by Alice Wade
“You should have told me.” She wasn’t sure who she was angrier with, herself for being unable to control her thoughts properly or him for withholding the information from her because he felt she was a liability.
“I’m sorry about that. I couldn’t tell you, though. As Talon explained, Kailani would have tried to stop him if she knew how quickly he wanted to do this.” As Dace pulled away, he paused at the door. “Come, let’s get her settled.”
Dace found Kailani utterly catatonic and carried her back to her room. He placed her in her bed where she immediately rolled into a ball, clutching Talon’s pillow and finding comfort in his residual scent. Her mind whirled like a storm and her emotions churned like the sea. Talon was gone, and there was nothing she could do to help him, save him or bring him back. Nothing.
* * * *
Talon had specifically targeted his father in the spell, knowing he would arrive wherever he was in his birth city. It was dangerous because Talon expected that his father’s scouts would be protecting him. These scouts were of the highest quality, trained to detect the slightest disturbances. They would know of Talon’s arrival even before he appeared. If his father denied him, they would waste no time complying with his execution order.
The moment he arrived, the expected spears were pointed at his heart from all sides. Talon calmed his nerves, stilled his breath, and looked up to meet the eyes of the father whom he had not seen in over five hundred years.
His eyes widened slightly before they narrowed in anger, “What is the meaning of this?” Daerwen demanded in a calm but authoritative voice. He experienced a profound feeling of joy at seeing his son, but remembered why he’d been gone. His disgust rose like bile and he frowned.
Talon swallowed. He couldn’t read anything from this father’s body language other the anger burning in his eyes. He sat on his favorite bench overlooking the ocean he loved and met Talon’s face. Talon felt the rejection immediately.
Talon dipped his head respectfully, “Father.” He remembered that he was exiled and met his father’s eye mustering as much pride as he could.
Daerwen’s frown deepened. “There’s trouble, and it now involves you, Father. I’ve come to bring this news and ask for your assistance.” Talon didn’t lower his eyes or show any sign of his trepidation.
Daerwen adjusted his flowing robe as he tucked some item away within its folds. “I care not of the woes of humans, Cûrion.” He addressed Talon in the name he had been given upon his exile, meaning ‘forgotten’.
Talon flinched when he heard him utter that name. It almost broke Talon’s resolve Regardless of all that had happened, he still held a tremendous amount of love for this king and dearly wanted his forgiveness.
The ocean breeze blew around them, moaning Talon’s agony. “Father…”
Daerwen shot out of his seat, and his lean body approached angrily. “You are banned from calling me by that name,” he hissed.
“My apologies, Iondwë Daerwen. I meant no disrespect.” Talon dipped his head reverentially.
The use of his father’s full title of ‘Faithful Daerwen’ was an insult to Talon, but he accepted it without comment. He had never used that title prior to his exile, and it only further symbolized his father’s rejection.
“I care not for the woes of humans, so why commit suicide in bringing this to my feet?” Daerwen elegantly swirled off to the side, as he looked out over the turbulent sea while he waited for a reply. The wind whipped up causing his robe to flare out and tossed his hair and clothing more wildly. The howling gust was loud, piercing and distracting. It lasted only a heartbeat before it died off suddenly, leaving a deafening silence in its wake.
Talon timed his response with the silence. “Because it involves one of your people.” Talon’s grief continued to pound at him, surprising the vampire with the intensity of an emotion he thought long buried.
“My people would not interfere, Cûrion. Pray tell, how is it that the humans’ woes involve the elves?” His back was still to his son, his soft brown hair caught the sunlight and sent his red highlights ablaze.
Daerwen did this act of disrespect and turned his back mostly out of fear that the restrained emotion of seeing his son after such a long absence would be revealed. He’d loved Talon more than life and Talon’s disobedience cost him a son. He was transported back five hundred years and all the anger, resentment and sorrow pounded at him like the waves below.
“If I may have a moment to explain?” Talon asked as calmly as he could. He was afraid his voice would begin to shake with the grief he felt.
Daerwen didn’t move. He just stood there in the ocean breeze while the sun bathed him, thinking, what harm would come if he listened? Nothing, so he slowly nodded.
“First, please tell your scouts to stand down.” Talon added.
The threat of their purpose was unnerving him. Having ten spears aimed at his heart was enough to rattle the vampire. A command was uttered and the spears were lowered, but they didn’t move from their positions.
Talon took a huge chance in coming here, so he gathered his courage and began, “There is rogue vampire in my land. His existence has plagued me for centuries for he holds no honor, killing indiscriminately for pleasure. For the past two hundred years, my mate and I…” Talon didn’t miss the twitch from his father at that announcement, “…have been hunting him and finally are in a position to engage him at long last. Three days back, one of his men exposed a weapon against us unwittingly. Iondwë Daerwen, they have an elf in their custody and are using elven magic against us.”
Daerwen turned his upper body and looked at his son in horror. “Are you certain of this?”
“I am. Elven magic has a certain effect on my kind.” That pained Talon to claim only his vampire heritage, because he never ceased thinking of himself as an elf. Remembering his exile, he was careful not to insult his father again by assuming such a claim now. “When a weapon infused with the grace of your people touches us, we are easily killed. The regenerative qualities bestowed on our bodies at our creation become impotent.” Talon held his father’s eyes. “This vampire had such a weapon, and it wasn’t I who created it. It means only one thing—they have an elf under their command.”
Daerwen didn’t know what to say. His anger at hearing this threatened to shatter the peace he held in perfect balance at all times…except right now. His normally pleasant, sapphire blue iris darkened to a deep indigo as he narrowed his eyes. “Where is this place?”
“Kimbre is a city ruled by King Ondre and controlled by the Dûr Falas, a nasty rogue coven of vampires. Their leader is named Kaen.”
“You should not have risked your life to bring me this news alone, Cûrion. What is the true meaning of your visitation?”
Daerwen was conflicted with his warring emotions. The sour bitterness remained from his son’s disobedience, but he felt a warm pride lift his soul for the bravery his son had by coming here today to bring this news. There was no way he could show his pride which tormented Daerwen. He missed his son.
“The Dûr Falas are now a formidable opponent. My mate and I are unable to effectively deal with the situation without a certain death. We cannot rescue this elf ourselves. I ask for your support and twenty scouts to end this once and for all.”
Daerwen reeled and looked upon Talon with utter distain. “You want me to release twenty elves to the human realm? What insanity is this?”
“Aye. It was a risk I was willing to take to save the woman I love and the ward I recently claimed.” Talon swallowed dramatically. “If I fail, both will be taken by Kaen and face a long life of torment and pain. I can’t allow that to happen. I risked my own life to beg for your support.”
The king stared at his son. He had not changed much since the last time he’d seen him. Upon his son’s banishment, Daerwen himself had cut his son’s hair off close to
the scalp in a statement of disrespect. That Talon kept it short demonstrated he continued to honor the sentiment and acceptance of his punishment. Cold ice blue eyes held his in desperation, so Daerwen was forced to turn away to avoid being affected by the depth of concern for this ‘mate’ of his.
“Who is this mate you speak of?” Daerwen once more turned his back to his son and watched the waves below.
“Her name is Kailani and she is my light. She and I mated two hundred years ago.”
“And the other?”
“Lainey. Kaen converted her against her will not too long ago. He was holding both women. I could not leave the woman behind without her going rabid. I’m currently training her to honor the right path. Her betrothed is offering us shelter and has agreed to shelter the scouts if you agree to this request.”
Talon was bonded. Daerwen barely heard the rest of what his son said and pinched back the tears which threatened to emerge at the pain of this situation. His beloved son was bonded and Daerwen knew nothing of it! He felt a sudden anger at himself and at Talon. His son had elected to bond to a human, but Daerwen accepted responsibility for forcing that situation. It was his decision to exile him to a life of solitude in a land where elves didn’t walk. What did he expect Talon to do? Remain unmatched?
“Find him lodgings while I think on this,” Daerwen said to an elf off the side. “Sequestered of course.” He then turned to Talon. “You are not permitted to walk freely while you are here, Cûrion.”
Talon expected no less. “As you wish.” He touched his forehead with three fingers as he dipped his upper body in respect.
Daerwen narrowed his eyes at Talon’s show of respect and servitude. He had not expected Talon’s honor in this situation, and it put him further into a state of unrest. He expected anger, which would have been more realistic, not this show of submissive deference. What further upset Daerwen was the utter grief he saw burning in Talon’s eyes while he begged him, pleading for forgiveness. Forgiveness Daerwen couldn’t grant.
Talon was led away under the strict guard of the scouts, leaving Daerwen to grumble about how his moment of peaceful reflection was destroyed. Once they were out of sight, he pulled the object he had previously hidden from the folds of his robe. The regret of all that had transpired over the past five hundred years washed over him. In his hand he held a trinket; one made from a young child and contained the handprint of his son forever frozen in the magically forged bronze medallion. Talon had gifted this to him when he was a young boy, and Daerwen carried it ever since. It was a token of Talon’s love and devotion to his father. This was the only thing he had left to remember his son by. Until now.
* * * *
Talon wasn’t expecting the overwhelming emotions which clouded his mind at seeing his father for the first time in five centuries. He expected apprehension at being killed, yes, but not this heart wrenching feeling of loss. He was forced to admit that he missed his father, and that was very unsettling. He thought he had come to accept his circumstance long ago, and to feel the pain from that wound reopened stole the very breath out of his lungs.
He missed being home too. Walking through the elaborately manicured grounds towards the quarters built into the side of the hillside added to his discomfort. He glanced around quickly, seeing the rolling grass fields that spilled into the ocean. This area remained untouched by time with the same crystalline paths that were covered in fragrant flowers still lined the field. This was his favorite place as a child, filled with uncounted happy memories. Wiping his wet eyes, Talon looked ahead at the buildings which sparkled in the sun and paused. Kailani would love it here, but this was one place she would never be allowed to visit. Ever. It was unfair.
“I know I’m not supposed to greet you, but welcome home Amuil Talon,” a familiar flowery female voice said from an alcove along the walk.
Cuilwen slipped from the cover of the shadows and approached the startled elven vampire. She was almost as tall as him and carried herself on a lean muscular frame. She wore her long wavy blonde hair loose and it reached just below her buttocks. When she felt Talon return, she had pinned his favorite flower to one side and left the rest free flowing. If memory served her, he preferred her hair this way. She was tempted to wear an overly seductive outfit to seduce him, but she didn’t want to breach any protocol by enticing him. Her goal wasn’t to kill the man, but to welcome him home.
Talon restrained the need to groan, averting his eyes the moment he recognized her. In the fear of confronting his father, he had not given any thought to encountering Cuilwen. This was the woman he was betrothed to and intended to share his life with before Kailani. Back then, he would have been satisfied with Cuilwen. She was a stunningly beautiful elf and extremely talented in both magic and weapons. Now that he’d found Kai and tasted the nectar of perfection in the form of a petite brunette with shining silver eyes, Cuilwen paled in comparison.
“I’m not home. You are correct; you should not be greeting me,” Talon said with a callous tone.
“What, after all this time you can’t even look at me?” She came closer. She dipped her angelic face in order to look into his averted eyes.
His nostrils flared as the scent of her blood infused his senses. After controlling his immediate reaction to his thirst, he caught the fragrance of rose oil she so dearly loved. Some things never change. Talon finally looked at her, sneering as she sauntered closer until her body brushed against his. It was obvious she meant to escort him to his lodgings.
He sighed. “Please don’t jeopardize anything by interfering right now. Just go away.”
“Oh? Are you trying to come home?” The hope in her eyes was unmistakable.
“No, I intend to return to my mate.” That was a bit cruel and he knew it, but he wasn’t in the mind-set to be polite.
He saw her body flinch, and her dark brown eyes opened in horror. “You…you are bonded?”
Her steps faltered momentarily. She wasn’t expecting this and it took her a moment to recover from hearing that piece of news. Talon couldn’t be taken. He was hers and she’d been waiting for him all these years. How could he?
“Not in the same sense, but yes. I’m mated as a vampire. Same idea, though.” He softened his manner. He really had nothing against Cuilwen. She was just not the woman he craved to stand at his side at the moment.
“You are mated.” Then her attitude changed to a more aggressive attack. “Who is she Talon? A human? A feeble weak human?”
Ah, the aggressive and confident woman he knew emerged. “No, she’s not weak. Her name is Kailani, and she is a vampire like me. She is strong, beautiful, and equal to any elf.”
Cuilwen snorted, “I doubt that.” She walked forward a few steps before she looked back at him again, searching his face. “Are you happy?”
“She is my light. I would demand you show respect. Kailani is not someone to insult, and I’ll not take kindly to any disparaging comments, is that clear?”
Cuilwen tried to hide her shock. Hearing her replacement named caused her to swallow her pride and she tried to play it off. She waved her hand in deferred annoyance. “As you wish.” Still she walked him to the door and waited as he entered, hoping for an invitation. “If I get ‘permission’ from your father, would you mind if I came back? I have missed you and would like to hear about your life.” Cuilwen dipped her head as a blush crept up confirming she was after more than pleasant conversation. “I’ll respect your commitment to this woman, even if I’m bitterly jealous. In all honesty, you’ve been gone a while and I really do miss our conversations. That’s all.”
Talon visibly relaxed upon hearing her words. Before the banishment, they were good friends. The two were promised at birth, which inevitably led to their close relationship. They spent the better part of their lives together. He missed her too, but only out of friendship. Because of that, he didn’t want to mislea
d her into doing something. “I’m not here to return permanently.”
He missed home, yes. He would like to be allowed to visit, yes. But come home? Most definitely not. Talon threw a pained looked in Cuilwen’s direction. He knew her too well and feared she would try something to jeopardize his relationship with Kailani. Talon would not tolerate that. He didn’t want to cause his mate any more pain than he knew she was already in because of this plan.
The slight tightening of her lips showed her emotion. She wasn’t ready to explore her feelings right now, so continued to mask them. “I’m only asking for a conversation.”
“As long as you accept that is all it will be, then I would be glad to spend time with you while I’m here,” he replied respectfully.
Her eyes roamed over his face hungrily while he spoke, noting the pleasing effect of his short hair against his tall and gracefully curved ears. He looked healthy and appealing. She did, however, turn her nose up at his attire. The worn leather trousers and lose fitted shirt that lacked any sort of embroidery spoke of a hard life. It disgusted her to see him dressed so commonly. She refocused on his eyes and acknowledged that whenever he spoke of his mate, his blue eyes shone with love and that hurt.
“You really do love her, don’t you?”
“I do.”
He reflected for a moment on how easily speaking his native language returned, even after all this time. It sounded like the sweetest music to his ears and rolled off his tongue. For a moment, Talon closed his eyes to experience it, closing himself off from the woman standing before him. Her words dragged him back.
Cuilwen continued to evaluate him with calculating eyes. “So, I’m not allowed to seduce you.”
“I would appreciate you not trying.” Talon slumped against the wall. “Our time was then but it is past. I’ve changed. I’m no longer the elf you loved. It’s best if you accept that now.”
She pursed her lips tighter biting back a retort. She resented this woman, this Kailani because Talon was hers first. Being betrothed to him had always filled her with a sense of pride for he was something of a legend, making more than one woman swoon. She guarded the fact she was the one who shared his bed and had grand plans on a long life together. Her feelings hadn’t changed all this time and to see him now, standing here…Cuilwen seethed. Damn him for looking so perfect.
