Protectors: The Valdronius Kingdom

Alecko and I walked across the gravel at a steady pace. I chose to rely on his leading, the small form of my cane secured my boot. I held onto his right arm. Birds chirped, winds ruffled the trees, and pinning came from Alecko…wait.

“Alecko…are you, pinning?” He cleared his throat.

“Right, sorry. Sometimes that happens, Wulver remember, I still have two nights to go.” So very strange.

“Right. I’ve only ever known a dog to pine when they are excited, or sad.”

“A dog huh?”

“Not that you are a dog. That’s not what I meant.” He chuckled, it was good to know that Alecko had a sense of humor.

“It’s alright, I know what you meant.”

“So? A penny for your thoughts?” I smiled not to encourage him to tell me but because I remember Jeffery saying the same thing to me.

“Felyx, it’s always Felyx that gets to me.”

“Boy problems. Honestly, I have no relationship advice, but I know how to listen…”

“One moment he can be so warm and the next so cold. It’s like we can be on the same page, something happens, and he completely does a one eighty. It’s gotten worse being here.”

“Have you spoken to him about this?”

“Nae. We haven’t had a moment to.” I stop in my tracks.

“Why not go to him now?”

“He’s preparing for tonight. Have ya come to a decision?”

“What do you think I should do?”

“Felyx is right, there is a risk. Meddling with the mind, with memories, it’s no easy task. I’m sure he wished I didn’t bring it up. Personally, and selfishly, I want ya to do it. Not because it could help us, but because it could help him to embrace his magic. He’s always been tentative to use it, while I on the other hand push the limits. But this decision is yours, and yours alone to make luv. Whatever you decide I will adhere to your decision.” He was right, it was my decision. If I don’t, I may never know what those dreams are. If I do, I may not like what they have to show. Pawing of hoofs and neighing sounds started to become louder. Alecko leaves my side and the sound of locks ensue. Smells engulf my nose but somehow they comfort me. I take my cane out of my boot. I tap forward, gravel turns to a hard floor, probably dirt. I’m sprayed by a sneeze to my right, catching me off guard.

“Rook, that wasn’t very nice of ya, apologize.” A grunt was made that made me smile. I reach my hand out.

“Oh, here. Let me help ya there.” My hand was taken and I was pulled forward a little, my hand placed on a smooth warm patch of hair.

“Rook?” My hand travels over and I can feel the mane, sleek and smooth.

“When he was foal he used to try and keep up with the other horses. The thing was he couldn’t run a straight line, always kept going diagonally.”

“A rook in chess can only go diagonally.”

“Hence the name.”

“What does he look like?”

“He stands sixteen hands, built strong and wide. Chestnut in color, his mane and tail the same. Both longer than they should be.”

“His eyes?”

“A bright orange brown, almost like they could be a flame from a candle. He was a training horse for the Royal family.”

“Training for what?”

“Battle.” I could feel Rooks head move up and down. I moved away slowly, my hand was taken.

“Over here we have Jumper.”

“Should I take a guess or ask?”

“He’s been able to clear any distance come his way. It’s a magnificent sight to see. The way he charges with grace and clarity.” My hand was put on the front of the horse, his nose bumping my hand.

“Hello Jumper.”

“He’s sixteen hands two inches. Built strong, sleek. Tricolored, black, white, and dark brown. He has one blue eye and one brown eye.”

“How Beautiful.” There was grunting.

“Over here is Midnight. The fastest of them all. She can outrun any horse she has ever met. Some might even say she can outrun the wind. She was built for the speed to cover ground. She was the Queens favorite.”

“Are all these horses from the Royal family?”

“They are, Ameilius rescued the ones that were not claimed by the remaining soldiers. Each soldier was expected to choose a horse, to grow and look after them. Rook belongs to Emlyn, Jumper was the Princes’ and Midnight was the Queens.”

“Did you have one?”

“Aye, he’s over here with Felyx’s.” We walk a few paces over. Excited neighing told me he was happy to see Alecko.

“Hiya boy. Fifteen hands nine inches, a mass of rock solid mahogany brown. Pale yellow eyes.”

“What’s his name?”

“Bhaltair.”

“Bhaltair?”

“It means strong fighter.” My hand was taken, my fingertips traced a rough line.

“He earned his name the day of the war. An arrow pierced his armor lodging itself in his neck. He dropped to his knees, I pulled the arrow out and he looked at me. He came up to his feet and stood tall, ready for more.” I was stunned, there wasn’t anything that I could say. My heart felt for Bhaltair.

“His companion is Annabella.”

“How pretty that name is.”

“Beautiful grace. That’s what it means. She stands sixteen hands, a dappled grey with black hair. Her eyes are just as grey, they shine like that of the sheen of her hair. I have never met a horse with better manners, smart to. When Felyx went to claim his horse, it was like she chose him. Like she knew she was made especially for him. Their bond is tighter than that of Ameilius and Emlyn, and that is saying something.” This made me smile.

“She’s beautiful.”

“That she is.”

“Does everyone keep their horses here?”

“No, I brought ours over the day I came.”

“Oh. Does Damien have a horse?”

“Aye that he does.” I am led down quite a ways.”

“It feels like his is separated from the rest.”

“For good reason. The day the Princess went missing, it was like her horse could feel it. She became unstable that is, until she was reunited with her brother.”

“Her brother?”

“Aye, it was quite an anomaly when they came out, very rare indeed.”

“Why an anomaly?”

“Well they came out opposites of sorts. They both came out black and white paints. Phantom came out with a black mane and tail. A stallion standing seventeen hands, pure muscle and an attitude to match. Viatrix, sixteen hands came out with a white mane and tail.”

“They sound gorgeous.”

“Aye, they are. They also sport the same eyes color, blue.” We stopped, I could hear breathing.

“Easy boy, we just came to say hello.”

“Phantom?”

“Aye, he’s gentle. But the only person I’ve seen able to handle him is Damien. How, I have no idea.”

“What is that?” I hear a stomping of sorts.

“That is Viatrix. She’s prancing side to side. She gets edgy when people come close.” I move closer to the sounds, they turn into what I could only picture as a pacing.

“It’s alright Vi. Calm down girl.” I look towards the sounds of her feet and look up. The sounds stop. I reach my hand out. A nose bumps under my hand. The loudest scream I’ve heard comes from Viatrix, I am grabbed by the arms and pulled back. A constant thump hits the ground.

“What is that? What’s going on?”

“She’s rearing, I don’t know what’s gotten into her.” Banging sounds against the walls.

“What the devil is going on?” It was Damien.

“We didn’t do anything, I swear it. I was just showing Embry around. They started to have a fit.”

“VI, PHANTOM. Mitescere…mitescere.” An unlocking sound told me Damien was opening a gate.

“What’s he doing?” I whispered to Alecko.

“Soothing his horse.” I heard faint whispers coming from Damien. The noise slowly dissipated, and the locking of the gate told me Damien was out.

“I promise we didn’t do anything. I don’t know what happened”

“I do. Horses are just like people, they miss people just like we do.”

“I don’t understand.

“Your eyes luv.”

“She saw the past in them. Let’s try to keep Embry away from these two shall we?”

“Aye.”

“Felyx is looking for you Alecko.”

“Me?”

“Unless there is another man by the name of Alecko, yes you.”

“What does he want?”

“Why don’t you ask him when you see him?”

“Where is he?”

“Right here.”

“Felyx?”

“Aye. Can we talk a moment?”

“Alright.”

“Alone.”

“I think that’s our cue.” I tell Damien. My left arm was taken and we walk out a different way I came in.

“So how was your nap?”

“What makes you think I took a nap?”

“You sound…awake.”

“Yes well sleep is important.” I smile a little bit. I clear my throat.

“Where is Helenna?”

“Helenna? Don’t tell me you’ve taken a liking to her?”

“No, absolutely not.”

“She went to go visit someone. At least that is what Emlyn tells me.”

“You and Emlyn are back on good terms then?”

“I wouldn’t say good, but better than before. She even saved me a plate from lunch.” I laugh a little bit.

“What’s so funny?”

“She said that if you missed lunch that you’d go without.”

“Sounds like her. I’m sure Ameilius had something to do with it. Speaking of which we should go see him.”

“Why?”

“To see if he can help you tap into the Crystal.” Damien pulls me closer to him forcing me to bump into him.

“What are…?”

“Hold close.”

“Damien…and Embry? What can I do for the two of you?”

“Where are we?”

“My study.”

“Sorry, we didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“He did.”

“Embry needs to learn to tap into the magic of the Midnight Crystal.”

“She already has.”

“I have?” I’m led to a chair.

“When you turn it into a cane.”

“I didn’t do that. It did it on its own.”

“Midnight Crystal may be powerful, but it cannot think for itself.”

“But how?”

“When you touched the Crystal. It became the one thing which you most rely on, your cane.”

“So, the crystal, it can be changed into something else?”

“If you will it to, yes.”

“Try Embry.”

“What should I try for?”

“Let’s try for something small.”

“Something small, right.” Like what? I feel the Crystal, I hold the heavier side in my grip. I feel it grow, the shards turning to marble. I feel along it.

“…A cane.”

“It’s quite alright dear. Control takes practice, for everyone.”

“Try again.”

“Damien, perhaps you should go let Helenna in. She is at the gate.”

“Since when am I the gate opener.”

“Since I blocked the pathways into the Manor. Unless you wish me to open them?”

“Fine. I could use the fresh air, your study is stuffy.”

“Control Damien, even you can learn it.” A door closes.

“Now. May I ask what you were thinking about turning the Crystal into?”

“Well, something small.”

“Ah, I see. Let’s try something specific shall we?”

“Ok.”

Gate opener. He could have easily opened the gate or called Emlyn to do it. She is the one keeping it closed. And who did Helenna have to go see anyways. It is safer for all of us to stay inside the grounds, for now. Especially for Embry, she needs to tap into the Crystal. I didn’t risk my life so she could risk hers. She needs to learn how to protect herself. If Ameilius is right about her coming into magic, then she was born here, taken away...when? Time shifts between the two realms…all the realms, but there are spells to disrupt that. Or, her parents took her away before she was born. Either way she possesses magic, she is going to have to accept that.

“Took you long enough.”

“Well if you didn’t leave in the first place, you wouldn’t have had to wait.”

“Am I a prisoner?”

“Not yet…let’s keep outings to a minimum.”

“Aye, aye captain.”

“I’m serious Helenna.”

“I heard you Damien darling.”

“Who is so important that you just had to see?”

“My my, aren’t we inquisitive. What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing. What is this?”

“The reason I left.” Helenna gave him an old rolled up leather note book filled with parchment.

“What are they?”

“When I was on the Queens council she had many uses for my talents, one of them was to check rooms in the castle.”

“Snooping.”

“Tamato tomato.”

“And, what does this have to do with your…”

“Investigations? The day of the war started I found these in the Princesses private room. They were crumpled up.”

“That room was off limits to all those in the castle, especially to those on the councils. That room is…”

“Private? Yes well, the Queen put no limits on where I was and was not allowed.”

“So what do they say?”

“I have no idea.”

“You haven’t looked at them?”

“Oh I’ve looked through them alright, but I can’t read them. They are not in any language, they are written in symbols. None that I have ever seen before though. Before, I didn’t think anything of them, just doodles and drawings. But having that conversation this morning I’m not sure anymore.”

“I’ll look over them.”

“That was the idea.”

“Both of you inside, now.”

“Emlyn?”

“Do not argue.” Doors slam shut.

“Why the theatrics Emlyn?”

“The south gate was opened.”

“I just let Helenna in.”

“And if you picked up a compass you would know that was the north gate.”

“I know what gate it is Emlyn, maybe you were mistaken.” She gave him a stare.

“Or not…” Damien put his hands up.

“Emlyn dear what is going on?”

“Oh good, you’re with Embry. Where are Alecko and Felyx?”

“They were outside.”

“What the bloody hell is going on? Why is Emlyn screaming our names all over the bloody Manor?”

“I think the better question is, why don’t you have a shirt on?” A growl came from Alecko.

“Where is Felyx?”

“I’m here.” He threw Alecko a shirt.

“Ameilius, the south gate was breached.”

“The Manor is sealed; this place is a fortress.” Damien was on edge.

“We’re safe…aren’t we?” Embry’s nerves gave Damien a set of his own.

“That depends on the house.” Ameilius didn’t ease those nerves.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Helenna was just annoyed.

“When the war broke out we found out that the Manor is so much like a fortress that it will keep everyone and everything inside, if it feels like it’s under attack. We built an escape root not connected to the manor.”

“What does that have to do with what is happening now Mils?”

“The exit is at the south gate.” It was Emlyn that answered.

“Who knows about this?”

“That we know of? Just Emlyn and I.”

“Say someone else knows about it. Can they get into the Manor?”

“With the type of magic they used to breech the gate, I’m surprised they haven’t walked through the front door.”

“Not helping Ameilius.”

“Right. We need to assume that whoever it is, they are after Embry.”

“Why me?”

“You’re the only one that makes sense luv.”

“We don’t know who came through…”

“Or what.”

“We need to get Embry out of here. We can’t use magic.”

“Why not?” This peeved Helenna.

“Because whoever it is, is looking for us. Haven’t you noticed the house has moved us in at least three different rooms already?”

“They’ll track the magic.”

“What do you suggest Damien?”

“Horseback. Felyx, you take Embry.”

“Use Midnight she’s the fastest.” Emlyn cut in.

“Where to?”

“The Wilting Mountains. Find the Temple, this will give you safe passage inside. After that you are on your own.” Helenna tossed over a key to Felyx.

“That’s a day’s ride.” Felyx stated.

“She’ll make it Felyx.” Emlyn encouraged.

“With two people? That’s pushing it?” He was concerned.

“She can do it. There’s a passage that will get you there in a half the time, Midnight knows the way.”

“What passage?”

“Just let her lead Felyx.”

“Aye.”

“Felyx, you do not let Embry out of your sight, whatever the cost.”

“Aye.”

“How do we get out?”

“I’ll get you out.” It was Alecko who stepped up.

“How, the moon is almost up Alec.”

“Once I get ya there, I’ll willingly change. The plan is for whoever it is, to think that my change is the magic they sensed. They will steer clear of me. But that means that I’ll be loose on the grounds and with the gate open I might follow you.”

“I’ll make sure you don’t go chasing them.” It was Helenna that volunteered.

“Are you sure?” Damien warned.

“Yes.”

“Then hold down the gate. There will probably be guards.”

“Alright.”

“Don’t use magic on the grounds. If they are tracking magic, then they’ll get a sense of whose using it. And Helenna, get answers.”

“That I can do.”

“What are the rest of you going to do?” Embry Asked.

“Ameilius, you get everyone as close to an exit as you can get them. When everyone is in place Emlyn and I will provide a distraction one burst of magic that is all you get to make a way out. The combined magic will confuse the tracking. Once they are out I need you to perform a boundary spell with locks on every door. Draw them to a specific location.”

“The hallway?”

“The hallway. Emlyn and I will discard of them there. This leaves…”

“Me outside, Alecko will draw whoever is outside towards him, it should give me enough time to perform the spell. I’ll deal with whatever is left.”

“Are you sure? Once the boundary spell is up, we’ll be locked in the Manor, no escaping. They will come for you.”

“I’m sure.”

“Helenna, once Embry and Felyx are out, no one comes in or out of that gate. Even if they have one of our faces, you better make damn sure it is us. At that point use your talents to the fullest if you’re not sure. Nothing is to follow Felyx and Embry. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Rang out.

I’m sure Ameilius felt like I was pulling off his arm. Even I noticed the grip I had on him. An arm came around my shoulders.

“It’ll be alright luv, Felyx will take care of ya.”

“I’m more worried about the rest of you.” I let my grip on Ameilius go and placed my arms around Alecko.

“Nah, we’ll be alright. It’s more like a routine drill for us. Besides, it could be nothing.”

“Or it could be something.” There were faint whispers of be careful and give them hell.

Be brave.

Be careful.

You need to hide that Crystal.

Ok. I take the crystal and place it in my boot. Safe and snug.

“Let’s get a move on. From here on out we use telepathy.” Feet shuffle away.

Right, shall we? It was Ameilius that spoke.

How are we going to make our way around without getting caught?

We my dear are going to let the Manor do that for us.

What does that mean?

So far the Manor hasn’t taken us to a room with windows, soon there won’t be any windows. If that happens, we blast our way out. We’ll have to be quick, the Manor rebuilds itself. Once there is an opening, Alecko you do what you must.

Aye.

Balcony, locked shut, stay behind me. Both of my hands were taken, probably by Felyx and Alecko.

Damien?

Are you in place?

Yes.

On my count, one, two, three! A loud bang went off and glass shattered at the same time I felt the Manor shake. It shook like an earthquake went off. My feet felt like they were sliding, the wind felt like it was passing right through me.

I’ll open the back, you get midnight out. Both hands left me, iron against iron sounded. I heard Felyx whispering, coaxing Midnight. Hoofs clacked on the ground.

“Ride fast Felyx, do not look back. Do you understand me? You protect Embry.”

“Aye, and who’s to protect ya?”

“I will see ya when the moon falls.”

“Aye.”

“Right, ya first Embry.” Hands grab at my waist and lift me like I weigh nothing. My legs slid around warm muscle. My hands grabbed at what felt like hair.

“Sorry ’bout that.” It was Felyx, his weight found itself behind me.

“No saddle?”

“No time.”

“You’ll be fine luv. Here are the reins. The Temple, it has rules.” Felyx’s arms came around the sides of me. My back against his front. He was taller than I thought and more muscular.

“Aye, I know.”

“Ya listen here Midnight, ya look after them ya hear? Ride straight and ride true.”

“See ya when the moon falls.” It wasn’t a question it was reassurance that Felyx needed to hear one more time.

“When the moon falls.” Muscles tensed under me, and around me. The once still horse came alive bolting forward. A mess of hoof beats became a rhythmic hum. I felt the muscles under me move swiftly finding their own rhythm. My hands moved with her, her neck stretching forwards. A howling erupts behind us, forcing Midnight to move faster and Felyx to tense.

Hiding behind a tree Helenna spied two guards watching just outside the opening of the gate, watching for anyone to come in. They weren’t fledglings not yet anyways. Helenna pulled out her dagger and crept along the railing. Her hands once again feeling the rhythm of her weapon at work. She found herself behind one of the guards, grabbing him around the neck. The dagger firmly pressed against his windpipe.

“Move and I kill him. What are you doing here?” The other man stepped back, caught off guard.

“We were sent to retrieve a package.”

“Be quiet you fool!”

“What type of package?”

“A young type of package.” Filthy wannabees.

“For who?”

“Don’t know.”

“So you’re taking orders from what, a ghost?” Helenna pressed harder on the man’s windpipe.

“Bounty…there was a bounty placed on the girl. We don’t know who.” A bounty that was all the information she needed. Helenna had had enough, the dagger cut clean through, blood dripped down her hand making it slick. The body crumpled to the floor and she wiped her hands on her pants.

“You bitch! You said you wouldn’t kill him.”

“Correction, I said if you moved I would kill him. You stepped back.” The man lunged for her, Helenna moved out of the way.

“You want to fight? I’ll give you a fight.” Punches were thrown, knees were thrust, and two bodies remained lifeless on the floor. The running of hoofs got louder. Just in time, I catch Felyxs’ eyes as he passes by. Disapproval was his nature, Alecko’s howl forced Helenna on alert.

Alecko’s change stopped the intruders from going any further, they were fledglings, most of them. It didn’t make sense they weren’t smart enough to pull off such a scheme. Whining forced Helenna to focus on Alecko. He was following a trail, a blood trail.

“Alecko.” There was a growl.

“Look at me, it’s alright. You follow that trail and you’ll go vegan for the rest of your life.” He whined when he looked up searching the sky.

“You willingly changed before the moon was up, to save Felyx.” His head whipped around in the direction they went.

“No Alecko, you can’t go. Look back at me.” Whines take place.

“That’s it come on, you need to go the other way. Do you know who I am? It’s Helenna?” Helenna watches him sniff the air, a small growl escalates.

“Alecko, you don’t want to hurt anyone. I can help you with that.” More growls and teeth snapping told Helenna that she had his attention. He started stalking forwards forcing Helenna to inch back.

“I know we have our problems Alecko, but you don’t want to hurt me either, not really.” More snapping proved her claim wrong.

“Right, you want me? Come and get me you mangy mutt.” Helenna spun on a dime and ran, Alecko pursuing her.

“You could have gone with her Damien.”

“I’m better used here.”

“Felyx would have fared well.”

“The boundary spell is up.” A door slammed and locked to their right.

“Your magic is just as strong as his.”

“We need to get to the hallway.”

“You could have sent Helenna with her.”

“Would you trust her?”

“No, I suppose I wouldn’t”

“We just went down this hallway.” Another door slammed shut.

“Oh for good heavens just stand still a moment. We are just piddling around in circles.”

“Fine, now what?”

“You sent Felyx for a reason.”

“That’s not a question.”

“No, an observation.” The room started to switch around.

“I’m starting to think I should have let you perform the boundary spell.”

“Nonsense. You’re a betting man Damien, I’ll bet you one hundred tokens that Ameilius leaves whoever is outside unconscious.”

“Ameilius is a changing man, as am I. I would lose that bet.”

“And that is exactly why you chose me. The same reason you chose Felyx to take Embry.”

“Felyx has killed before.”

“Yes, but he’s like Ameilius.”

“Finally, the hallway. Felyx will do what is necessary.” Damien goes to the wall a grabs a sword, it takes flame with a black fire. Emlyn stands in the center of the hallway, her hands start to pick up power causing static to strike out.

“You chose him so he wouldn’t have more blood on his hands.”

“They are coming.” They line up back to back.

“You may actually have a heart after all.”

“As much as I don’t enjoy our talks, we have company.”

“Fledglings. It doesn’t make sense, they aren’t smart enough to pull this off.” The Fledglings start to file in.

“Puppets.”

“Take out five and rotate?”

“Try to keep up.”

Midnight twisted and turned along a path, jumping when necessary. Felyx kept me snug against him, making sure that I didn’t fall. We started to slow down coming to a halt. Midnight’s breathing was hard and smooth at the same time.

“Easy girl, easy. Are ya alright?”

“I’m fine…you?”

“Aye.”

“Where are we?”

“The other side of Crotan. She covered a lot of ground.” We start to walk forward, when I feel Midnight pull in another direction.

“What is it girl? You must be thirsty, there’s a stream up ahead.” Felyx pulls her back the way we were going. Midnight stops and turn around.

“What’s wrong?”

“Midnight doesn’t want to go that way.”

“Emlyn said she knew the way.”

“Alright. Go ahead girl.” We start to walk forward. I feel Felyx loosen up a bit, not as tense.

“When I feel it is safe we can get off, stretch ya legs.”

“Ok.” We ride in silence, the pattern of hoof beats filling the void. I think about the others, Alecko running around in his Wulver form. Ameilius outside alone, Damien and Emlyn inside facing…whatever they were. When Damien gave the orders, everyone fell in line. Like it was routine, he was good under pressure. Damien? Nothing, it was worth a try.

“Hey Felyx, can I ask you a question.”

“Aye.”

“Is it dark?”

“Aye.”

“You don’t speak a lot huh.” We stop, Felyx jumps down. His hands find my waist; my hands find his shoulders. I swing my leg over and slide off, my feet find the ground slowly. He really was strong, controlled. I couldn’t help but smile for Alecko. My legs ached from sitting in that position for so long.

“Alright Midnight, go grab a drink.” I heard hoof steps walk away.

“Will…will she come back?”

“Aye, she’ll come back.” That was good to know.

“Is the Moon up?”

“Aye.”

“I’m sorry that you can’t be with him, with Alecko.”

“He’ll be fine.”

“Will you? You love him immensely, so much that it hurts. I can tell.”

“By the way we talk to each other?”

“No. I felt it, when you were saying…see you later.” Midnight made her way back, her nose bumped my shoulder.

“We should get moving.”

“Can we walk for a little while?”

“We need to get you to safety.”

“Please? Just ten minutes or so.”

“Alright.” My hand is taken and placed on Midnights mane. She moves forwards and I go with her, Felyx’s footsteps were beside me. For some reason I pictured him walking with his hands behind his back. He seemed the type, punctual, well mannered.

“I do, love him.”

“How did you two meet?”

“We knew of each other when we were younger, sixteen or so. We lived in the same town. He was always getting into trouble, with girls, boys, sometimes both. When he turned eighteen he started to disappear. I found him one morning curled up by the river. He didn’t know what was happening to him, his parents weren’t around to tell him that he was half Wulver. I barely knew what that meant. But I helped him through it, we became quick friends. We joined the Royal Guard, we found our place in the Councils. We each had our talents, Alecko more than I. It was the night of the Rose Bud Ball that changed our lives forever. We were to join the Ball, to dance with any young maiden who didn’t have a partner. I’m not that great of a dancer, that’s more Alecko’s forte than mine, so I retired early. Heading up the stairs I rounded the corner, Alecko was there and he made the first move. Kissed me right there.”

“What did you do?”

“Kissed him back.”

“Oh, how romantic.” Felyx made a slight chuckle.

“Aye, I suppose so.”

“How did you know, that you liked guys?”

“For a while I was indifferent towards anyone really. I just figured that no one in town suited my fancy. Did you know that when Wulvers change, they are so big that they rip through their clothing? I guess I knew the morning I found Alecko, he was naked and that, that was a rather pleasant sight to see.” That made me laugh a little, I believed it. Alecko was muscular, not as muscular as Felyx but even so.

“So Alecko, he was your first…everything?” Felyx cleared his throat.

“Aye.”

“What was it like?”

“I don’t think that is…”

“NO. Sorry, no not that. What I meant was, living all that time knowing and you never made a move on him. Alecko he seems like he knew he liked guys. Why wait?”

“Alecko, he got around, a lot. He wasn’t very consistent, never one for commitment.”

“But you are.” It was all making sense now. Alecko wanting more from Felyx, Felyx’s mood changes. He was being wary, careful. But why?

“Alecko seems very committed to you.”

“Aye, for now.”

“Has he…strayed before?”

“Nae. If it’s one thing that Alecko is, it’s that he’s honest.” I wanted to ask if he strayed but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“Right, ten minutes are up.” Midnight stopped.

“If we must.”

“We must. Hold here, take these, and bend your left leg.” I hold my hands at Midnights shoulder and mane, leather found its way between the two. I bend my leg and his hands find my leg and lift me up, my right leg going over Midnight. Felyx found himself behind me with ease, his hands draped over my hips lightly. We walk at a fast pace.

“Umm Felyx…don’t you want the reigns back?”

“You’re doing just fine.” Right, because a blind girl controlling a horse makes sense. Though I think Midnight doesn’t need controlling. I start to relax a little bit, its actually not so bad.

“In my world, your love is the type in which they write books about. The fantasy of all young girl’s hearts. To love and be loved in return.”

“Have ya never been in love yourself?”

“No.”

“No young flame?”

“It isn’t easy to care for someone who is blind. Learning when to help, what to help with. It’s frustrating, even for me sometimes.”

“Were ya born blind?”

“No.”

“Aye, I’m sorry.”

“I was a kid. I don’t remember much.” Liar.

Helenna had been running, twisting, and having close calls for the better part of two hours. Alecko was hot on her trail, but Helenna had a few tricks up her sleeve and she was off the grounds. She could use all the magic she wanted, she used this to disappear and reappear. It was starting to get old, fast, and she was getting to far from the grounds, time to lead him back. If she could get him closer to the Manor she could… what exactly, magic didn’t work on Wulvers. She could make a trap, what kind of trap? That was the question, she needed Ameilius. The brief thought of how he was doing by himself flickered through her mind. He was capable, hell she was out here with a Wulver. But then again he wasn’t like her, he wouldn’t be so quick to slit a throat. All she agreed to, was that she would make sure that Alecko didn’t go wondering off to far, not that she wouldn’t keep him off the grounds. Teeth snapped to close to her, bringing her out of her thoughts. She placed herself atop a tree branch, with Alecko failing at climbing up she took a breath. From this vantage point she could see the fence to the Manor. Everything around was as still as a breathing graveyard. The Manor was always eerie to Helenna, even more so than the Temple. But it held a warmth that the Temple neglected to fill. Growling whipped Helenna’s head down. A quick thought brought rising suspicions. She’s been running around for hours now, and Alecko hasn’t picked up any other scent. No sight of the other Wulvers either, Damien said that he didn’t see a pack anywhere. She was starting to think that it wasn’t a coincidence, and she had a feeling that they would be back. She needed a plan, so far it was just leading Alecko back onto the grounds to get to Ameilius to come up with a plan. But that would involve being seen. She could kill them all. That would solve quite a few problems…No, Ameilius wouldn’t do that, especially if some of them were still relatively human. Damn it all, she hadn’t come all this way to be limited. She could do this without magic, she didn’t have a choice. What she needed was rope, a lot of rope.

Damien and Emlyn wiped the blood off of their hands and looked at each other. Bodies, a mix of fledglings and recruits, lined the wall and floor. Heavy breathing was all that filled the empty space between them. They walked away, the manor would take care of the mess as soon as Ameilius lifted the boundary spell. They headed towards the front door, all the windows were removed, and there was no way to see outside. Damien leaned against the wall and waited.

“You’re rusty.” Emlyn stated, causing Damien to smirk.

“Well killing was always your area. That is why the King recruited you is it not.”

“My history has nothing to do with your inability to act. You over think too much.”

“It shouldn’t be easy to take a human life Emlyn.”

“Kill or be killed Damien. Easy or not, thinking about to kill or not to kill, can cause the death of an innocent.”

“Some of those recruits were innocent, just caught in a war between themselves and the world.”

“They were not innocent. Once they chose to go this direction, that decision sealed their fate. None of them backed down. They wanted this.”

“They wanted a way out.”

“If you are not able to…”

“I just proved that I am. Did I not stand by your side and fight? Did I not soak my hands in the blood of all those that are piled in the hallway of this Manor? The Manor which has proven time and time again that it is not a fortress. There was a time when this place could never be breached, explain that to me Emlyn.” Damien’s temper rose and fell, becoming an urgency.

“You are not wrong.” It wasn’t the answer Damien was looking for, but the answer would have to wait. The front door opened revealing a haggard Ameilius. Eleven bodies lay around him, it wasn’t blood that stained Ameilius but dirt. Every single one of those bodies lying on the ground were human and breathing. Leave it to Ameilius to figure out a way to fight without killing anyone.

“I see you two didn’t kill each other.” Damien and Emlyn shared a look, causing Ameilius to cock an eyebrow.

“We need to secure the Manor and the South gate. Someone needs to go after Embry and Felyx. But first, we need to find Helenna and Alecko.”

“What’s that about finding me?” Helenna came up behind them.

“Where’s Alecko?”

“He’s a little tied up at the moment.”

“Right, Emlyn and Ameilius make the Manor…impenetrable and get rid of the safety net. Blast it, conjure it gone, I don’t care just get rid of it. One way in, one way out. Helenna you help them. I’m going to get Alecko.”

“What about Embry and Felyx, Damien?” Ameilius asked.

“They are safe where they are for now, this place needs to be safer before they can come back.” Damien walked off taking Emlyn’s words with him. He didn’t need her to tell him how to kill, he knew more than he liked about killing. He shook his head trying to rid himself of the thoughts. Embry. Nothing, were they at the Temple yet? They must be close. He would know if anything went wrong…wouldn’t he? Maybe he should catch up to them… No, Felyx can take care of her. There on the ground whimpering was Alecko. His mouth was tied shut as was his front and hind legs.

“She did a number on you didn’t she? Let’s get you untied a bit shall we?” Alecko growled as Damien got closer.

“Unless you want to stay out here all night tied up. I’m sure you want to go to Felyx.” There was a pinning. Damien undid the back legs first, then the front legs. Alecko stood on all fours looking at Damien.

“Right the tricky part. You know who I am don’t you Alecko. I’m Damien, your friend.” Alecko looked straight at Damien, his eyes searching.

“That’s right, Damien. You know me, you know that it’s the full moon. You are Alecko. Do you remember?” Alecko looked towards the Blue moon, a howl wanting to escape but couldn’t. He pawed at the rope tightly fastened around his snout. Damien took a step and Alecko growled.

“Easy there, I won’t hurt you. You know me, try to remember. It’s Damien.” Alecko stood still looking at the man in front of him. He took a tentative step forward.

“That’s it, good man.” Alecko stood tall almost reaching Damien’s shoulder. Damien searched for any hint of a shadow, there was none. He took a breath and reached out to the rope. Light growls took place.

“I’m just going to unknot this and you are free to go after Felyx.” Damien slowly unknotted the rope letting it fall to the ground. Alecko kept looking at Damien as he stepped back. Alecko ran in the direction of Felyx causing Damien to flinch backwards.

“Your welcome.” Damien looked up, the moon would set in about four, five hours. There was no way for Alecko to catch up to them in that time. Taking a deep breath Damien sat on a log. Despite the nap it had been a very long day. He was sure more were to follow. He took the leather bound papers out of his jacket and untied yet another knot.

Felyx brought Midnight to a walk. The air was chilled but thick and there was a slight hum in the air. It made me worry that I couldn’t place it. Midnights feet echoed in the silence.

“Felyx?”

“Aye?”

“What’s that sound?”

“The Wilting Mountains.”

“The Wilting Mountains?”

“Legend says that there was a great massacre on the mountain. It says that the mountains are filled with the cries and whispers of the people that died. They say that bodies would fall off the mountain as if the mountain itself was the cause. Hence the name, The Wilting Mountains.”

“That is very awful, disturbing.” A chill ran through me.

“We are here.” We come to a complete stop and Felyx gets off.

“Good.” I was tired and I’m sure Midnight was more so.

“Ya stay with Midnight.” Where was I going to go? Felyx put the reigns in my hands and walked off.

“Where are you going?”

“The entrance, it has security measures.”

“Security Measures?”

“To keep unwanted guests away.”

“How do we get in?”

“We prove that we are not a threat.”

“How do we do…Felyx?” There was a slight groan. Footsteps come back to me.

“Is this one of the rules that Alecko mentioned?”

“Aye, and there’s another.” My left hand was taken, Felyx slipped cold metal on my ring finger.

“Felyx? What are you doing?”

“I agreed never to leave your side. The Temple is very strict, in just about every matter. This will be the only way that I can assure that ya never leave my eye.” The ring was plain, no inscription, and no design. I nod my head. Alecko, he knew the rules…but did he know.

“Felyx?”

“Aye?”

“This is for Alecko, isn’t it?”

“Aye.” I couldn’t help but smile.

“Does he know?”

“Nae.” What was he waiting for?

“Then I won’t say a peep.”

“Thank ya.” There was a sound, more humming. Except this time, it was like glass chimes.

“Who dares to enter?” A voice rang out.

“We dare.”

“And who are ‘we’?” The man’s voice was sharp.

“Felyx and Embry, we seek safety for a night.

“Safety? We are not a safe house for any to enter. Leave here at once.”

“We have permission to enter.”

“Where did you get that?”

“It was given to me by Helenna of Temple.”

“And what is to say you did not pry it out of her hands?”

“What is the commotion about?” Another voice rang out. Even though they seemed to echo there was no feeling behind their words, no…depth.

“They seek refuge for a night. He has the Key of Temple.” A key?

“How have you come by this totem?”

“It was given to me.”

“And who is Helenna to you.”

“Kin.”

“Kin you say?”

“Correct.”

“And the girl?”

“My wife.” The words sounded foreign. No that title definitely belonged to Alecko. Or would it be husband?

“And yet she has not proven herself to not be a threat.” Me? A threat?

“She has blind eyes.” I didn’t know how I felt about Felyx using that as…what? A point of weakness?

“Come closer my girl.” This made me antsy. My hands were taken and reigns pulled away, something wet slid over them.

“It’s alright.” Felyx whispered. I leaned over and Felyx helped me down, I took his arm and we walked forward. I looked straight ahead my grip on Felyx getting tighter by the second.

“So she has.”

“Will you grant us Safety for one night?”

“Taken or given, the key gives you entry to the grounds of the Temple. To reside inside the walls will have to be granted by Farah of Temple.”

“Of course.”

“You may proceed.” Midnight nudges my shoulder.

“Back on Midnight Embry.” I nod my head. Felyx helps me up slowly, my hands find the end of her mane. We start to walk.

“Are you not going to get back on?”

“Nae.” That was all the explanation I was given. We walked up a slope.

“You cut your hand?”

“How did ya know?”

“When you touched my hands, getting me off Midnight, your hands were wet. You wounded yourself to prove you weren’t a threat didn’t you?”

“Ya are clever. Ya should know they are strict about contact.”

“That’s why you won’t get back on the horse.”

“Aye.”

We also need to be careful about what we say.

They won’t listen in?

Nae, they value privacy.

Ok. Is there anything else I should be made aware of?

How are your acting skills?

Huh?

The rings…they signify a marriage. We need to…

Act like we’re married?

Aye.

Be careful how we touch, be careful of what we say, and act like we’re married.

Aye.

Felyx?

Aye?

This place, it doesn’t feel right. I don’t think we should have come here.

It will all be alright. We had been walking a little while when we stop. The humming got louder, it was majestic sounding, nothing I had ever heard before.

“Felyx?”

“Aye.”

“Are we at the Temple?”

“Aye.”

“What does it look like?” There was a pause.

“Shiny.” That caused me to laugh.

“Your…wife’s laugh is a treasured sound. I apologize for the guards at the gate, they did not realize who you were.” Her voice was void of any accent but her words were exact.

“That is kind of you Farah of Temple.”

“Brother of Temple will see to the care of your horse. You and your wife may enter.” Someone touched me on my left.

“You dare to touch his wife without her consent? Without his?” Whoever it was shuffled backwards. I looked towards her voice.

“Apologies, I only meant to help.” The voice was of a young man. Right, they really were strict.

“To help? You think her husband incapable of doing his duties?”

“No my lady. I only…”

“If I may? I’m sure the boy is deeply sorry. Ya see, my wife is blind. I’m sure he was only trying to help her down. I give him forgiveness.”

“And what say of your wife?”

“I give him forgiveness.” I follow what Felyx said.

“Then he shall not be punished.” Punished? I could feel a relief pass through the man.

“Embry?” Felyx’s voice was close again, he took my left arm and placed it around his neck. I lean over and Felyx pulls me over Midnight catching my legs. He set me down gently as Midnights hoof beats faded away. We walk forwards.

Should I be holding your arm?

Unless ya know where you’re going.

Right. There was a click behind me. The humming stopped, they must have been doors. The inside was deafening, it felt like if a pin dropped it would echo.

“You may wait in the waiting room while I make preparations.”

“Thank you.” We walk to our left. This time I hear doors open. Felyx and I walk straight and sit down, Felyx on my right.

“Bandage my lord.” Lord?

“Felyx will be fine Sister of Temple.”

“It would be improper of me to call you anything else given your title.” Title? ‘Who you were.’ That is what that lady Farah had said. Who was Felyx, really?

“Right, the rules. Perhaps sir would be sufficient?”

“Of course sir.”

“Sister of Temple would ya be so kind as to bring a bowl of hot water, rags, and needle and thread?” Was the cut that deep?

“Yes sir.” Doors closed quietly. I didn’t even hear her walk away.

“Felyx?” Be careful of what you say Embry, I reminded myself.

“Aye?”

“That was…intense.”

“Aye. The Temple, it’s a school of sorts.”

“Why did you call her Sister of Temple?”

“The students aren’t given names till they pass their tests and are reborn.”

“What does that mean exactly?”

“Power.” The door opens again.

“Thank ya Sister of Temple.” Whatever she places down clinks. Was there a table there? I don’t remember there being one. I could feel Felyx wince.

“Here, let me.” I reach for his hands, the wet cloth was in his right the cut on his left hand. I heard the girl gasp. Right, the touching.

“Ya don’t need to…”

“The bowl of water please.”

“It’s in my right hand.” I rinse the cloth. The wound went across the palm starting at the bottom of his thumb to the base of his pinky. The deepest part was at the base of his thumb.

“Sister of Temple?”

“Yes my lady?”

“Um…just Emb…ma’am will be fine. Will you thread the needle for me?”

“Certainly ma’am.”

Embry, I can manage. Ya don’t need…

Are you scared?

Not scared, wary very wary.

Felyx, you can trust me.

“Here you are ma’am.”

“Thank you.” I put down the rag and take the needle and thread. It wasn’t like the one I used on Damien. This one was straight thin, the thread was finer as well.

“This might hurt.”

“Go ahead.” I give him a smile. I feel the needle press into his skin. Like Damien, he didn’t flinch. I go slowly feeling the way. It didn’t take as long as the last time. I wonder if this was going to become a habit.

“Scissors?”

“Apologies, I did not bring them. I shall be but a moment.”

“No need.” I felt a tingle by my hands.

“Forgive me sir, but the practice of magic…”

“Without a Guardian present is an unbecoming rule.”

“I see you chose your wife not just in beauty but in talents outside that of magic.”

“She is full of surprises. You of all people Farah of Temple know that my people cherish love above all else.” Felyx stood up.

“Indeed. I have prepared your rooms.”

“We need only one Farah.”

“Do you believe yourself to be above the rules of the Temple Felyx Ailpein of Dàl Riata?” Who of what?

“Do you deny me my duties as Husband? Do you believe yourself to be above sacred vows Farah of Temple?” She showed no temper when she spoke, but Felyx showed enough for the both of them. I stood up and clasped Felyx’s arm.

“Please, perhaps we can come to a peaceful solution that would benefit us all.”

“Go on.”

“I understand that the rules set here must be upheld. I will not leave Fel… my husband’s side. But perhaps one room with separate beds would suffice.” I wonder if those words felt as foreign coming out of my mouth as they were for Felyx.

“How would this benefit the rules of the Temple of which you know nothing of?”

“A favor.” It was Felyx that spoke up.

“A favor? Elaborate.”

“A room with separate beds, and I will owe you a favor of your reasonable choosing.”

“A favor from the house of Dàl Riata.”

“Aye.”

“It is curious as to why you should venture here and not to your land for protection Felyx.” His land?

“This matter does not concern my land. I wish not to lead trouble to the people. The Temple is a fortress guarded by Ancient magic, there is no one that would test those limits.”

“Your words speak truth and flattery, do be careful.”

“Apologies, I only wished to convey the power of Temple.”

“Sister of Temple please retire for the night.” This time I heard the faint footsteps leave the door closing softly behind her.

“You will not owe the favor to Temple, but to me. What are your limits to this favor?”

“Very well. The grounds for the favor must be reasonable and within my character.”

“Then you shall have your room with separate beds. Follow me.” We walk forwards, wasn’t there a table? The door closes behind us and we head to the left.

Can we trust her?

She will not hinder her chance for a favor.

What did she call you, your title?

Can I explain that later? We stop walking.

“We must go upstairs, will this hinder your wife?” She seemed to only address Felyx, was it a rule? Was she listening in? I wonder if agitation showed on my face, before I could answer Felyx picked me up catching me off guard.

“My wife is many a thing, hindered is not one of them. I ask that ya show her respect as she has done for ya.” Felyx really was a nice guy. He started forwards climbing up the stairs. I felt like a feather in his arms, weightless.

“Apologies, I only wished to convey the obvious.” She was a piece of work. I wonder if she was rubbing off on Helenna or the other way around.

“His wife has a name. I may not be able to see, but I can hear just fine.”

“If anything your magic is weaker than a first day student. You have no power here and as such you are below me.”

“She is of the house Ailpein, and we are below no one. Do ya need me to remind ya of how far our power reaches?” I shouldn’t have said anything. How many steps up were we going?

“That will not be necessary. She asked a question, I gave an answer.” She wasn’t even fazed.

“I didn’t ask a question.”

“On the contrary. Your words, aroused as they were, suggested that my attention to you was small of detail. You were wrong, my detail to you was nonexistent. You show no magic, because you have none. None that is of any significance. As to why Felyx would marry a magically baron women is his business. You offer nothing to the house of Ailpein. And that, is why you are of no importance to me.” She sounded bored, as if this topic was obvious. The air got colder as her words turned to ice.

“Then why help us?” Even though this was an act, her words were meant to hurt.

“Because the house of Ailpein is of importance. You married well and that gets you a portion of my respect, as your husband has requested of me. This will be your room. I will send up nourishments. I wish to keep this debacle to a minimum, the students do not need any ideas in their heads. I afford you one night only.” Felyx carried me the whole way.

“We will be out by daybreak.”

“See that you are. You will find Brother of Temple at the bottom of the stairs, he will show you to your horse and the way out.” Felyx placed me down and opened the door. I take his arm and we walk forwards to a table and chairs.

“I’m sorry you had to make that deal.”

“That wasn’t your fault. Like she said, the house of Ailpein is important to her.” So she knew he’d make a deal.

“Let’s get ya washed up, yea?”

“Alright.” There was a knock at the door.

“I have brought nourishments for you my lord.” Felyx opened the door.

“Come in.”

“It would be improper of me to…”

“Right, I’ll take it from here then.”

“Will there be anything else my lord?”

“No. Thank you Brother of Temple.” The door closed. It wasn’t until the smell of food caught my attention that I realized there was no smell to the Temple. No scent of perfume, no musty smell of hardworking people, nothing.

“What is it?”

“Chicken, cobb corn, and cake.”

“Cake?” She sent us cake?

“Chocolate. I suppose you would like to eat first.” I gave a smile.

“Is it safe?” This got a small laugh. There was tinkering of plates and silverware, splashes of water, and something else that I couldn’t place.

“What was that?”

“What?”

“That noise, it was a tink sound.”

“This?” There it was again.

“Yes.”

“That is the sound of a glass knife on a glass plate.”

“Glass. This place it’s…”

“Scary?”

“Cold. I don’t see how Helenna could choose to be here.”

“The urge for power twists many a mind.”

“Not yours.”

“Twists and turns come in many forms. I think that I’ll go wash up, will ya be ok?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’ll just be to the left of ya, I’ll leave the door cracked.”

“Felyx, thank you…for everything.”

“Shout if ya need me, aye?”

“Aye.” I smile. Running water fills the silent void.