SWNOVELS King of Merits: Chapter 16
Riven
in Blackthorn Forest, the moon hidden behind a veil of rippling clouds. And other than Meerade’s distant hooting and Lidwinia’s steps disappearing into the thicket of metallic, glowing trees, all is quiet.
A sennight ago, while I was in the Land of Five, a tribe of aggressive eydendric elves, who live beneath the forest, began hunting beyond their territory. Since my return, the druid’s well has shown me many images of them planning an attack on the city. A foolish endeavor on their part.
Tonight, Lidwinia and I, the most skilled hunters in the kingdom, are searching for the elves’ underground lair. We plan to frighten the moonlight out of them before offering to resolve any grievances they hold against us.
As I trek up a thickly wooded hillside, a dull thud sounds behind me. I freeze, searching the surrounding area with my superior night vision. I listen for Meerade’s warning, but hear only the rush of my pulse in my ears.
A loud crack echoes through the night forest. Something moves in the undergrowth.
Silence. More silence. Then another snap of woodland debris.
I close my eyes and use my druidic senses to sift through the deeper shadows, expecting to feel my sister’s energy close by. But, no, it’s not Lidwinia’s form I collide with, it’s something foreign, unknown. Clenching my fists, I hone my focus until I find the thing I seek.
Yes, there it is.
Wrapped in a purple forcefield of unfamiliar swirling magic crouches a cloaked figure only several steps down the hillside, poised and waiting to spring.
Seven hells. My knuckles crack as I attempt to infiltrate the supernatural barrier. The spell at work is strong, impenetrable, and I cannot perceive through it or recognize the being it protects.
Slowly, careful not to make a sound, I withdraw my sword.
I take three long steps, fast as the wind, and then leap, my aim not to kill, but to reveal this creature’s nature.
A scream rips through the air—its tone feminine. Perhaps I’m dealing with a rogue banshee.
The creature is quick and on its feet before I land, slashing a small sword at me. It is weaker than me, of course, but strong enough to put up a decent fight. I step back and forward in time with its panted breaths and harsh grunts.
It repeats my name in a guttural voice. “Riven. Riven. Riven.”
Is this a plea or a curse?
I parry, spin, then slash at the being’s cloak, planning to draw only a little blood. It swears and turns to flee. I grab it by the back of the neck and tug it close as I sheathe my sword and go for my dagger, pressing it against warm, supple flesh.
An Elemental-style sword thuds to the ground.
“Riven.” The dark hood slips back, the cloaking magic slipping away to reveal pale skin and bright green eyes.
“What the Blood Sun? Merrin!”
“Yes, it’s me. I’d appreciate it if you’d kindly remove your knife from my throat.”
Still in shock, I scrape the blade against her jugular vein. “Did your father send you to try and finish me off?”
“What? If you really believe that, I give up on you, Riven. You might as well go ahead and kill me now.” Her cool breath kisses my face, the impact of her wildflower scent catapulting my thoughts into chaos.
The tip of my knife presses into her tender, white throat. With one tiny movement, the life of Merrin Fionbharr would cease, thereby ending years of torment from her impudent smile and dancing eyes.
“Can you do it?” she taunts. “Are you brave enough? Kingly enough? Or foolish enough? Kill me and my family will be at war with yours for all eternity. Is that what you want?”
No. I don’t want war, but I do need to end this infernal anguish.
Since I left Talamh Cúig, I’ve barely thought of anything but the untrustworthy princess of the Elemental Court. Is she here as her father’s spy or to end my life? Whichever it is, most likely both, she’s up to no good. That much is clear. But whatever it takes, I must protect my kingdom from the fate of the Black Blood curse so that Merrin Fionbharr will never control me or my kingdom.
Ever.
Killing her now would be reckless, and as I stare into her emerald eyes, I cannot bear the thought of slicing her throat and watching the life bleed out of them. Am I too soft-hearted? Not quite. A slave to her whiplash smile? No doubt.
Sighing, I release her, take a step back, and bow low. “Apologies, Princess Merrin, I thought you were an eydendric elf. Their warren is nearby.”
She folds her arms across her chest. “Yet when you learned it was me, the tooth of your dagger hovered ready to bite. You knew who I was and still contemplated my end. I saw it in your eyes, Riven na Duinn.”
Since I cannot deny it, I remain silent, inspecting her clothes, noting the weapons she likely believes are hidden against her body. She paces a circle around me, and I spin slowly to keep her in sight.
“You’re looking well since I last saw you,” she says in a light voice. “Filled out quite a lot. You’re almost brawny, really.”
“And why should my good health surprise you? In your land, I was depleted. Ill. Barely a man, with not even a quarter of the strength of a king of the fae.”
A delicately shaped eyebrow rises. “But that was mere days ago. How quickly you’ve rejuvenated. Is this what you normally look like? Or has Merit technology improved upon your form somehow?”
I unclench my jaw. “You see before you a king, supported by the power and magic of his land and people. As a halfling, perhaps you cannot fully appreciate this phenomenon. Now it is time for you to explain how and why you’ve come here.”
“With the Elemental High Mage’s assistance, I came through a portal.”
“Your High Mage helped you?”
“That’s what I said, didn’t I?”
“It’s extremely unlikely she would meddle in my land. I sense a halfling’s lie has fallen from your lips.”
“Then you must believe I’m a very formidable being if I have the ability to materialize in your kingdom on the strength of my own powers.”
She has a point. Only the strongest of mages can open and control portals, and she certainly doesn’t look as if she’s been traveling for days. Therefore, Ether must have helped her. But why?
“And for what reason are you here?”
Her rosebud lips part as she glances to the side.
“If you refuse to tell me, then you must leave immediately and by any means,” I say, advancing until her back hits the trunk of a tree.
“Are you going to press your dagger against my throat again?”
Without intending it, I do exactly that, this time beading a drop of blood beneath her chin.
“Riven! Stop that. Now!” comes an all too familiar voice from the bushes to my right.
With a sigh, I step away from the Elemental brat, sheathing my knife as I face my sister. “Lidwinia, good. As usual, your timing is impeccable. You can assist me in the task of taking this reckless interloper prisoner. I believe she’ll fare better under your care. My fuse is short tonight.”
“An interloper? Come now, Brother, Merrin saved your life. Slicing a girl’s throat is not the traditional way to welcome an honored guest to our land.”
“Honored guest? Her? Did you forget that the being who shot me on Mount Cúig has not yet been apprehended? Until then, no Seelie can be trusted.” I stride toward the Elemental and tug her off balance, twist her arm behind her back, and then push her in front of me as I whistle for Raghnall.
“Riven,” says Lidwinia. “Your mare isn’t here. Did you forget we transferred into the forest?”
Yes. Unfortunately, I had forgotten. “Of course. Of course,” I say, not exactly admitting to my blunder.
Lidwinia pries the Elemental princess from my grip, drawing her close with an arm around her shoulders. “Hello, Merrin. I, for one, am very happy to see you, although I admit this is quite the surprise. Riven has helped me realize that, if not for you, he would have perished in your land, therefore I am in your debt and owe you a rather large apology. You’ll find me a good friend to those who care for my loved ones. I promise you’ll be safe in our kingdom. Tell me, what does your family think about your travels?”
Merrin crosses her arms and lifts her chin. “They don’t know I’ve left. The court has been enchanted with a misplace-me spell, which will last until I return.”
“What? Why would you do such a—”
“Hush, Riven.” My sister turns back to the Elemental. “Let’s return to the castle and get you settled. Over a large slice of sweet pie, you can entertain me with the tale of why you’re here. Have you ever transferred before?”
“I haven’t,” says Merrin, shuffling away from my sister as if Lidwinia might bite, which she sometimes does.
Lidwinia laughs. “You’ll be fine. It’s easy. And don’t worry about Riven. Since his return from your kingdom, he’s been unusually grumpy—even for him. Transferring is quite safe. Only powerful fae can travel this way, which is to say, mostly only the royal family. I’ll take you in my arms, and all you need to do is relax and—”
Without thinking, I dash forward and drag Merrin toward me, her back now aligned against my chest. “I’ll take the intruder. When you transfer with others, Lidwinia, you’ve been known to reassemble their particles in, how shall I put it? An unusual manner.”
“That’s only happened once or twice. Remember the pixie who arrived at court with an arm growing from her knee? Mentally, she was never quite the same either.” Lidwinia’s eyes narrow. “And why do you care what shape Merrin arrives in, Riven? A moment ago, your blade was ready to slice her into pieces.”
Before I can answer, a gust of wind blows hair in my eyes, then Meerade alights on my shoulder. “Silver Queen. Silver Queen,” she croaks, hopping from one foot to the other.
“Where have you been?” I scowl. “You’re making a habit of turning up after all the excitement is over. What’s this silver queen nonsense?”
Meerade’s green gaze fixes on Merrin, and Lidwinia laughs at my stunned expression.
“Her? You’re severely mistaken, Meerade. ’Tis only the Elemental princess, found lurking in our forest like a hungry sluagh intent on poaching its next meal.”
My owl flaps her wings, covering my face with hair once again. Meerade can be a spiteful creature.
“Where shall we materialize?” asks Lidwinia.
“The dungeons?” I suggest. “Or perhaps the Black Tower?”
“That’s where King Rafael was imprisoned,” says Merrin. “So, you’re taking revenge on me and locking me up?”
My sister rolls her eyes. “Try again, Brother. Personally, I think the White Tower would do nicely. Queen Isla enjoyed her time there. It’s both comfortable and luxurious.”
My shoulders slump. “No. I have a better idea. Stay still if you don’t want to arrive addled,” I tell Merrin as I scowl at my sister. “I’ve decided I’d like her closer, so we can keep an eye on her. Mother’s old room will do nicely.”
“Mother’s room?” cries Lidwinia, her orange eyes nearly dropping out of her skull.
Before I can justify my decision to my irritating sibling, I draw the Elemental close, our bodies dissolving in the transfer.
I only hope that by the time we materialize, I can explain my bizarre choice to myself.