by Deirdra Eden
My palms grew slick with perspiration and my heart raced. Shadow Wolf? This just couldn’t get any worse. How was I supposed to save the king while fighting the Shadow Lords and a Shadow Wolf as well?
The captain rolled his eyes.
“He said it’s urgent. Something about the Lady of Neviah.”
“What?” The captain shouted and strode down the hallway at a quick pace.
I covered my mouth and waited until I couldn’t hear the sound of their footfalls. The words rang through my mind, “Lady of Neviah.” Someone knew. This might be my last chance to warn the king before these dark rebels tried to kill him. I raced for the king’s chambers, flung the door open and snapped it shut behind me. “That was close.” I leaned against the door, catching my breath.
“My lady?”
I jumped and gripped the door handle behind me. King Henry sat at his library, wearing a fine scarlet night robe. He smiled past his long mustache and short, pointed beard.
“I am such a half-wit,” I muttered to myself and wrapped the cloak around my black outfit. I brushed my hair back. I had pretended to be a man for so long that I probably looked terrible as a woman.
“What can I help you with, my lady?” He turned in his chair and faced me.
I swallowed hard before saying, “I have come to warn you. There are several members of the Shadow Legion in the castle.”
He didn’t look surprised. “What is your name?”
“Auriella.” I wrung my hands together.
“How do you know there are rebels in the castle, Auriella?”
“I fought one of them today in the arena.”
“You? But you are just a lass.” The king narrowed his eyes and stood. I bit my lip. What if he didn’t believe me? What if he thought I was a lunatic? I certainly was dressed like one. He stepped toward me with an expression of amusement and bewilderment. “Could you really be the next Divine Warrior?”
I did not move. Divine Warrior? What was he talking about?
He held up a candle to shine light on my face. He stroked his goatee and asked, “Your skin, does it glisten in the sunlight?” His question seemed casual, but only someone who knew about Neviahans would ask it.
I repressed the urge to chew on my nails. “Yes,” I answered in a small voice.
He sat back down and ran his fingers down the spine of a book with a worn leather cover. “Throughout history, the Neviahans have sent us Divine Protectors, but you’re a … a … different.”
I knew what he meant about me being different. I was a young woman and not a mighty man.
I brushed my arm. “I’m sure there is someone else, another Neviahan who is supposed to be the Divine Warrior. No one sent me, and I’m really not that powerful. I haven’t even been trained yet.”
“I see.” King Henry smiled as if he knew something I did not. “If you haven’t been trained, I’m sure you have lots of questions.”
“I do, but how do you know so much about the Neviahans and the Shadow Legion?”
King Henry held up the book. “Only the kings and priests are allowed to own a copy of this ancient record.”
I recognized the book. I had seen a copy of it on Woldor’s shelf.
“This is the history of Neviah. I just finished reading about Lord Erebus.” The candles in the room flickered. I held my breath as the name echoed off the stone walls. “Neviah sends warriors to protect mankind against the legionnaires.” He gestured with his hand and offered me a seat next to him. “Maybe you can help me.”
I took the seat next to him. “How can I help you?”
“I need someone I can trust.” He gave me a sideways glance. “I think the Rebellion has infiltrated my war council. My council members have reported a decrease in the Shadow Legion’s numbers, but more phenomenal events are happening.”
“Your Majesty,” I said too quickly. “I need to inform you that the captain of the guard is a Shadow Lord and so is at least one of the competitors. They plan to kill you and steal your image.”
The king stopped smiling and pressed his lips into a tight line. “That is a bit of a problem.”
“I’m so sorry about your captain.” I sighed. “That’s just one more person on their side.”
“Don’t be sorry, my lady. There is much to rejoice about. You, a Neviahan Warrior, are here to protect us. I know the druids haven’t trained you yet, but I will try to answer all your questions.”
I could only ask the one question weighing on my mind. “Are you angry with me for dressing as a man?”
King Henry laughed a hearty laugh. “No. Actually, I feel sorry for you. It cannot be easy for a beautiful young woman to act like a man.” The king laughed again and shook his head. I did not know whether to laugh with him or not. “I will provide you with a room of your own, fit for a lady, with warm baths and fine bedding.”
“Really?” I felt a smile spread across my face.
King Henry patted my hand and nodded. “Come with me.”
Together we walked down the hallway to another wing of the castle. I kept a wary eye out for the captain, the Shadow Wolves, and other Shadow Lords.
The king opened a door to a large room. The first thing I noticed was the tall bed and a spacious balcony that would have a splendid view of the sunrises. Ivory linen accented by black velvet cascaded down the bedpost and balcony doors.
“A friend of mine is acting as my squire. Where will he stay?” I asked.
“Right next to your room,” the king answered. “I will send for him, and your belongings, immediately. After your fight tomorrow, I will announce that you will be on the council to help exterminate the rebels.”
King Henry stopped. A smile turned on his lips. “That is, if you still want to fight tomorrow.”
“Oh, yes, I want to fight the Shadow Legion more than anything. Now that I know what I’m fighting, I will be better prepared.”
King Henry nodded and laughed as he rubbed his hands together. “Those traitorous rebels won’t expect the thorns of a young rose to be my lethal protection.”
I paced outside the arena. Any moment the herald would call my name, the name I had adopted as part of my false identity. The Shadow Lord I would face had killed my parents and almost killed me. This time, I knew my identity and power. A new fire filled me. I was not afraid. Maybe I’d even spit fire into Randal’s eyes.
I tucked the ruby necklace under my armor and placed the helmet on my head. The helmet was the only metal armor we were allowed to wear for this fight. The rest of the armor was leather. The flexible armor allowed me to use my battlefield strengths—speed and agility.
The herald blew a horn and called for “Bronson” to enter the arena. The crowd cheered.
I met Randal in the center of the arena and stood across from him. His savage expression held the intensity of a wild dragon. His false human eyes shifted erratically.
“I know who you are,” I muttered just loud enough for him to hear above the cheering crowd. “Shadow Legion,” I pronounced the name hatefully.
A flash of flames went through his snake-like eyes. “I remember who you are.” Randal’s words came out in a series of hisses. “The girl who couldn’t be burned.”
I nodded. “You were right. I’m not human, but I’m not a witch. I’m something much more powerful.”
“Neviahan.” His nostrils flared. “I look forward to drinking your blood.”
“Begin!” King Henry commanded.
My dagger sped toward his ribs. He jumped back. I spun my sword around my head once and hit the top of his shoulder. He switched the sword to his left hand and jabbed at me. I flipped his sword into his face, hitting him under his eye.
He took a chance and blindly whirled his sword around. It smashed into my shoulder blade. I gasped and repressed a cry when I heard the bone snap. I think everyone in the arena heard my body break.
He yanked his sword from my wound. The ruby necklace worked quickly and heat replaced searing pain. I lunged forward and
rammed my elbow into the Shadow Lord’s ribs. He doubled over when my elbow found its mark.
“Go back to the darkness you came from,” I spat.
Randal narrowed his eyes. His sharp tongue whipped out from his lips and cut into the side of my face. I stood tense, not even flinching, as a stream of fresh blood trickled down my cheek.
He tasted the sample of my blood. “You are the one Erebus has been looking for. You are Neviahan’s secret weapon. Just one drop of your sweet blood can ….” Fire burst from his hands. “Yes!” Randal crowed. “I must have more of your power.”
I grabbed him by his helmet, flipped him onto the ground, and thrust my sword through his ribs. His body convulsed as he cackled. Dark blood gurgled from the wound. His stolen mortal shell melted away. His laughter grew louder. A fiery being rose from the lifeless body and black flames billowed around the massive beast. He towered over me. His skin smoldered like molten lava over a muscular frame. Sulfuric eyes and breath fumed from his shadowy skull. The crowd screamed and raced for the exits. The Shadow Lord circled me, leaving a trail of burning brimstone behind him. He bent low and roared like a lethal jungle cat.
I stood my ground. He was trying to intimidate me, which meant only one thing, he was afraid. I gripped my sword. I couldn’t let him have any more of my blood. Just one drop generated an enormous amount of energy.
Fire sprang from my hands and up my sword. The Legionnaire flung me against a stone wall with his massive claws. I gripped my burning sword and rebounded off the wall into the legionnaire.
I lunged through the inferno and sliced into the beast with my fiery sword. The monster screamed in agony. I landed in the sand on the other side of the arena and rolled from the force of momentum.
The legionnaire’s molten skin crumbled like dried leaves in a furnace. A wall of fire billowed throughout the arena. I soaked in the heat, taming the inferno that erupted from the dying Shadow Lord.
A final blast exploded. I strained to contain the fireball rushing toward the bystanders and threatening to bring down the whole arena.
My hands sweltered from the intense heat. I struggled to gain control over the tempest of swirling fumes and flames. I dropped to my knees and pressed the massive firestorm into the sand on the arena floor. The sand melted, creating a pool of bubbling, liquid glass.
I stayed on my knees in the charred arena, catching my breath as ashes floated down like hot, black snow. The ruby necklace chilled my skin. The foe was, indeed, no more. The crowd paused with astonishment before bursting into applause. I rose to my feet. My head whirled with vertigo, but I braced myself against my sword and bowed dutifully to King Henry.
I still hadn’t taken my helmet off, but there was no denying my power and identity as Neviahan. Hundreds of people witnessed me create fire and defeat the Shadow Lord.
King Henry stood and raised his hands in the air, quieting the excited crowd. “A Divine Warrior from the Kingdom of Neviah has come to save us all!”
Men and women, peasants and nobles were on their feet yelling, “Hazzah!” Many of the women, and a few of the men, had tears in their eyes.
“That’s my warrior!” someone shouted. I recognized the voice immediately. Philip and my brother mercenaries clanked their swords against their shields.
I placed my hand over my heart and whispered, “Thank you.” I saw a tear-drop sparkle on the rim of Philip’s eye before he wiped it away.
Ruburt sat on the front row with Philip. His beard glowed slightly and shimmered with pixie dust where Cassi liked to hide.
The king and several of his attendants entered the arena. I dropped to one knee and bowed my head when he approached.
“Auriella,” the king said just loud enough for me to hear. “It’s time to show the world who you are. Hand me your sword.”
Butterflies took flight in my stomach. What if the kingdom disapproved that their new Divine Warrior was only a young maiden? They expected a great warrior, and I was only a girl. Would I lose the confidence of my people?
“Don’t be afraid,” the king said. “Your heart is as strong as my best warriors and your courage is undeniable.”
I handed my sword to King Henry, then lifted the heavy helmet off my head. My fiery hair spilled past my waist, and my satin white skin glowed with feminine youth.
Gasps reverberated throughout the arena. I noticed a few older noblemen scowl and mutter something unintelligible. Two young maidens beamed and sat a little taller. They looked at their mother to see if she approved. The woman shook her head, but her expression was undecided. Her two young daughters turned to me with admiration ignited in their eyes.
Sunlight broke through the clouds and flooded the arena, making the melted sand glint like a field of diamonds.
I looked down at my sparkling skin in the sunlight. I was different from everyone else, but I felt at peace. My power was a gift, not a curse. The rainbow ring shimmered on my hand, reminding me of what the fairy queen said. Just like a rainbow, I was from the skies, and my home on Earth was only temporary.
The wind caught the red and gold banners lining the arena and tossed them in a victory dance.
King Henry held out my sword and tapped my shoulders. “Holding the Power of Kings, I dub you ‘Lady Auriella, the Knight of Light.’”
I lifted my indigo and silver gown and raced along the stone floor in jeweled slippers. I entered the moonlit courtyard where Ruburt and Cassi waited.
I noted the traveling supplies on Ruburt’s pony. “Are you going somewhere?” I asked. “I thought you would stay for the celebration ball.”
“I need to return to the dwarf village,” Ruburt answered.
“What? You’re leaving?” My heart sank. “Why?”
Ruburt came toward me and took my hand. “I have seen the Lady of Neviah with my own eyes. My people have been waiting centuries for you to come. It is time for me to rejoin my people and tell them you are here.”
I bit my bottom lip to keep it from quivering.
Ruburt took a deep breath. “You are where you belong, and I need to return to the place I belong. You might not know it, but you have taught me much about courage and dreaming. When I return to my village, I’m going to fill my new life with the treasures that really matter.” Ruburt shrugged his stocky shoulders. “Who knows, maybe I’ll make the time to find a wife.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Ruburt would make a fine husband.
Cassi sobbed and pulled at her dark hair. She fluttered to Ruburt and asked, “Ruburt miss Cassi?”
Ruburt slumped. “Yes, I’ll miss you, Cassi.”
“Cassi miss fish-eater Ruburt, too.” She kissed the tip of his nose.
Ruburt’s cheeks grew cherry red.
Cassi flew to me, then returned to Ruburt. She shook her head before flying back to me.
I saw Cassi’s inner struggle and held out my hand for the pixie to sit on. “Cassi, you can stay here at the castle with me or return with Ruburt to the Golden Valley in the forest.”
I would desperately miss them, but I didn’t want to hold my friends back from living the lives they wanted to live.
Cassi fluttered around me then kissed me on the cheek.
Ruburt held his breath as the pixie flew to him. Both honor and horror appeared on his face. “Me? You want to stay with me?”
Cassi nodded.
Ruburt’s grin turned into a frown. “Well, all right then,” he tried to sound serious. “But we need to set some boundaries in our relationship.”
Cassi flew into the air and danced with glee.
“Humph …” Ruburt mumbled, “Pixies.”
We had been through so much and shared a bond three people of different origins rarely experience.
I held my hands to my heart. “Thank you. If it wasn’t for you, I—”
Ruburt shook his head and stopped me. “You were always meant to do great things, whether or not we came into your life.”
I smiled. “But only loyal friends would stand by m
y side against every odd to become a knight.”
I pressed a smile onto my face and held back tears as I watched Ruburt mount his pony and ride from the courtyard with Cassi in his beard. I wrapped my arms around my waist and bowed my head.
“There you are,” Philip called to me. “Are you intentionally avoiding the ball in your honor?” He took my hand. “You already have a line of young knights and lords waiting to claim dances with you.”
I took a deep breath and looked down the dark road, then up at the lit castle. I had lived my life repressing my power and trying to be human instead of embracing my ethereal heritage. It was time to change all that.
There were still rebels to fight, a country to protect, and a war to win. It was time for me to start my new life as a Neviahan Knight of Light.
About the Author
Deirdra (pronounced: Dare-dra) is a professional speaker in various venues, including radio and television interviews, and nationally recognized writers conferences. Through her company, Eden Literary, she enjoys helping other authors reach their dreams.
