Echoes of Fae: Book One of the Divine

by Monica Doke

  “Now, since we are on a particular mission, Haroah,” Melody said, indicating her half Helacorn friend. He stepped forward and knelt before the Pramacretine. Melody sighed and waved him up. “I do not mean to be ungrateful, but I would prefer if you all would try to address me as equal. I expect you to respect anyone, so if you treat me with respect we will be fine.

  “Haroah's sister is missing and we have a lead to find him. I have held us back long enough and I do hope we have not lost too much ground.” Melody finished, turning to Jennifer expectantly. Jennifer shook her head in response.

  “They are near. Maybe a few hours. The man is not moving her,” Jennifer stated.

  “Her name is Cybil,” Haroah said. “She is ten and nine years now.”

  “How old are you?” Yirah asked, surprised.

  “I am twenty and two,” Haroah answered.

  “You are very close in age, then,” Melody said. “I did not know that.”

  “Mother and Father were together for only a half a decade before Father was killed by Helacorn males,” Haroah said. “Father was C'ghalie.”

  “A mixed coupling is not uncommon for Helacorn women,” Yirah explained. “A mixed marriage, however, is an affront to our culture.” The Helacorn guard laughed. “Our males are so insecure because their women do not want them so they claim some cultural nonsense for the dilution of the race.” Yirah eyed Haroah appreciatively. The six of them gathered their things and set out once more.

  As they traveled in silence, Jax remained tranquil, his face showing unmovable concern. Jax stared at Melody, every muscle in his body tightened. He did not know why this concerned him. The whole of the world’s pressure was on her petite shoulders. He could sense her fear. He wanted to break into the crowd and scoop her up and away, hiding her from the demanding good and the merciless evil. He wanted to free her, to relinquish her from her fate. Melody caught his eye, her face glowing. He did not smile, but his eyes brightened.

  Cybil awoke hesitantly. Her eyes sparked with the tinge of pain she felt on her back. She could smell Ether. It was pungent, causing her eyes to water, but she also realized the Ether was an incantation of pain relief. She sat up carefully, intermittent pain running along her back. She stood, wobbly, her head swimming with effort and confusion.

  “Where am I?” She called out, her voice sounded small in the large room. She saw a nose poke into the doorway, followed closely by a pair of eyes and crooked lips.

  “I’m s’pose to watch ye…” The peeking creature whispered. “In case ye hurt, or ye need anythin’,” he said, poking the rest of his head in, looking at her. His eyes widened. “Oy, ye’re even prettier awake,” he observed. He was a Gnome and he was quite aged. His eyes were bright but a very dull yellow. His nose was as short as he was in height. He stood to the doorknob. Cybil was young but being half Helacorn, she was rather tall. Everyone knew her father had always told her she took after her mother. Her father was a tall and handsome C'ghalie. Haroah had many Helacorn features, but remained wingless. Realizing she had been thinking silently, Cybil invited the Gnome inside.

  “My back hurts…” Cybil gasped.

  “So it should,” the small man said as he bumbled in with a silver tray that held a variety of provisions. She looked at him questioningly.

  “Ye were almost killed in a fire, lady. My master has saved ye and brought ye here to heal,” the Gnome stated. Cybil felt tears well up in her eyes.

  “And my mother?” She whispered. The Gnome took notice to her expression and the sheen of liquid in her eyes. He put the tray down beside the bed and stood in front of her. His small face was miserable.

  “We dinna’ know if she lives, my lady,” he said, patting her hand consolingly. “But we didna’ find her in your home. Not burned up or anythin’,” he declared. “We also dinna’ know who started the fire, or if it were an accident,” the Gnome finished. Cybil fought her tears as the little man stared at her. “I am sorry, Lady,” his plump face was distraught. She shook her head.

  “I am okay. I mean, I think I am,” Cybil reached behind her and felt for her wings. Her eyes widened. “My wings!” She screamed, fumbling about the room. Cybil's panic overwhelmed the little Gnome, who ran out of the room to fetch his master. The tall, dark man was already on his way after hearing the noise. He stood beside the door, listening to her screaming. The Gnome stood in front of him shaking. Rictor went inside. Cybil was huddled in a heap on the floor, her voice drawn between calling for her mother and screaming uncontrollably. Her voice, underutilized and injured in the smoke, could not take the abuse and gave out.

  It did not take long for Cybil to stop moving. She was very weak. The Helacorn girl lied on the floor with tears spilling from her eyes. Rictor knelt down beside her. He had known Cybil's father long ago and was sorry for the girl. The only reason she was alive was that Feruun, Rictor’s Gnomish assistant who had seen the fire on his way home from Market. He ran home as fast as his tiny legs could carry him to fetch his master. Rictor did not make it in time to save the house, but had saved the remaining occupant. He had been burned quite badly also as he went through the whole house searching for the parents.

  They found Cybil on the second floor. She was in a small room lying beneath a fallen mirror that had caught on fire. The whole house had caved in and she was in a lot of burning wreckage. Rictor was grateful for his horse’s speed. Cybil’s wings were in tatters when he found her, the right one being broken at the shoulder blade. It appeared as though she had protected herself with them and it had been quite effective. When he had gotten her to the inn, which they found in Ferumt, the old cook had assisted him in the amputation of the Helacorn girl’s wings. They were growing infected with filth and third degree burns. Rictor did not want to, but the burns made the wings hazardous dead weight.

  He placed a hand gently on Cybil's arm, his dark eyes bathing her in warmth. Cybil choked slumped over so she was lying in the floor. Her body was long and dark, which Rictor recognized as unusual on a Helacorn. Her hair was dark, as well, but her eyes were light blue with a turbulent purple tinge to them. Rictor knew he was only a decade younger than her father was. He had seen Haroah once or twice before the boy left home when he was small so he could make wages and help support his family. Rictor was around ten years older than Cybil. Rictor remembered Haroah from before he left and how sad his parents were that he was gone. Cybil was eighteen or nineteen at the most and had never met her brother. Cybil was a surprise to her mother, and her neighbors. Helacorn were nearly infertile, often having only one or no children in their lives.

  Rictor had not been very surprised, as the mixed couples were often very fertile, pure Helacorn couples were very rarely successful in procreation. It was custom to blame the infertility of the females, since the males were so virile and strong and the females tall, thin and intelligent. In fact, it was the opposite.

  “What happened to my wings?” Cybil whispered so quietly Rictor had to strain to gather the words.

  “You instinctively protected yourself from the inferno and your falling house by wrapping yourself in them,” Rictor said, rubbing her arm. “I have been meaning to put some cleansing oils on your burns, but I am afraid I could not get past your frightened kicking when I touched you. I guessed you were having dreams. You may be growing ill,” he whispered the last line apologetically.

  “I do not feel feverish,” Cybil said quietly. “I think I am just upset, really.”

  “You are lucky to be alive, Cybil,” Rictor said bluntly. “Your wings saved you. I did not get there in time to get you out of the fire. I just got there in time to save you from suffocating,” as Rictor spoke Cybil calmed herself. Her wings were not necessary to her survival. She knew she would miss the sensation of flight but she thought she would definitely miss her life much more. Rictor’s hand on her wrist was comforting. He had always been very kind and soft spoken. She wondered why he lived alone with a Gnome. Feruun stepped lightly into the room, his little legs quivering
. He looked at Rictor apologetically.

  “There are people knocking,” Feruun said too loudly out of his anxiety. His eyes were wide and frightened.

  “You may let them in,” Rictor said softly. As the Gnome scurried off Rictor helped Cybil up. “They are here, finally. I shall have one of the women help you into some clothes. They brought a Healer, so he can help with the burns,” Rictor said mysteriously. Cybil nodded. Rictor made his way to the entrance hall; he felt drained and wished nothing more than to continue his experiments in peace. As he walked into his entry room, he saw four very beautiful women waiting as they conversed with the excited and captivated Gnome.

  Rictor observed the Infeline first and was completely fascinated. They were so very rare! He stared at her, admiring her slanted gaze that shown an intense yellow-green and her face, which was small and square. Her small feline ears protruded naturally from her wild red hair. Rictor sensed her awareness of being under his stare and he quickly drew his eyes away from her.

  He saw the two women he knew despite their cloaks as Helacorn. They stood far above the rest of the women, their long faces glowing with some sort of Ether, but he did not know the particular origin. He could tell it was a freshly created incantation. Rictor’s eyes shortly fell on a petite, shapely woman with big blue eyes. He could see she was very powerful. She looked very tired, which was only a tiny mar on her beauty. The woman caught his gaze and smiled. He returned the smile readily.

  “Please, come in and have tea,” Rictor offered genially. His dark eyes searched all of them.

  “We would, but we must wait for the rest of our company. They are tending to the horses,” Melody said politely. Rictor smiled.

  “I can have Feruun bring them in,” Rictor said, encouragingly. “You look famished and I happen to have a knack at cooking a very quick meal.” Yirah guffawed, stepping in.

  “I am starved. The boys can follow the Gnome inside,” Yirah declared. Melody and Jennifer followed Yirah sheepishly. They sat in the middle of a very interesting room. The walls were pale green with different creatures painted exquisitely on them. The furniture was dark green and velvet. Everything in it looked strange. There were strange objects, like little circles of glass wired together. Melody had read about these “eye enhancers.” She looked at them admiringly. Rictor noticed her gaze on the item and approached.

  “Are they not lovely?” Rictor asked. Melody smiled.

  “They are,” she replied carefully, attempting to hide her interest. Rictor smirked in recognition of the futility of her efforts.

  “They were given to me by my father, whom invented them,” he said as he touched the frame tenderly. “This was the first model.”

  “They are magnificent. My father’s first wife wrote about contraptions like these. She did a lot of writing. So, you are Aloran Rictor’s son?”

  “I am,” Rictor replied.

  “Do you do a lot of inventing?” Melody asked, looking around the room while the men of their group entered.

  “I dabble. I could not be compared to my father,” Rictor said plainly. Melody smiled at him. He admired her face. It flushed when she smiled. He had not met many people who could smile with their whole being as this woman did. He struggled to identify her race. This intrigued him.

  “I am not much on inventions. I rather like exploring,” Melody replied.

  “You do look like one who would enjoy seeing the world,” Rictor commented, grinning a little too wide. Melody laughed.

  “I fancy it, but I am one who had not previous to this day seen even this far,” Melody told him. Rictor cocked his head slightly.

  “Why ever would you not explore further than this?” Rictor asked, perplexed. Melody blushed, worrying that she had been too open with this stranger.

  “My position does not allow it,” Melody supplied. She hesitated to explain further.

  “May I ask what it is that you do?” Rictor asked. His eyes were wide and illuminated.

  “You may, but I may not answer,” Melody said with a smirk. She shrugged her shoulders apologetically. Rictor laughed.

  “Well, then I must formulate my own theories of you to entertain my curiosities,” Rictor said as he bowed his head.

  “Be careful with your imagination,” Melody protested, placing a hand on his shoulder. “We could not have you guessing correctly.”

  Rictor smiled and led her to the rest of the group with his forearm. Melody sat beside him. He made her laugh quite frequently. The Helacorn women stared at him admiringly. Jennifer followed Thane to look in on Haroah’s sister. Haroah demanded his right to join them. Melody smiled at their departure.

  “Is she able to receive so many at once in her condition?” Melody asked. Rictor’s eyes twinkled at her.

  “I believe so. Haroah has only communicated with his sister by letter through her entire life, but he is still her brother. I believe his presence will assuage her,” Rictor said, placing his hand carefully at her lower back. Melody did not recognize the forward gesture. His flirtation did was obvious. Jax felt his stomach cringe and his fists tighten. He attempted to swallow the angry lump that settled mercilessly in his throat. The Conjurer stood and walked stiffly out of the room and then out of the very house.

  Melody noted the Conjurer's exodus but did not understand it. She looked at Jennifer uncertainly. The Infeline smiled.

  “If you would excuse me,” Jennifer said to the party. She followed the path Jax had made out of the house. Melody warily continued to converse with Rictor and Issy. After a short while, Yirah emerged from the bedroom. Her face was wet with tears. She sat beside Issy who looked sadly at her sister.

  “Thane set her shoulder and bandaged her wings. He thinks he can repair them with what he called 'treatments.' I do not know how one could repair damage as severe as hers,” Yirah said. Fresh tears trailed down her cheeks. She exchanged silent words with her sister and turned back to Melody and Rictor.

  “Since he needs help with his treatments and we have a few days journey to reach home, we must depart immediately,” Yirah said. “My sister and I are very much ready to see if Thane can repair Cybil's wings. If he can, he will be a hero to my people.” Issy nodded emphatically.

  “We can spare the time to stay and honor this hero,” Thane said as he entered the room. “Cybil needs to sleep a while longer.” Rictor stood and inclined his head at Thane.

  “Thank you for helping Cybil,” Rictor said, extending his hand to the Healer. “I knew her father and mother long ago and would be shamed if I had not attempted to help her.” Haroah entered the room and immediately embraced their host.

  “I am indebted to you,” Haroah said to Rictor. “You saved her life.”

  “Please,” Rictor said, indicating they all find a seat. “I will have dinner prepared.”

  “We must not tarry,” Melody said quietly to Thane. “Jax ran out and I do not know what was wrong with him.” Thane looked over at Rictor who was staring openly at the Pramacretine. The Healer sighed.

  “Melly, maybe you should take Yirah or Issy and go check on him,” Thane suggested.

  “Jennifer went,” Melody said. Thane shook his head significantly. After a pause fraught with confusion, Melody nodded. Issy approached and offered Melody her arm to escort her outside.

  “Please excuse me,” Melody said to Rictor. “I need only check on my friends for a moment.” Rictor inclined his head. He did not attempt to hide his disappointment in her departure. Thane eyed the man suspiciously.

  “Jax!” Melody could hear Jennifer calling. The evening was warm, but the breeze was cool and smelled of summer greens. “Jaxon, get back here!”

  “Is he gone?” Melody asked, her eyes watering. “I do not know what I did,” she confessed. Issy patted her consolingly. Jennifer walked up to them shaking her head.

  “He ran west. I do not know if he will return here,” Jennifer told Melody. The Infeline smiled at them. “Melody, the Conjurer is in love with you,” Jennifer said. Issy nodded and
smiled down at Melody. Melody gaped at them.

  “No he is not, I have only known him a few days!” Melody cried. “Besides, I do not even know if I can trust him. He is hiding something from me.”

  “Yes,” Jennifer said. “This is probably so, but he does it because he is in love with you and does not want to lose you.”

  “No,” Melody said. She knew he liked her; but love?

  “Melody, there is nothing wrong with this,” Jennifer said. Issy nudged Melody happily. “However, Rictor was quite enamored with you and Jax noticed. He saw you as you did not fend the man off. I could tell you had no idea, but Jax did not.”

  “Oh,” Melody said. She was so confused. She liked the idea of Jax loving her, but was terrified of it, since she did not know his secrets or if he would harm her.

  “Let us go inside,” Jennifer said. “Jax will return and if he does not, then I am wrong about what I tell you.” Issy chuckled. The three women made their way back inside.

  Jax was crouched behind a shrubbery within earshot of the cabin. He had heard every word Jennifer and Melody shared. Melody was right. She could not trust him. Sorrow filled the Conjurer. He fell back onto his bottom and sat for a long while in thought.

  Inside the cabin, Thane carried conversation with Rictor as Melody no longer felt like speaking. Rictor noticed her silence and was sorry he had been so forward. He did not interact with anyone often so he was rusty with the nuances. He should have known the Conjurer had made some claim on Melody. He could tell she had not known this either when she came back inside.

  “I am afraid we must be going,” Jennifer said. “We have accomplished all of our goals for this trek and we mean to make our way back to the palace to deliver some news.” They watched as Rictor's eyes widened. Thane cringed.