by D. E. Morris
“Tell us more about Bás,” Badru prompted, quick to change the subject and get them all back on course.
Cavalon looked at his friend, mouth curved downward in a deep frown. “It's a good thing you weren't with us.”
“Why?” asked Lilia. “What happened?”
“It looks as if everyone was killed right where they stood,” said Nuala. “As though whatever came upon them came so quickly that no one had time to do anything but cower where they stood. There were still bodies in beds, on the streets, in houses and rooms. Cavalon believes whatever killed them came from the sea.”
“Each time they attacked our people they came from the ocean,” Ashlynn supplied. “First when they attacked Elas and all the other water dragons, then when they attacked Luella on the beach. Do you think they are water creatures?”
“No,” Cavalon said around a mouthful of bread. He swallowed before continuing. “I was on the beach that night. They definitely didn't come from the sea, just out of the darkness in general. They can probably be summoned or commanded to be anywhere at any time.” He shook his head, obviously ill at ease with more than all of the death. “I didn't know what to think when you told us about what you saw in that tower, Badru. I admit to wondering if you'd temporarily lost your mind. But I understand now.”
There was sorrowful recognition on Badru's face and he nodded, hands clenched together and pressed against his lips. He was silent for a moment before lifting his chin and resting it on his interwoven fingers. “The soft skeletons.”
“Everyone in that village...they all look like piles of bones.”
“But as soon as you touch them,” Badru finished, “they turn to ash in your fingers.”
“It is no coincidence what you found up there,” Cavalon stated boldly, “nor that Bás was attacked just days after Rowan was there. Whatever killed Nealie seeks to kill her child and end the Water Elemental line.” He turned his gaze upon Ashlynn, an uncharacteristic worry in his eyes. “You need to leave Altaine. Tonight if possible.”
“Why? If the village was destroyed it was because whoever was after her thought she was within Bás. They would assume she was dead. There would be no need to turn to Siness.”
“Except for the fact that you are her High Queen,” said Jessiah. “Forgive my boldness, but there has never been another Elemental, another Gael even, who has so proudly stated who and what they are. Out of all of your kin you are likely now the one with the biggest target on her back.”
“Exactly,” Cavalon agreed.
Ashlynn shook her head, her brows drawn together. “I will not run from the whisper of a threat. This is my kingdom and I am on the throne not only to rule but also protect and lead. I will not simply abandon my people because danger may be approaching. Why do you think I sent my family away? I know what danger I am in simply because I exist. Jaryn knows as well or he would have fought me more to stay. With Donnchadh's thinly veiled threats against my crown I refuse to run and hide like a frightened child. This could be the very moment he is waiting for to strike.”
Cavalon glared at her. “So you would stay here and watch all of your people turned to bones that blow away in a gust of wind because pride won't let you leave? How selfish can you be?”
“It is not selfishness or pride that keep me here! My people turn to me for guidance. I have no steward to care for this kingdom in my stead. There is no doubt in my mind that if I leave Altaine will be attacked.”
Cavalon opened his mouth to retort, but Nuala laid a calming hand on his arm. “It is a choice a ruler must make, Cavalon. Neither staying nor leaving provides a positive outcome. Ashlynn is strongest here. She has always been. That she is not running is a bold move and one that will give her enemies pause.” The soft-spoken woman turned to Ashlynn. “I cannot stay and for that I am sorry, but I will leave some of my feathers with you for a salve, should you need it. Just remember it is not a cure, only a temporary solution.”
“There is nothing to apologize for,” said Ashlynn kindly. “You have your own people to think of.”
“I do.” There was regret in her eyes as she looked at her husband. “And it is for that reason I think you should stay here for now.”
“I'd already planned on it. Especially if Ashlynn so stubbornly insists upon staying here.” For a moment Cavalon's harsh expression softened and he covered Nuala's hand with his. “I'm second in line when it comes to people knowing what I am and I wouldn't want to put you, Lucien, or your people in danger, especially when they have been so kind to me.”
Leaning over, Nuala kissed his lips. “Please be safe.”
“You know I will.”
As Nuala righted herself, her lips pursed. “There is even more to tell of Bás.” She recounted the story of the mysterious woman they'd found and how, seemingly right under their noses, she'd disappeared. That became the least interesting topic, however, when Cavalon revealed what he had found hidden under Rowan's cot. Even Nuala was surprised; there had been no time to tell her of his discovery before then.
Ashlynn took the parchment with eager hands and unfolded it, green eyes scanning each and every rune. When she took too long to hand it over for his liking, Badru left his seat to examine it over her shoulder. He ran weathered fingers over the torn edge of the page and looked at Cavalon. “Just like the other two.”
“I'd be interested to see if the tears match,” said the Badarian.
“We will have to see for ourselves.” Ashlynn bit her lip, thoughtful. “I recognize many of these from the other pages, but there are very few I can actually identify.”
“This must be the book Nealie thought of,” Badru said, taking the parchment from Ashlynn. “What else could it be?”
“Fairly thin book,” Lilia said under her breath, “if there are only three pages.”
“That's what I'm worried about,” replied Cavalon. “We have no idea how big or small this completed book may be.”
“Or any idea where the rest of the pages are,” Ashlynn added.
“Or how to translate it,” Badru finished.
Ashlynn peeked at him over her shoulder. “I may have a solution to that.” All eyes fell upon her. “There is a lesser kingdom south of here, Faerston, where an old scholar lives. Nuala, your own châtelain sent me a message along with the new page – thank you for that, by the way - informing me of a man in Faerston who studies dead languages in much more depth and breadth than your own scholars. Now that we have three pages I think it might be prudent to pay him a visit.”
Cavalon's brow rose. “What, now?”
“Why not now? It will be a three day trip at most, two if I only stay one night.”
He shook his head. “What about that whole argument of not having a steward and not running?”
“A quick visit to another kingdom is not running. I don't have a long-term steward, but there are several people within the castle I would trust with not running the kingdom to the ground for two days. Besides, you and Badru will be here.”
The two men looked at one another and Cavalon said, “We will?”
“Well you didn't think I was taking you with me, did you? I will take some of my newer ladies and be back before you know it. I don't need an entourage. Besides, if Altaine is attacked while I am gone, I know all will be well if both of you are here. Not that I think it will be, but as you and I have pointed out from different directions, there is a target on both my back as well as on Siness. If word spreads that I have left the castle, it might be seen as a moment of advantage for any foe we may have.”
“And who will keep you safe, Your Majesty?” asked Jessiah.
She smiled at him, thankful for his concern. “My men are well trained and I trust them completely, not to mention I am quick with a sword myself. But I doubt it will come to that. I will have a letter sent to Jaryn to tell him of my journey as well, though he will likely receive it the day I return home.” She looked around the table. “Stop looking at me as though I have gone mad. All will be well. Com
e, let us finish our meal together before we must part ways once more.”
In the light of the morning, once a messenger had been dispatched to Oceana and Nuala had bid them all farewell, Jessiah, Cavalon, and Badru stood atop a high balcony that overlooked the road through the gatehouse where the royal carriage sat. Four sets of well armed men on horses stood before and aft, all prepared for their journey. The men far above watched as three young women climbed into the carriage, followed by Ashlynn who paused to turn her face upward and give a wave to those watching. All of them waved back but said nothing as the carriage pulled away.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The sky was raging when the portcullis raised and several guards led the carriage up to the castle. The late summer storm brought strong winds, fast and close lightning, and rain slicing through the air like needles. Hearing the heralds announce the carriage's arrival, Badru and Cavalon hurried down to meet Ashlynn, waiting under an overhang to keep themselves as dry as possible with the ever-changing direction of the winds. The night lit up in a brilliant flash of color with a clap of thunder almost directly following, so loud and so close that the ground shook and several grown men cowered.
As swiftly as he could, the footman threw back the carriage doors and stepped back, eyes squinted against the rain. A squire jumped out first and opened an umbrella that was quickly rendered ineffectual as it was bent backwards. “Forget it!” yelled Jaryn as he exited, a bundle wrapped in a blanket held close to his chest. He hurried toward the castle and was dripping by the time he covered the short distance to where Cavalon and Badru stood, Lochlainn screaming in anger at being soaked.
Cavalon sent one of the servants to find a nanny before they all retreated inside. Badru took the baby and unwound him, whispering to Lochlainn and talking gently to him as servants came forth with blankets to help Jaryn dry off. He shooed their ministrations away, taking a blanket for himself and rubbing it over his head, his long brown hair sticking up and out at every odd angle.
“Who ordered this storm?”
Cavalon and Badru looked first at one another, then at Jaryn. Neither of them was good at hiding their surprise at seeing him and Jaryn chuckled.
“Pick your chins up off the floor. I know my return is unexpected but all the same.”
Lilia and Zarra came rushing in and Lilia exclaimed, “Has she returned?” Upon seeing Jaryn they both paused, faces falling in disappointment.
“Has who returned?” Jaryn asked. He ran a hand over his tousled hair before tossing the blanket aside and removing his soaking jerkin, unashamed to be standing in the grand foyer in just breeches and an undershirt with two ladies present. “Who has gone?”
“Ashlynn,” said Lilia as she walk farther into the open room. “Did you not receive her message? She sent it three days ago.”
Jaryn shook his head. “I received no message. Where has she gone?”
“Faerston,” Zarra told him, her eyes wide and full of worry. “She left three days ago and it should have only taken her two!”
“She said she may stay two nights,” Cavalon reminded. “Let's not get all excited over nothing. Where's Rowan?”
Not even Jaryn seemed overly concerned. “I left her at Oceana. Has something happened in Faerston?”
“Get yourself a change of clothes,” said Cavalon, “then we'll fill you in.”
By the time the baby was taken care of and Jaryn was dry and warm again it was already closing in on midnight. Cavalon told him of all that had happened in Bás before Badru filled him in on the rest. When they had finished Jaryn was frowning, his gaze faraway as he thought aloud.
“So she's given Jessiah station, has she? Next thing you know he'll be inducted into the Order of the Thistle, or be the first member of it once Ashlynn reinstates it.”
“I do not think it will go that far,” Badru said confidently. “But he is engaged to Lilia and if things progress as they have been, the two will be wed soon.”
“I am concerned she is still away,” Jaryn confessed, “and that I never received her message. I should have the day I set sail for home.”
“Your Majesty.”
“Ah, Jessiah.” Jaryn stood and extended a hand, clasping forearms with the younger man. “I hear you will be joining us at Sinessian court.”
“The Queen has been very generous.”
“That's my wife.” Jaryn glanced meaningfully at the other two men and they only smirked. “Congratulations on your engagement as well. Lilia is a fine girl.”
“I am most lucky.”
“Indeed,” echoed Jaryn. He sat back down and took a breath in. “As social as Ashlynn can be at times, she knows the danger we are all in. I can't see her staying down there any longer than she must unless this man she has gone to see has caught her attention somehow. I know her and if he can translate these runes at any speed she will hover over him until he has finished, even if it takes weeks.”
“I want to at least go and fly the length of her journey,” said Cavalon.
“If it will put your anxieties to rest.” Jaryn glanced at the window as another flash of lightning illuminated the darkness outside. “But wait for morning. You'll risk death out in this storm.”
Cavalon shrugged. “I'll be shifted so that will be a hard trick to pull off.”
“All the more reason to wait,” Jessiah argued. “You told me yourself you see horribly in the dark. Wait for morning and I'll go with you. Two people looking is better than one.”
“I will stay here,” Badru offered. “Just in case.”
Cavalon frowned and glanced up at Jessiah, clearly unhappy with the thought of flying him around again, but he relented with a quiet sigh. “All right. Be ready at sunup.”
By morning the storm had passed and a clear sky greeted them with the new day. Jessiah and Cavalon set off south before anyone else was awake, hopeful that their sojourn would be a quick one. Together they agreed that Jessiah would take a hasty trip into the small keep at Faerston itself to make sure Ashlynn was still there and safe, provided they did not see her already on her way home.
They flew for several hours before Cavalon spotted something in the distance. He lowered his head to make himself more streamlined and gave a mighty pump of his wings. Jessiah had to tighten his grip so as not to fall off as they shot through the sky like an arrow. Soon enough he could see it too: the royal carriage on its side with no guards or horses in sight. Shields, swords, and armor were cast about, enough for eight men, and muddy piles of ash were strewn across the landscape. Jessiah jumped to the ground when Cavalon was close enough and ran toward the carriage calling for Ashlynn. Cavalon shifted quicker than he could remember ever doing so before and was fast on the heels of the younger man.
Reaching the wreckage, Jessiah climbed up the side of the carriage and yanked open the door to find the bones of the women still in tact, untouched by the rain from the protection of the thick curtains. Cavalon was there in an instant and yanked the other door open casting light upon the very one they had been searching for. She was huddled in the corner close to the ground, curled into herself. Her rich gown was torn to shreds, her blonde hair in knots and clumped with dried blood. She shied away from the light and hid her face, shaking and crying out as though she knew she was about to be attacked again.
“It's all right, Your Majesty! It's Jessiah and Cavalon!” He looked at the Badarian and asked, “How are we going to get her out?”
“I don't know. I don't want to lift her. She might be injured and we'd just do more damage.” It was rare to see Cavalon so shaken, but seeing Ashlynn as she was, so brutalized and afraid, he felt himself at a loss. He thought quickly, trying to decide the best course of action. “All right, here's what we're going to do. Since you're smaller than me I want you to jump in there. Unlock the door she isn't laying on and get yourself on top of it. Try to get her as close to you as possible. I'll lift the carriage up slowly so that the door will come open and you can step through it with her.”
Jessiah
frowned. “She's not going to let me touch her. Look at her.”
“Don't give her a choice.” Cavalon gave Ashlynn one last look, the sound of her pained whimperings hurting his heart. “Get in there. Let's go.”
Careful so as not to land on Ashlynn, Jessiah swung his feet down into the carriage before landing inside next to her. It was impossible not to touch the bones of her ladies that had turned to ash, and he cringed as they became dust and fell away. “It's all right,” he said in a soothing tone. “You're safe now.” He crouched and undid the lock on the door, hearing it unlatch as the thud from Cavalon jumping to the ground came. “Forgive me, Your Majesty.” Jessiah crouched on the unlocked door and bent forward, wrapping his arms around Ashlynn's waist to pull her to him. As predicted, she struggled and fought against him, but Jessiah held her fast. “Go!” he yelled, trying to ignore the tearing of the flesh on his arms where her nails tore at him.
Outside, Cavalon dug his heels in and lifted, using every ounce of his strength to go slowly and to not simply up-end the entire thing. The door popped open and he could see Jessiah's foot come out to land on the ground, as well as a tumbling of fabric from the empty dresses left behind by the girls Ashlynn had with her. “Wait!” Jessiah cried. “We can't fit through one door!” Cavalon strained under the weight and felt his feet slip in the rain soaked earth.
“Hurry!”
There was a banging inside as Jessiah kicked at the other door, adding to Cavalon's weight. He was beginning to lose feeling in his fingers and tingles were going up his arms. Then there was a crash and another foot came out, then “Go! Go! Go!”
It was all the encouragement he needed. Cavalon summoned every ounce of adrenaline he could to continue lifting the carriage slowly so as not to injure the other two. Only when he saw Jessiah rush past him, Ashlynn in his arms, did he give in to the urge to lift with all his might and heave it upward to give himself enough clearance, then jump back to avoid it falling on him. As the mud and ash settled, he turned to find Jessiah and Ashlynn together on the ground and rushed to where they were entangled.
