Heirs of War

by Mara Valderran

  "Exactly the point," he said with a derisive grunt.

  She was somber as she ducked in front of him to where he was forced to meet her gaze. "Then I would be alone. In this dungeon with no help and no hope of ever getting out."

  He gave a disbelieving laugh. "Are you trying to tell me I am destined to help you?"

  She paused and twisted her mouth in thought. "I'm not big on the idea of everything happening for a reason or predestination, but I do believe you can find a reason for everything that happens. Maybe the reason is so I will have someone here with me. Because honestly? I think talking to you is just about the only thing keeping me sane right now."

  He cocked his head to the side, a look of amazement on his face as he stared at her. "How exactly did our roles get reversed here? Shouldn't I be the one comforting you?"

  Ariana waved him off. "Nah, I've never been big on the whole damsel in distress thing. Personally, I think chicks kick ass. I have a t-shirt that says so."

  "What is a t-shirt?" he asked with a puzzled tilt of the head. “Does it hold authority in Dhara somehow?”

  She opened her mouth to explain and closed it again, deciding against the idea. "Never mind. Point is I'm stronger and more capable than people give me credit for. Been trying to tell my Dad that for years." She turned the cuff over in her hands, playing with the metal chain like she would a slinky. "You know what's kind of stupid? I use to refer to our house as my prison. Like I was Rapunzel or something. And now look at me," she said as she gestured around them. "Now I really am in a prison."

  He wrapped his arm around one of the metal bars. "I know what you mean. I was eleven when I left, and I thought…." he shifted his starry eyes to the ceiling as he recalled the event to her, "I thought the world would be mine. I was going to choose my own path and not have anyone tell me what to do ever again." His elation at the memory melted into a frown as he sobered. "I was a fool."

  "You were a child," she said. She paused, thinking this over. "Wait a minute, I thought you said you were chosen for a job you didn't like when you left."

  He nodded. "I was."

  Her eyebrows shot up at this. "At eleven? Geez, child labor much?"

  He blinked in confusion several times before answering. "I keep forgetting you might not be familiar with some of our customs as they differ from Dhara. Your vocation is chosen for you once you reach the age of eleven, based on any skills or abilities in which you have shown to excel, and when you turn twelve you begin your training. Most of the time this means apprenticing with locals, but...sometimes this might mean being sent away for apprenticeships elsewhere."

  "Would you have been sent away?" she asked, mimicking his position by wrapping her arm around the other crossbar.

  "Without a doubt," he said heavily as he stared off in thought.

  "Was the job really that bad?"

  He jerked his head up, his brown curls flopping. He gave her a look that was both embarrassed and remorseful, as if he had offended her. "No," he said hastily. "It is one that must be done, and is a great honor to hold."

  She pushed herself off the bar, holding the top of the post with her hand. "Then why run? I mean, if it's such an honor or whatever."

  He turned around, pressing his back against the beam. "It's complicated."

  Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway, and two familiar voices arguing. Kellen rounded the corner, accompanied by two guards, her eyes ablaze with anger. She had her daughter by the arm and flung her in front of them, giving Ariana and Alec a sneer.

  "Domrick," Kellen barked out, causing one of the guards to step up in answer. "Take Alec to his new room. Explain to him the conditions of my gift."

  Domrick, a man clad in armor from head to foot, clapped his hands together once and bowed. "Yes, Lady Kellen." He motioned for Alec to follow him, but Alec remained rooted in place.

  "I thought you were keen on keeping us together," Alec challenged.

  Kellen returned his stare. "I am. She will be joining you soon. Whether or not she joins you in one piece will depend upon how quickly you get out of my sight. Now leave us."

  Alec withered at her threat. He gave Ariana a conflicted and pained look before following the guard out of the dungeon. The look he threw her before rounding the corner was full of the apologies Ariana understood perfectly, and she gave him a stiff nod in return. Either she was already suffering from a version of Stockholm syndrome, or Alec was someone she could truly count on. The idea gave her more hope than she dared to show in front of Kellen.

  "What do you want?"

  Kellen's mouth twisted up in a mock smile. "Now it's just us girls, I thought we might talk. What do you know about your sisters? And the others?"

  Ariana stared at her with a blank expression. "I'm an only child."

  "No," Kellen growled impatiently, "you are Ariana, daughter of Nandalia and Arland. You have a twin sister, Zelene, as well as an older sister named Isauria."

  "And Nolan," Sheridan chimed in, still rubbing her arm sourly. "He's the oldest."

  Her mother waved her hand dismissively. "You also have two cousins, Rhaya and Terrena. Together, you make up the prophesized five of the Duillaine Ainnir. You are the most powerful of anyone in your bloodline."

  Ariana shrugged in a way she hoped to be nonchalant in an attempt to feign ignorance as if Alec hadn't just explained all this to her. She didn't think it would hurt to hear the story from a different source, either. "First I've heard about any of them."

  "I told you," Sheridan said softly, almost as if she was trying not to be heard, "they were kept apart."

  Kellen stormed over to her daughter. "Then why can't you see them?" she demanded angrily. "Try again. Now."

  Sheridan cowered under her mother's icy stare and lowered herself to the floor. She folded her legs, resting her hands on each knee palm up. She closed her eyes as she took a deep breath in.

  "What do you see?" Kellen demanded, hardly giving the girl time to do anything. "Why did my men fail?"

  Sheridan’s thin blonde brows pulled down further, her mouth scrunching up in concentration before she let out an exasperated breath. "There's...nothing. It's like something is blocking me. Maybe they're still in Dhara."

  "No," Kellen shouted, her voice reverberating through the dungeon. "The Cynewards would have taken them back to Anscombe the moment they realized they were in danger. Keep trying."

  "It isn't working," Sheridan pressed as she pulled herself up onto her knees. "If you send me back to Dhara, I can try to find them again."

  Kellen grabbed a fistful of Sheridan's hair and pulled her across the floor to Ariana. The girl cried out, kicking her feet behind her as she tried to find traction. Her hands were grabbing her mother's wrist so as to shift some of her weight onto them.

  "Stop," Ariana ordered. She threw herself at them, pushing Kellen off the sobbing girl and wrapping her arms around her protectively. She hugged her tight, listening as Sheridan murmured her apologies for failing to do what Kellen had asked. "It's okay, Sheridan. What does she want you to do?"

  Sheridan's tear-soaked gaze rose to her mother for permission to explain. "She wants me to touch you, to try to use your power to help me see them."

  "See them how? You mean, like in a vision?" Ariana asked as she pulled away to get a better look at the girl.

  Sheridan bit her lip and nodded, her chin quivering. "But it hasn't been working. I've been trying all day. I really have, but there's nothing there."

  Ariana gave her arm a comforting squeeze, speaking in soothing tones as best she could. "We'll figure this out, okay? How do you usually do it?"

  "Why are you trying to help me?" Sheridan asked with a sniffle.

  Ariana turned a steely glare to Kellen. "Because no one deserves to be treated the way she treats you. I don't care what lame excuses she gives you. I refuse to sit back and let her hurt you. I was always taught that bullies suck." She turned a gentler face back to Sheridan. "Now tell me
what you need to do."

  "I usually sit and try to concentrate on them," Sheridan explained. "I don't know how to explain, I can just find them. Like I'm drawn to them somehow."

  Ariana leaned back, folding her legs like she had seen Sheridan do and gesturing for her to do the same. When both girls were mirror images of one another, she slid her fingers on top of Sheridan's until their palms were touching one another. She then closed her eyes and did her best to send whatever power they think she might have to Sheridan. Part of her hoped it would work, just so the poor girl would be left alone. The other part didn't want to be responsible for what happened to her supposed family members once Kellen got to them.

  Sheridan closed her eyes again, working to steady her breaths through the sobs still escaping from her. She tilted her face back, as though she were staring at the ceiling through her closed lids. Ariana sat as still as possible, waiting for any sign their attempt at joining powers—powers she happened to know nothing about—had worked. Suddenly, Sheridan’s hands jerked away from hers as the blonde girl seemed to look around for someone behind them.

  "Well?" Kellen asked expectantly.

  Sheridan stood up and brushed off the back of her dress. "I wasn't alone. Isauria was there."

  Kellen gave her a puzzled look. "That's impossible. Those with your gift aren't able to see one another."

  Sheridan shook her head. "She was there. And she saw me. It was all I could do to get out of there fast enough before she realized something was up."

  As Kellen thought this over, she paced. "This must be the Prophecy. Together, the five are supposed to be more powerful than what we've seen before. This must carry over to their gifts as well." She placed a hand on Sheridan's cheek, using her thumb to wipe away the traces of the girl's tears. "You've done well, Sheridan."

  "I have?" Sheridan asked with uncertainty.

  Kellen dropped her hand and walked a few steps away, her back to both girls. "Yes. We know now they must be back in Anscombe. If they were still in Dhara, Isauria would not have been able to see you." She started to walk away, calling back over her shoulder to the remaining guard. "Bring the girl. I think it's time to show her to her new room."

  Ariana jerked her arm from the reach of the guard, narrowing her lavender eyes to slits. "I can walk on my own," she said through gritted teeth. She brushed past him, not bothering to make sure Kellen was okay with this plan as she stopped beside her. "Lead on, Queen Bitch."

  Kellen turned to face her captive, her movements slow and graceful. She calmly backhanded Ariana, splitting her lip open. "You will learn to respect your betters," she said in a serene voice. "And I will so enjoy teaching you."

  Ariana wiped the blood from her lip and scowled up at her captor. "Or maybe I'll teach you just who your betters are."

  Kellen looked genuinely amused by this idea before turning and gliding down the hallway. Ariana spent the first part of their walk shooting daggers into the back of Kellen's head, but once they reached the top of the stairs leading away she became distracted by her surroundings. The hallway of the dungeon was lined with cells and much the same as the open room she and Alec had been in. It was dark, dank, and musty—all the cliché things a dungeon should be. The stairs were much the same though they grew significantly cleaner the farther up they went.

  Despite herself, Ariana was awestruck. The first level above the dungeon showed no sign of the horrors happening below. This room was the size of the gym at her school with more windows than she could possibly count, some of them reaching from ceiling to floor. The whole room was full of light, a stark contrast the darkness she had experienced. There were chairs positioned here and there throughout the room, mostly edging the walls and looking more decorative than anything. Large paintings lined the walls, some consisting of Kellen and what Ariana guessed were her family members while others portrayed more mythological scenes. With what she had experienced so far, she had to wonder how many of the creatures portrayed were myth and how many were a part of this new reality she had found herself in.

  "Do you like what you see?" Kellen asked genially. "My home is quite exquisite. Once you've earned my trust, I would be happy to give you the tour."

  "Just trying to figure out the best way to burn it down," Ariana said snarkily. "Think I'll start with those massive curtains."

  Kellen chuckled. "My dear, you've been in Dhara. There's no need for posturing. You know nothing of your power or how to harness the elements, so short of placing a candle flame underneath my curtains...well, I believe the term is 'empty threats.'"

  "If I'm so powerless," Ariana said as she followed her escorts up another flight of stairs, "then what do you want from me?"

  "I didn't say you were powerless," the woman corrected as she stopped in front of a set of elaborately decorated wooden doors. "I said you didn't know how to wield your power. But I do."

  An involuntary chill shot up Ariana's spine, which caused Kellen to raise her chin in satisfaction. She wrapped her arms around herself as Kellen opened the doors dramatically and swept into the room. Alec stood on the far side of the room, pacing the floors with his elbow resting upon the arm wrapped around his torso and tapping his lips in thought. A look of pained relief spread across his face when he noticed Ariana standing just outside the door. She rushed into the room and threw her arms around his neck, squeezing him tight.

  "It's all right," Alec soothed. He pulled away, holding her face in his hands, and his gray eyes filled with concern. "Did she hurt you?"

  Kellen tsked at his question. "I'm disappointed, Alec. I wouldn't bring any harm to the gift I am offering you. Not until after you have received it, of course."

  “I’m fine,” Ariana assured Alec though she gave him a puzzled look. She couldn't help but notice how he had reacted when Kellen had referred to her as a “gift” and a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach formed. She began to think she hadn't known the half of what a hell this place could be, but she had a feeling she would soon find out. "How about you? Are you hurt?"

  "No." He released her and pointedly stepped away from her.

  Ariana noticed the distance Alec put between them. She tried to ignore his chilly demeanor and instead took the time to look around the massive room, letting out a low whistle as she did so. There were two large armoires on either side of the room made from mahogany and in the center of her new dwelling was probably the biggest bed she had ever seen, complete with white drapes pinned to the dark wooden posts at each corner.

  "What's with the luxury accommodations?" Ariana asked as she walked over to the bed and began picking at the silk sheets.

  Kellen inhaled deeply and looked around the room. "I wish to ensure all your needs are taken care of, Ariana. Alec, do you accept my gift?"

  "Your gift," he spat out, "is the only way you can ensure I go nowhere. Do not try to mask your manipulation as a kindness."

  Kellen nodded contemplatively as she made her way to the door. "Very well. I will have to give my gift to someone more appreciative. Perhaps when my son returns—"

  "No," he shouted as he took a step forward. "I accept."

  Kellen pursed her lips. "Yet I still do not hear how grateful you are I would offer you such a wondrous prize," she said as she gestured to Ariana.

  Ariana paled at the implication. "What are you talking about?"

  Alec stepped in front of her, bowing extravagantly. "Thank you, Lady Kellen, for your most gracious gifts. I accept with unending gratitude."

  Kellen placed her finger under his cleft chin, guiding his gaze to hers. "That is more like it. I expect you to make use of your gifts while they are still here, do you understand? You know I am not a patient woman and I expect you to treat our new guest well."

  "Yes, my lady," he said, dropping his head once more, "I will make sure Ainnir Ariana's needs are taken care of at all times. Might I ask you to indulge us with some privacy?"

  "Of course," Kellen conceded. "I will give you time to woo her if you'd like. Judging
from her reaction, I doubt the gentle approach will work."

  Ariana hugged herself tight and backed away from Alec. She felt betrayed. She met Sheridan’s eyes, who looked like Ariana felt. Sheridan threw an anguished glance to Alec before following her mother and the guards from the room.

  Alec closed both doors simultaneously, gripping the knobs with his hands as he sank to the ground in front of them. He pressed his forehead to the metal. "You must change," he said, his voice shaking.

  Ariana’s jaw dropped. "What? The outfit I've got on isn't sexy enough for you?"

  He turned so he could see her. "What are you talking about?"

  "You think I didn't get all that?" she shouted. "You just accepted me as a freaking gift. And let me tell you, if you expect me to be cooperative, you have got another thing coming!"

  He closed his eyes as if trying to gather patience. "Ariana, you don’t know what you’re talking about."

  She grabbed a candle stick holder from beside the bed. "Oh yeah? My Dad's best friend taught me how to fight, so bring it on!" She shrieked as one second she was ready to fight and the next Alec had her pinned against the opposite wall, one hand on her throat and the other on the arm wielding the candlestick holder. She hadn't even seen him move. "How did you do that?"

  "If I wanted you," he growled, "I could have taken you already. Now we do not have time for this, do you understand me?"

  She nodded, her fear still evident in her trembling voice. "What are you going to do to me?"

  He released her slowly, though he still stood close. "I'm going to get you out of here, if you'll let me."

  ***

  The park Isauria found herself in was nice. She had memories of playing in one similar to this from her childhood. Only she wasn’t experiencing her own memories right now. Somehow, she had landed in Zelene’s. She knew it was her, even though the Zelene she had met was Ariana’s age. She had known even before the older man—Varrick—had called the young red-headed girl by name, scolding her for swinging too high.

  It was a nice autumn day, but yet the playground was empty of anyone else other than the man and the young girl. Isauria was on one of the swings, her toes dragging against the sand as she watched Varrick chase young Zelene across the grass. He caught her, tossing her up in the air and catching her as if she weighed no more than a football.