by JK Ensley
The murmuring crowd slowly parted. Jenevier recognized the repugnant dog coming toward her, the one she had saved by the stream.
She growled under her breath. “…You.”
As the hideous creature drew closer, its body shifted and blurred. The revolting animal transformed into an almost identical duplicate of the colossal Gate Guardian.
“Wha—”
He winked at her. “How goes it, Sassy?”
“You owe me a great debt,” she hissed. “And the day I come to demand payment, is a day you will never forget. This I vow.”
He smiled. “As you say, Maiden.”
“Valen, report,” Valadrog demanded. “Tell us how this fiery young woman fared.”
The dog-man spoke of the trial he had presented her with. He spoke the truth, recounted every word that passed between them. When he had meticulously reported all that’d happened, he stepped aside.
Vareen smiled. “Three tests of the heart have been given to this fair maiden and three tests she did pass.”
All present were respectfully silent as the revered oracle spoke with great authority to her people.
“First. She saved someone who did not deserve saving. She did so without recompense or expectation, receiving only injury in return.”
The dog-man bowed his head slightly, secretly flashing a wicked smile intended for Jenevier’s eyes alone. She believed she just may hate him.
“Second. She loved someone she did not know. She trusted blindly and faithfully, without question.”
All eyes fell on Alzeen. He spoke not. Nor did he acknowledge he was even referred to. Jenevier opened her mouth, but he quickly and silently hushed her coming words with a tiny squeeze to her hand.
“And lastly…” Vareen continued.
Jenevier’s attention was now riveted on the exquisite speaker before her.
“She sacrificed her one true desire—her own freedom. This she did to uphold a sworn promise made to a friend. This selfless act, we all bore witness to.”
Jenevier looked to the Gate Guardian. He was smirking back at her, silently mouthing something in her direction. She cared not what it was. He had intentionally and purposefully riled up her temper. It did not surface often. It was taking a great deal of her composure just to restrain herself. All she truly wanted to do was scratch his exquisitely radiant eyes out.
“So, what say you?” yelled Valadrog.
A thunderous roar went up from the devoted multitude of iridescent Vanir.
“It is agreed by all, then. Miss Jenevier Embarr, I would like to humbly offer you whatever assistance my people can provide. We are honored to have one such as you amongst us. We humbly ask you to be our guest here in Vanahirdem. Please, enter our gates, valiant maiden.”
Jenevier looked around at all of the beautiful, shimmering Vanir, but held fast to Alzeen’s hand.
“Did you not hear me, good sir? If Alzeen cannot pass through your hallowed gates, then I refuse to.”
“Of course I heard you. We all heard you,” Valadrog answered, as the adjudicating crowd muffled their laughter. “I knew your unwavering condition when I bade you enter. Alzeen is respectfully welcome within our city as well.”
As the trembling couple passed through the elaborate gateway, Jenevier whispered to the smirking majestic sentinel to her right.
“Smile now, Gate Guardian. But I will demand payment from you one day. One day soon you will wish you had held your arrogant tongue still within your vile mouth. This I vow.”
The spectacular sentry peered down at her. “Truly? I would see words forged into action, tiny maiden. You are but knee high at best.” He glanced over at the dog-man Vanir. “What say you, Valen? Think she can best me?”
Valen only snorted out a chuckle.
Jenevier rolled her eyes. “Ask him once I have extracted the debt he owes. I feel certain he won’t be laughing then.”
Valen winked down at her. “I will hold my breath and count the days, Sassy. I look forward to it. More than you can possibly imagine.”
The Gate Guardian laughed aloud when she hissed at his brother Vanir.
“Well now, isn’t that just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” He yanked one of her curls.
Valen snorted. “Watch out. She’s got one hell of a bite.” He rubbed his shoulder and winked again.
“Is that so?” The Gate Guardian chuckled. “She reminds me of an adorable little kitten—full of spit and plenty of sass. Shall I pet your head, little kitty? Oh wait, I know. I shall buy you a diamond collar. Yes, that’s it. Oh, and I’ll shackle you with a matching leash—lead you about, always. You will take long naps curled upon my lap, and drink warm milk from your very own designer bowl.” He sucked air in through his sharp teeth. “Mmm… You will purr for me, Maiden. This I vow.”
His incredible blue eyes sparkled wildly with the thoughts of her promised punishment, causing Jenevier to swallow hard.
Ugh… Giant freaks. She tried to suppress her coming shiver.
Jenevier snarled as she pushed past the Gate Guardian, but the colossal warrior only laughed heartily. The deep, echoing sound made her stomach turn within her. She bit her bottom lip, strengthening her resolve as she finally made her way through the shimmering crowd to the regal Vanir known only… as Valadrog.
Chapter 35
Alastyn
(ah-LASS-tin)
Alastyn stormed out of the kitchen, leaving Jezreel alone with his inquisitive parents.
“Apologies, my dear,” Alissa said. “You have both been through a rough couple of days. Please don’t hold his words against him. You, of all people, know how shock and loss can rip away patience and sharpen words.”
“Yes, I’m afraid I do know better than most.” She stood and gave a slight nod to the hospitable couple. “Well, I must be on my way. I have much to think about. I truly appreciate your gracious hospitality and your kind words of wisdom. Please forgive my wretched manners this day. I’m not usually quite so vile. It was a pleasure meeting both of you. I pray everything goes well with your beautiful family for the rest of your days.”
Jezreel bowed properly and left Alastyn’s home. She headed straight for Waverly Ridge.
*****
The first sparkling rays of a new dawn danced across Alastyn’s back as he left in search of a fairytale land which may not even exist. His horse was not as fast or as grand as Epona, but he traveled along at a steady pace. He had journeyed many days before he came to the outskirts of the booming northern town of Ousten. Haven was still a couple days west of here and he was nearly numb to the bone from the much colder temperatures and the long ride.
The sign outside read… Fuzzy Muzzle Restaurant and Inn.
I certainly hope the name refers to the hairy yak I’ve seen folks using for labor around these parts.
Across the bottom… The happiest place you’ll ever sleep.
Alastyn paid to board his gelding and went inside. He was exhausted and famished. He didn’t know which to do first—eat or sleep. The delicious aroma emanating from the open kitchen doors made his decision for him. He waited for the keys to his room and then hurried to find a table and cure his watering mouth.
“I will seat you, sir.”
The sweet twangy voice came from the cutest little fair-haired girl he’d ever seen. She couldn’t have been more than six or seven years old. When she smiled, the cheerful little girl showed off more teeth than he thought was possible to squeeze into such a tiny mouth.
“That would be very kind of you, little lady. Hey, has anyone ever told you, you have a beautiful smile?”
“Yep, all the time.” She beamed again.
“Wow, you’re going to absolutely blind me if you keep on smiling like that.”
The delightful little girl giggled blissfully and tried to smile wider and wider as Alastyn shielded his eyes and begged for mercy.
“I like you,” she said.
“I like you, too.” He playfully poked her in the tummy and the fr
antic giggling started anew. “What’s your name?”
“Floria.”
“Floria, that’s a very lovely name for a very lovely little lady. My name is Alastyn.”
“Alastyn… I like your name, too. It sounds funny.”
“Funny?”
He poked her tummy again, causing the infectious giggles to pour forth as she tried to poke him back in spite of his playful pretend protests.
“Floria, did you say you were the beautiful young lady who could show me where to sit?”
“Uh huh.”
She took him by the hand, leading him to the empty table right beside her tiny hostess chair.
“Thank you so very much, Miss Floria.”
“You’re quite welcome.” She curtsied like a little princess.
“Can you tell me what tastes the best here? Hmm? What’s your favorite, little lady?”
“Everything tastes yummy. My mama does all the cooking here. My favorite is the sugared apples.”
“Sugared apples?”
“Yeah. Mama heats up the sugar with some dried fruits and then rolls the apples in it. It tastes the best when the sugar stuff gets real hard and you gotta crunch through it to get to the apple.”
“Wow, that does sound delicious. Is there anything else you like? Anything your mama makes you eat?”
“She tries to make me eat the green beans.” Floria glanced around cautiously. “But I usually just hide them out back under the bushes,” she whispered.
“I promise not to tell,” he whispered back.
“What would you like to drink, sir?”
The gingerly sweet voice came from a rather voluptuous young maiden approaching the table. Her hair was tied back with a shiny red ribbon and the full thick ponytail fell all the way down to the top of her perky bottom. Alastyn couldn’t help but smile. She returned the favor with a familiar broad grin, proudly boasting what looked like twice as many teeth as any normal person.
“That’s my sister,” Floria whispered.
“I can see that,” Alastyn whispered back.
The smaller girl giggled and spun around to assume her hostess throne.
“What do you suggest, Milady?”
“Well, the spiced cider is absolutely addictive, and the house special will keep you coming back day after day. Tonight our delicious meal is finished off with a delectable blackberry cobbler—the biggest, juiciest berries you ever saw. They arrived just this morning in from Wrothdem.”
Alastyn couldn’t help but stare at the friendly waitress. “How could I possibly withstand such an enticing description? I’ll have the cider as well.”
“Perfect choice. My name is Willow and I’ll be taking care of you this evening.”
When Willow had returned to the kitchen, the tiny version of the attractive young maiden popped up beside Alastyn’s chair.
“She likes you. She always flips her hair like that when she likes somebody.”
“She is very pretty, I’ll have to admit. But she’s not nearly as pretty as you.”
He poked her tummy once again. Her ceaseless giggles kept him company until Willow returned with the steaming cider. He was amazed at just how much the two girls favored each other. They would easily have passed for twins, except Willow was about ten years older than her little sister.
Alastyn motioned for Floria to come closer. “I know what you’re going to look like when you get older.”
“Except prettier?” Floria whispered.
He chuckled. “Yes, much prettier.”
Chapter 36
Valadrog
(vah-LAH-drog)
Valadrog’s commanding presence was as strong as his handshake. Jenevier was in awe of the mighty warrior. Even the air about him seemed to quiver. His aura was electrifying. She knew instantly he wasn’t merely an extremely tall, glowing human. He radiated magic. It pulsed within him—exploded from every pore. This honorable Vanir was a master, a leader in every imaginable sense of the word. She felt horribly insignificant in his presence.
The curious procession of sparkling people headed for the very center of the breathtaking city.
“Alzeen, look at that,” she whispered. “Have you ever seen anything like it?”
He glanced at the house she was pointing toward, but just squeezed her hand and pulled her closer.
The homes were more than glamorous. They were much larger than Aunt Marlise’s cottage, but the Vanir were much larger people as well. All the houses were meticulously carved from the same strange, ethereal stone as the enchanting gate she’d just passed through. The vibrant sunlight slammed into their domed shapes, causing an explosion of sparkling rainbows dancing from house to house.
“The whole place must be magic,” she whispered, absently.
“Welcome to Vanahirdem, my child. Well done.” Vareen smiled as she inclined her head toward the gaping young maiden. “I knew I would see you here. I never had a doubt.”
“Vareen, I have no idea what happened or what it was I did to gain entrance. The trials, I mean. I don’t understand them. How did I pass a trial if I had no idea what I was doing?” She shrugged her shoulders. “I only did what anybody else would have done. And I’m not entirely certain why fighting with that giant at the gate was a good thing.” She leaned in closer to the revered seer. “He literally could have crushed me,” she whispered.
Vareen chuckled. “Child, you are more than precious. The purpose of each trial was to determine what you would do, what your heart would tell you to do. And trust me, tiny Angel. Anybody most certainly would not have done the same things as you. But that’s also what makes you special. You honestly believe they would.” She lightly touched Jenevier’s cheek. “You proved that your heart and your intentions are pure. That was how you passed each test. Oh, and the giant at the gate… he was supposed to tempt you to betray someone. But…” She glanced toward the Vanir in question. “I do believe he enjoyed himself a bit too much.”
“You mean to say… he enjoyed that? That is what he calls fun?”
“Yes, little one. As is the same with most of the warriors here.” She smiled softly. “Fear not. It only served to prove just how brave and fearless you are when it comes to what truly matters. You stood up to a vicious giant, my dear. And you did it to protect someone you had only just met. You stood up for someone who could not stand for them self. It was truly amazing. I was so proud of you.”
Jenevier was even more confused than ever. Her rambling thoughts were interrupted when Valadrog’s voice boomed over the masses. All fell silent.
“We know well what has befallen you, young maiden. We mourned at the suffering and loss of your revered aunt. We were aware the very moment you were cursed. And… we also knew you would make it safely to the Southern mountains. Vareen has heralded us your every move. We are sorry for your terrible losses and great misfortunes. But we are blessed this day, as a people, by your uniquely courageous heart. You have restored our hope, little one. Hope in all mankind.”
Alzeen squeezed her hand and kissed the side of her head. She leaned against him to steady her wobbly knees.
“Umm… Mr. Valadrog… sir? Are you willing to remove the mark now?”
“I cannot remove your curse, Jenevier. Only you can do that.”
“But… I don’t understand. Aunt Marlise said only you could rid me of this scorched curse.”
“And so I can,” he said, smiling.
“But I thought you just said… I mean, Aunt Marlise wrote… But if you can’t…” She sighed. “I don’t understand.”
Valadrog laughed. “Be calm now. All will be revealed to you. It is true that I cannot erase the mark. Yet, it is also true I can help rid you of that twisted black heart.”
She could only stand and dumbly stare at the iridescent giant while his confusing words bounced around inside her head.
“No living being can remove the curse, Jenevier… save the one who placed it upon you. Yet, I can show you what you must do to destroy this mark yours
elf.”
Her eyes brightened as understanding and realization finally began to form.
“If you accept our invitation, the Vanir can train you in their ways. Listen well, little one, and take heed. There are but a handful who have begun this training. And many less who have actually completed it. The reward is not easy, no. But it is attainable. You have already proven you have the pure heart of a warrior. Now, you must master the warrior’s ways. That is what we can teach you—the way of the Vanir. To be rid of this curse, my child, you must take what you will learn here, temper it with a righteous heart, strengthen it with an iron will, and wield it with the knowledge of the ancients. Only then will you be truly free.”
“What? A warrior?” She looked to Alzeen and then back to Valadrog. “But… how in the world?”
Vareen put her graceful arm around the stunned girl, kissed her forehead and then her scorched hand.
“You will do well, my child. Trust me. I have great faith in your determination. I see a spark of heaven within your soul. You may well be the one. Come, Alzeen.” She held out her hand. “I will show you to your living quarters. I am certain you must be weary, my child, weary and starving.”
The elegant Vanir woman spoke to Alzeen as one with great love and affection, taking him by the arm and leading him away.
Jenevier lunged for them. “No, wait!”
Valadrog placed an enormous hand upon her shoulder, ceasing her advance. She struggled, but it was no use.
“Alzeen! You promised never to leave me,” she yelled, weeping bitterly, openly.
Her heartbreaking plea sent him running into her outstretched arms, his tears matching her own.
“Oh, my love, I will never leave you, never. But you have to go now and do what your chief asks. Don’t worry, Princess. I vow not to leave this city until I do so with you. Be strong, beautiful lady, for you hold my heart in your precious little hands.”
“As you hold mine.” Her words were muffled against his chest.
She had only ever been kissed by this precious man holding her. But the kiss he gave her now was more than knee-weakening, it was soul changing. He kissed her like it was the first time and the very last time. He held to her tightly, desperately… until Vareen had to gently pull him away.
