all but forgotten they were there. "Better get used to it. Show me the way, Elf-Man." I say as I grab his hand in mine, our bond is electric and it hums through us. It is the most amazing thing that I have ever experienced. I wouldn't give it up for anything in the realms. "I need you to hold my hand throughout this interrogation; you may be able to pick up on my thoughts, emotions, or feelings while we're in there. I promise that afterward, I will go to our chambers to prepare for the arrival of your uncle, like a good little girl."
“Ash, I must warn you that they have not been well treated and are in bad shape.” He says.
"So be it," I say.
We walk through the doors to the dungeon and down winding stairs. It’s cool and damp, probably because this is an island situated in the middle of a lake. The air is dank and musty, and the lighting is dim. My eyes take a moment to adjust. We walk toward the only two remaining men from this morning’s attack. I assess the situation quickly and then ask, “Have they been given food or water?”
“No, my lady.” I hear from the guard.
I turn to toward the Fomorians. “Are you thirsty? Is there anything I can do to ease your discomfort?” I ask.
“Why would you want to ease our discomfort? You’re the very witch we’ve been sent to capture.” He says, suspiciously as he spits blood from his mouth in my general direction. I feel Alaric bristle next to me, but I squeeze his hand in mine stilling him.
"Because no one should be subjected to things they find discomforting," I say.
"This is a trick. I will not be easily swayed." The prisoner says, glaring at me.
"I merely offer food and water, no more than I would grant livestock," I say and continue to hold Alaric's hand. "You can accept my goodwill or reject it. Either way, you will remain a prisoner here for as long as we deem fit. So, you will either answer the questions asked of you, or you will remain
locked in the dungeons without food or water."
“Why would you feed us?” the other prisoner asked and is immediately silenced by his companion.
I wasn't sure how I would answer that question until it was asked, but at that moment I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would do anything in my power to lead the Fomorians to the light, they are the dark fae in this kingdom and are being led to destruction. Like an epiphany, I knew this was part of my purpose. "Because, as long as there is light in your soul, I will never give up on you, as long as you can see reason and both sides to the situation at hand you shall be treated with the respect that any individual deserves. That being said… there are consequences to your actions today." Both have been badly beaten and bloodied, and both assess my words while scrutinizing me.
"You are not what we were led to believe." The same man speaks up and is again hushed by his companion, but he pays him no mind. "I may consider speaking with you, but I don't believe that you will follow through on your offer. We were led to believe that you were cold and callous. That you would come to this realm to overthrow the kings and queens to become the supreme ruler, that you were our enemy." He states as he stares me down daring me to challenge his opinion.
"I assure you that my only enemies are those that would seek to bring harm to the Tree of Life, because by doing so would bring harm to all the realms. If that is your mission, then you are my enemy." I state bluntly, as I stare back at him. Turning to the guards, I say, "Bring them water, bread, and some cheese, whatever is on hand. It doesn't have to be fresh from the oven. Day old will be fine. They will also need water to clean their wounds." Turning back to the prisoners, I ask, "Are you, my enemy? Is it your mission to cause harm to the Tree of Life? Who sent you? What was your ultimate mission?" Alaric squeezes my hand as he can feel my nervous energy.
