Celestia's Tales: The Lybiria Scales

by Deborah.C. Foulkes

  ***

  Bri woke later that day feeling refreshed and eager to tackle anything, and the first thing was the call of her famished stomach. She pulled on her clothes and made her way to the bow of the ship where she could hear Decks yelling at one of the Trio.

  'Princess,' the Third bowed and dropped the dishes he was carrying on to the floor with a crash.

  'For Hecate's sake. I swear I'm gonna make you into a duo one of these days,' Decks yelled.

  Bri laughed, she could tell by the red in his nose Decks had been hitting the bottle−sampling he called it.

  'Is there any stew ready yet?' she asked taking a seat on the bench.

  'Five minutes. I'll serve it up to your cabin,' he slurred.

  Bri thought for a moment. 'No, send it up to the prince, I'll eat with him.' She turned back toward where the Third was making his way back. 'Third, will you tell the prince to expect me?'

  The Third almost fell on his face as he ran toward the stairs causing Decks to groan once more.

  ‘Do you know where Orlson has got to?’ she asked.

  Decks gave her a small smile before answering.

  ‘He’s with Clues.’

  ‘Oh,’ Bri answered. ‘Maybe I’ll see him up on deck.’

  Decks turned back to his broth as he nodded. Bri looked at him, puzzled for a moment. She’d missed out on a private joke somewhere. She started to question but changed her mind and made her way back up top.

  Bri knocked on Xander’s door and entered. There was no charm coming from him and she began to relax in his presence. He had listened. That meant a lot.

  'How are you feeling?' he asked, filling a dish with stew for her.

  'Apart from being starving hungry,' she said, 'I'm fine.'

  She spooned the broth into her mouth and groaned appreciatively. Decks’ cooking had never tasted so good. Xander watched her with fresh eyes. The day before he had looked at her with a mixture of lust and disgust, but today he saw someone he could respect.

  'Can I ask why turning to a mer distresses you?' he asked, taking a sip of wine.

  Bri put down her spoon and leaned back on the chair. No-one had ever asked her why she hated doing it, they just avoided the question. Although in fairness she didn’t share much about her feelings and was surprised that she was preparing to share something with the prince.

  'You’re a half breed just like me,' she said. 'But I have to change form completely and have not learned to control and balance the emotional side to it yet.'

  Xander held out his hand, and was surprised when she accepted it and placed her own inside.

  'You are a strong woman, and you will be able to control it one day, and I thank Celestia that you were chosen to be my Queen.'

  Bri looked at him and squeezed his hand tightly. She was starting to see past the front he put up and caught a glimpse of the man inside the prince. She had to admit to herself she found him more appealing than ever expected.

  Orlson’s body felt heavy for sleep, yet the sun in the sky told his body to stay awake. He had seen Bri enter the cabin where the prince was staying, her hair still loose around her shoulders and he tried to convince himself it was about the power − she was still attracted to power. However, he knew deep down inside it wasn't. She was Bri again. The Bri everyone knew and loved and she was doing what she was supposed to do, falling in love with her prince. A presence loomed behind him causing him to sigh.

  'What’s on your mind Surrial?'

  Surrial moved to his side, his eyes squinting as he looked down at him.

  'There is nothing on my mind Orlson,' he said, his voice fluid and smooth. Orlson started to move away from him, his presence always made him feel so uncomfortable. 'Except...'

  Orlson stopped and turned to face him. 'Except what?' he asked exasperatedly.

  'Mermaids are notorious for being attracted to power,' Surrial said in a matter of fact tone.

  'Yes, it is a well-known fact,' Orlson replied.

  ‘That it is, but you see, what confuses me is that when you pulled the princess from the boat, she reached out to you first. The Second, I could almost understand as it takes a powerful being to separate into three. But you, you are nobody, or so you claim.'

  Orlson felt his throat dry. 'You’re mistaken,' he said. 'In the boat, she reached out to the Second.'

  Surrial looked at him evenly. 'Really? Well maybe the Second could clear up this misunderstanding,' Surrial challenged.

  'Fine! Call him, but can you trust his word? The Second likes to believe that Bri is just resisting his charms, he will say whatever gives his ego a boost,' Orlson bluffed.

  Surrial looked at him for a moment as if contemplating what was said.

  'I will take your word, but will admit I cannot trust any one of you and will be watching every single thing on this ship.'

  As with most journeys, the passage back did not take as long as anticipated, but still took long enough. The switching of day and night had thrown everybody off balance and tempers were beginning to fray.

  Each tried to last out the day to sleep off their exhaustion at night, but it was proving difficult because the ship needed to be manned night and day. The sun, now setting, was resting low in the horizon when Eyes called out. Xander felt a surge of relief at the sight of land and its lights. As they neared, he spied the wooded area that told him they had reached Eastre. Home was not far away.

  He breathed in the smell of the trees and could not wait for his feet to walk on solid ground. All that made him feel uneasy was the position of the sun, even at night the sun still shone, just a lot dimmer. But now its red glow gave his kingdom a menacing look and feel. Was this really the beginning of the change Bri talked about? He could not imagine looking at his palace under the silver light of the moon.

  Eastre was a small sea town on the edge of Elkins wood that separated town and the city of Demeter. Many of the wood’s faes and elves lived there, catching fish and growing crops, trading them at Demeter's markets to make ends meet. Xander had often played as a child in the woods, frequently getting lost in the place only to be found by Surrial when the night descended. Those memories filled him with hope that he could have those happy times once more. Who knows, even with his own children?

  Bri and Decks began to pull down the sails and prepare to dock the Crux, while Orlson tried in vain to talk the Trio into becoming one.

  'Why should we do what you say?' the First challenged, facing Orlson with fists clenched.

  'Because the Princess wants it,' the Third whimpered, with the Second nodding.

  'Oh, and what her Royal Highness wants you fools do. I’m mortified to be connected with you both,' the First hissed at his brothers.

  'Look guys, it makes it easier if you travel as one. Then there’s no chance of losing any of you,' Orlson tried to reason.

  'You know Orlson, if I made a serious play for our princess, neither you or that prince would stand a chance,' the Second taunted.

  Orlson sighed. He hated dealing with them at the best of times. But the three of them ganging up on him was near-on unbearable.

  'Please, just sort it out before we hit the shore,' he said leaving them to argue amongst themselves.

  What struck Bri when her feet hit Eastre soil was how much she felt settled and safe. There was none of the glitz and glamour that was so imposing in Demeter. It almost felt like home. Instead of grand tall structures, here the buildings were made from simple wood and stone. They were maybe three storeys high, if that, and everything was quaint and charming.

  Small dusty roads led from the wooden harbour into the bustling market place and town centre. The highest point was a tall obelisk, which housed a sundial on its front. However, at that moment, it was proving useless.

  The people, although poorer than in Demeter, were still dressed better than those of Hades. It was just simple, rather than poor. It was a place that she could grow to love and appreciate when she and Xander
would rule together. A place to disappear.

  Surrial had covered Xander with a glamour spell so he would not be recognised, but they still attracted stares. It was obvious from their clothes they were from Zilva, but there was no snobbery, just interest and Bri felt even more at ease.

  The town itself was bustling with traders and Bri could not help but smile at the small elf children that played chase in the market place. But she could tell by the grown-ups eyes that they were worried. The sun always shone here, whether dimly of not, it still shone and now with the sky painted red, people looked nervous and wondered what that change meant.

  Deciding they needed to talk somewhere quiet, they found a small inn and went inside. They gathered into a small dusty corner avoiding the sideward glances of a couple of locals. The landlord bustled towards them. He was a stocky elf whose wide open face, made him appealing and likeable. Yet, they had already seen his temper when they had first discovered the inn as he threw out two rowdy faes.

  'Can I get you'se anythin’?' he asked.

  'Unicorn Juice,' Xander blurted.

  All looked his way causing him to hide his face in embarrassment. Unicorn Juice was a drink of those with coin and not something served in dusty old inns. By just making the request, Xander was sure he’d exposed them further. However, the landlord seemed ignorant or was choosing to be.

  'Just a jug of ale thanks,' Bri smiled.

  The landlord nodded and came back with a jug and seven cups. They waited until he was back behind his small bar and huddled closer together.

  'So what should we do now?' Clues started.

  'Is it worth going to Demeter?' Xander asked.

  'Yes that would be a good idea,' Surrial suggested. 'The prince will be safer there.'

  Xander was mortified once more. 'No, I meant the high tower in the centre of Demeter. We will be able to see where we need to be aiming for from there.'

  'I’ll be able to help there,' Eyes said enthusiastically.

  Bri smiled and touched his hand gently. Eyes often felt isolated and out of sync with the rest of the group. The crow’s nest was a lonely place to be, but his young age also made him feel vulnerable compared to the others. He never seemed to join in and was often just as happy in his own company whenever they docked.

  'So how far is it to Demeter from here?' Bri asked.

  'The wood is about ten miles long. We could borrow some unicorns and ride it in no time,' he replied.

  'Good, because that is exactly what we don't have,' Bri answered.

  A shout and crash made them all look around the inn. The place was practically empty apart from a pair of elves that sat huddled together in a corner. It sounded as though a scuffle had started outside. The landlord slammed his towel on to the bar in anger.

  'Those damn faes,' he grunted, making his way outside.

  It was then Bri realised they had all enjoyed a pleasant conversation without any snide or witty comments. She looked at who was sat at the table, her heart sinking as he counted.

  'Where's the Trio?' she asked.

  They all looked around the inn and a cloud of dread descended upon them all as they realised not only were the Trio not with them, but they were probably the cause of the noise outside.

  'Hecate!' Bri cursed running toward the door.

  A crowd had already built up outside, in the centre an upturned barrel lay in the mud, dice scattered around the barrel. The Trio held two faes in a headlock, who in turn were trying desperately to disappear from his grip with no success. The landlord was yelling curses, but the crowd merely jeered and cheered him on.

  Bri noticed two angels coming towards the growing crowd and began to panic. Angels in Zolar were the law as well as royal guards. They couldn’t afford to be shoved into some skanky jail because the Trio couldn’t control themselves. She looked at Surrial and was relieved to see he was already walking towards them. She stepped into the centre of the circle and saw by the red in his eyes the First was in control, but she needed to get to the Third.

  'First, bring me the Third,' she hissed.

  The Trio squeezed the faes tighter making them squeal.

  'He’s out on business. Do you want me to take a message?' he answered.

  She could see Surrial was deep in conversation with the angels, but needed to think fast. She turned her back to him and loosened some of her top buttons so it exposed enough, but not too much. She would have to do this stage by stage. Catching Orlson’s disapproving eye, she merely shrugged. She turned back toward the First and pulled him as close as she could.

  'Are you deliberately disobeying your princess?' she said seductively.

  The red slowly began to change to blue as his eyes fell to her cleavage. She had to dig deeper, the Third was not as strong as the other two. She lifted her face to his, almost kissing, stroking his lips gently.

  'I do have a message for him. Tell him he has always been my favourite.'

  The reaction was almost instant as his face changed from revulsion of the First, to shock from the Second to a huge shy grin.

  'Princess,' he stammered as he dropped the faes, just in time for the crowd to part allowing Surrial and the angels to enter the circle. 'Am I really your favourite?' the Third continued.

  Bri smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. 'Always. Now go stand with Clues. Oh and you stay with us.'

  'Yes, yes, Princess,' he said stumbling toward where Orlson and Clues stood.

  She made her way towards where Surrial stood and was joined by Xander. The angel’s face had paled if it was at all possible and was filled with anxiety.

  'What is wrong?' Xander asked.

  Surrial looked down at him with a warm, almost sorrowful gaze and for the first time since meeting him, Bri caught a glance at the angel’s soft centre.

  'My lord, I am not sure how to put this.'

  'Just say it,' Xander said almost laughing, but Bri knew better. She had seen that look before. 'Demeter has come under attack by the salamanders.'

  'Hecate!' Bri cursed with shock.

  'It is much worse,' Surrial continued. 'The palace was the first to be hit. I'm afraid, Prince Xander, you are now king.'

  Xander looked at Surrial, not sure whether he had heard correctly. His inside started to turn to ice as he sank to his knees. He felt Bri’s arms grab him trying to stop him from falling.

  'Xander,' he heard her whisper. 'I know the pain you’re feeling. But you need to be strong. You’re a king now.'

  'Do not tell me what to feel,' Xander snapped. 'If it was not for my pride I would be there now with them.'

  'And how would that’ve helped? What would you have done?' Bri asked.

  She could feel his anger and need for revenge. It rippled through every inch of his body and she knew it well.

  'I do not know, but I could have tried,' he yelled pulling himself from her grasp and running off.

  Bri made to run after him but was stopped by the Third.

  'Sometimes space helps release anger quicker, Princess.'

  She turned to the Third. 'Yes, you're right.’

  He never seemed to stop surprising her with his intelligence and compassion in these things. He always had the right things to say compared to the brothers. She had to admit he truly was her favourite.

  'Surrial,' she called to the angel.

  Looking at her, the condescending eyes had returned.

  'What do you suggest we do now?'

  'I am not happy at putting my King in danger. However, we do need something of great height to find a point of reference. We will take the unicorns and ride as far as we can and see what we can find. If we stick close to the shore the salamanders will not attack.'

  Bri turned away from him leaving him alone. The news was hitting him hard and seeing the Prince in pain was proving unbearable. He had lost his king and queen and the gods know how many of his own family had perished. He suspected all since the king and queen were dead. The an
gels would have fought to their last breath to save the royal couple.

  The sunset had gone to an almost blood red as it seemed to finally rest into the horizon as though it was lost or unsure of what it should do next, just exactly how Xander felt as he sat on a fallen log watching it.

  He wished that this was all a nightmare and he would wake up with another pair of faes and no bride was on her way to destroy his life. He wanted to hear his mother’s voice chastising his father’s callous manners. Now that was no more.

  He was the new King of Zolar. A kingdom that was on the brink of destruction, with only a ship full of idiots to save them. He knew he should not call them such names, but he was tired. He was tired of playing second fiddle to a poor kingdom’s princess. No matter how beautiful and brave she was. He was just as good as she, if not better.

  He turned his head and noticed the market was starting to close down and people were going to their homes. He caught sight of Briganti with her shadow, Orlson, near the unicorn stables. He did not understand their relationship. Surely, Surrial did not shadow him as much as Orlson did her.

  He was not blind to see that there were many unspoken things that passed between them and he made a note that once he and Briganti married he would make sure she released her guardian. He would not be welcome at his court.

  Bri stroked the silky soft body of the unicorn thoughtfully. The Royals were pure white with an almost silver shimmer that went all the way to their horns. But Surrial had suggested they bought the Ebony-Blues so as not to attract too much attention as the Royals were used by those with prestige.

  The coats of the Ebonies were astonishingly beautiful with their bodies changing from black to blue in the light. Bri had to admit she preferred them to the Royals and Orlson was bartering a price for five of them. She’d already sent Decks and the Trio to keep the Crux safe. However, her mind was also on Xander.

  Her own father’s death had been hard, but to know he had died while being attacked would have made her feel worse. She felt nervous at the prospect of going to Demeter, she had never dealt with salamanders before, and she knew from others they were dangerous.

  'A penny for them?' Orlson asked coming up behind he. She had not realised he was so close.

  'I'm just thinking about Demeter,' she half lied.

  She couldn’t help but notice Orlson’s face turn dark whenever she mentioned Xander and she found herself lying to him for the first time in her life. Is this what it had all come to, years of friendship? Lying about each other’s thoughts and feelings. Where would it lead? Betrayal?

  'Well, we’re not really equipped for an attack. We are merely going to find a high point of reference,' Orlson answered.

  Bri nodded in agreement. Orlson looked at her for a moment and realising her thoughts were elsewhere and not where she said they were, turned and left her alone. Maybe it was time to end this charade and settle with Croenda. He was sick of feeling the cracks within his heart grow and he needed to stop it now. He couldn’t die of a broken heart. It wouldn’t happen to him.

  Chapter Twelve