Protectors: The Valdronius Kingdom

Stories of new and tales of olde

A collision set forth

Not for the weak, but for the bold

A knock at the door stirs me awake.

“Go away.” Encourages the door to open and me to sit up.

“Alecko.” It was Damian.

“Aye, what do ya want?”

“I thought you’d end up here. Best not let Felyx know you ended up in another man’s bed, even if it is occupied by Embry.”

“What are ya talkin’ bout?” I feel the end of the bed move.

“Morning…to both of you.”

“Aye, must have dozed off. Sorry luv.”

“It’s alright. You’re welcomed to the foot of the bed anytime.” I smile.

“Luv?”

“It was a long night Damien, let’s not make it an even longer day, shall we?”

“Alright. Felyx is looking for you.”

“Where is he?”

“After he came barging into my room? I think he went to the kitchen.” Footsteps shuffle on the floor.

“We are grouping in the library this morning.”

“Aye.” The door closes.

“What was that about?”

“Any man would be curious as to where the ones they love are at. Felyx is not an exception.” Not what I meant, though I doubt I’ll get anymore answers.

“Are you my personal alarm clock now or is there a different reason you woke me up?”

“I had a question, about last night.”

“A question? Can’t it wait for the meeting?”

“I wanted to check my facts.”

“Alright.”

“You said you bumped into a tree with your cane.”

“Yes. What about it?”

“How did you know it was a tree?”

“I felt it. I do know what a tree feels like Damien.” I swing my legs over the side of the bed standing up, it was chilly. What time was it?

“The tree, was it where I found you?” Something soft covered my shoulders, a sweater.

“Thank you. Yes, you were there. What is this about?”

“There was no tree Embry.”

“What are you talking about? Of course there was, it’s what stopped me in my path.”

“And you are certain you didn’t move from that spot before I got there?”

“I didn’t move Damien. Why are you asking about a tree?”

“Wulvers don’t usually come this far west so while I was checking the property for tampering I made my way back to where the attack took place. Looking for any signs of a tribe, there wasn’t any. I went over what you told me and remembered you said something about a tree. There weren’t any trees on the path Embry.”

“How is that possible? I swear I felt a tree Damien. You have to believe me, I’m not lying.”

“I believe you.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“Well ok. What do we do now?”

“Now you get dressed and we go have a meeting.”

A door opens and closes and footsteps echo out into the hall. I stand there and think about what he has said. No tree. There was a tree…wasn’t there? I shake my head and my hands, I have never doubted my other senses. I am not going to start now. The sounds of the storm had subsided, the faint smell of Damien lingered, and as far as my hands went they were my eyes, and they worked perfectly. I made my way to the cupboard, this time no corset. I find pants, a loose fitting shirt, my bra, the sweater and my boots. I grab my cane and head out the door.

“About time.” I startle as Damien takes my arm. I pull away.

“Well if I knew that you would be waiting, I would have taken longer.” I smile at him.

“Cute. Now shall we?”

“I can walk myself.”

“Very well” I make my way towards the stairs.

“Library is the other way.” Of course it was. I turn around and head back towards him and grudgingly hold out my left arm.

“Fine. Lead the way.”

“Lead the way what?”

“Lead the way… please.” My arm is taken and we head down the hall my cane tapping lightly.

“May I ask something of you Embry?”

“What?”

“That you not mention my being called to you. Some may think it has to do with the crystal.” I stop walking and turn towards him.

“It does, doesn’t it? I mean aren’t you the one that gave it to me?”

Inside voices Embry, prying ears will listen.

Ameilius told me that it’s punishable. How do I know it’s really you?

I would have thought that was obvious. I did feel the heartbeat, but Damien could be anywhere in this place, close by. This person could be an imposter.

But what if it’s a trick, and you’re not the person I think you are?

Alright, ask me a question. Only something you and I would know. I hold my cane close to me, the heartbeat a constant slowness. My cane that was the question.

I broke something, when I first met you. What was it and what did you do?

A very breakable cane. I could feel myself smile.

And the second part?

Unbreakable.

Unbreakable. I agreed.

Why did you give this to me?

You needed a better cane, one more durable, and one you could ‘hit’ with. I could feel the smirk in his voice.

It’s a weapon?

I will have Ameilius show you how to tap into the magic.

Can’t you tell me how to use it?

I can’t.

You can’t or you won’t?

This weapon is very…particular.

I don’t understand…there are other weapons out their Damien, others that don’t require you giving up your life in the process.

How did you…

Ameilius told me. Why did you do it?

Because you needed the extra protection, if you’re still going to help me, that is. Was I, did I want to?

Yes, I’ll still help. Ameilius said that people would give Midnight Crystal as a gift, to protect the ones that were close to them.

Is there a question in there?

Why me? What am I to you?

You are a girl that Calistus wanted to kill. In short you are a clue. A very important clue. That makes you worth protecting. Information that is what I was to him, not even a person.

And once I’m figured out. Will I be worth protecting then? Or will you just cast me aside, send me back from where you found me?

I have upset you.

I’m not even a person to you, how can a clue be upset?

I didn’t mean…

Let’s just get to the library shall we? My questions went unanswered as we start walking forward. We walked a total of forty paces and turned left.

“Where is the library exactly?”

“No idea.”

“Haven’t you been there? How do you not know where the library is?”

“No I haven’t and it moves around.”

“Why does it move around?”

“Safe keeping.”

“How do we find it if you’ve never been to it?”

“There’s a particular wall in the manor that is unlike any other.” We stop again and he leaves my side.

“What are you doing?”

“Found the wall” My left hand is pulled forward and placed on the wall. The wall felt smooth, sleek, almost a liquid state but I couldn’t place the material.

“What’s it made of?”

“Magic.”

“How do we get in?”

“We answer a riddle.”

“A riddle?”

“Yes.” My hand was taken and we stepped back a few paces.

“We ask for refuge and the wisdom that comes from within.”

“What?”

“Have to ask for permission first.”

“Very good. ‘I am a room with no doors or windows, what am I?’” It was a woman’s voice.

“What kind of riddle is that?”

“Who’s the person that spoke it?”

“The wall.” Of course it was, why not. Talking walls...all the rage.

“A room with no doors or windows?”

“How do you not enter a room without some type of entry way?” He sounded perplexed.

“I now know why you’ve never been to the library.”

“Please if you have any ideas.”

“Think outside the box Damien. It said ‘what am I’ a room is not exactly a ‘what’ or a thing, it’s a place. A space covered by walls.”

“Ok? Still making no sense.”

“Mushroom.” A sound like bricks falling or scraping sounded in front of us.

“Your welcome.” My left arm was taken and we walked forward. Voices inside were getting louder.

“About time Damien.” Emlyn was here. I am led to a chair, it was cozy. I felt my cane shrink and placed it in the leg of my boot.

“Breakfast dear?” It was Ameilius that asked me.

“Please.” A tray was placed on my lap.

“A cup of tea and a blueberry muffin.”

“Thank you.” The muffin was warm and melted in my mouth.

“Where is Helenna?” Damien asked.

“In hell where she belongs.” It was Alecko that answered. His voice came from the left of me.

“Alecko.” Felyx who reprimanded. He was next to Alecko.

“I gather you two have crossed paths.” It was Damien that asked.

“The harpy crossed a line.”

“Talking about me?” Helenna’s voice came from the right.

“Alright children. Tea and muffins on the table Helenna.” Ameilius chimed in.

“Thank you.”

“Hello darling, missed you.” Who was she talking to?

“Now that we are all here. We have many issues to discuss, Damien you gathered us all here, where would you like to begin?” Ameilius’ voice came from across from me.

“With last night. Backtrack from there, Emlyn did you find anything out?” Damien was on my right.

“It was magically done, that much is certain. When I find the spell that was cast I’ll know what type of magic was used. Doesn’t pinpoint the person but it will narrow down the list.” Emlyn was close to Ameilius.

“I have a question. How’d you two find us, me and Damien?”

“I went looking for you dear. When I couldn’t find you I called for Damien. The thing was, all the gates were open, all four of them. We had to split up. Damien found you and called for us. Why do you ask?”

“I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but there were three other people that could have helped you look. Why didn’t they?”

“I was in my room on house arrest.” It was Helenna that answered first. She was far away, but in the direction of Emlyn.

“House Arrest?”

“The stunt she pulled when she arrived was despicable. The house must have thought the same.” It was Emlyn that answered. Right, the house is dealing out punishments and walls talked.

“I was asleep. Emlyn gave me a remedy to heal the wounds.”

“And I was looking at dungeon walls all night.”

“Dungeon walls? This place has dungeons?”

“Aye, for all the big bad creatures that go bump in the night.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You don’t know dearie? With that sleep over you two had, I would have thought all your secrets would have come to pass.” Helenna had a twisted way of speaking.

“Know what?”

“Sleep over? What is she talking about Alecko?”

“You’re a manipulative bitch. You know that?”

“Alecko.”

“NO Felyx! Do not defend her.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Will someone tell me what is going on?”

“I’m a Wulver.”

“Well…um…ok.” It took me a minute to realize what he had said. He was a Wulver.

“That’s it dearie? You were attacked by these beasts and all you have to say is ‘ok’.”

“Alecko wasn’t out there. He didn’t attack me. And stop calling me dearie!”

“He could have been. I went to go let ya out when the moon went down, ya weren’t there.” It was Felyx that spoke up.

“I knew it! Ya think of me as just another wild dog.” I heard feet shuffle across the stone floor. Alecko sat on the right arm of my chair.

“Of course I don’t Alek.”

“Firstly, Alecko has been nothing but kind to me, a friend. Just because he has a few extra perks doesn’t mean I should treat him any differently. Secondly, he was with me from early morning. As for who let you out…”

“That was me. I was headed back in from looking up a few hunches. I saw that he had changed back so I opened his door. I left him there asleep.” Damien answered. Does he ever sleep?

“Now that this is all covered. Can we get back to the topic at hand?” Ameilius interjected.

“The best that I can tell, is that Embry was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Wulvers must have travelled too far.”

“What about the tree thing.”

“Tree?” It was Alecko that asked.

“Embry stated that it was a tree that was in her way that stopped her on the path.”

“There was no in the path dear.”

“There was. I know there was.”

“I am going to point out that you are blind. How is it that you can be certain you were still on the path?”

“I am not stupid Helenna. I know how to keep to a path and I know what a tree feel’s like. I can even detect a bitch when I meet one.”

“You have no power dearie, you have no magic. You are at the bottom of the food chain and you should tread lightly.”

“I am not afraid of you.”

“Why is the human here to begin with?”

“Why are you here?”

“Oh put a sock in it ya harpy.”

“ENOUGH!” It was Emlyn’s voice that rang out.

“Embry is here because Calistus tried to attack her. I think The Sword of Valdronius presented itself to Embry the only way it knew how, as a cane. Calistus obviously tracked it down, and when he got sight of her eyes decided to eliminate her. Embry has shown a knack for telepathy. It could be the magic around her in this manor, but I believe her to have some sort of magic all her own. Only time will tell. You are all here because I asked you to be. You were all once part to the Royal Guard in one form or another. We need to find the Sword of Valdronius before it is too late. You need to put your differences aside.”

“And what is it that ya think we can do Damien? It was made clear that the Sword of Valdronius would be in the care of the Shades. The Order dismissed the rest of the councils of all and any knowledge. Ya were chosen and ya were responsible for looking after the Sword, and now ya come to us for help?”

“Felyx.”

“Do not defend him Alecko. Ya know what they can do. I will not sit here and be made a fool of. You’ve been around Helenna to long, stop skirting around the truth Damien and tell us exactly why we are here.”

“Ameilius and Emlyn are the greatest and most powerful Sorcerer’s that ever were. Helenna has the uncanny ability of torture. Alecko has no limits to his magic, he explores territories even you are too afraid to even think of. And as for you, your hands are not clean of blood and yet I have no use for you. You unfortunately follow Alecko around like his little pup. I put aside my differences towards you for the sake of Alecko to be here. Everything I am working towards is bigger than any of us in this room. Unlike you dear Felyx I have not given up on the fate of Valdronius. So yes I have gathered all of you here based on your talents and your willingness to use them to the full capacity to save what is left of Valdronius. To put an end to Calistus, if you…or anyone else in this room is not on board you are free to leave whenever you see fit. Even you Embry, are free to leave if you wish.” I looked in his direction when he said my name. I could feel his eyes on mine waiting for an answer. The room was quite, waiting for someone…anyone to make a move. His words were blunt and yet held the air of brutal honesty, exactly what Felyx had asked for. He was harsh, cold…he was in pain. So much pain. You could hear it in his voice, he was desperate. More than that I could feel it. I could feel the desperation radiating off of him like the odor of a wet dog. But how…I could sense when Damien was coming, I can shock people, I can use telepathy and now…this, whatever it was. The existence of Valdronius was on his shoulders and he would do anything in his power to assure its future, to right a wrong. In short he was dangerous…I could feel it in his veins, a darkness was stirring.

“I said I would help. I will keep my promise. But why does everyone keep going on about my eyes? They’re blue, they shine. What’s the big deal?”

“Your eyes don’t just shine luv. They’re the color of the moon.”

“Wait, the moon is actually blue?”

“That and there hasn’t been a sighting of blue eyes since the princess dearie, prophetic wouldn’t you say?”

“Wait, come again?”

“Someone give this girl a history lesson please.”

“The Kingdom…”

“Damien, if you please. Your knack for story telling is absolutely awful.” It was Emlyn that cut him off. And Felyx who cut her off.

“Ten years ago the kingdom of Valdronius was alive and thriving. It was named after one of the four Ancients. This land became exceedingly powerful, not because of the magic but because of the Royals. Each line of Royals was more powerful than the next. They were kind, generous, and truly cared for their people. I became a knight in the Royal Guard, handpicked by the Princess herself. The princess was always with her people, asking how she could help and what could be done. Her heart was pure, her eyes blue like the moon, her hair the whitest blonde. The kingdom was ruled by Queens and the land thrived under their rule. Eleven years ago the Queen became ill, it was later found out that Midnight Crystal was the culprit. We never found out who had sent it. We suspected Calistus, he was known for being power hungry, a deceitful man. He was the worst of the kingdoms, his land held promise of death and decay. Unfortunately, no proof was ever found. She died, leaving her husband and two children behind. It was on the day of the Princesses’ coronation that the attack took place. We were unprepared, we had never been attacked in such a manner before. There was no cause to be, there was a pack that on any day of importance no land shall be attacked. All entrances were taken, and the kingdom in ruins. Calistus was the one that led the attack. He was an envious man, and jealousy seeped down into his soul, becoming the most powerful monster alive.” Felyx was in pain as well, I could feel it. But his pain was in pity, in an injustice. He held people to their word and they were betrayed. He felt like it was his fault the Princess was lost, but he blames the Shades and he holds Damien Accountable. The lands treasure held in the frame of blue eyes…blonde hair…

“What happened to the Princess…to the family?”

“The king was killed in battle. But no one knows what became of the Princess or the Prince luv. The other Royals try to keep up appearances, but they have their own lands to care for.”

“How very sad. I’m so very sorry.”

“It was ten years ago, wars happen dearie.”

“It sounds more like a massacre than a war.”

“To each one’s own.”

“You said that there are no people with blue eyes, I don’t understand.”

“Well dearie, it was said that the Princesses’ eyes were the peoples hope, a beauty inside and out. People said that the moment the Princess died, all hope and peace left the land. In most cases, the color of one’s eyes depicts the magic they will hold.” Hope in her eyes.

“Embry, are you alright dear?”

“How do you know that the Princess died? Felyx said no one knows what happened.”

“We don’t, but it’s been so long. The Princess would not just abandon her people for ten years.” The way Felyx spoke, you could tell it was breaking his heart.

“The…the Princess, did she wear a necklace…a medallion type?”

“The Shadow Medallion.” Damien and Felyx spoke in union.

“How did you know about that?” It was Damien who asked.

“I’ve been having these dreams. There was a girl…the Princess, blue eyes, blonde hair.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I thought they were just dreams…but now…I don’t know. How can I dream of someone I have never even met or seen for that matter?” This thought made her skin tingle, she was usually so…perceptive, since being here everything has been amplified. But with the dreams it was like the first time Damien came to her at home…home.

“You can’t my dear…at least not in dreams.”

“How many of these dreams have you had child?”

“Maybe four or five.”

“Do you remember what they were about luv?”

“Just that it was the Princess, she was in different places…there were people…I’m sorry, I can’t remember.”

“It’s alright my dear. Take your time, start from the beginning.” I close my eyes, trying to think.

“They were so vivid, it was like I was there and yet I can’t remember them fully. I can only remember fragments. Have you ever had a dream that when you wake up you can’t remember it? It’s like that. And there’s more.”

“More child?”

“Telepathy…it’s not the only thing that has happened to me.”

“Embry I don’t think know is the…”

“No. Now is the perfect time. Everything out in the open. The other night when I was wondering around and Emlyn found me. I could sense someone coming, it happened to be Damien.”

“I remember that night, it didn’t register that that is what you were trying to pull me away from.”

“That night… I shocked Damien, in the shoulder. I don’t know how, it just happened.”

“What kind of shock luv?”

“I don’t…”

“It was more of an energy shock.”

“Have you been able to do it again dear?”

“No, I don’t even know how it happened. Also, I can tell what a person is feeling...sometimes.”

“Interesting, how very interesting.”

“Ameilius?”

“She is showing signs of coming into magic, and yet…”

“How can that be? You don’t think that she…”

“I don’t know Damien, it’s unheard of but not impossible.”

“I’m not following.”

“They think you’ve been misplaced dearie.”

“Misplaced?”

“Not originally from wherever it is that you came from.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means my dear, that you are in fact not just human. The telepathy can be explained simply as listening for your thoughts, hearing your words because we are searching for it. But the rest of the outbursts, those can only be explained if you had magic in you to begin with.”

“If that is so Ameilius, how is it that she is only just now coming into her magic?”

“Well Alecko, simple geography. Her world is much more limited in magic than ours. I could feel the barrier when I went there. It would explain the dreams you’ve only just been having as well.”

“Embry?” Damien’s voice was beside me, soft almost a whisper that I didn’t hear.

“It can’t be true Damien. I can’t be from here. I was born is Pennsylvania, wasn’t I? No, you are wrong!”

“It’s alright Embry…”

“All of you are wrong. Come up with another theory!”

“Ok. We will, it was just that, a theory. We’ll keep looking.”

“Maybe I can help with that.” Helenna’s voice was over taken by the clicking of heels.

“How?”

“I can bring your locked thoughts and dreams forward.”

“There is no way I am letting you in my head after what you did to Alecko.”

“It won’t hurt, and I won’t go snooping.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“Embry, you might have dreamt something that could give us a clue as to why you are involved. Maybe even where the sword is or was. A way to get it back. Answers to your questions.”

“Damien, I don’t trust her.”

“She’s the only one who practices that sort of magic.”

“That’s not entirely true. There might be another way.” Alecko shifted on the arm of the chair.

“Since when have you…”

“Not me…Felyx.”

“You never mentioned that to me Felyx.”

“Why would I Helenna? We are not close, ya are not family.”

“I’m still your sister.”

“Half.” It was Alecko that countered.

“Sister!” This woman was Felyxs’ Sister?

“Half.” Alecko reiterated.

“Can you do it Felyx?” It was Damien that was asking.

“Why can’t Ameilius do it? No offense Felyx.”

“Sorry my dear, I don’t practice that sort of magic.”

“What sort of magic is it exactly?”

“It falls in line with healing magic’s. Serenitatem.”

“Serenity.”

“You have nothing to worry about luv, does she Felyx?”

“If I do this, I do this for ya Alecko. Is that clear?” There was an ultimatum in those words.

“Crystal.” An unheard agreement.

“She needs to know the risks.”

“Risk’s?”

“If the dream becomes too much for ya, there is a chance that ya could fall into a deep slumber?”

“A coma.”

“Aye. Also, your mind might try to retreat if I go looking for answers. If ya don’t know them, your mind will automatically try to find the answers. Your mind will fall away from the dream state. Ya can’t let that happen. This is not a decision to make lightly. It has to be performed when the Blue moon is at its peak. I will give you until then to make your decision.”

“Ok, but I don’t want her there.”

“It will be easier if no one is present, the less the distraction the better.” Me and Felyx alone. It was strange to think about. Alecko was one thing, he was…Alecko. But Felyx, his presence was deafening, stiff.

“While Embry thinks on her answer, are there anymore issues that we need to address?” Ameilius’ voice rings loudly.

“Yes.” My own voice rings out before I could stop.

“Embry?”

“What more can you possibly have to say?”

“Everyone here can do magic. Ameilius and Emlyn are Sorcerer’s, Alecko is a Wulver which doesn’t explain the magic. And Damien he’s…you’re what exactly?”

“I’m a Shade.”

“Felyx and I are Wiccans, I happen to be half Wulver as well.”

“And Helenna is a Priestess?”

“Ha that’s rich. She’s an Unseilie wichts.”

“An Unseelie witch?”

“You are tiresome Alecko. I am a Fae.”

“A fairy of the Unseelie courts.” Explains a lot.

“I don’t associate with the courts.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve outgrown them.”

“Stop lying you harpy. Her blood is tainted, she is of no use to them.”

“Tainted?”

“With that of a Wiccan Father.” Right, Felyx’s half-sister, which explains her magic…and attitude.

“I thought Fae had to tell the truth?”

“They do. But they are tricky with their words.” Alecko warned.

“Do you have wings?”

“Of course not you stupid girl.”

“Helenna.” Damien’s voice was quiet but held a warning.

“It is not my fault she asks ridiculous questions, now is it darling.” Darling?

“It is not ridiculous, I can’t see remember. In fact I don’t know what any of you look like. I distinguish you by your voices. Which brings me to an idea. A secret word or phrase, a different word for each of you. No one can know that word, you have to swear it. That way if I suspect anyone of trying to trick me, I will know.”

“How do you suppose we tell you this word with everyone listening?” Helenna was right.

“Can everyone use telepathy?”

“Aye.”

“Yes.”

“And what is to keep others from prying?”

“You mean from you listening in.”

“Me.” It was Damien that spoke up.”

“How?”

“I can shield the passing of thoughts.”

“Without listening in?”

“You have my word Embry.”

“Ok. I trust everyone except Helenna to not tell anyone. How do we make you swear it?”

“There is a secrecy spell my dear. Secretum.”

“How does it work?”

“Like this.” Both of my hands are taken.

Now, what should our words be?

Well something not to obvious that someone could guess it, but not easy to forget.

How about Graveyard?

That is perfect.

Wonderful, now repeat after me. Graveyard Secretum.

Graveyard Secretum. I felt a quick warmth in our hands. I pulled Ameilius’ hands back before he could leave.

I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me.

Trust me my dear, I haven’t done as much as you think.

I know that you and Emlyn placed a sound to your coming and going. You didn’t have to do that.

You are truly a remarkable soul Embry. I smile at him and he pats me hand.

“Who’s next?”

“Here child.” Emlyn took my hands.

Quite a clever idea child.

Why do you call me child?

Because you are one, well compared to me. Now let’s get this nonsense over with shall we?

What would you like the word to be?

How about puer lunae?

Child of the moon?

For your eyes are the moon child.

Alright. Puer lunae Secretum. Warmth spread through our hands.

Ya know luv, ya are one of a kind.

As are you Alecko, you know you could have told me this morning…that you’re part Wulver.

Aye, but I didn’t know how ya would react.

I guess I can see your point, it’s nothing to be ashamed of though.

Right, what fancy word can we come up with?

Something we both relate to. Not too easy but not too hard. Windows. Window?

Yes, remember when the storm came, you closed my windows. No one would know that.

Alright Windows it is. Windows Secretum.

Windows Secretum.

“Alright, Felyx?”

Aye.

I’m sorry Damien was so…

Honest? I am not here for Damien I am here for Alecko, to keep him out of trouble.

Can I ask you a question?

Alright.

The serenity spell, have you done it before?

Nae, I wish Alecko never brought it up, but he believes in my magic.

You love him so very deeply, don’t you?

Aye.

Why don’t you tell him that, I’m sure he would appreciate it very much? Let’s just get this over and done with shall we?

Ok Sure. What word have you thought of?

Eternity Secretum.

Eternity Secretum.

“My turn.” Her turn.

“You better not do anything in my head.”

“Nonsense, I’ll be on my best behavior.”

For how long?

Oh come now, I think we got off on the wrong foot.

Right, so what should our word be?

I was thinking, what we could possibly have in common with one another. What is something that we both have an interest in? At first I thought of our dear Alecko, you two have bonded so very fast, so very like a man’s best friend to do just that.

Just because you’re a Fae, doesn’t mean you have to behave like them. But, then I thought of something a little closer to home that would work perfectly. Damien.

Damien?

Yes, my darling Damien. He is going to be around here a lot, our closeness is bound to shine right through those pretty eyes of yours. And it would be remiss of me not to tell you that there was a proposal that was made.

You’re engaged?

Isn’t it just perfect? Well anyways, I was thinking that loyalty should be our word. You See Damien is loyal, he holds it dear to his heart. He’s loyal to people and he’s loyal to his word. And well I, I am loyal to the truth. And you, you are loyal to a fault. How is that for a word? Will that work for you? I just nod my head. Perfect. Loyalty Secretum.

Loyalty Secretum. The only warmth that would ever pass between us was the acknowledgement that the spell was cast.

“Right Damien, your last.” It was Ameilius that brought me out of my head. A warmth filled my hands.

We already have ours.

Yes, I suppose we do.

Helenna…Helenna said that you’re loyal to your word.

I am. Is there a question in there?

You two…you’ve known each other long?

Yes, Helenna was on the Queens council.

How did you two meet?

I was on the Kings council. Each council had their talents and duties, she was one of the best. Why do you ask?

She…um…She’s bit of a tyrant that’s all.

She is a lot to handle, but you get used to her ways, she’s not all bad. Shall we get on?

Unbreakable Secretum.

Unbreakable Secretum. A coldness filled my hands as they were let go. Whatever was between them, was theirs. I had no business in it, or wanted any business in it. I was here to help find the sword and then leave. Go back home, no more magic, just back to Jeffery. The thumping of my cane came to life in my hands as I picked it up. I need to go back home, it’s where I belong. No matter how many times I said it, my heart knew differently. Everything had changed and unlike my cane, I felt shattered. How very naïve of me.

“Right, anything else?”

“I have a question for Damien.”

“What is it Felyx?”

“Say Embry doesn’t want to do this spell. Or say that her dreams reveal nothing. What are ya to do then?”

“I don’t follow.”

“Yes ya do.”

“He doesn’t think that the Sword left in The Shades Council was real.”

“You’re lying.”

“I can’t lie Felyx.”

“She’s right, I don’t believe the Royal family would leave the Sword so vulnerable.”

“So, what does that mean to ya exactly?”

“It means The Sword of Valdronius has been hidden.” It was Ameilius who spoke up.

“Hidden? Hidden where?”

“If we knew that Alecko we wouldn’t be sitting here right now, would we?”

“Alecko brings up a good question though. If the Royal family hid the Sword, then they would have made certain someone could find it. To bring it back to Valdronius. But how?” I could hear the hope in Felyxs’ voice.

“A map?” This time I chimed in.

“No, not just a map. Maps plural.” It was Felyx that backed me up.

“Why would the Royal family use multiple maps?” Ameilius has a valid question.

“They wouldn’t.” Damien shut him down.

“The princess would.” And Felyx that lifted the hope again.

“Why?” Helenna’s interest was piqued.

“When she was younger she would leave clues as to where she went when she snuck out. That way her guards would know how to find her. As she got older, she got more sophisticated at it.”

“So all we have to do is find a treasure map?” That seemed easy enough...right?

“Not exactly. When I say sophisticated, I mean she made it almost impossible to make sense of the maps that she left us. Sometimes they were riddles, she had a knack for word play. Sometimes she left objects, sometimes she gave someone in the castle a word and we would have to figure out who and how to put the words in the right order.”

“So where do we start looking?”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?”

“The Princess wouldn’t have been playing games. Not with the Sword of Valdronius. No, she would have taken time to plan this.” It was Damien who answered.

“Do ya think she knew that the attack was coming?”

“No. I think she wanted to be prepared. Every queen has had a failsafe. No one was ever to know what it was, but they were required to make plans just in case something happened.”

“How do ya know this?”

“Because Felyx, I was poking my nose where it didn’t belong. I overheard one of the council members asking the Queen if she had talked to the Princess about a plan in keeping the Sword safe. I didn’t think anything of it since it is their duty, but now...”

“Now it makes sense.” The way Felyx and Damien could read each other’s thought process made me think they shared a history no one seemed to know.

“So where do we start?” It was Alecko that brought me out of my thoughts.

“Felyx you said the Princess had a knack for words?” And Helenna that made me want to go back to them.

“Yes. Why?”

“Prophecies.” Was the only word that she said, like it explained everything that was going on.

“Prophecies?”

“Yes. It makes sense, legends, myths and prophecies. She could have cast a spell on certain people to start them.” It was Ameilius that justified her claim.

“There are so many, I heard a new one just the other day. How do we know which ones to look at?” Alecko seemed convinced.

“We start with the ones that started when the war broke out. But first, we wait to see if Embry’s dreams lead us anywhere.” Damien gave the first order.

“She hasn’t said yes Damien.” It was Felyx that reminded him.

“Then we start fresh tomorrow. It seems like it’s going to be easy, but it will not be.

Some of those myths are dark, evil even. I stand by my word. If anyone doesn’t want to continue with this then you are free to go. If you want to stay then we meet back here at nine a.m., agreed?”

“Agreed.” A chorus rang out.

“Splendid. Lunch anyone?”

“Lunch? We only just had breakfast?”

“Ah, my dear. Time it seems has been eluding you. It’s quite past twelve thirty.” How is that possible? There was tapping sound and the scraping of bricks filled the room.

“Shall we?” Alecko was the one that asked me. I stood up my cane in my right hand and Alecko’s arm in the other. We make our way down the hall quite whispers bouncing off the walls. I feel the gentle beat in my cane, slower than usual.

Damien?

Hmmm?

Did you sleep at all last night?

Sleep? You’re worried about my sleeping habits?

Sleep is important that’s all.

“Embry?”

“Yes, wait what did you ask?”

“I was going to take a walk to the stables after lunch. Did ya want to join?”

“Yes please.” A sliding door told me we were in the main room. Alecko and I sat down at the table. Two chairs scrapped the floor in front of me. Tinkering of pots and pans echoed behind me.

“Where has Damien gotten off to?”

“We are not his keepers Helenna, now have a seat. If he is not back by the time lunch is served, he goes without.”

“Now my sweet, surely we could save him a plate.” A chair scrapes the floor. I smile inwardly, hopefully Damien took my advice.

“He can have yours.”

“Point taken my dear.”

“Thought as much.”

“Did Damien do something?” I knew Emlyn and Damien had a thing, whatever that thing was. But this seemed…petty.

“He was disrespectful to Emlyn, she’s still a little sore is all.” A little sore constitutes as not feeding him? I would hate to see what really sore looks like.