by K. T. Webb
“I may not know you, but I believe you to be the kind of man who will stand against injustice. I need a General who can determine which of the existing soldiers should remain and which should be relieved of their duties based on their loyalties and character. I think you are capable of doing what needs to be done,” Legacy explained.
Theon stood silently. His mind seemed to be processing the opportunity laid before him. Legacy had no idea what kind of life he led or what he did to make a living. What she did know was that he stood up for the young girl in the square knowing there may be consequences for his actions, knowing he may be jailed and punished. Knowing that, Legacy was certain sweetening the offer with money would be an insult to his character. What she needed was a way to persuade him without destroying what little trust they had built. Judging by the way he looked at his sons, she knew they were his entire life. Perhaps if he knew his sons would also be taken care of, he would be willing to accept her proposal.
“I want you to consider this offer carefully. There will be no repercussions should you decide not to accept; I can promise you that. However, should you choose to take on the responsibility, I assure you your sons will be included in whatever way suits them.” Legacy refused to force the boys into a soldier’s life if that was not what they wanted.
“May I have a moment to discuss this with my sons?” Theon asked with a quick glance between his children.
“Of course, we will step out into the hallway while you talk it over.” Legacy gestured to Maris, Gray, and Evander to accompany her as she exited the room.
Evander closed the doors behind them, positioning himself to guard the threshold. He was respectfully silent as they waited. As Legacy was wondering how long they should give the family, Renata and Noble rounded the corner at the end of the corridor. Her younger brother held tightly to Renata’s hand in a gesture of trust and familiarity; it brought back memories of her childhood with Renata, they had been as close to mother and daughter as they could under the circumstances. Her concern for Noble temporarily faded when she spotted the smile on his face. Whatever Renata had discovered about his connection to the Shadow Mages must not have warranted great concern, unless she was reserving her fears for Legacy. Seeing Renata reminded her of the room full of journals. She had yet to tell the Oracle about the discovery and was not sure she wanted to just yet. For the time being, Legacy decided to keep the knowledge between herself and Evander until she knew what Renata discovered about the young prince.
He was eleven years younger than the Queen, a significant age gap for most siblings unless there were many others in the years between. They only had Honor between them, and she was much closer to Legacy’s age than Noble’s. It was one of the mysteries she hoped to unravel with the journals. From what they knew, both Legacy and Honor had been mistakes from the beginning. King Junius did not want them and did everything he could to ensure they did not survive. However, it seemed the King either intentionally had another child or chose not to kill him.
“Noble, how nice to see you. I was planning to seek you out to see if you would join me for dinner this evening,” Legacy greeted her brother.
“Yes! I would love that.”
“I have a few things to take care of before the afternoon, but once those are concluded, I would like for us to spend some time together,” Legacy beamed at the boy.
“Can we eat on the veranda?” he asked.
Legacy grinned. Of course, he wanted to spend time outdoors. Their father kept him locked away in a room with only two small windows his entire life for reasons that were still a mystery.
A movement from Renata caught her eye, she was signaling to speak to her away from the others.
“I think we can arrange to eat on the veranda,” she acknowledged her brother's request before leaving him to tell Maris what he wanted for lunch.
Legacy walked far enough away from the others to have a semi-private conversation with Renata while keeping the doors to the war room in her sight. She did not want to leave the area for fear of missing Theon when he was finished speaking with his sons. The worry lines on Renata’s face were more profound than Legacy had ever seen them.
“I fear we may have a long road ahead of us with your brother.” Her voice said more than her words.
“What did you find? Is he under their control?” The knot in her stomach tighten. If Noble was being controlled by the Shadow Mages, they could be using him to gain information. They may be planning to use him to get close enough to kill her, just as she had read in the King’s journals.
“No, he is not under their control. But I believe he easily could be. I can feel traces of their power all over him, even embedded in his very being. He has nightmares nearly every night. There are so many unanswered questions about his very existence that we may never have.”
The Queen knew this was the moment to tell Renata about the journals. There was no reason to keep the information from the Oracle. She needed all the help she could get from those with knowledge of Alderwood. Legacy pulled in a deep breath to prepare herself for sharing the news. The sound of the low creaking door in the war room claimed her attention.
“I promise we will continue this conversation very soon, there are things we must discuss,” Legacy informed Renata urgently before rushing to greet Theon.
The older man wore a somber expression; his sons naturally mimicked their father in stance as they flanked him. Legacy tried desperately to hide the flicker of hope growing in her chest. He had not stormed off when the doors opened. There had been no spit flying in her direction at her proposition. Those factors offered hope that this could work, that he may agree to her plan.
“Your Majesty, I have discussed this with my sons, and while I am flattered by your request, I fear I must decline.” Theon held his head high while he spoke, maintaining direct eye contact with Legacy through his statement.
While it was not what she had hoped for, Legacy was pleased to see the man was not afraid to turn her down. It was a quality she knew would lead her to ask him again in the future. He was brave and knew what he stood for. One day, she hoped he would stand for the same things she did.
“I am sorry to hear that, but I understand your reluctance. Words cannot express how much I appreciate your candor in this matter. While I accept your answer, I implore you to continue considering it in the future. I am still intent on making changes in my guard. I will not stand for the behavior displayed this morning.” Legacy hoped her words would help, but she knew it would be her actions that would have the most significant impact on Theon.
Theon nodded solemnly. “I am pleased to hear that my decisions will not deter you from doing what is right. I will continue to observe the changes you bring to Pallisaide, and perhaps one day, I will reconsider my answer. Are we free to leave?”
“Of course.” Legacy nodded to Evander. “Please show our guests back to the square. Thank you for your time, gentlemen.”
Theon had only taken a few steps when he turned back. “Your Majesty, I need you to understand that this place, this castle, represents a great deal of loss for my family. The idea of living here brings me a sorrow deeper than you can fathom.”
“I wish there were some way I could repair the damages done by my father, but the past is out of my hands. I can only work toward improving our future,” Legacy bowed her head with her apology.
“I do appreciate that sentiment. This castle has a history, and those who sit upon the throne have done a great deal of taking from those of us who live outside these walls. It has been my experience that people who enter here do not always return.” Theon glanced sadly at his sons, who each wore the same melancholy expression.
Legacy did not know the man or his family, but she knew the face of loss. The boys came with their father. There had been no mention of a mother. Somehow, their mother was taken from them, and the king was responsible for their loss.
Before they turned to leave again, Noble tugged
on the side of her dress. Legacy leaned down to hear him as he gestured for her to listen to a secret. “I think I know that boy. The one with hair like mine.”
“What was that?” Theon asked.
Legacy shook her head, “I am not sure. The Prince thinks he has seen your youngest son before, but I daresay that is likely not possible. Noble has been locked away for much of his life.”
The boys looked at one another curiously before Theon offered, “I cannot say that Nero would have seen you before, perhaps he looks like someone from the castle?”
Noble continued to stare at the boy. Legacy apologized for the odd behavior and offered her hand to Theon. The man shook it with a firm pump.
She watched their retreating forms with growing despondency. The blow to her confidence would not let it keep her from addressing the problems she knew were festering within the guards who had once been Makt soldiers. No matter what it took, Legacy would find a way to end their reign once and for all.
Renata was quick to grab Legacy after the departure of Theon and his sons. It was evident the oracle had more to discuss. Renata casually laced her arm around the young Queen’s waist as they walked down the hall toward the stairway that led to the kitchen. Before they reached the stairway, Renata led her down a corridor to the right.
“I have asked Maris to take your brother down and get him started on lunch. I will try to make this as brief as I know you must eat before you address the soldiers.” Renata paused to ensure they were alone. “I can see there is something on your mind, more than what you are facing with the guards. Please, tell me.”
Legacy bit her lip for a moment. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she would tell Renata everything. The only question was whether or not this situation called for showing rather than telling. In the interest of time, Legacy decided to try the latter.
“Evander and I found a room full of journals written by my father. They seem to recount his experiences as King. I have the most recent volumes in my room. I think they might help us learn more about Noble.”
Renata blinked at her, stunned by the information. “Legacy, this is amazing. Are you certain we can trust this young man? Could he have taken you there for another reason?”
Legacy shook her head. “Trust me, he is one of us. I can feel it in my bones.”
Renata leaned closer to Legacy. It was a trick she was familiar with from childhood; her mother figure was trying to read her to determine if there was more that needed to be told. Legacy fought with her conscience, unsure if she should share her dream connection to Evander. Perhaps there was nothing to fear from their shared dream. Magic made anything possible. But the thought that kept rolling around in her mind was how he had managed to join her in the fragments from her visions.
“Ah! You are biting your lip. Now I know there is something more on your mind. Tell me.” The Oracle crossed her arms, waiting for the truth to be revealed.
“I honestly do not know what there is to tell. I have had some strange experiences lately that have led me to believe in Evander,” she waved her hand as though batting away the thoughts. “I initially questioned his motives myself. He seemed hurt but returned with his uniforms from both the Makt and the new guard. Evander wanted me to know that his loyalties were not to any uniform or organization, but to me.”
“He likes you,” Renata huffed as though that would explain everything he had done to help her.
Legacy shook her head and laughed. “Maybe he does. Honestly, the thought had not even crossed my mind. There is more I should tell you, but I do not even know where to begin.”
“As always, one should begin at the. . .” Renata grinned and raised her eyebrows, waiting for Legacy to say the last word with her.
“Beginning.” They said together. It was another idiom from her youth. Renata had often told Legacy stories about Alderwood and the wild magic. She would always try to determine where the story should start, but each and every time, she would say, “As always, one should begin at the beginning.”
“You know I have nightmares regarding my fate, I have for a very long time. You have never allowed me to tell you what they entail, and I understand why. But, have you ever heard of another person experiencing the nightmares of someone else?”
Renata considered the question for a few moments. “I cannot say that I have. Where is this going, child?”
Legacy took a deep breath before continuing, “The other night, I was trapped in the same terrible ending of my nightmares. It was a replay of my final vision, and it was coming to an end just as it always had. But this time, something changed. Evander was there. He saw what I saw, he saved me from the final moments of that vision.”
Wide eyes quickly blinked away their surprise. Renata paced in front of Legacy, mumbling to herself as she went. The Queen could not make out her words, but she had learned from years of experience to let Renata work through the problem. It would not be long before she asked clarifying questions to help her better understand the situation. Renata stopped for a moment, raised a finger as though she was ready to inquire for more details, then her face crumpled as she put the finger to her chin. The pacing resumed for a few more agonizing seconds.
“Is he marked?”
Legacy’s first reaction was to disregard the question as foolish; everyone was marked. Then she remembered—as a member of Makt, he was not allowed a mark. They were not to be bound to anyone other than King Junius. She quickly shook her head in a negative response.
“Is this the first time you have ever had a visitor appear in your dreams?”
“Yes. It scared me at first, but Evander came to my room right away. He thought I was in danger.” Legacy was acutely aware of how embarrassing it was that she allowed him to enter her bedroom in the dead of night.
“Interesting. So, what you are telling me is that Evander was aware that he had been with you in your nightmare?” Renata furrowed her brow, deep in thought.
“Should I be worried? Could the Shadow Mages be using him to get to me?”
Renata registered the fear creeping into Legacy’s voice. “No. My siblings are still gathering their strength. I can feel them trying to access the wild magic, but it is like they are barely there. This is something older and stronger than they could hope to touch. I believe this is Alderwood giving your young man a place in the fight.”
“What does that mean?” Legacy wondered aloud.
“It means that even though he was deprived of his connection to the wild magic, our world still needs him. Somehow, your destinies are joined. It will be interesting to see how they unfold.”
Legacy nodded. There were so many unanswered questions. The journals lingered on her mind. Evander had helped her find them even though he did not know the value they would have. In her nightmares, he had rescued her from burning to death for what seemed like the millionth time she had found herself in that fated forest. If Renata believed their fates were tied to one another, who was she to argue?
“Tell me more about this room with the journals,” Renata insisted.
Legacy described how they had entered the room, making her distaste known for the use of the long-dead princess as a statue. She described the different tunnels that led to unexplored places. When Legacy explained what happened to Evander in the tunnels and the creature they discovered, Renata’s expression changed from interest to anger.
“This is precisely why we must put an end to the Shadow Mages. Creatures should not be held captive in pits!”
Based on her own recollection, Legacy could think of no better place for that particular creature to be held than in the pit they found it. She shuddered at the thought of coming upon something like that in the middle of the woods. The slurping sounds that accompanied the creature’s desperate search for flesh to devour filled her ears in memory. Legacy struggled to accept the gravity of restoring power to the Kingdom of Creatures; would it mean her subjects would fall victim to vicious predators such
as the one that now lay dead in a corridor far below them?
“Renata, I think what we should focus on is the information we can learn from the journals. We already know Junius was of questionable character. Who knows what we may find down there with further exploration of the corridors? Before we free dangerous creatures, we should find out why they were held there.”
The older woman nodded absently. “Yes, you are probably right. But promise me we will help anyone or anything we may find down there.”
“We will do everything we can to make things right.” Legacy was reluctant to promise something so abstract with so little information.
Renata continued to ask questions about the secret room as they retraced their steps toward the stairs they needed to take. Obviously, Legacy’s knowledge was limited to the one visit she had made to the room her father had spent so much time in. Eventually, Legacy could no longer stand answering the questions with the same non-committal responses.
“Renata! If I promise to take you down to the study, will you stop your questioning? I truly do not have much information about the room itself, and I do not have time to take you presently. For now, I want to have lunch with my brother and make sure you did not torture him too much while he was in your care.” Legacy arched an eyebrow at the woman who raised her.
Sputters of astonishment spilled out of her mouth before Renata realized the Queen was making a joke. She shook her finger at Legacy as she had when scolding her as a child. “One day, you will learn the difficulty of dealing with children. I may not seem that old to you, but I have lived many lifetimes and am far too old for your games.”
“I do not think you will ever tire of my games,” Legacy replied with a wink before gesturing for the older woman to lead the way down the stairs.
In the kitchen, Legacy was pleased to see Maris tending to Noble’s needs and making him a sandwich with the utmost care. If she had been an outsider looking in, Legacy might have thought she was watching a young boy with his parents. Gray chatted animatedly with him, regaling the boy with archery stories as he mimed the action of readying an arrow. When Noble showed the appropriate amount of interest, Gray laughed heartily and ruffled the child’s hair. Maris’ face held the almost carefree expression of a mother who knew there was trouble lurking below the surface, problems she may not be able to solve no matter how much she wanted to. Renata joined the group as Legacy continued to stand near the door. The expressions and meaningful glances that passed between the adults in the room would have gone entirely unnoticed by an average boy, but it was already clear that Noble was far from ordinary.
