Kingdom of Shadows

by K M Reynolds

  Adelaide wiped the sticky trail of drool from her cheek and focused on calming her erratic heartbeat. “What’s going on, Wynne? Where did this storm come from?”

  “It’s Cambria. She’s gone.”

  Adelaide leapt from the bed as though she had been doused with frigid water from the lake. “What! When?” she cried out, pushing passed Wynne and running down the hall to Cambria’s quarters. She took in the rumpled bed, the wardrobe standing open and empty. “How did this happen?”

  “It must have happened after we were all asleep,” Wynne admitted. “I didn’t think she could break the spell I had cast, but I was wrong.” She hung her head, shoulders slumped. “She must have woken up and been so angry, felt so afraid… She must have thought her only choices were to run or to be a prisoner.”

  “Oh, Cam.” Adelaide dropped to her knees, a tight knot forming in her throat. “She’s out there all alone, in this storm?”

  “What’s going on?” Charles stumbled out of his room, his hair sticking up every which way. “The thunder woke me, then I heard the commotion out here. Is everything ok?” He glanced from Adelaide crying on the floor to Wynne’s dour demeanor, his gaze finally resting on Cambria’s empty bed. “I’m guessing not.”

  “Cambria ran away some time during the night,” Wynne explained. “She broke the barrier spell I had placed on her and left with…” her voice trailed off and her eyes widened. “The Time Glass!” she exclaimed, rushing from the room.

  Adelaide didn’t move from her spot on the floor, and she felt Charles sink to the wood beside her. Instinctively, she leaned into his embrace, turning her head into his broad chest. “She’s gone,” she sobbed. “She’s really gone.”

  “She will come back,” Charles soothed, stroking her hair.

  “No, I really don’t think she will,” Adelaide shook her head, sniffling. “I think this crossed a line for her. I think she’s gone for good.”

  Wynne scrambled back into the room, flapping her hands. “The Time Glass is fine.” She sighed and sat on Cambria’s bed. “For a minute I was worried that she had taken it during her escape, but the spell must have been enough deterrent. She probably didn’t want to wake us by shattering it.”

  “That’s a good thing, right?” Charles asked. “I mean, it’s awful that she left, especially in this weather, but at least she didn’t take that with her. At least this way she can’t do any damage, right?”

  “Yes and no,” Wynne replied. “It’s good that we still have the Time Glass, because using that for purposes other than intended could be catastrophic, like I explained yesterday. So at least we know that tampering with the past is not an option for her. But she’s grown powerful during her time here, and I am afraid of what magic she may tap into now that she is alone and hurting. She is the Keeper of Shadows, but if she allows herself to give in to the darkness, her power will be deadly.”

  “What do you mean?” Adelaide wanted to know.

  “Well, right now, Cambria is working with light magic, magic designed to keep the realm safe and the Shadow at bay. But her bloodline is able to wield both light and dark magic, and she has to make the choice about which path to take. If she gives in to the darkness, then there’s no coming back.”

  “Couldn’t she just use both kinds of magic?”

  “I wish it worked that way. But in my 600 years, I’ve never seen a witch or wizard who touched the darkness and didn’t fall prey to it. No one has ever been able to resist the lure once they dip their toe into the shadow. If Cambria falls, then all is lost.”

  “She’s stronger than you give her credit for,” Adelaide insisted.

  “She is, and that’s part of what concerns me.” Wynne admitted. “She is full of untapped power, she has just begun to skim the surface of what she can do. Out there on her own… she’s dangerous.”

  “You keep saying she’s dangerous. Is she our enemy now?” Adelaide snapped. “Are you going to hunt her down, try to exterminate her?”

  “No, she is not our enemy,” Wynne answered. “At least, not yet. And I pray we never get to that place.”

  Adelaide stood, using Charles’ shoulders to help herself stand. “I think I need some time alone to collect my thoughts. This is all a bit too much.”

  Wynne simply nodded, and Adelaide turned and shuffled out of the room, her head throbbing. She pressed her hands to her temples, rubbing gently to combat the building migraine. She heard Charles call her name, but she didn’t turn around. I just need to lay down.

  She made it into her room and crossed to her bed, flopping down and burying her face in the pillow. Her stomach felt tight against the mattress and she rolled slightly, curling up. As she lay there listening to the torrential downpour outside, a chill suddenly snaked down her spine and her eyes widened with realization.

  She leapt from the bed and rushed to her wardrobe, flinging open the doors and staring at the pile of thick cloth undergarments in the corner on the bottom shelf. Her mind was racing, scrambling backwards through the last week, then two, three, then farther back. Her breath hitched and she clutched her abdomen. This can’t be. Suddenly everything made sense; the dreams, the way she had been feeling…

  “Charles!” The cry that left her lips was breathy and thin. “Charles!” she called again, this time louder. A brief minute later, he was by her side.

  “What is it, my love?”

  She turned to face him slowly, her lips trembling, cheeks flushed. She met his gaze and gasped softly. “I…I think I am with child.” He stared blankly down at her, and she repeated herself, softly but firmly. “Charles, I’m pregnant.”

  mind games

  C ambria stormed through the jungle, ignoring the branches grabbing angrily at her face and hair. The wind was howling overhead now, the trees clapping and swaying from the fury. Her little orbs of light bounced along with her, creating a circle of light that extended a few feet in every direction. These were the only sources of light in the thick of the jungle, save for a few flashes of lightning that came now and again as the storm built.

  Cambria paused and squinted into the shadows. Up ahead, something was moving. She took a tentative step forward, peering into the darkness beyond the edge of light cast by her magic. As she was about to step forward again, a brilliant lightning bolt blazed overhead, illuminating the dark for a moment. There, staring at her from the darkness, was a Dagai . She quickly conjured more orbs to brighten the jungle, and her eyes widened as the serpent was revealed. It was even larger than the one she and her friends had seen on their first day in The Tangled Marshwood, and it hissed, mouth gaping wide. Her stomach dropped to her toes and she held her hands out in front of her.

  Mustering her courage, she remembered how the Woodlyn had fled from her that night in the clearing after she yelled at it. “Get lost! I have no time for you tonight!” she screamed at the beast. “Be gone, foul creature!” She flailed her arms and whooped at the gargantuan snake. To her surprise, the Dagai snapped its mouth shut and retreated silently into the darkness. She stood there for a moment longer, frozen with her arms outstretched.

  “What was that?” she murmured. “That’s something worth looking into later.”

  Brushing off the growing feeling of unease, she continued forward through the trees, carefully stepping over gnarled roots and loose stones. As she walked, rain began to fall, softly at first, but soon it was a pelting force. Just as she was about to give up and hide beneath a tree, she spotted a small clearing. In the center was a large rock formation with what appeared to be a cave tunneling into it. She rushed through the break in the trees and peered into the damp cave. Upon a cursory examination it appeared empty, so she entered and sank to her knees near the opening.

  As she watched the storm, all of the emotions she had been suppressing came bubbling back to the surface. She felt a sob building in her chest and she let it out, exhausted from fighting it. She cried and screamed as the storm raged, thunder cracking to accentuate her cries. She cried for the to
wn she had left behind, for the parents she had watched die, and for her best friend, who was now left to follow her destiny alone. Several times she thought she was done, but then a fresh wave of anger and grief would wash over her and the tears would continue to fall.

  At long last, Cambria lay curled up on the damp floor of the cave, shuddering and completely spent. She felt as though she were made of embers; crumbling and unsteady, yet ready to set a whole forest ablaze if kindled. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax for the first time since waking up inside of Wynne’s spell. Sleep came quickly, carrying her away from the hard stone floor into the land of dreams and shadows.

  Thanaeron chewed her lip and hissed in frustration. Cambria’s mind was there, but just out of reach. She was sure of it. She focused her breathing and reached out again, probing into the dark void, searching for a trace of Cambria’s magic. There. She felt a tingle pass through her body from her head to her heels. I found her.

  She pressed forward, nudging gently at the edge of Cambria’s subconscious. As she probed for an opening, the taste of ashes filled her mouth and a knot tightened in her chest. She’s grieving. Good. That means she’s vulnerable. She continued skimming the frayed edges of Cambria’s mind, feeling every split and tear. Finally, she stopped. There, in the farthest corner, smoldering as though it were on fire, was a tiny hole, almost imperceptible. Thanaeron grinned, pressing against the gap and wiggling furiously. The edges gave way and she was through. Colors and textures flew past her as she descended through Cambria’s mind, leaving a trail of slick black ooze in her wake. Below her was a vast green meadow and she landed softly, scanning the clearing for Cambria. There she is.

  Thanaeron strode boldly across the meadow toward Cambria, who was sitting hunched over, her knees drawn to her chest. As she approached, Thanaeron waved her hand and wrapped herself in a glamour, her thin lips twisting into a wicked smirk. To Cambria, Thanaeron would appear to be her mother. Thanaeron reached Cambria and sank into the grass beside her, gently placing her arm around Cam’s shoulders.

  “What… Mama!” Cambria’s eyes were wide and she gasped. “How are you here?”

  “It’s your mind, sweetheart,” Thanaeron purred, running a hand across Cambria’s cheekbone. “I can be wherever you want me to be. I still live on in here,” she smiled, resting her hand over Cambria’s heart.

  “Oh, mama,” Cambria sobbed, collapsing into Thanaeron’s arms. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Hush now, it’s not your fault,” Thanaeron crooned. She rolled her eyes and continued, “There’s nothing you can do about it. Everything is going to be ok.” Thanaeron stroked Cambria’s hair as she sobbed, gently rocking her back and forth. This is much easier than I thought it would be, she chuckled to herself. It will be so easy to manipulate her.

  After a few minutes, Cambria calmed down and leaned back, looking into Thanaeron’s eyes. She hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “But what if there is something I can do?”

  “What do you mean?” Thanaeron’s interest was piqued.

  “What if there is a way to go back? To change things, to save you and daddy?”

  Thanaeron gasped. “How could that be, my love? What’s done is done.”

  “What if I said I have a way I can go back in time? That I could undo everything that happened?”

  Thanaeron’s eyes widened and she felt her heart beginning to race. The Time Glass. Maybe it still exists. She forced herself to remain calm as she replied, “That would be something. But things like that don’t exist, Cambria. Don’t get hung up on fairy tales.”

  “It’s not a fairy tale! I’ve seen it. I’ve used it. It’s completely real.”

  Thanaeron’s skin prickled and her stomach fluttered. “And where is this magical fix-all then?”

  Cambria sighed. “It’s back with my friends. I left it behind when I ran away.”

  Thanaeron gritted her teeth. So close. “Well then, you must go back and get it.”

  Cambria looked at Thanaeron and narrowed her eyes. “Do you really think I should?”

  “Yes, sweetheart! If you can save your father and me, please…” Thanaeron feigned tears. “Please help us. We died in agony, to protect you. If you are telling me you can save us from that, then do it.”

  “Wynne warned me there would be consequences if I do,” Cambria explained. “I’m scared.”

  Wynne. I should have known that vile little witch was still alive out there. Thanaeron shook her head. “Cambria, think of your father and I. What consequence could be worse than what we’ve already suffered?”

  Cambria nestled her head into Thanaeron’s chest, settling into her embrace. “You are right, Mama. I’m sorry. I’ll go back and get the Time Glass.”

  “Yes, do it as soon as you can. Time is of the essence.”

  “I’ll need to make a plan first. The house is well-protected, so I can’t just waltz in and take it. It will require stealth and magic.”

  “Plan quickly, then. Now that you know there is a way to save us, don’t let anything stop you.”

  “I’ll get it done, I promise.”

  “Good. I know you’ll come through for us. We deserve to all be together again as a family.”

  “I miss you, Mama.” Cambria wrapped her arms around Thanaeron tightly. “So, so much.”

  “You won’t have to miss us for much longer.” Thanaeron untangled herself from Cambria and stood. “Now I must go, but I’ll be back. Don’t forget what we talked about.”

  “I won’t. I love you!”

  “I love you too, baby girl.” Thanaeron grimaced as she turned and left Cambria behind, heading back the way she had come. She quickly sailed back up through the sky of Cambria’s mind, easily slipping through the now-large hole in the edge.

  She opened her eyes, back in Greystone Castle. Lord Bainbridge was reclining on a settee across the room.

  “Any luck, Thanaeron?” he asked, dropping a cherry into his mouth. “You’ve been at it for a while.” He spat the seed into a glass bowl with a clink.

  “Actually, yes,” Thanaeron replied, unfolding herself from her seated position. “I made contact. This is going to be much easier than I thought.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, apparently she has access to the Time Glass, and she’s going to use it to try and change the events of her parents’ execution.”

  “What’s a Time Glass?” Lord Bainbridge grumbled.

  “It’s a window to the past. But if you use it like a doorway, you can get sucked in, trapped forever. It’s a nasty little thing, it is. I thought all of them had been destroyed, but apparently one survived the purge.” Thanaeron chuckled. “And it’s with Wynne, of all people.”

  “Wynne? Wasn’t she—”

  “The royal sorceress? Yes. For decades, until we took power and she fled. Went into hiding and we couldn’t track her down. That’s where the usurpers are hiding, with her.”

  “So do we know where she is, now?”

  Thanaeron sighed, resting her chin on her hands. “No, not exactly. But a few more rounds of this, and I think we will be able to pinpoint a location. Then we can snuff them out, once and for all.”

  “Finally.”

  “Yes, finally. I look forward to gutting Wynne like the animal that she is.” Thanaeron licked her lips, rubbing her hands together. “Her head will look lovely mounted on my wall.”

  Cambria’s eyes flew open, a name lingering in her mind like an echo. Mama. She rolled over, groaning as her body pressed against the cold hard floor of the cave. Sunlight streamed through the mouth of the cave, the storm long gone. I’ve been asleep for hours, she realized.

  She stumbled to her feet, her muscles aching as she moved. She shuffled out of the cave and into the clearing. She could hear a faint roaring sound, and she turned her attention to the sound. She followed it to the edge of the clearing and peered into the trees. The trees were thin on the West side of the clearing, where the sound was coming from. She took a deep breath and step
ped into the jungle.

  She hadn’t gone more than about twenty paces when she came to an abrupt stop. Up ahead, the trees vanished, making way for a rocky coastline with a bit of sand. She rushed through the rest of the trees and stood on the beach, her breath catching in her throat. There, as far as the eye could see, was water. Waves crashed in an unrelenting rhythm on the rocks, making the roaring sound she had heard.

  This is the sea, she realized. I’ve made it to the edge of The Tangled Marshwood. She stood for several long minutes, watching the waves beat mercilessly against the shore. This is beautiful. She was finally interrupted by her stomach growling, and she realized that she hadn’t eaten in a while. She turned on her heel and went back into the jungle.

  When she reached the cave she made a small campfire just outside the mouth, and went to her bag. She pulled out a few herbs and cast a simple spell. Within minutes, a rabbit hopped into the clearing and approached her. She gathered the creature into her arms and kissed it on the forehead.

  “Thank you for your sacrifice,” she whispered, before whispering the last few words of the incantation. The rabbit gave a tiny sigh as its life was taken painlessly away.

  Cambria quickly prepared her meal and ate, keeping a wary eye on the edges of the small clearing for any creatures that may attempt to attack. When she finished eating, she walked the circumference of the clearing, casting a protection spell akin to the one at Wynne’s house. When she was done, no evil being could find its way inside. Satisfied with her work, she wandered back to the beach.