by JK Ensley
“Sire, are you in there? My news is urgent.”
The loud banging startled us, separating our desirous embrace. I used Merodach’s temporary distraction to slip from his arms, exiting the palace window.
“Sire?”
I knew that excited voice. It halted me upon the ledge.
“What is it, boy? What’s going on that’s so important you felt the need to disturb me during my meditations?”
Merodach was scolding the intruder before he ever reached the door.
“Apologies, Sire, but I…”
I stopped hearing the frantic oration when I peeked around the corner and beheld the most enchanting emerald eyes I could never forget. Gone were the long raven curls of his youth, replaced with black waves hugging close to his scalp. There stood the first man I had ever given my heart to, my Alastyn.
Sheer will is all that kept my toes upon the stone ledge as the whole of my mind was screaming for me to run, jump into my dear friend’s arms and tell him everything. I know not how long I was frozen there. I left only when his back was hidden from me by the closing door.
I had seen the ghost of my past. Now he could rest, forever.
I let myself fall from that cold ledge and willed my wings to open only after the manicured lawn of the palace was within my reach.
Merodach’s pitiful pleas drew me back to the high windowsill, drew me back to him but for one brief moment more.
“Do not lament my parting, sweet Prince. I hope you can forgive me.”
“I have no choice but to forgive you.” He wept. “You were the love of my life.”
“I know,” I whispered. “And that makes this all the harder.”
I kissed his perfect cheek and ran my fingers through his silky dark hair. Then… I flew back to my childhood friend and our little rose-covered cottage.
Chapter 36
Merodach
(MHER-ah-doc)
The sweetest of aromas hit me and resurrected old memories of picking those delicate pink roses—always blooming in large clumps over by the chimney. I was allowed to pick as many as I wanted, but I had to save the petals so Aunt Marlise could make me some fresh rosewater.
“I miss you,” I whispered upon the wind.
Precious memories drew me to those ancient vines. I picked all the delicate blooms I could carry and went inside.
“Jezreeel… I’m hooome!” I sang out.
“You don’t have to shout, child. I can hear you just fine.”
“Child? If my memory serves me correctly, I’m almost two whole months your senior. Child, is it?”
“Just ask anyone to look at us and then decide who should be called senior,” she huffed.
“Well, if you want to play it like that, Jezreel. Just ask anyone to look into our eyes and glean who is older. Yours still holds the bright sparkle of youth. Mine are—”
“Yours are beautiful,” she cut me off.
“Yes, beautiful, but not mine. I’m not even certain they’re human.”
“They are yours, you are human, so they’re beautiful human eyes and I refuse to hear another word on the subject.”
“Very well.” I shrugged my shoulders. “What do you wish to talk about, then? Anything but the past. I’m sick of talking about the past. Absent my constant words, the past would remain in the grave where it belongs.” I plopped down at the table, lovingly spreading out the dainty little rose blossoms.
“Then let us look to the future.” She cast me a wicked little grin. “Shall I divine yours?”
“Jezreel!”
“What? It’s not dark art. I mix a few herbs. Say a few words. Margy takes a good look at you, and then it’s done. Simple as that. Nothing harmful to anyone. No spirits or demons involved. I promise.”
“Hmm… Very well then. It’s all in fun, right? No harm in having a little fun.” I was sort of intrigued by the idea.
“Excellent. Let’s get started. You can put the water on to boil,” she said excitedly.
“Before I leave, I’ll be making up a batch of potion #4. Then… I’ll be taking the recipe with me.”
Jezreel looked shocked at first. Then a haggard smile crossed her leathery face. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. It was your sixteenth name day present. You should hold it close to your heart. Besides, it was never meant to be shared. It smells foul on anyone else.”
She waved her old hand in front of her crinkled up nose and we both giggled.
I collected everything Jezreel needed, as well as all the ingredients my potion #4 called for, out of the apothecary.
“I need more roses. I’ll get Margy while I’m out,” I called to Jezreel as I stepped out into the beautiful sunlight.
Margy was tending her herb garden and looked up at the sound of the banging door. I motioned for her to come over and went around the side to fetch some more of the fragrant petals.
Some girl-time may be just what I need.
The steamy water was potent with sweet herbs. The intoxicating aroma filled the tiny cottage to bursting. Jezreel prepared her concoction, chanting her strange words while Margy held my hands, concentrating on my future. Both women were unsuccessful on their first attempt.
“Not unusual. It happens,” Margy said. “The fact you’ve been gone from us for so long doesn’t help matters, either.”
We spent the better part of the day talking and laughing. It almost seemed like old times. I made as many bottles of rosewater as I could fit into one of Marlise’s old tapestry bags. The ingredients for my potion #4 were much rarer, harder to come by. I could only procure enough to make about half as many vials of it.
Afternoon turned to evening. The sun had begun its slow descent to the horizon before Jezreel begged me to let her again play at divination.
“Very well, but just once more. I’m not as curious as you are, Jezreel.”
“It’s not curiosity alone. I simply wish to keep my dearest friend from taking a darkened path and falling from grace.”
“I fell from grace a long time ago, Jezreel. The only paths left for my choosing are dark.”
“Jenevier, my child. Look to the gods for illumination when heart is darkened,” Margy said.
I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t help it. “Not gods, Mrs. Trinken… God. And if you think a fair vision can snatch me from the jaws of death, I’m immortal now. If our destinies hinge upon this foretelling, then I fear we’re all forsaken.”
“Ah, Jenevier lost her love, yet her fire still burns,” Jezreel teased.
“Fine then. Just get on with it, Witch,” I said, crinkling up my nose at her.
Laughing and chattering, the three of us took our places once more—trying to rein in but a glimpse of my eternity.
“I know that’s the correct incantation,” Jezreel complained.
“I don’t think it’s your spell, honey. I can’t see a thing. She’s closed to me,” Margy said, sighing.
“Perhaps my future is still an uncertain thing. Or perhaps my path is set and it chooses to remain hidden. If my past is any indicator, I don’t think you’d want to see what lies ahead of me. Besides, where’s the fun in knowing?”
Jezreel sighed. “You do have an exceptionally long future. Perhaps our minds couldn’t fathom it anyway.”
“I suppose we can look at it this way. Since you’re eternal now, anything will be a victory to you… in time,” Margy chirped.
“We are all eternal, Margy. I’m just immortal now. Which means, good or bad, I’ll be stuck here forever. There’s no victory in that.”
“No more gloomy gusses, ladies.” Jezreel leaned in closer to me. “Jenevier, I’d like to have a better look at that strange talisman hanging about your neck.”
“Talisman? Oh, this is no talisman. Remember I told you about the Mermaids? Well, this is the shell they demanded I take.”
I untied the ribbon and handed the lustrous little oddity to my dear friend.
“What’s written here? Can you read this?” she asked.
&
nbsp; “Some ancient script, I suppose. Do you think it’s Elvish?” Margy said.
“Actually, I assumed it was in the Mermaids’ tongue, or one of Lyra, since that’s the place from whence it came.”
“Hmm… Don’t you read Angel?” Jezreel cocked one white eyebrow with her question.
“Angel?” I snickered. “Do you mean Vanir? They’re Guardians, and they hate being called Angels. But if you mean my lessons in Vanahirdem, I know not. I could read it just like it was written in my native language. It’s the same with speaking. If their tongue is different from my own, I knew it not.”
“That is powerful, ancient magic,” Jezreel whispered.
“They are a powerful, ancient people,” I said.
“Have you tried to read it?” Margy asked.
“I glanced at it only. I was going to study it, but pressing concerns pulled mind from task,” I admitted.
“Will you try it now? My curiosity will become insatiable until we know for sure. If the Mermaids demanded you take it, saying you would surely need it, don’t you think it’s better if we know what it says?” Jezreel puzzled.
“Very well, let me have it.” I reached for the strange little shell. “I will have to meditate upon it so I’ll go where it’s quiet. I promise to tell you all I can as soon as I know myself.”
“Don’t take off on us without saying goodbye this time,” Jezreel said.
“Don’t be such a worry wart, Jezreel. If you really need me, I’ll be in the big tree out back, the twisted old winslet.”
“In the tree?”
“Leaving now,” I called out over my shoulder before the door banged shut.
“Please, don’t leave.”
I froze at the sound of his voice. “I knew something was breaking my concentration. Prince Merodach, what brings you to my back door? And why does it mess me up when you’re near?”
“It doesn’t mess you up, it completes you.”
I laughed aloud, but I still didn’t turn to look at him. I didn’t trust myself.
“I am no longer the Prince of Wrothdem,” he said. “I have been ordained its King.”
“That’s wonderful, and too long in coming, I should say. You’ll be a fine King. Your subjects have no idea how lucky they are.”
“But my heart is no longer in it. Not since—”
“Then I have sinned against you,” I interrupted. “My vile selfishness will be mine and everyone else’s undoing. Please Dante, forgive me… and then promise to forget me.”
“How can you ask the impossible? A man doesn’t choose love. It claims each heart as it will.”
If he refused to leave by my pleas alone, I was determined to force him to leave by my anger. Or strength, if need be. Everything my life had been sacrificed for was hanging in the balance. I had to make him understand.
“And then squeezes until there’s nothing left,” I added.
“And that’s exactly why I came here tonight. Jenevier please, let me help you. Let me warm your beautiful heart once more. An unforgivable tragedy has claimed you, claimed your love. My sweet, beautiful Angel, something inside you is broken… or missing.”
“And what would a serpent know of love?” I spat.
“That its bite is often fatal,” he whispered.
“Gratitude, good King Merodach. I have heard your thoughts. Now leave me to my own.”
“Do you wish me to beg? I’m not proud in your presence. I will freely crawl upon the ground and beg for nothing more than a glance from your lovely eyes. I didn’t come here to lecture you, my love.”
“But something tells me you’re going to anyway.”
“I will not see you come to harm when I could have made a difference, yet stood idle.”
“Then speak. What is it you wish of me, Merodach? Would you have me cast aside what strength and advantage I’ve acquired? Think before you advise. These gifts came at the highest of costs.”
“Do you think me intent upon selfish deeds? I’m a new man, a changed man.”
I laughed cruelly. “People don’t change. They only find new ways to lie.”
“Jenevier, my Angel, absent my help I fear you may fall to ruin. Why would I bear false tongue? My heart keeps screaming warnings about you. I know you’re in dire need of me. I cannot ignore this.”
“I am weary.” I sighed. “Forgive me. My words are unduly sharp because my mind is tired. Apologies. I meant them not.”
Merodach approached me from behind, held me in a comfortingly strong embrace. He felt so warm, so gentle. It was hard to believe this was the same man who had cursed me.
“Then lean upon me, I will lift you up. I will eternally be at your service if you but say the word.”
This strange scene brought to mind the night Alastyn held me, much like this. His promises, very nearly the same.
I looked down at the glossy shell amulet, absently rubbing my thumb across the strange script.
“Huh… What is it you have there?” Merodach gasped. “How in the world did you come by that? I should say there is no greater treasure in all of Ashgard. Nay, the universe.”
“You know this, then?” I asked, shocked.
“What? This script? Yes, my love. I know it well. That’s the most ancient of all languages. What you hold in your tiny little hand is the same language that spoke all you see into existence.”
“What are you saying? That this is the language of God?”
“The same. The words inscribed thereon can make and unmake creation. When spoken aloud, those words can right all wrongs… or obliterate life as we know it. But once removed from sight, they leave the mind as well.”
“Oh no… No. I don’t want this responsibility. Not again. I cannot wield this type of power. Nor do I wish to. Here, Merodach. You take it. I can’t even read it.”
“You freely offer me the world, the whole of creation? You do not know what you’re giving, my love. A lesser man would bring death or submission to us all. I will not take it. I do not possess the purity needed for such a responsibility. No, sweet Jenevier. This has come into your hands for one special reason. You’re the only one worthy enough. Perhaps it’s because you’re the only one who wouldn’t want it.”
I turned to the handsome King of Ashgard. “Will you be completely honest with me?” I grabbed his tunic in my fists, pleading with him. “If I ask but one thing of you, will you honorably see it done?”
“That’s why I came here, what I’ve been begging of you. Speak it. Anything, my love. You have my solemn word. A man without his word is no better than a beast. I have offered you the whole of this realm. Anything else you desire will be my honor. How may I be of assistance to you, fair lady?”
“I have seen these words before.” I stared at the shell, concentrating on the past. “I didn’t even realize it… How could I have been so out of touch?” Then everything just clicked into place. “Dante, your tender embrace and perfect strength have eased my mind. You gave me the precious support I needed to remember and know for certain what it is I must do.”
I took Merodach’s hand and went back inside, dragging him along with me. Both women gasped and stood simultaneously, then bowed.
“Sire,” Margy said.
“Welcome to our humble home, Your Grace,” Jezreel said respectfully.
I turned then and looked at Merodach to see him slightly bowing his noble head, reverently to each woman.
“I have been away far too long. I don’t even recognize my own home.” I rolled my eyes as I mumbled.
“Jenevier.” Jezreel scolded me with a stern gaze. “I thought you were going to climb the tree out back. Not one at the royal palace.”
“But I—”
“Apologies,” Merodach interrupted. “The intrusion was my fault. Not one of this fair lady’s.”
“Oh, never mind all that.” I snorted and rolled my eyes again. “Since when did the three of you start dancing around with formalities?”
Merodach placed his hand upon my head, gen
tly running his fingers through my curls… as casually and comfortably as a lover would. Both Jezreel and Margy’s eyes went wide at the sight of such relaxed intimacy, especially from two sworn enemies who’d actually taken each other’s lives. I took a small step away from him. He gently latched on to my retreating elbow, pulling me back to his side.
“You have missed much, my love,” he cooed.
“Do not call me that. And don’t say it like that, either. It’s creepy, especially here.”
Jezreel smiled. “Well, I guess I don’t have to ask where you ran off to earlier today.”
“Enough with this teasing and nonsense, both of you.” I turned to my aged friend. “Jezreel, where’s the locket I entrusted you? Did you have to sell it or do you possess it still?”
“It-it’s hidden safely away. Why do you—”
“Just go get it, please. I have need of it.”
“Would you like some tea, Sire?” Margy asked.
“That would be lovely, Mrs. Trinken. Gratitude for your hospitality, and I beg your forgiveness for barging in unannounced. Once I knew this beautiful stranger was back in Ashgard, I just couldn’t stay away. She has a terrible habit of disappearing. I feared I would miss our farewells.”
“Yes, she’s guilty of at least that one thing,” Jezreel chided as she returned to the kitchen.
“Did you find it?” I was so excited I ignored their cutting remarks.
I moved toward her but Merodach still held my arm. He did not loosen his grip even at my tugging. Placing my hand tenderly upon his broad chest, I looked into his breathtakingly deep eyes.
“Merodach, I promise you now. I will not leave Ashgard until we have talked everything away and I bid you adieu as agreeable friends.”
