by Monica Doke
“Haroah, we will find your sister and we will find out what has happened to your mother. I promise. How old is your sister and do you have a-” Cutting Melody off, Thane suddenly gasped from behind them.
“Jennifer Mortyer!” the Healer cried. They all looked to the door before he continued, “no, no! Mortyer is the name of a famous tracker. I have never heard the name Jennifer with it. The famous tracker is a woman?” Thane smiled, “How different!” Melody stared at the fire. After a long stretch of time, she looked at Haroah.
“This will work out,” Melody decided aloud, “evidently; a famous tracker is to grace us with her presence. We will solicit her assistance and set out as soon as she agrees to find your sister.” Haroah smiled gratefully, tears littered the corners of his eyes.
“You are everything they say you are, my lady and more. I owe you my life,” Haroah said, standing again. Melody shook her head but Haroah stood regardless, pricked his finger and offered it to her. Melody realized how many gifts from people she had been declining and how Haroah’s culture demanded this one. She opened her palm and allowed him to press his finger into it. She knew the custom. Though he did not look the part, with his lack of wings, Haroah was part of the remaining Helacorn who had pledged allegiance to Agoura. He did have a small black horn in the center of his forehead.
The blood he placed in Melody's palm had spread out to look like a map. It was purple when wet, but then shortly turned into a normal blood red. Haroah knelt and kissed her palm, where his blood dried. Melody looked uneasy, but Thane noted the humble nature in which she took Haroah’s gift. Her brother recognized her reluctance, but was not sure why she had not protested as she normally would. He was proud of her. When Haroah straightened there were tears running down his cheeks.
“Haroah,” Melody croaked, she cleared her throat and looked up at him, “I need you to do something for me.” Haroah was about to announce that he would die for her but Melody held up her hand.
“Please, go to the Pacretine, as a royal guard and tell him we are receiving a visitor quite soon and inform him of your plight. Divulge to him our plans, please, so we may proceed,” Melody requested gently. Thane watched his sister as she stood facing the door in thought. The Healer could see a discernible alteration in her stance, as if she were at battle facing an oncoming hoard. His sister was growing and he could see the strength in her that he knew she would need.
“We should find Alastaf,” she said, turning to Thane. He saw the pinched look she made when thinking of their eldest brother.
“Why?” Thane asked.
Melody shrugged before answering, “I know how we have been in the past, but I think given my own tumultuous future and these newcomers it is high time we become unified. Have not our difficulties been largely trivial?” She asked him, her face full of the need for reassurance. Thane put his hands on her shoulders and steadied her.
“Dearest sister,” he said, “I have never been more certain of anything than I am of your ability to lead.” Melody smiled and hugged her brother.
“Only with you on my side,” she replied as they left the library.
“Alastaf is probably in counsel,” Thane informed her. “When he came of age, Father had him sit in his counsel while he receives requests and concerns from our citizens.” Melody nodded.
“Should we intrude on this?” Melody asked her brother. Thane sighed as he thought.
“I think this warrants the intrusion,” he replied. As they entered the reception hall, Melody looked around at the visitors. The Pacretine and Macretine sat listening to a young woman who looked to be just a bit younger than Alastaf. She had long coppery hair tightly plaited behind her head. It still appeared as if it would explode from the braid at any moment. She appeared to be taller than Melody but not as tall as the Macretine. Though the woman seemed normal, both Melody and Thane noticed that where her braid ended a tail protruded from her riding trousers. The tail lifted and fell absently. Melody’s eyes widened. Infelines were very rare and she was their first. Infelines had feline features such as the tail, or their catlike pointed ears. The Infelines were a Race that did not survive well during the time of Fae, as it was their nature to be very independent. They did not take to being slaves so the Helacorn, for defiance, constantly executed.
Where most Fae would travel in groups, most often they would travel alone and be outnumbered. With their otherworldly features and uncanny gift for hunting, the Infeline were conspicuous people.
Rumor had it Infelines lived numerous lives and the Helacorn would tie them to a stone and drop them into deep waters. Each time the catlike creature would revive, they would slowly die once more until they could no longer bring themselves back. As Thane and Melody stared at the Infeline woman, a very large troll bombarded them.
“Oy, Pramacretine, I ‘ave not ‘ad the chance to meet you!” The troll announced, “I’ve ‘eard some great things about ye and I’ve been ditherin’ ta meet ye. I ‘ear ye’re the greatest swordsman- Er, woman ‘round,” the troll thundered. Melody smiled as she shook his hand, which was five times as big as her own was.
“Pleasant to meet you...?” She started, stopping for a name.
“Oh, oh, aye, my name be Pock, Pramacretine,” Pock turned to Thane and shook his hand. Thane was staring at the troll with little color in his face. Melody excused them and approached the Pacretine and the Infeline. The woman turned and smiled, her cat ears which noticeably obtruding her hair perked forward.
“Ahh, the woman I am looking for,” the Infeline said. Her eyes were stormy and deep. Melody wanted to stare into them. The woman’s face was round and supple, her mannerisms were mysterious and graceful. Her smile spread genuine and lively, but had a mocking note beneath it. “I just arrived at your palace and was promptly informed that I am needed by the young Pramacretine to perform a specific mission,” the Infeline concluded. Melody looked at the woman suspiciously and with surprise.
“I do apologize, Miss, but I do not believe I know your name,” Melody replied. The woman smiled.
“I am Jennifer Mortyer. I sent word of my arrival. I am in your presence now only to explore some rumors I heard in my travels,” Jennifer said. Melody frowned.
“Pray, what rumors would be so curious as to send you our way?” Melody inquired cordially.
“There is a rumor that the Pramacretine of Agoura is the Divine,” Jennifer responded evenly.
“I have been told I may be,” Melody replied, her heart beating faster. The Pramacretine struggled against her emotions to remain impassive.
“There is little doubt shared among anyone I have encountered,” Jennifer assured her host, “I had hoped to find you prepared for your future,” the Infeline finished. Her tone almost made her seem cruel but her expression remained good-humored. Melody swallowed the lump in her throat.
“You may be disappointed,” Melody replied, her expression challenging, “I will not excuse my doubt, you see, but I will disclose it to you earnestly.” Jennifer stared at the Pramacretine, clearly surprised. Finally, the Infeline woman grinned at Melody.
“I like you,” Jennifer said. “You are strong and outspoken.”
“Thanks,” Melody said, relaxing, “Do you think you could help me with my friend’s predicament? It sounds as if you have been largely upraised already.”
“I have and I would be happy to help,” Jennifer replied. Melody walked with her around the room of people.
“You would be able to track her?” Melody asked. Jennifer smirked. “Krin is in the Fae forest. I hear the Fae tend to make it hard for tracking within the wood.”
“I can track anyone, anywhere,” Jennifer replied confidently which aroused a genuine smile from Melody.
Melody led Jennifer toward Thane and Alastaf as she spoke, “Let me introduce you around, I saw you meet my father and his wife.” Jennifer nodded in response. Melody and Jennifer approached the Pacretine's sons and Haroah speaking in a corner of the room.
The Pramacretine
politely introduced the Infeline to the three young men, “Jennifer, here you shall meet Thane, our Prapacretine,” Melody told Jennifer indicating each fellow, “Alastaf, our Prypacretine and Haroah, an esteemed member of our Guard,” Jennifer smiled at the fascinated looks the men gave her. Melody went on unaware, “Gentlemen, this is Jennifer Mortyer. She will be helping us with your sister, Haroah.”
“I am grateful,” Haroah replied, bowing to Jennifer. Jennifer inclined her head and waved her hand at him dismissively.
“It is what I do and I am happy to help,” the Infeline replied, “it will be good to have a purpose for a while.” Thane, Haroah and Alastaf stared at Jennifer, seeing a member of a race, which they had not before. Alastaf looked particularly impressed with what he saw. His eyes were wide and appreciative. Jennifer smiled widely at them. Her smile brought on many second glances, as her canines, usually muted in people, were very pronounced. The Infeline had what appeared to be fangs. Noticing the furtive glances, Melody steered her away to speak with others. Upon reaching her father again, he smiled at Melody and beckoned her to his side. She approached and he took her by the waist in a small embrace.
“This is my daughter,” Andover told the woman beside him. The Pacretine gave Melody a sideways warning glance. Melody looked at the man. He looked vaguely familiar. Melody knew instantly she wanted to be anywhere but near him. She could sense his power mixed with his ignorance and hatred. The man smiled a very big, truly terrifying smile at her.
“I am Ziodin Callfah,” the man told her. “I have heard much about you.” Ziodin extended his hand to the Pramacretine. Jennifer looked as though she was at ease but Melody could sense the tension coming from the Infeline.
Taking Ziodin's hand politely, Melody replied, “As you know, my name is Melody. It is a pleasure to meet you Ziodin Callfah. I enjoyed your son’s visit recently and I hope he is well in his travels.” The Pramacretine was proud of her calm when like a coiled snake, ready to strike. She thought of Jax's scars and immediately knew Ziodin was responsible. The elder Callfah held on to Melody's hand long enough to make everyone around them uncomfortable. Thane looked over at her from across the room. His eyebrow raised slightly in his usual sign to her. She made a slight nod and he strode over. Fortunately, his long legs carried him quickly to her rescue.
“Melody, dear sister, I have something urgently requiring your attention,” Thane said as he steered the Pramacretine away. Andover shook his head over his shoulder, cautioning them. Melody steeled herself in an attempt to calm her heart. She trembled as adrenaline coursed through her veins. The Pramacretine had a strong urge to speak with Jax. She longed for him to return. The urge worried her. She was still not certain she could trust the young Conjurer.
“That was Jax’s father,” Melody whispered to Thane when they were out of the conference room. Thane looked surprised.
“You went pale,” Thane replied. “I knew something was wrong.”
Melody tried to stop the tremors that coursed over her before speaking, “I think everyone figured it out, I was fine until he would not release my hand. I hope Father is not upset.”
Thane shook his head seriously, “Father looked close to ending the handshake as well, and I just thought it would be less suspicious if I did it instead.” Melody frowned. Her hands were shaking from the onslaught of anxiety. She excused herself from her brother and made a break for her bedroom.
Melody had barely begun to prepare for bed when a short rap sounded at her door. She opened it to see Genewen. The Pramacretine groaned.
“Am I in trouble?” Melody asked; her exhaustion evident in her rather childish tone. Genewen merely smiled.
“No, not yet,” the Macretine replied. Melody moved back from the door to allow her stepmother inside.
“Is this about our crashing your meeting?” Melody asked, “We were looking for Alastaf.”
“No, I have been informed of the recent events behind our closed doors,” Genewen advised. “I wanted to talk to you about something else.” Genewen waited for Melody to respond. After a moment, Melody shrugged.
“Okay,” the Pramacretine replied. Genewen seemed nervous and it made Melody nervous.
“Well, your father and I noticed the interactions between you and Jaxon Callfah,” Genewen started uncomfortably. Melody inhaled, ready to protest but the Macretine held up her hand and said, “Please, darling, let me get through this. I have not come to tell you I disapprove or to judge you in any way at all. You are growing up and I know you are capable of proper judgment in any situation. I only wish to address the usual complications which may arise when beginning romantic relationships.”
Melody blushed crimson and looked away from her stepmother. She suspected her secret tree was not as secret as she had hoped.
Genewen continued, “I just wanted to make sure you are prepared for the emotional and physical reactions you may have when you are around someone you are attracted to.” Melody pulled her knees up under her chin. She knew Genewen was supposed to do this, but she really wished it were not happening. Genewen paused and looked around before she went on, “I know you have probably figured out the gist of things on your own so I thought I could just come in and see if you had any questions for me.” Genewen finished. Melody thought for a while before responding. She stared at the floor.
“I guess I have a few,” Melody eventually answered. Genewen nodded patiently until the Pramacretine asked, “How can I know if I can trust someone – someone I like?”
“Well, Melly, you pose a difficult question. Sometimes we trust someone and they betray us. You may not always know someone cannot be trusted and that someone may not mean to hurt you. The best you can do is protect yourself until you know they are trustworthy,” Genewen answered. Melody nodded slowly.
“I should protect myself by not giving them too much too soon?” Melody asked. Genewen smiled and nodded as Melody asked, “How do you know when?”
“You may be ready when you are old enough to give yourself to someone but also know you would survive without them,” Genewen answered, “you know real adult love when it is calm and vast like the sea at rest. If it is tumultuous and short as a storm you know it is immature. You must avoid giving away too much when you have unruly emotions.” Genewen supplied. Melody considered the words.
“Gen,” Melody said, turning to the Macretine. “What if what happened to my mother happens to me?” Melody’s eyes were wide as saucers as she asked. Genewen shook her head.
“Your conception is not common, Mel. Your mother was Meta and she had to choose to give you her life. I do not think you can do such a thing by accident. For all we know, she had been trying it for years before she found your father,” Genewen reassured the fearful Pramacretine, “But Melody, you know a girl with power as strong as yours must be very careful. All of your decisions could have more drastic consequences than what is normally expected. You are still very young and though you have been trained in the usual Ethereal traits, you may have abilities that go far beyond what we know how to teach you.”
“You mean in regards to relationships?” Melody asked.
“Yes and in life. Just remain diligent and discerning. Above all, make sure you are always aware and attempt to control your base reactions. Fear, anger, lust, joy, they could all cause Ethereal reactions in you and they could be catastrophic,” Genewen advised.
“Why?” Melody asked; her voice small.
Genewen adjusted her skirts trying to think of how to say what she wanted to say. Finally, she spoke, “You are a being set apart from what we know. You were conceived the way a pure Meta would be, save the part where your mother gave you her life. What we do know about Metas is that they are largely Ethereal. We know they can transcend their physical form at will. What we do not know is how much of this you have inherited. This is why you must be wary.”
Melody sighed in a hefty gust and rested her head on her knees. She looked at Genewen and said, “That is a phrase I have been hearing often o
f late.”
The Departure
The day was mild as a breeze cut through the summer heat. The smell of fall drifted over the heat. Melody looked across the garden at the gathered. Many of their workers had gathered to fuss over this and that, to bring food in packs and to be make the small party of youths properly attired for their journey. Melody closed her eyes and held her face to the sky. She inhaled, enjoying the scent of moist fallen leaves and the flowers in the garden. When the Pramacretine opened her eyes, she was startled to find the elder Callfah standing very close to her.
Ziodin smiled and spoke, “it is a lovely day. This is the perfect weather for an adventure.”
Melody chiseled a smile onto her stony face before responding, “Yes, it is quite agreeable.” The Pramacretine turned her face to find where everyone would be. When she turned back, Callfah was closer than before. His eyes smoldered at her, burning her with their intensity. To her horror, Melody heard herself gasp and took a step back. Ziodin chuckled and walked away. Melody stared after him, her blood boiling with anger and fear.
“He is unpleasant, to be certain,” a woman said behind her. The Pramacretine turned on her heel and found Jennifer had witnessed the entire scene.
“Indeed,” Melody replied, already exhausted.
“Pramacretine, if I may,” Jennifer said, “I came here for a reason other than this journey. It must be handled sensitively.”
“Very well,” Melody said, nodding, “We will discuss it at our earliest ability. Upon our return I am sure we can find a private place.” Jennifer smiled and inclined her head.
Jennifer leaned in conspiratorially to say, “Stay away from that old Conjurer.”
