by K.N. Lee
Reagar and his men stumbled backward, paling and staring upward at Delia as she grew in height and mass.
Her voice came out as an echo that filled all of their ears.
“It is I,” she said, her voice reverberating throughout the entire city. “Delia, Gatekeeper, Elder of the First Age.”
Tears streamed down Reagar’s face as he beheld the true glory of Delia’s power.
Her arms outstretched, and the smoke that comprised her body resembled a cloak around her shoulders, and billowed outward.
“Forgive us,” he said, bowing to her.
The other men followed suit, falling to their knees.
Reagar bowed his head, catching his breath. “I’ve not seen a true Elder since I was a boy.”
With a hand made of mist, Delia took him by the chin and tilted it upward.
She knelt before him, and spoke softly, like a mother to a child.
“Yes,” she said. “It was I.”
His eyes widened, and he searched her eyes. “It was you?”
She nodded, and stroked his cheek.
He visibly shuddered, and seemed to be at a loss for words.
“I have been guarding and protecting Auroria for ages, ushering in new life, and guiding the dead to their next phase.”
Lilae found herself staring at Delia in disbelief with the others.
“Reagar, do you think a Gatekeeper stays guarding the gates to the Underworld? No,” she said, returning to her full height. “There are gates all around us, portals to different worlds and doorways to countless dimensions. You saw me come for your father, and I remember your face. Those blue eyes were as wet with tears then as they are now. But, dry them, for I come with blessings for Auroria. This time, I come with the Chosen—to end this era of suffering.”
“Damned brilliant,” Rowe said, hooking his ax secure against his back. He then looked back at Lilae. “Should have led with that, shouldn’t she?”
14
Inside the gates of Hansburg was a bustling city full of life and vitality.
Though the cold was bitter, there was great joy inside the stone walls. The air held a sense of joy and harmony—something Lilae had rarely seen in the many villages she’d lived in throughout her years.
The buildings were tall, and wrapped around the perimeter of the protective wall. With several shops on the bottom levels, a series of homes were stacked on top, with pale, happy faces peering out of them at the odd group of foreigners.
Smoke pumped skyward from the chimneys of the buildings, and promised warmth once they found lodging.
Having been allowed entrance by the sheriff, the people of the city kept their distance from Lilae and the others with quiet curiosity.
There were whispers, but Lilae was used to them, and had learned the power of shifting her attention years ago.
Delia stopped them in the center of the square. They encircled her as she held her staff at her side. She’d returned to her human form, and thanked the sheriff for granting access to the city.
“While I go to seek out the royal messenger, I want you to gather supplies, secure lodging, and wait for me to return. We should stay here for no more than a day or two, so that I can ensure the messenger has delivered our announcement.”
Liam pointed toward the assembled carts that lined both sides of the main thoroughfare. “I can search for some charms for our weapons,” he said. “Though they are enchanted, the right combination of charms can increase their power to even greater heights.”
“Aye,” Rowe said. “There have to be some merchants who collect them around here. Just by the amount of mountains you humans have around here, there has to be a mine for them. Even if they’re just being sold as jewels.”
Lilae and the twins knew nothing of charms, but she nodded nonetheless. Knowing what power Kavien held just within his being was enough to make her vigilant on giving her people a fighting chance. He held the central trait of all of the races—a true miracle—yet would use it to destroy them all for a god who used him as a slave.
“That would be remarkable,” she said, forcing herself to remove his lingering image from her mind. “Once we get to Auroria and start planning our defense against the Imperial Army, maybe Delia can bless them the way she did before we went into the Shadow Tower.”
Delia nodded. “I can,” she said. “I can probably also seek out women in the kingdom who have similar abilities. Blessings aren’t exclusive to Elders.”
“There are probably loads of women hiding such a power to prevent superstition,” Jaiza said.
Risa scrunched her nose. “In a world full of special abilities, magic is still frowned upon. But, that’s mostly because the Bellens like to steal little girls and claim them as their own. Dark magic ruins all magic.”
“What a strange place this is,” Nani said, keeping her wings closed and walking amongst them, while the bundled up children stared in awe from their spots on the street.
Risa gave a low chuckle. “Much more to see. We’ve only just begun, Love.
“We’ll go find some lodging,” Jaiza said. “Since Risa and I are from here, the people should be a little more welcoming.”
“Good idea,” Lilae said with a nod. “Meet you back at the central square.”
After going their separate ways, Lilae and Liam began their scour of the city for supplies. The cold wind blew at them through the alleyways and the scent of coal promised warmth once they found the solace of shelter once more.
Even so, the thrill of a new place filled Lilae with excitement. She walked alongside Liam, grateful with time amongst themselves.
“Surreal isn’t it?” Liam asked.
Lilae gave him a sidelong glance to see a smile on his face. His smile was always contagious. She’d never smiled so much in her life before they’d met. Somehow, he made her feel as if everything would always work out in their favor.
“What is?”
“That we are here now, after all of those years seeing each other in our dreams,” he said.
She nodded. “More so than you know.”
He caught her by the hand, and a shiver ran up her arm and to her neck. “I wouldn’t give this up for the world.”
“Neither would I,” she said. “I hope more of my dreams come true.”
“What other dreams do you have?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’d like to build my own home one day, by the water. Just find my own little haven where there is only peace and joy. Then, I’d end up inviting everyone to join me there, because I’ve never truly been alone and don’t know if I’d enjoy it.”
He laughed. “I don’t think Risa and Jaiza are going to let you be alone.”
She smiled. “I believe you’re right.”
“My dream is to see Kyril at peace once again, for my people to not have to worry about violence anymore.”
“Wouldn’t that be truly remarkable?” Lilae asked. She too wished to be at peace one day.
Though, she knew that day was far from their current reality.
Lilae stopped before a cart of colorful powders, and met the eyes of a beautiful young woman with red hair that matched hers and blue eyes. She smiled at her, thinking that they were probably the same age.
“What are these?” Lilae asked.
“Bone powder,” she said, in a voice that tugged at her heart.
The accent reminded her of Pirin’s, and it almost made her smile fade. She held it on her nearly frozen face and embraced the sensation she felt at recognizing the purely Aurorian accent. Sometimes Jaiza and Risa showed hints of their origins in their speech, but it never quite had the same distinct twang that Pirin exhibited when he spoke.
How she missed his voice—she missed having his hand on her shoulder as he trained her in the ways of a Northern warrior. There were so many good times that came to her now that all seemed to be coming together. She was back home, and that was something she never imagined would happen.
She cleared her throat, and
lowered her gaze to the red powder that filled a clay bowl.
“What is it used for?”
“Crafting potions,” she said. “See; the red ones are meant for strength potions, the blue is for an increase in relaxation, the green for health, the yellow for mood improvement, and the purple and black are for different levels of protection, and the pink is for love.”
A grin came to the girl’s lips as she looked from Lilae to Liam.
Lilae’s cheeks tingled, and she avoided Liam’s gaze.
Instead, she smiled and handed the girl a few coins. “I’ll take some of the purple, red, and green.”
“Sure you don’t want some of the pink, miss?”
Lilae shook her head, cheeks burning now.
“I’m certain,” she said, and cleared her throat.
15
Evening fell in Hansburg, and Delia met everyone in the square.
“Any luck?” Lilae asked, holding a sack of potion powder across her back.
The sun began to wane, and more of the people of Hansburg cleared away their goods from the market.
Delia nodded, but there was something more written on her face. “Yes,” she said. “But, I may need to make an unexpected journey to the Barrier.”
Lilae’s brows lifted. “Why would you do that?”
“I had a vision, of Silver Elves,” Delia said. “They have come to the broken Barrier and make their way into Eura.”
“Are they a threat?”
Delia shook her head, a small smile coming to her face. “No, I saw children, and families. They are afraid, and seeking refuge. I will guide them toward safety.”
“Yes. They’ll be safer with you to guide them,” Lilae said, and glanced around at the warrior men who returned from their hunting, and patrolling of the surrounding forest. “I fear the humans around here will be wary of Silver Elves.”
“The humans fear anyone who is different,” Delia said with a sigh. “But, that goes for all of the races. You’ve been kept secluded from one another for so long, it is expected to cause a bit of a stir.”
Risa and Jaiza returned, and Rowe was quickly behind.
Risa blew into her hands, warming them. “I found an inn on the south side of the city with enough space to accommodate us.”
“There are loads of inns around here,” Jaiza said, in awe. “But, the one we’ve picked serves dinner at sunset.”
Liam perked up a bit. “Brilliant. I’m famished.”
“So am I,” Lilae said, and everyone nodded. They hadn’t eaten since morning, which had been an assortment of winter berries Jaiza and Nani had picked for the group.
Delia gave a nod. “You all go and get settled. I’ll return shortly.”
Lilae wrapped her arms around Delia.
“Don’t linger here too long,” Delia whispered. “Wexcyn will be hunting you all. Leave as soon as you can, and make it to Auroria before he can track you.”
Lilae nodded. “I understand. We will leave in the morning.”
They gave each other a warm embrace before parting ways.
With Delia heading away from Hansburg, Lilae hoped they’d manage without her in this new land of suspicious humans. This was what she had been prepared for all of her life. She was a fighter, a leader, and would never forget it again.
As they walked down the stone streets toward the inn called the Black Hare, all eyes remained fixed on Lilae and the others.
It was to be expected. They were quite a sight to behold.
But—as Lilae saw it—soon, the races would all live in harmony one day…after this blasted war.
Once they reached the inn, the lower floor became packed with hungry and thirsty hunters.
Lilae’s stomach tightened at the sight of big, burly Northern men huddled over the tables with large mugs of ale and mead in their hands.
Fearing the worst, she almost suggested they go somewhere less crowded. But, as it seemed, the Northern men were happy to give them their space, even stepping aside to offer a long table beside the crackling fire.
“Thank you,” one of the men said, his eyes a deep blue that reminded her of Pirin’s. With long blond hair that was nearly white, he appeared to be in his thirties. He wore his scars with pride, and had a confident air that most Northern men seemed to be born with.
For a moment, Lilae didn’t know what to say. But, a smile came to her face, as joy bubbled in her belly.
“You’re welcome.”
He didn’t smile in return, but spoke in earnest, searching her eyes. “You’re a Northern lass, aren’t you?”
“I am. They call me Lilae,” she said, with a bow of her head.
“Srenick, son of Lothegan,” he said, bowing his head in return. “You are the daughter of?”
His voice trailed, and she looked away.
“Daughter of Pirin,” she said, and felt tears sting her eyes at that statement. It was the first time she’d ever said those words, for her entire life she never knew the truth.
“He raised a warrior,” he said, finally cracking a smile as his gaze rested on Lilae’s sword.
Lilae beamed with pride. “He did.”
Srenick sighed, and glanced toward the others who now sat along the table and prepared for supper.
“Here, in the North, we raise our little ‘uns to be warriors. Its the way it is and will always be. But, you and your people are doing the work most of us are afraid to do,” he said, nodding. “Whatever the Empire is planning is going to spill over into Auroria one day. And, while we will fight to the death to protect our own, I don’t know what we will do against the dark forces coming from the south. Put any man in front of me, and I will knock him down. But—the monsters coming for us aren’t natural. They aren’t what we’ve trained our entire lives to face.”
“That’s what we are here for,” Liam said.
The man glanced at him, giving him a quick once over, and gave a single nod. “Seems that way, doesn’t it? Perhaps the gods haven’t forgotten about us after all.”
He reached over and gave Liam a pat on the back, before picking up his ale and moving on to the other side of the inn with his group. They all lifted their mugs to Lilae and the others, and for the first time in a long time, Lilae was reminded of just how important her role was in all of this.
She and the others were more than warriors.
They were beacons of hope.
Wexcyn wanted to rip the entire world of Ellowen apart and watch it burn.
Lilae was determined to pull it back together.
16
After a much-needed dinner of roasted hens and carrots, stew, and thick bread, Lilae and the others retreated to their rooms on the second floor of the inn.
She lingered before the door that led into the room that she would be sharing with her sisters and Nani, and glanced at Liam and Rowe’s door.
She’d miss him, and his warmth. They’d shared a space together since leaving Nostfar behind. But, in Auroria, it was frowned upon and forbidden for unmarried men and women to share a room, especially when that room was owned by traditional innkeepers.
Risa wrapped an arm around her shoulders and leaned in close to her ear.
“Is my little sister missing the heat of her man?”
Mortified, Lilae’s cheeks burned and she closed here eyes.
“Its not like that, Risa,” she said, covering her face with her hands.
Risa chuckled. “Of course, it isn’t. I’m just teasing.”
Jaiza stepped into the room and turned on them both. “Because if he tried anything—”
“—inappropriate,” Risa added.
“We’d have to chop off his manly bits,” Jaiza finished, a tilt of her head and a wicked smirk on her face.
Lilae’s eyes widened, and she pushed Risa into the room and closed the door behind them.
“That is awful!”
Risa and Jaiza laughed at her, and claimed their cots.
“We’re just teasing,” Jaiza said. “He seems like a n
ice lad.”
Lilae took off her boots and socks and settled before the fire on a blanket. “He’s more than just a lad.”
“Oh, yes,” Risa said. “He’s a crown prince.”
“Doesn’t mean shite,” Jaiza said.
Lilae glanced at her. “It means he has honor.”
Risa snorted, and burst out laughing again. “Honor? Has he honorably slid his fingers into your pants yet? You two have been sleeping together for quite some time now.”
“Dear Spirits,” Lilae said, under her breath.
Just imagining Liam doing so made her ears burn. Only Kavien had even begun to explore her body, and that still left her aching for more.
“No. He hasn’t,” she said, staring at the flickering flames.
“Something’s wrong with him then,” Risa said.
Lilae shot her a glare. “I told you, he has honor.”
“Honor my arse,” Risa said, and she and Jaiza shared a look. “Thought there was love and such between you two.”
Thoroughly embarrassed, Lilae stood, prepared to flee.
“Sit down, Lilae,” Jaiza said. “No need to run away anytime we speak about your relationship to the Tryan. We’re only joking with you. It is what we’re supposed to do.”
“As your older sisters,” Risa added. “Better get used to it.”
The door opened, and Nani flew in. Her cheeks were pale, and she shivered.
She settled onto the blanket beside Lilae, and folded her legs before her.
“This place is awful,” Nani said, warming her hands. “All snow and darkness. Where are the flowers? Where are the birds?”
Lilae smiled, happy for the shift in conversation.
“We do have spring time,” Lilae said. “You’d like it then.”
“And, plenty of birds,” Jaiza said.
“Even if it only seems crows and ravens dominate the forests,” Risa added.
“I saw a blue bird, once,” Jaiza said.
Nani met Lilae’s gaze. “One blue bird,” she repeated. “Just brilliant.”
“You don’t have winters in Kyril,” Lilae said. “Liam has told me all about it. But, here, in Eura, we have many seasons, and winter is the longest. And, in winter, the animals sleep. They rest during the long stretch of cold. As do the plants and flowers. Stick around and you’ll see our world bloom with the coming of the next season.”
