Mark of Fate

by K. T. Webb

  The wind whipped around them in a cyclonic fury. Wisps of nature spirits seemed to flow past them with the violent breeze. Legacy wanted to break away from her siblings to run to Renata and stop her from giving her life to destroy their enemies. Instead, she stayed in her place and listened as Renata continued to address the Shadow Mages.

  “I stand here now, prepared to meet my end in order to secure yours. I am here to set right what you began to rip apart centuries ago. I have come to restore balance to Alderwood.”

  With her words, multi-faceted lights closed in on the Shadow Mages as they exploded in color. A horrific scream echoed through the clearing as it tore from their throats in their final moments. Where Renata stood, a brilliant and blinding light pierced the remaining darkness until it was nothing but a memory. Legacy stood with Honor and Noble, knowing in her heart that she had helped to bring an end to the darkest time in their world.

  “Are they gone?” Noble asked.

  The wind had disappeared with the Shadow Mages and Renata. Nothing remained as evidence of their existence but the vines that had held them in place. Legacy ruffled her little brothers’ hair with tears in her eyes.

  “Yes, they are gone,” she whispered.

  “Then why do I still feel them?” Noble questioned.

  Legacy looked to her sister for guidance. What could she tell the boy who had survived such a horrible ordeal? Could she tell him he would always feel them because they left bits of their evil within him? Legacy wanted nothing more than to put the Shadow Mages behind them, but she knew their influence would live on for years to come.

  Noble would live a life free of their constant nagging corruption. Legacy, Honor, and the others would see to it that he was given the opportunity to choose his own path rather than following the one his father agreed to. None of those things would change the new paleness of his skin or the darkness in his veins. They had touched his soul. There would always be a part of Noble that remembered their corruption. Honor knelt so she was eye level with their brother, she took both his hands in hers.

  “Noble, you are a special young man. You were created by a mixture of good and evil. You have looked into the darkness and chosen to turn away from it,” Honor released one of his hands and lifted his chin. “For you, this is not over. I am afraid you will always have to struggle between what is right and what tempts you to stray. You will always feel them, because they became a part of you.”

  Noble’s bottom lip quivered as he gave Honor a firm nod and glanced up to Legacy. “I will always choose the path that brings me home. You are my family. I want to be with you.”

  Legacy took his free hand as Honor rose to her feet. “We are not your only family. Before I left the castle to search for you, we found your mother, remember?”

  Noble’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. “And she is alive?”

  “Of course, I would not have told you otherwise. From what I understand, she is alive and recovered,” Legacy smiled at him. “Also, the boy who used to sneak around the castle and visit you with your mother? He is your big brother.”

  “Really? Mother never told me,” Noble’s face fell.

  “I think you and your mother will have a lot of catching up to do when we return to Pallisaide,” Legacy told him as Evander approached.

  “It is getting late; we should consider making camp. We have at least two days of consistent riding to return to Pallisaide,” Evander told Legacy and Honor.

  Legacy had to admit she was exhausted. The idea of trying to make the ride home with night approaching so quickly only made her weariness grow stronger. She knew the castle guard and Gildi would look to her and Honor for direction. If they chose to camp in the very spot they found triumph over the Shadow Mages, the entirety of their entourage would stay with them.

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, Legacy pondered everything she had overcome. It was still too new, too fresh for her to fully comprehend. She watched Honor talking to Rowan, their carefree love filled her with hope for the future. They were going to have a baby. Of course, their lives would be changed by what happened with the Shadow Mages, but it would be changed for the better. The child that Honor and Rowan would bring into the world would be born into an Alderwood that has not been seen in centuries. The wild magic was working already to heal the damage from years of its power being leeched away. As Legacy took a deep breath, she could practically smell the change happening all around.

  A smile that could not have grown larger if she tried spread over her lips. It would be foolish to think there would never be another time when they were called to face a powerful enemy, but for now, there was peace.

  Legacy sensed the release of power as soon as the mages were gone. At her core, she felt the awakening beginning across Alderwood; creatures and nature spirits alike were remembering who they were. Legacy, Silverleaf, and Nikita looked to one another with triumph in their eyes. They had a long road ahead of them, but the wild magic was free, and they were together.

  Sitting around the fire, Legacy embraced the warmth emanating around her. Evander sat beside her, his mother on his opposite side. An odd feeling of peace Legacy had not experienced before hung in the air. Her entire life had revolved around impending conflict, and it was strange to sit around a fire with people celebrating the end of an era. She knew there would be challenges but felt more prepared to face them knowing the Shadow Mages would not be trying to undermine her at every turn. Bringing the Shadow Mages to an end meant more to her than she could express. The heartbreak they caused for so many had struck too close to home far more times than she could count.

  “What is going on in that head of yours?” Honor startled her sister from her thoughts.

  Legacy shrugged, “Too much to give you a decent answer. I think if I had to sum it all up, it would best be described as relief.”

  “I know what you mean,” Honor said softly. “We are going to have to talk about Noble sometime. I wish we’d had more time with Renata. She would know what to do.”

  Legacy had been rolling that problem around in her brain for hours. On the surface, Noble appeared to be a happy boy once more. The full effect of the impaiso bite had healed him from the physical ailments, but nothing could remove the darkness from within him. He was going to struggle every day for the rest of his life. The Shadow Mages had eaten away part of his soul. Legacy and Honor would have to be sure to surround him with good and honest people if they hoped to keep him from straying too far into the shadows.

  “Everything will turn out okay. We must hold on to hope that these things have happened for a reason,” Legacy replied as she gave Honor’s hand a squeeze.

  “So, I noticed you and Evander have gotten rather close,” Honor tried to sound nonchalant about her suggestion.

  Legacy rolled her eyes, “Yes, we have.”

  Honor nudged her sister in the shoulder, “You have to tell me everything! I heard it is in the sister rule book.”

  “Oh, now you have a book?” Legacy laughed. “Fine. There really is not much to tell. You know we shared dreams, and he has become my personal guard. And through all the moments we shared something started to grow between us. Before I knew it, I was in love with a strong and just man.”

  “Is that all? A strong and just man? Eww. It sounds more like you are describing any of the soldiers under our command. What else? Does he make you laugh?”

  Legacy thought about Evander and how he made her feel. She had no idea how to put any of that into words. Honor and Rowan were perfect for one another. Their love had grown from a close friendship and constant companionship. Legacy and Evander had met under unusual circumstances. He chose her over the life his father and brother wanted for him. They were well-suited for one another in a way that could not be explained.

  “We have not had much opportunity to laugh together. He makes me feel safe. Evander challenges me and tries to keep me grounded. We have saved each other more than once. I cannot e
xplain why I fell in love with him, I simply did. He says the same,” Legacy paused as Evander made eye contact with her from across the fire. “We were drawn to one another from the beginning.”

  “I have to say that is probably the best possible way you could answer that question,” Honor told her with tears in her eyes.

  “Well, I also asked him to marry me in the Forest of Illusane.”

  Honor blinked a few times through her surprise. “Okay, that may be a bit fast. Maybe you should spend time getting to know each other without danger lurking around every corner?”

  Legacy knew there was wisdom in her sister’s words. As of now, she knew she wanted to spend her life with Evander. If they were prepared to spend the rest of their lives together, they could take their time. For the first time, Legacy realized she was no longer thinking of the future as uncertain. Things had changed in her world. She watched Evander whispering with his mother. Legacy had yet to be officially introduced to Arabella as anything more than the Queen. Honor seemed to sense her thoughts because she nudged her sister to regain her attention.

  “Why are you staring? Go introduce yourself,” Honor urged.

  Legacy tossed a smile at Honor and rose to her feet. Before she made it to the other side of the big bonfire, Noble ran into her with open arms. Legacy wrapped him into a firm embrace. It was hard to remember he was only a little boy. According to Daenera, Noble would be turning eight soon. He had faced more than most people would in their lifetime and he was less than a decade old.

  “I missed you, Legacy.”

  Her heart melted at his words. “I missed you too, Noble.”

  “You came after me,” the boy said this as a statement, but Legacy felt there was more behind his words.

  “I did. You want to know why. Is that what you are thinking about?”

  He nodded and bit his chapped lower lip. Legacy knelt in front of him. She had no idea what he was subjected to while the Shadow Mages had him. All she knew was he was with her now, and she would do anything to protect him from harm.

  “Because I love you, Noble. You are my brother, and you were taken from me. More than that, I came to find you because I knew it was my job. Not only am I your big sister, but I was also destined to find you in that forest. I have dreamt of it since receiving my mark. It was only recently that I realized you were the one I was searching for,” Legacy whispered in his ear.

  Noble wrapped his arms around her neck for another hug, “Thank you, Legacy. I was so scared. I tried to make them stop, but I was not strong enough.”

  “I understand. I tried so hard to free you in the Forest of Illusane, but I found my strength alone was no match for theirs,” Legacy pulled away from him to look in his eyes.

  In the dancing firelight, he looked just like the boy she met at her coronation. Legacy knew the light of day would tell a different story, but for now, she was okay pretending he had not been changed.

  Noble squeezed her in one more hug then darted off to visit Honor. He had not had as much time with her which was part of the reason he was more comfortable with Legacy. As he sat next to their sister, Legacy watched the way he spoke to Honor. She was telling him about the baby. It was evident because Noble looked curiously at her already swelling belly. It surprised Legacy how much her sister was showing the changes that pregnancy brought the body. Only time would tell if they should prepare for an earlier arrival. Legacy was beyond excited for her sister and Rowan. They would be wonderful parents.

  Legacy turned in Evander’s direction again. He and Arabella were now staring directly at her as though they anticipated her arrival. Legacy offered a small wave before taking a deep breath and heading toward them once more. Both Evander and Arabella rose to their feet as she approached. Legacy decided she would never get used to people doing that for her.

  “Queen Legacy, I have not had the opportunity to thank you for rescuing me from captivity,” Arabella offered a bow.

  “Of course. I would like to apologize for the awful manner in which my father treated you. If only there were some way for me to make it up to you, but I know nothing will give you back the years he stole from you and your family.”

  Arabella shook her head, “No, you do not need to apologize for Junius. He was a monster. Other than my boys, I did not miss out on spending time with my family. My husband was dead to me from the moment he held me fast while his master murdered those women and newborns.”

  Legacy could not begin to imagine the torture Arabella was forced to endure. As a practitioner, she was bound by an oath to protect and nurture life. It must have been unbearable for her to witness the deaths of those she was charged to care for. Evander reacted to his mother’s words with disdain. Legacy already knew how he felt about his father and this only added to those feelings.

  “From this moment on, you will never have to face darkness like that. I will make certain of it. I would like to invite you to continue living at the castle, in the practitioner’s quarters,” Legacy offered.

  “Oh, I think I would rather return home with my son.”

  Evander grinned at Legacy. He had not yet told his mother of his position in the castle or in the Queens heart. Legacy had no idea if that was supposed to make her feel better or not. If Evander was hesitant to tell his mother, he might not be as sure of their relationship as Legacy was. She decided to follow his lead, if he was not ready to tell his mother, Legacy would have to respect that.

  “Actually, Mother, I have been living at the castle. Father gave up our home years ago and brought Emrys and me to live with the soldiers.”

  Irritation clouded Arabella’s expression, “I wish I could say I was surprised by that news. Needless to say, your father was not the man I married once the King got a hold on him.”

  “It all turned out for the best. If I had not grown up in the castle, I would not have been there when the Resistance invaded. I was a soldier for the Makt, but I left that behind and have not looked back.”

  Legacy stood beside Evander, waiting for him to go into further detail. Part of her felt he was prolonging the discussion to drive Legacy crazy. She would have scolded herself for thinking something like that if it were not for the sly smile he had on his face.

  “I am proud of you, Son. You made much better choices than your brother,” Arabella touched Evander’s forearm.

  “He was blinded by what father taught us. My own vision was partially obstructed until I saw Legacy,” Evander locked eyes with the Queen. “As soon as they arrived in the palace, I laid down my weapons and surrendered.”

  Legacy would never tire of the look in his eyes when he looked at her. It felt as though he saw who she was beyond her title and position. Arabella cleared her throat. Legacy and Evander blushed as they realized how long they had maintained eye contact. Honor may have been looking out for her sister, but Legacy knew she was meant to be with Evander; there was no need to take more time.

  “The two of you are connected,” Arabella observed.

  “Yes. We began as friends, but it became clear that we both cared for each other in a more profound manner,” Evander explained. “I think once I made a habit of appearing in her dreams, she found me irresistible.”

  Legacy released an unexpected burst of laughter. She recovered quickly and offered Evander an apologetic shrug. “Sure, irresistible, we can go with that,” Legacy grinned. “In truth, I was drawn to Evander from the day we met, but I tried not to act on that. He made it rather impossible.”

  “So, you two are together?” Arabella’s tone was hopeful.

  “Yes.” Both Evander and Legacy responded.

  The fear and tension Legacy had been keeping in the pit of her stomach evaporated as Evander slid his arm around her waist. Arabella seemed to approve of their status.

  They spent the rest of the night celebrating with their people. Legacy loved watching her friends and family interact in the afterglow of their victory. For now, all troubles were forgotten, an
d they would face the future with hopeful hearts. The next morning, they would return to Pallisaide and prepare to officially crown Silverleaf and Nikita.

  Evander helped Legacy onto the horse they would share. Noble rode with Arabella, Honor with Rowan and Eirny. Silverleaf, Harcos, and Nikita chose to run beside them; they did not tire as quickly as humans. Legacy noticed Arabella watching her curiously as Evander climbed up behind the queen and wrapped his arms around her. In the Forest of Illusane, Legacy promised Evander she would ask him to marry her again when they were home. Now she knew she would first speak to Arabella about her intentions; was that not what a man would do if he intended to ask for a woman to join him in marriage? Of course, she had a feeling Arabella would laugh at her for her non-traditional approach. The safety and warmth of Evander’s strong arms around her assured her that no matter what avenue led them to marriage, it was where they both belonged.

  “How are you, Legacy?” Evander whispered as they began to ride.

  As she released a breath that seemed to have been held for too long, she thought about his question. Legacy knew Evander was referring to the loss of Renata. If she was truthful, the pain was immeasurable. The Oracle may have told her it would happen but knowing certainly did not make it any easier. How do you accept having to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to so many people? Rather than holding it inside, she needed to share her thoughts with Evander.

  “I honestly do not know how I am supposed to feel. I loved Renata, for my entire life, she was my constant companion.”

  Evander placed a soft peck on her cheek. “I know.”

  Legacy knew he was waiting for her to continue. Evander knew her well enough to recognize there was more on her mind, and he was patient enough to let her volunteer the information.

  “I keep thinking about the life she led before I was born. Renata was more than just a practitioner; she was more than my mother. She did all of these amazing things that I was not part of, and now she is just gone.”