Princess of the Emerald Valleys

by Cassandra Finnerty

  As he wrapped his arms around her, she felt a rush of warmth, and all of her anxiety disappeared.

  The prince stood in the library, near the fire, thinking about Aisling. I miss her, more than anything, he thought. The past few days had been a torment. His thoughts were interrupted as Galen appeared in the doorway.

  “Your Highness, the girls have been found.”

  “That’s good news,” he said. “Are they all right?”

  “I was told that Hanu is injured. They sent for the apothecary.”

  “Why not Patrick?”

  “He went with the commander.”

  “I see,” said the prince. He hoped his wife was being cautious by taking the physician with her, and that there was no cause for alarm. His thoughts shifted back to the recovery of the girls. “The men must be tired from their search. Can you ask Sean and the colonel to meet me here for breakfast tomorrow?”

  “Yes, of course,” said Galen, as he bowed and left the chamber.

  The prince breathed a sigh of relief. Soon, they would be on their way, and he would be reunited with Aisling.

  The servants bustled about in the dining room as the men spoke in low voices. The prince nodded to Galen, who ushered everyone back to the kitchen. The room was silent, as Sean and the colonel waited for the news.

  Drayaen drummed his fingers on the table.

  “The princess is traveling to Insula. I’ve decided to meet her there,” he said, glancing at Sean. “How soon can we depart?”

  “Your Highness, I anticipated that you’d want to join her. Provisions have been ordered. We have a crew as well. We’ll be ready to leave the day after tomorrow.”

  “That’s good news,” said the prince, relieved that a departure was imminent. But his solace was short-lived, as he realized that Aisling would still have a seven-day head start.

  Sean sensed his restlessness. “If the weather holds, we may be able to make up some lost time,” he said.

  The prince nodded. “That would be helpful.” He turned to Colonel Lex. “I’m entrusting you with our interests while we’re away. I expect we’ll be gone at least a month or two, maybe more.”

  “Are there any specific instructions?”

  “Focus on Clare Island.”

  “I will,” he said, “and I wish you luck on your journey.”

  As the men left, the prince looked out the window, at the overcast skies and barren landscape. A pang of sadness washed over him.

  Since Aisling had been gone, it was as if all the light and vitality had left with her.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  FIRE AND ICE

  The Saoirse sailed into turbulent waters. The celestial twilight and the murky seas blended into one, creating an endless tunnel of darkness. The waves crashed against the hull, paying no heed to curious observers, as they flung their indiscriminate spray across the bow.

  Aisling stood on the deck and watched the vessel slice through the foam. All at once, a flame shot out of the sky, enveloping the ship in a luminous glow. She gasped as the atmosphere became a wash of color.

  The lookout crew shouted, as shades of emerald and pale green dominated the horizon. Bands of purple, blue, and orange flanked the wide swaths of iridescence. Against the painted skies, the stars glistened like tiny, brilliant specks. Pink and amber clouds lit up the landscape. Their beams of shimmering light danced, transforming the ocean into a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues.

  The night had turned from a gloomy vista, to an electrifying display of lush rainbows and reflections. Sailors surged onto the deck for a closer look. There was excited chatter as the men gazed into the night skies.

  Aisling thought about the prince, and wished he were there to see the celestial wonders. A pang of regret washed over her. She was traveling alone, and the feeling was surreal.

  I miss him, she thought, and have never felt more alone in my life.

  An hour later, the night sky resumed its shadowy veneer. Aisling retreated to her cabin. Soon, they would be approaching Insula, and it was urgent that she speak with King Chauncey. I need to understand what I’m up against, she thought, as she summoned her sword. As the candle flickered in the draft, she raised her wand into the air.

  “I decree that the King of Penge appear in front of me,” she said.

  The energy rushed from her hand into the atmosphere. A grainy image appeared before her. After a few minutes, the particles transformed into a person.

  “Hello, King Chauncey,” said Aisling. “I’ve answered your call for help.”

  “Thank you, my dear,” he said, as he scanned the room. “Where am I?”

  “You’re on one of my ships, the Saoirse. I’ve asked you here to learn more about your emergency.”

  “I’m in a crisis,” he said, as he waved his hands. “My chief advisor is being held against his will on Insula. All of my plans are in jeopardy without him.”

  “Who is behind his abduction?”

  “Lord Thrain, the same person who orchestrated the thefts of my ships and silver. I believe this is a further attempt to remove me from power.”

  “Do you know where your man is being held?”

  “I wish I did.”

  “I’ll launch a thorough search, Your Majesty.”

  “There’s another issue as well,” he explained with a deep sigh.

  “What is it?”

  “As soon as he’s rescued, you must bring him to the Land of Penge.”

  “It may be possible to transport your retainer, without requiring my physical presence.”

  “I need you there in person, to show everyone that I’m still powerful.”

  “I’ve brought one ship, and a hundred men. Will it make that much of a difference?”

  “I believe so. Right now, I’m under siege. I must convey to my people that I have strong allies.”

  “I’ll work to free your advisor, Your Highness. If I do come to your palace, though, my visit must be brief.”

  “A limited stay is better than none at all.”

  “All right. I’ll do everything I can to solve your problems.”

  “I’m more grateful than you know. Stay safe, my child.”

  Aisling waved her sword, and decreed that he forget his transport through space and time. As his image disappeared, she sank back in her chair and inhaled deep breaths. Her next focus was to find one man in a far-flung empire, filled with treacherous terrain and endless hiding places.

  She needed some clues, and soon.

  The next morning, Aisling awoke before dawn. She dressed in haste, and sat at the desk, rifling through her Book of Magic. After reviewing her notes, she summoned her third dagger, a present from the Nawab of India. It was much smaller and lighter than the other two. Aisling had experimented with its capabilities, but she still wondered about the strength of its powers.

  “I command information so that I may find the king’s advisor, who is hidden on Insula.”

  The sword sprang to life. The jewels in the handle glowed, and a violet aura surrounded the wand. She peered at the steel blade and watched the flow of images.

  There were towering columns of basalt that jutted out from the sea. Waves raged against the stones. The structures were surrounded by pink sands. Scattered across the beach were giant andesite rocks covered in fluorescent emerald moss. Nearby were fields of black lava, the remnants of a volcano that once ruled over the inhospitable landscape.

  Perched high above the sea was a dark castle, its stone cut from the same slag that littered the surrounding fields. Between the castle and the sea were ice caves. The openings were small, but once the entrance was breached, the ceilings soared into the surrounding cliffs.

  Her brows furrowed as a solitary figure came into view. He was wearing a black and white uniform, with red accents. It must be the king’s advisor, she thought, since his manner of dress is similar to the officers rescued in the Faroe Islands.

  She gasped as he clutched his heart and sat on the makeshift chair in the frozen grot
to. “He must be ill,” she concluded.

  As she strained to see his face, the picture shifted. Soldiers in the palace were preparing for a celebration of some kind. Her mind raced as she thought about the region and time of year. “Of course,” she muttered. “It’s the Festival of Asrai.” The aquatic fairy was renowned for bestowing riches on those who had been lucky enough to glimpse a view of her, or so the legends claimed.

  As the reflections waned, Aisling leaned closer to the scepter, and shifted her focus.

  “Can you tell me the best way to access the ice cave, where the king’s advisor is being held?”

  The wand emitted another burst of energy, and a fresh array of pictures flashed before her eyes. There was an opening near the sea wall. The background was dark, but she watched the progression of the trail.

  “Thank you,” she muttered, as the light from the scepter faded. She drew a quick breath, realizing that the dagger was capable of powerful insight. For the first time, she and the object had engaged in a dialogue. This was far different than issuing a single command, she realized.

  We’ll need a plan of attack, she thought.

  Something unexpected.

  The sun was elusive. The blue-gray clouds created a veil of darkness.

  Aisling summoned Ryen and Patrick to her planning room. As she pored over maps of the terrain, they appeared in the doorway.

  “Good morning. Perfect timing,” she said, as she motioned for them to sit. “I’m glad you’re both here.” She proceeded to tell them about their mission to help the King of Penge.

  “What can we do?” asked Ryen.

  “We have a short window to make our move. The coast is a few hours away. We’ll need to strike tonight.”

  “Why then?” asked Ryen.

  “At midnight, the Festival of Asrai begins. Everyone will be celebrating for the next few days. We have a better chance of being undetected.”

  “I’m worried about the rushed timing,” said Patrick. “These rescue operations are risky.”

  “I agree, but there’s another pressing issue. Our victim is unwell.”

  “Do we know what ails him?” asked the surgeon.

  “No, you’ll have to make an assessment once he’s in our care.”

  “How many soldiers will you need?” asked Ryen.

  “I’d like a team of six.”

  “I’ll go,” said Patrick. “I can tend to the patient during the rescue.”

  “Good. Let’s include Fionn and Owen.”

  “Did you want me to come?” asked her cousin.

  “Thank you for volunteering, Ryen, but I’ll need you to coordinate logistics from the ship.”

  “All right. That means we need three more men.”

  Aisling shook her head. “I’m going as well.”

  “What?” asked Ryen. “Isn’t it dangerous?”

  “It is, but I have information about the prisoner’s location. I’m in the best position to lead the team.”

  “We’ll find two more, then,” he said. “Perhaps a few of the prince’s soldiers. We’ll need military expertise.”

  “Good idea,” said Aisling. “Now that we’ve established the group, let’s talk about how we’re going to rescue our man.”

  She outlined her intended plan. As she finished talking, she glanced up to see the wide eyes of Ryen and Patrick.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “That’s one of the most daring proposals I’ve ever heard,” Ryen said, as he glanced at the doctor. “Do you think we’ll be able to make it happen?”

  “I do,” said Aisling. “But we’ll need a backup plan, in case something goes wrong.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “To save the king’s advisor and replace him with me.”

  “What?”

  Aisling nodded. “As long as we return the hostage to his country, then everything will be fine. If the unthinkable happens, I can figure out a way to escape on my own.”

  Ryen turned pale. “Commander, I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  Patrick rubbed the back of his neck. “We won’t leave you there. We can’t.”

  “There’s only one solution then,” said Ryen.

  “What is it?” asked Aisling.

  “Our original plan must succeed. There’s no room for failure.”

  “Thank you both,” she murmured. “I have some strategies that I think will work.”

  She pulled out more maps of the area, and the three of them huddled around the table.

  Tonight, they would strike.

  There was no going back.

  The ship anchored off the coast, blending in with the gloominess of the seas. A light drizzle sprayed across the waters. Aisling and her crew boarded the rowboats in silence, and headed toward the dark castle.

  The wind howled, its plaintive cries echoing against the looming walls of stone.

  As they drew closer, Aisling eyed the sheer rock face of the cliffs. Her heart beat faster, as she realized the entrance to the ice caves was higher than she imagined.

  When she had consulted the sword, the openings had appeared lower to the ground. She’d need to climb. It brought to mind the harrowing experience in the East Kingdom, when she had to scale the cliffs to escape the enemy.

  She scanned the rowboat and looked at the supplies. There were ropes, but no metal fasteners. I’ll have to improvise, she thought. Her speculation was interrupted by a low whisper.

  “Commander, a storm is coming,” said Fionn.

  She nodded, as the boat careened over the undulating waves.

  They reached the shore, and pulled the vessel across the sands, away from the incoming tide. The team worked in silence. Aisling, Patrick, and the two soldiers began the steep ascent into the cliffs, while Fionn and Owen guarded the boat.

  The climb was treacherous. She looked below her at the raging swells, and took a deep breath. Without light, it was difficult to see a clear path along the slippery slope.

  She summoned her sword, and murmured in a low voice, “I command that steps be incorporated into the cliff, so that we can travel without hindrance.”

  There was a low rumble from the earth. A few minutes later, indentations on the side of the bluff appeared, easing their way forward.

  They reached the top of the first plateau. There were no guards near the ice cave. They approached with caution. Aisling could hear music and muffled sounds in the distance. The celebrations must have started already, she concluded. The soldiers turned to her and signaled. While they guarded the portal, she and Patrick entered the chamber.

  Although it was pitch black outside, the cave was awash with color. The white ice crystals provided an artificial glow, and the surrounding glaciers turned the interior into a mystical wonderland of deep blues. As her eyes adjusted to the cave, she scoured the area closest to the opening. The king’s advisor was nowhere in sight.

  She inhaled the crisp air and glanced upward. The ceilings rose to soaring heights. Icicles hung across the lofty ridges, and jutted out from the sides, forming a surreal impression that they were walking into the mouth of a wild beast. In the distance was a cluster of bright yellow. She moved farther into the grotto, with Patrick close behind. The amber formations created a feeling of warmth in the otherwise cool space.

  Near the side wall was a ledge, bordered by white rocks. It formed a private chamber, and reminded Aisling of a room in a house. From this angle, she thought, there’s a sweeping view of the area, an optimum position for a trained soldier.

  In her vision, the man they were seeking had been situated close to the entrance. She turned to Patrick, and pointed to an opening near the golden rocks. She knelt down and spoke in low tones. “Chief Advisor Erik, we’re here to rescue you.”

  There was silence.

  She continued. “King Chauncey sent us. My name is Aisling, and I’m here with Patrick, our surgeon. We’re taking you back to the Land of Penge. We must hurry. Our lives are at risk.”

  S
he heard a rustling noise, emanating from the space. A minute later, a figure emerged, looking haggard. Aisling was surprised to see a young man.

  “I’m Erik. Thank you for coming to get me. I’m grateful that I’ve not been forgotten.”

  She grasped his arm. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Can you walk?” asked the doctor.

  “I don’t know if I have the strength to descend the rocks,” he said.

  “If all goes well, you won’t need to,” said Aisling. “Move closer to the entrance while I summon the rest of our team.”

  She ran to the gateway and motioned for the two soldiers to enter the space.

  Everything was ready.

  She summoned her daggers, and retreated to a quiet corner. “I command that fire and earth free this portion of the ice cave, and float it into the sea.”

  There was a crackling noise as the walls began to melt and separate. Ice fragments hurled across the space. In the next instant, the unit lifted, as if it were floating. There was a loud splash, as the miniature ice castle hit the water.

  Fionn and Owen rushed to the structure, and tied ropes around its perimeter. Then they ran to the rowboat, and pulled the glacier into the ocean.

  Aisling sat by the entrance and murmured another command. “I decree that our speed be accelerated, so we are rejoined with our ship.”

  The rowboat hurled over the waves, towing a portion of the ice cave behind them. The team rode back in silence, to prevent their voices from carrying over the water.

  A short while later, they boarded the Saoirse. As Patrick escorted Erik to the sick bay, Aisling thanked everyone for their efforts. She hurried to a remote area, and issued a final command. “I decree that none of the men associated with this mission have any recollection of the strategies used for survival.”

  The energy shot out of her hand. As the glimmer faded, Aisling secured her scepters. She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps.

  “Commander, are you all right?” asked Ryen.

  “I’m fine,” she said. “Thank you for your help.”

  “Did everything go according to plan?”

  “The king’s advisor is safe now, but I’m worried that we’re on borrowed time. As soon as they realize he’s missing, all of their leverage with King Chauncey will be lost. We’ll be in the cross-fire.”