by Tara Brown
“How could this have been omitted? How could the record keepers have betrayed the truth?” Brother Estevan muttered, running a hand over his gray hair. The worry and confusion on his face made Lenny realize this was the first time she had seen him so emotional. Even when the king died, he hadn’t been this distraught. “Why keep a record at all if it’s merely lies?” His shoulders slumped as he heaved a heavy sigh.
“Legends and tales are told by the victors. As far as the world of man is concerned, Ilenia and a magical sword of mist saved Dahleigh and ended Ryze,” Lord Ivor finally spoke. The venom and animosity he held for the witches was gone. “What a disappointing legacy we are.”
“As you all say, what’s done is done.” Blackwater Maggie glanced into the castle entrance. “And now the beginning of the equinox festival is commencing. Two weeks of song and dance to bring in the new season. I urge you, come and join us in celebration. Forget your worries for one night, for if Ryze is returning, the road ahead of us all will be long and arduous.” She smiled softly, the bitterness fading from her face.
Lord Ivor slipped his fingers into Lenny’s and squeezed gently. She gripped his hand too.
“I suppose you have elders in the community who might be interested in filling my foolish old head with stories?” Brother Estevan asked, still weary with disappointment and confusion. “Apparently, our archives are missing key information.”
“I know just the corner to tuck you into for the evening,” Blackwater Maggie said with a laugh. She offered him her arm and they walked through the open doors of the ruins that had once been a seat of power. In the shadows, Blackwater Maggie shifted, becoming an old crone with gray hair and a wrinkled face. Her back stooped just a little and her fingers curled. Lord Ivor and Brother Estevan didn’t seem to notice.
“What an earful,” Lord Ivor whispered to Lenny as they walked through a wide hallway, crunching on the autumn leaves.
“The old stories of Dahleigh seem to contain little to no truth. I’m eager to hear what the elves have to say, if I can find them.” The promise Joro made to help gave Lenny a bit of hope she might.
Lord Ivor stopped walking and spun Lenny to face him. He lifted a hand to her chin, tilting her face upward. “No matter what happens, no matter the truth we find or the lies we believe, you and I are one.”
“I know.” Lenny smiled at the distressed stare he gave her.
“What happened a thousand years ago is nothing now. Nothing compared to how I feel about you and the worry I have over losing you to this.”
Avoiding his intense stare, she wrapped herself around him, resting her head on his chest and closing her eyes, inhaling him.
“Promise me you will come back to me, Lenny. As you are.” He kissed the top of her head, taking his turn at breathing her in.
She nodded against him but said nothing. It was not a promise she could guarantee keeping, and she didn’t want to spend their last night together lying to him. “Let’s go and enjoy the festivities. I’ve never been to a magical celebration.”
“No one has,” he grumbled and took her hand again, walking alongside her as they hurried to catch up to Blackwater Maggie and Brother Estevan.
The castle walls stood high, almost impossibly so, drawing Lenny’s eyes up into what felt like the sky. As they walked, the damage and age seemed to fade and the air began to sparkle with life. They turned a corner, coming upon a sconce with a blue flame. It created a glow in the hallway allowing Lenny to see the castle was pristine this far in. The flowers and vines were painted on, no longer glowing or growing into the brick.
The floors became marble, glistening in the strange blue torchlight.
“What is happening here?” Lord Ivor whispered.
“Glamour,” Lenny muttered back, unsure how the answer found its way from her mouth. “Either they used magic to make it appear run-down on the outside so anyone who might come in would overlook the old place, or they are making the inside nicer than it is.”
“And you know this answer because of the magic you took from the stone?”
“I suppose so,” she answered weakly.
“At least you aren’t dull, Lenny Ailling.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head.
The music became louder and as they rounded the next corner, having lost Brother Estevan and Blackwater Maggie, they understood why. The ballroom was magical with the glow of the lighting and the ceiling boasting the starry skies, though that seemed impossible. Shooting stars and twinkling lights were only the beginning. The walls were a dense forest with vines and flowers winding around the pillars. The room filled with people glowed with incandescence and splendor.
Brother Estevan was led to a corner where some older men and women sat at a large round table resembling a stump. He bowed and many hands lifted from laps, welcoming him.
Blackwater Maggie placed a soft kiss on his cheeks.
“Welcome!” a man shouted and handed Lenny and Lord Ivor both a mug.
He sniffed it but she drank, certain it would calm her nerves. The taste was strange, blackberries and spices but there was a fizz to it she had never had before. The drink sparkled like it was made of starlight and magic.
Lord Ivor sipped, scowling as the taste and texture hit his mouth. Lenny giggled at the sight as he forced his swallow. He was still frowning when he nodded and took a second drink.
A woman across from where they stood watching him, her eyes dazzling green and mischievous.
“You have an admirer,” Lenny muttered, certain Lord Ivor had more than his fair share.
“Yes, I did see that.” He glanced at Lenny. “Shall we?” He offered his arm.
She took it and let him walk them into the ball.
It was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
The magic moved about the room. Men with swords they juggled as if they were sticks. A woman dancing with the flames she was creating. Lenny lifted a hand, feeling the heat from the flames. She was beginning to love magic.
The middle of the room was filled with food on a circular table. Everyone milled around it. Henry and Ollie slipped off to the side of it to raid, Ollie pulling down enough food for them both to enjoy, to the amusement of the nearby onlookers. But Scar stayed with Lenny, unsure of this party.
“Those are the last of the ancients,” Blackwater Maggie said as she rejoined them, pointing in the corner where she’d left Brother Estevan. “They are the few who survived the battle against Ryze.”
Lenny watched the old men and women speaking, their bodies frail and wrinkled. “They must be—”
“Truly old.” Blackwater Maggie laughed.
“And magical people live in Dahleigh, hiding their true selves all the time?”
“Indeed, Lord Ivor, they do.” Blackwater Maggie’s lips lifted into a grin. “It was easier before Lenny woke the magic. The veil prevented most magic from being done.”
Lenny cringed.
“You want us to forget our troubles for the night, then I have to ask you, do you lot have marriage ceremonies?” Lord Ivor asked randomly, drawing Lenny’s gaze from the floor.
“Of course.”
He turned to Lenny, his eyes wide with excitement. “Marry me. Right now. Right here. I want to forget everything but you and me. And that is the only desire I have in this world.”
Lenny froze, she couldn’t answer, it was too crazy. Scar nudged her. “All right,” she agreed but her heart was thumping and her vision doubled at the thought.
“We would be delighted to marry you. Let me get the highest of our priestesses!” Blackwater Maggie hurried off, also seeming excited.
“You sure?” Lenny asked. “Here?”
He stepped closer, staring down at her with that smirk. “I can think of no better place or time than now.” He pulled her in and lowered his face, pressing his lips against hers softly, whispering into the embrace, “I love you.”
Lenny’s heart jumped again but deep down she knew this was every
thing she wanted. The problem of Wilf, Amaya, Hilde, her parents, Wen, Gran, and her uncle not being there plagued her.
Henry, Ollie, and Scar nuzzled into the embrace, forcing them to stop kissing and pet the dogs. Lenny was grateful she had at least them, a small portion of her family with her.
The music stopped and the room’s noise became a dull roar as a man stood up at the front near where the ballroom opened into a large veranda overlooking a lake. The moon was there, shining its light down on the pale stone, brightening the spot where the man was.
“We have an announcement!” he shouted. A few more people stopped talking and turned in his direction. “We will have a wedding tonight!”
The crowd erupted in cheers, making Lenny jump. Lord Ivor laughed and wrapped himself around her. He played to the large crowd, moving Lenny through it, smiling and nodding at the strangers as they passed them.
“These young people want to be married in the old ways in front of the old gods,” the man said, beaming with what appeared to be pride. “Come on over here!”
Lenny and Ivor and the hounds made their way through the people to the old man. He held out a hand to the right, to a woman Lenny recognized right away.
“You are lucky, Goddess Diana graces us with her presence tonight. She will marry you.” He clapped and again the entire room of people cheered and applauded with him.
“Goddess?” Lord Ivor gasped.
The goddess glowed from within, her eyes shone like jewels and her lips glistened. Her skin was dewy and shimmering. Her long, dark hair flowed in a way that reminded Lenny of Joro.
“You are Ilenia Ailling?” Diana spoke softly with her melodic tone. “I have been wanting to meet you.” Her sweet demeanor was laced with a little bite, a sharpness that hid in her words. She inspected Lenny as she approached, her gaze piercing then flickering to Lord Ivor. “And you wish to marry such a cursed young woman?” Her words bit harder.
“I do,” Lord Ivor stood straighter, towering over both women.
“Interesting,” Diana muttered, taking a moment to inspect him. “You are brave and strong. Perhaps you will survive her after all.” She turned and faced the crowd. “Gather your grace and your love, bless this couple as we begin.”
Diana stood at the center of the veranda, the moonlight flooding down on her, enhanced no doubt by the magic in the air. She held her hands out. Lord Ivor escorted Lenny to the spot and faced her. Lenny was scared until her eyes locked on his. Every bit of worry and fear washed away. He smiled softly. Lenny’s worries eased and her heart filled with the blessings being sent to them by the crowd of strangers.
Love and caring and hope burst inside her, enhancing the connection she had with Lord Ivor.
He took her hands in his, and inside it was as if every star in the sky bloomed in her heart. She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his heart and intent of his dreams he had linked to hers. She saw the way he saw her, even from the very beginning. The moment he noticed her at the engagement party. She hoped he saw the way she felt safe and loved and accepted.
Diana’s words flowed beautifully, speaking an ancient language Lenny didn’t know. But when she opened her eyes and met Lord Ivor’s stare again, she knew their hearts spoke the same language the goddess did. They connected in intention and passion and Lenny knew as Diana stopped that this kiss would seal them as soul mates forever.
Lord Ivor stepped to her, lifting his hands and gently cupping her face as if it were the most precious item in the world. He lowered and lightly pressed his lips against hers. She kissed back and the crowd cheered. A loud boom startled them. They all looked and gasped at the same moment as the sky burst with blossoms of light. Fireworks of every color and shape filled the sky.
“I present to you, Lord and Lady Ivor!” Diana shouted over the fireworks.
Lenny glanced down at her hand, noting coolness as a design burst from her skin as if trapped within all this time. It was a ring of purple ink drawn on her wedding finger. But it looked more like a wreath of flowers. It was the wreath Amaya always made and placed on her head. She looked at Lord Ivor’s finger to see a matching one on his hand.
Lord Ivor kissed Lenny again.
And in this kiss, she felt it all. She saw it all.
Their life together, though blessed by every voice behind them, surrounding them, was cursed. They’d connected their fates and in tying his to hers, he was endangering his life.
Goddess Diana’s words slipped into Lenny’s mind as if she had been reading her thoughts all along, “Perhaps he is strong enough, Lenny. Perhaps he can survive even you.”
Lenny squeezed her eyes shut and kissed him harder, knowing that this kiss, this night, this love, might be all she would ever get from him and with him. Because endangering her husband was the last thing she would do.
Epilogue
Lenny and the hounds walked toward the forest on the other side of the valley from Crawford Abbey, following Blackwater Maggie.
At the forest’s edge, she turned, seeing him standing in the mist, watching her go. Her husband, Henry, and Brother Estevan.
She waved once more, fighting the pain in her chest.
Lord Ivor didn’t wave. His face was stoic as always. His last words floated through Lenny’s mind, asking her to take care of his heart.
“Hurry now!” Blackwater Maggie called after her.
Lenny took one last look before turning back and disappearing into the forest.
She’d charged Lord Ivor and Brother Estevan with returning to the castle and Hilde. Lenny couldn’t bear to lose one more sibling.
“It’s just over here,” Blackwater Maggie shouted back at her.
Lenny and the hounds hurried forward, equipped with nothing but her swords and their teeth. She’d left her few possessions with Brother Estevan. She would travel light, bringing with her only Lord Ivor’s heart, as she had left hers with him.
“The time will change when you enter the gate,” Blackwater Maggie said from where she had stopped next to a long box on the ground.
As Lenny got closer, she cringed. It wasn’t what she had expected when Blackwater Maggie suggested she travel by magic to Crail. The box, which was the gateway, was dark and creepy, shaped like a coffin in the middle of the forest, but covered in the white flowers as if to disguise the eeriness of it. “You lie inside, think of the place you wish to go, and you will arrive. The days will be different. It takes a fortnight to get to Crail from here. Within the box it might only take three days. But it might also be only a moment. It varies.”
“What if it’s a year?” Lenny asked, worried about the coffin.
“It won’t be a year, focus on the destination. It’s quite simple.” She lifted the lid of the creaky old coffin, making Lenny shudder at the sight of the shadowy interior. The small white flowers crept along, lighting it up and revealing nothing more than what appeared to be a meadow.
“What about the hounds?” Lenny didn’t move closer, she was changing her mind.
“They will fit. This is one of the first things novice witches learn,” she said with a heavy sigh, growing impatient with Lenny’s silliness.
“Fine,” Lenny grumbled and walked to the coffin. Scar and Ollie sniffed, neither seeming convinced of this plan.
Taking a deep breath and holding it, as she would going into water she didn’t know, Lenny stepped in. The buzz of the magical object hummed through her. She sat on the soft flowers and vines, patting the earth next to her so the hounds might climb in.
Neither seemed convinced of this.
“Come on!” she snapped at them. Ollie climbed in first, lying down next to Lenny as the coffin seemed to widen, allowing for him to fit.
“I told you,” Blackwater Maggie said.
“Scar!” Lenny slapped the ground again. Scar whimpered and jumped in, nervously turning in a circle many times before she finally lay next to Lenny, still complaining as she did it.
“Lie back,” Blackwater Maggie spoke quickl
y.
Uncertain and uncomfortable, Lenny did as she demanded. As she lay back Blackwater Maggie leaned over her, smiling with a glint in her eyes. “Remember, think of Crail. Nothing else. You’ll end up where you want to go.” She closed the lid before Lenny could say anything or ask questions.
The darkness overwhelmed her, and she had the strangest sensation she was falling. Lights began to appear, stars. Lenny was amongst them.
She blinked but the stars were behind her eyelids as well.
“Crai—”
“Lenny?” a voice interrupted her. “Lenny, I need you.” It was Lord Ivor. Or was it? She couldn’t be sure.
The darkness became light and the void became mist.
She blinked again and she was in the hallway, the one with the billowing curtains and the tall windows.
The woman was speaking softly. She was chanting something Lenny couldn’t understand.
The man, the shadow, Ryze, was at the far end of the hallway.
“Lenny, I need you to join me,” he whispered.
Lenny’s body felt paralyzed and her mouth dried as she left it open, huffing her breath. She had to get away, but she couldn’t remember where she was going. She turned to the window and this time she saw the castle and Waterly City across the water.
The curtains billowed again, blocking her view.
“Lenny, I want us to be together. I want you and me to rule Dahleigh, together,” his words were made of darkness, smoke that smelled of something seductive, incense. He walked closer, his face becoming clearer. “Come to me, Lenny. Come find me. I’m waiting for you. I’ve always been waiting for you.” His eyes locked on hers and she remembered kissing him. Her lips and his pressed together. She could taste him.
