by Monica Doke
“Oh, were it as easy as that!” Melody exclaimed to the sky whose company she had only moments ago been so thoroughly enjoying. The Pramacretine forged a path through the crowd to ready her horse. She was disinclined to take Willow, to keep their profile low. She knew her dear Pegasus would be disappointed so she had arranged with the stable workers he be taken into the hills from whence he came for a nice frolic. When Melody found her father, to her dismay, he embellished their party with a band of guards.
“Father,” Melody said. “May I speak with you?”
“Of course,” Andover said amicably, offering his daughter his arm. They walked away from the crowd very slowly. Once they were relatively alone, Melody spoke.
“Why are you sending guards?” Melody asked, keeping her tone as level as she could. “We are only looking for Haroah's sister, if we find her we intended to send for help. All we currently know is that we must go and find his mother that we can send her off in a proper way. Haroah's sister could be anywhere. She may not even be kidnapped, but only run away from her home and her slain mother.”
“I understand,” Andover replied. He smiled down at his headstrong daughter, “I will not patronize you, my love. You must be aware that as it always has been, your safety is imperative. You may be recognized, and that can be dangerous. Many will want to hurt you and many more will bring about danger in their attempts to assist you. Please, do not misconstrue my worry for this particular event, but instead understand it to be my attempt to keep you safe as the Divine.” Andover completed his sentiment and Melody sighed heavily. “Plus, Kensman Wood is not a safe place for anyone. The eldest Fae play in there.”
“It is true; I know the great Ethereal spirits are quite the bother. I suppose it is only fair I grow accustomed to this title, the Divine,” the Pramacretine said mournfully, “I am not sure I can, but I should try. I would ask you to send a few to keep our numbers tolerable. If we ride into villages as twenty and ten we will surely gather more attention than with only six.” Melody's response caused Andover to laugh aloud.
“You are wise beyond your years, my darling and I admire your tenacity. You may have two guards only. I shall send Genewen's favorites, Yirah and Issy. They are Helacorn twins,” the Pacretine replied cheerfully. He patted Melody on the back as they enmeshed themselves once more into the crowd.
Melody left her father's side as he approached two very tall women and gave them amiable instructions. Charmed by their Pacretine's humor, the women looked at one another and smiled. Melody saw Genewen smile ruefully at this. When the Pramacretine found Thane, she took him by the arm and led him to his mare.
“Callfah really spooked me,” Melody said under her breath. Thane nodded slowly.
“I saw,” Thane whispered.
“I do not know if I could handle staying here now since he is a guest. I hate to sound cold, but I am very glad for this excuse to away,” Melody confessed. She leaned in and asked, “Why does father keep him?”
“I think he is hoping to find more information before he makes his move. Besides, we believe Jax is mixed up in this and we want to be careful not to make matters worse for the young man,” Thane replied as he stopped. He glanced around them.
Melody caught Thane's eye and said in a low whisper, “I think I know why Jax left.”
“Because he knew his father was nigh?” Thane finished for Melody. The Pramacretine nodded.
“Yes, he was very comfortable here until the same day we found Ziodin here and that afternoon he seemed so different. I wonder if what he searched for in the study was a way to stay away from his father,” Melody theorized. Thane nodded but had to turn his attention elsewhere. Melody stood staring off into the distance deep in thought. She realized with some mixed feelings that she very much missed the young Conjurer. She wished she could help him or figure out what she wanted from him. Melody listened to the conversations around her and heard Jennifer's voice first.
“Do they know where he went?” Jennifer was asking Genewen.
“No,” Genewen said, her face had a shadow to it.
“He just left, no notice, no reason? He did not even inform the Pacretine, his host?” Jennifer queried. Genewen stared at Jennifer.
“No, he only told Melody. She was the last to see him. I only hope he is well. I sense the boy is in some danger and I fear he will bring our Melody into it with him,” Genewen said. Jennifer glanced at Melody, who was studiously fastening a saddle to her replacement steed to disguise her eavesdropping.
“I have no doubt your little Pramacretine over there has more to her than meets the eye. I imagine when thrown into danger, she will shine,” Jennifer reasoned.
Genewen smiled sadly as she replied, “it is hardly a parent's wish to have their child face some danger. Particularly when she is the Divine. There has been left no mystery to how that story ends.” The Macretine's face was slack and unhappy. Jennifer touched Genewen's arm consolingly.
“I am not old, but I have been around. One thing I have learned above all else, is that we forge our own paths. Melody may be fated for something, but as I understand it, fate is often misleading,” Jennifer said, still staring at Melody. The Pramacretine struggled to hide her emotional response to Jennifer's words. She heard footsteps approach and turned around.
“I am Yirah,” an extremely tall winged woman informed the Pramacretine, “I am going to join you in your travels this day.”
“I presume you know me,” Melody said, smiling. The Pramacretine saluted the rapidly approaching inversion of Yirah.
“This is Issy,” Yirah said, indicating her sister. The two women were identical save one woman who had raven black hair and the other white as snow. For a moment, the Pramacretine marveled at their beauty. As she spoke with Yirah, the small assembly left in the garden slowly surrounded Melody. Thane and Haroah flanked Melody as Andover and Genewen approached. Alastaf stood to the side of the Pacretine, his expression unreadable. Melody thought he might have been worried.
“Keep each other safe,” Andover said. He looked seriously at Haroah, “I am very sorry to hear about your mother, Haroah. I hope you may find your little sister in this journey. If you find her, please bring her back to us and we shall see to it she is properly cared for.” Haroah nodded deeply at the Pacretine in response. Genewen extended her hands to the half Helacorn boy and as he took them, she pulled him into a fierce hug.
“Please remember, when a Helacorn woman leaves our mortal world she ascends into the wind and graces us through each breeze. Listen for her, for she will embrace you with all she is,” Genewen said very quietly with tears in her eyes. Melody stared at her stepmother for a while, not understanding her emotion. She saw Yirah and Issy bow their heads to Haroah in sympathy. Melody could see sadness in their features as well.
“Keep an eye out for events such as the one in the prison,” Andover added only to Melody, who nodded in answer.
“We will be fine, Father,” The Pramacretine assured him. Andover agreed, and then whispered in his daughter’s ear.
“Come back to me, my Divine,” Andover had breathed, his quavered from an unfamiliar emotion. Melody looked at him, stricken but Andover’s face remained soft and comforting. He inclined his head meaningfully, so deeply that Melody could see his whole crown. Melody kissed his hand and mounted her horse.
The steed sniffed excitedly. The anticipation spread tangibly through her friends and Melody wondered if they were making a mistake. She had not taken many trips as dangerous as this one and she worried about her friends. The Pramacretine sighed heavily and spurred her horse forward. The ride invigorated her. She could feel the mass of muscles between her legs and the wind splashing around her face. She found herself smiling as the congregation rode off into the forest.
Jennifer lingered in the middle of the group, instructing them that she was to stay there to remain hidden. Melody rode beside her for a long time. Thane and Haroah flanked them expertly. Melody eyed the sky where Yirah and Issy were to follow. S
he could not see them presently but found that more comforting. The riding became quickly monotonous and Melody found herself fantasizing about Jax. She thought of their kiss, so warm and tender. Melody knew she should not have these thoughts about someone she did not fully trust but no matter how much she tried, she could not get him out of her head. His scars, his smile, his laugh, his blush when he caught her, his kind emerald eyes, Melody thought of all of it. He had only been in their home for a few days and they had a profound effect on her.
“What are you thinking about?” someone asked Melody. She started and turned to see Thane riding beside her. Melody laughed.
“Just wondering about things,” Melody said. Thane grinned at her.
“Conjuring things?” The Healer asked mischievously. Melody glared at her brother and he replied, “What? You cannot fool me. I know you.”
“I do not intend to fool you, only maintain some privacy. Knowing me does not grant you access to every thought in my head,” Melody snapped.
“I assure you,” Thane said, smiling. “I do not want to hear every thought in your girly little head. I only wonder if you are thinking of him fondly or skeptically.” Melody shrugged.
“Both, I think. He is a conundrum,” Melody replied, her anger abating. Thane nodded.
“I kind of like him. After all, he did save my life once,” Thane supplied unhelpfully. Melody rolled her eyes and spurred her horse faster.
After what felt like an eternity, the group came to a stopping point. Melody gratefully hopped off her horse and led him to a stream. She was the smallest in the group, so her horse seemed the least worn out. She patted him and walked towards the others as they pulled out some food to eat before they continued. It was midday and the sun shone ambitiously.
“I do not like this,” Melody heard Yirah say. She looked around and did not see the sisters. “You do not need to be angry, only eat it for yourself as I say I do not want it. I will eat the bread.” Yirah replied to something Melody could not hear.
“Issy does not speak,” Yirah said as she landed beside Melody. She added, “Only to me and inside my mind. She is mute because our father removed her tongue.” Yirah's confession caused Issy to avert her gaze. Melody gaped at them until she shook herself out of her shock.
“I am sorry,” Melody said. Issy shook her head at Melody and smiled.
“She says you are good and therefore should not be sorry,” Yirah said with a smirk. Melody smiled. She could not help but admire them. They were so different that they seemed unreal. They were very beautiful. Every part of them was long, their faces, necks, arms, torsos, legs, hands, hair and feet. They seemed graceful, as well. Melody looked at their faces. Their features seemed perfectly aligned, yet somehow opposite. Yirah was all light shades with her fair skin and hair. Issy had black hair and her skin was not dark, but slightly less pale. They had identical steely amber eyes.
The small horn that stuck out of their foreheads also reflected their difference in shades, as Yirah's was white and Issy's black. Melody wondered why people loathed the Helacorn, but remembered how volatile the males could be. Her eyes flitted over the women and she noticed the outline of their wings beneath their cloaks. She wondered what they looked like. Yirah smiled, which made her all the more beautiful. Melody realized that both sisters were watching her as she stared.
“You do not often associate with our kind, do you?” Yirah asked kindly.
“Not so close, or openly. Remaining Helacorn seem to hide what they are,” Melody said through her laughter, “Forgive me for staring.” The Helacorn guard shook her head.
“Not at all, my lady, we love to be looked at. Helacorn males are so brutal that people assume that the females are as well. Issy likes to be admired, but not leered,” Yirah leaned toward Melody confidentially, “I like the leering, too.” Melody laughed loudly, gaining the attention of the rest of the group. Haroah walked toward them. Yirah and Issy inclined their heads to him and he returned the gesture. Melody saw Yirah wink at him and Haroah blushed.
“Thank you for being here with us,” Haroah said bashfully to the tall guards. Issy nodded.
“Of course, young one. We must help each other in these times of crisis,” Yirah said respectfully, “I heard you were joining the guard.”
“I pledged myself to the Pramacretine,” Haroah stated simply. The Helacorn women glanced at each other meaningfully. Melody was a little confused. She did not know if they thought this a bad thing.
“Issy says to tell you that we are not to judge, only that we are surprised at such an archaic tradition being practiced by a Half,” Yirah told Melody. She smiled at Haroah. “Not that we have a problem with a half, only that as most Halves are, you were also raised away from your heritage.” Yirah added. Haroah nodded.
“Melody has been my friend for a long time,” Haroah replied reverently. “We all know what her future holds. I will be a brother to her and protect her through to the end, as she will likely be saving all of us.”
“Haroah,” Melody began, hating to hear about her status as a savior. Haroah bowed respectfully to Melody in response. She laughed.
“Our leader does not wish to hear about how she must lead,” Yirah said, laughing.
“Not exactly,” Thane said as he intruded on their conversation, “Melody does not like to have reminders that she will have to do as she is told.” The group laughed.
“Oh, nice,” Melody said, not enjoying the attention, “Sure, because as your savior I should be thoroughly mocked.” Melody stomped off toward the stream to check her horse. She could hear them continue to speak of her so she wandered far enough to be out of earshot. The Pramacretine sat atop a large stone that protruded near the spring. She watched the dragonflies dance around the water in the sunlight and tried to relax. Unfortunately, something stirred from the opposite side of the water. She watched before her, waiting to see what it would be. It did not emerge for a while so she stood and stalked toward the sound.
“Hello?” She called out quietly. No one answered. Melody passed a thicket and felt a tug at her trousers. She cried out but muffled it with her hand to avoid alerting the rest of her group. Peering down Melody gasped. There in the brush lied Jax, his face bloody and his body bruised. He lacked a shirt and shoes. Melody knelt down beside him and tried to wake him. When she could not, she called out for Thane. The Healer came running with the rest of the group close on his heels.
“I found Jax and he is hurt,” Melody breathed. Thane knelt beside Melody and felt for Jax's pulse.
“His pulse is weak,” Thane replied, taking Melody's hand, “I will heal him, but I need your help.” She nodded; her face pale and shocked. Thane held her hand against Jax's forehead. Melody could feel Thane use her Ether to thread Jax's muscles, bones and skin back together. She focused on his technique and mimicked it to help him. Very soon, Jax's eyes blinked open. They were unfocused and bloodshot.
“Jax!” Melody cried. She did not move, for Thane was not finished so she whispered to the Conjurer, “Hold still.” Jax only stared at her. Finally, Thane released her hand and stood up. He walked back toward the group and led them away. Not too far away.
“What are you doing out here? What happened to you?” Melody asked, aghast at his damaged appearance. Jax cringed but did not speak. Melody cringed, afraid and hurt, “Why will you not speak to me, Jaxon?”
“Melody,” Jax croaked. He allowed her name to wash over them until he dropped his head back onto the dirt.
“Jax, please! What happened?” Melody asked, her eyes welling up with tears. He looked at her face and froze. The Conjurer yanked the Pramacretine on top of him and held her there. When he released her, he kissed her cheek.
“My father passed through,” Jax said, his voice husky from abuse. Melody stared at him. She knew she felt uneasy about Ziodin and anyone who could do this to his or her own son was clearly very evil. Melody shook her head, anger replacing worry. The Conjurer placed his hand against her face, as he said, “No. Pl
ease do not try to take on my perils. He passed through. He is gone now.”
“No, he is not,” Melody replied forcefully, “He is at my home.” Jax's face dropped.
“We must go there,” Jax said, very serious. Melody shook her head.
“We certainly shall not,” Melody countered. Jax looked at her with confusion as she continued, “He will hurt you and right now he does not know we know he is evil. He is my father’s guest. Father will monitor him until he acts. Nothing can be done until he does something, so my father is happy to handle it behind closed doors when necessary.”
“Melody, he is a very powerful Conjurer. He will kill your father,” Jax said, “He will kill all of you.”
“No, he will not. He may be a powerful conjurer, but he has a weakness. I saw it. Besides, I am vastly more powerful. I think,” Melody offered. Jax laughed, and then cringed. Melody soothed, “you may be sore for a while. Your muscles must regenerate from the quick healing and abuse.”
“Where are you going?” Jax asked suddenly. Melody laughed.
“I probably should have explained that. We are helping a friend. His family home burned with his mother inside. His sister is missing. We are going to put his mother to rest and try to find his sister,” Melody explained. Jax gaped which invited Melody to ask, “What?”
“N-nothing,” Jax stammered. Melody gave him a withering look so he finished, “It may have been my father.” The Conjurer admitted his father's deed shamefacedly. Melody touched his cheek.
“You are not the same as he is,” Melody said reassuringly. Jax merely stared at the ground. Melody stood and helped her friend off the ground. He hugged her again.
“I missed you,” Jax said softly.
Melody stared up at him, a little surprised at his words. Finally, she answered, “I missed you, too.” The Pramacretine took Jax by the hand and led him back to their group. Thane tossed Jax a new tunic and apologetically handed him some wool socks.
The Retrieval
Haroah rode ahead with the Helacorn Guard; they were searching for a place to spend the night. The company had been following the tracks closely from the ruins of Haroah’s family home. They did not tarry at the burned down house as it had upset Haroah deeply. They found his mother and buried her properly; the Helacorn guards did a small ritual with blood that Haroah seemed to appreciate. They left soon thereafter and kept riding. The group finally dismounted at a juncture, Jax helped Melody untangle her grubby riding cloak from her saddle.
