Shadows Of Desire

Red faced and out of breath, Elas raced forward, through the trees and to the Prince’s tent. “Sire.” He managed to get out through ragged breaths. “Two riders approach from the east.” He all but shouted at the Prince in his eagerness to relay the message.

Prince Lierin looked up from where he was sitting, bent over a table studying maps of the surrounding area. His advisors sat beside him, all three of the men trying to map out the quickest, and safest route to their destination. “What do we know of these riders?” Lierin asked, a bit annoyed at the interruption. Surly, two riders weren’t much of a threat. The guards posted around the perimeter of the camp could handle them if they were hostile.

Elas looked to the ground, shifting his feet as he worried his hands nervously, his face turning red as he stammered out his reply. “N-nothing yet, your Majesty. Just that they appear to be from one of the local villages.”

“Fae?” Lierin asked, raising an eyebrow.

Elas nodded. “We believe so, Sire.”

Lierin turned to glance at the two men who stood behind him and his advisors, who were still sitting at the table to his right and left. “Nasir, would you and Selanor please go and ‘greet’ these riders before they reach camp? I want to know who they are, and why they are here.”

“That is ill-advised, Sire.” Nasir argued. “It would be better to send two of the guard to investigate them.”

“I am, sending two of the guard.” Lierin pointed out.

Nasir sighed, cocking his head to the side as he watched the Prince carefully. “Two other members of the guard.” He clarified.

“They’re probably just scouts for a hunting party.” Selanor interjected, earning the attention of both men.

“More than likely.” Lierin agreed. “But, I would still like the two of you to go.”

“Is there a particular reason that you are trying to get rid of me?” Nasir asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Other than your constant hovering makes me nervous, no.”

Nasir gave a frustrated huff then bowed. “As you wish, your Majesty.”

His obvious disapproval of his assignment earned him a stern look from the Prince which Nasir quickly returned.

Lierin sighed. “There are a hundred men just outside this tent alone, Nasir. They are more than capable of keeping me safe in the twenty minutes it will take you to ride out to two commoners on horse back.”

“Let us hope so, your Majesty. Or every man in this camp will have me to deal with.” Nasir clenched his jaw as he spoke then bowed once more before leaving the tent, Selanor close behind.

“What the hell was that all about?” Selanor asked as the two quickly mounted their horses.

“That, was our Prince not taking his security seriously. He thinks that since we’re technically still on Lycan land that there is no threat of harm.”

“And you disagree?” Selanor asked.

Nasir nodded. “There is always a threat of harm. Even within the walls of his own castle.”

Nasir offered no more explanation than that and Selanor didn’t ask him to elaborate. Ever since Prince Thaden had disappeared with the vampire, Rowan, the Palace had been on high alert. They feared that, at any moment, there might be word of the vampire army moving against them. Now, with news of King Desmond’s murder and the Queen ordering all the Fae be rounded up and interrogated, the threat of war was starting to become a reality. The King himself believed his youngest to have been either captured, or killed by the vampires. Lierin didn’t want to believe it but with no word from Thaden, and no demand for ransom, the fate of the youngest Eleven Prince was looking more and more grim as the days dragged on.

***

Thaden leaned over his mount, rubbing at his eyes. He had no idea what the time was but he knew it was close to midnight. The moon, full and radiant in all her luster, had nearly reached her zenith. It was the light of the moon that now guided them through the forest and towards their destination, to Rowan. They were in Lycan territory now and even though the wolves were their allies, they still had to remain vigilant. During a full moon, the Lycan clans could be unpredictable and dangerous, especially if two unannounced intruders happened upon one in full transformation. The beast within them might not distinguish friend from foe, or man from prey.

“You’re weary.” Tomag observed. “We’ve been riding for two days with no rest. We should stop for a bit. Let you catch your breath.”

“No.” Thaden righted himself on the horse. “I’m fine.” He said as he cracked his neck and did his best to fight off sleep, no matter how hard it attempted to overpower him.

“You’re not fine.” Tomag argued, his face a mask of worry. “You can barely keep your eyes open and, a moment ago you were about to fall off your horse.”

“I said I’m fine.” Thaden snapped, this time with a bit more force. “We wasted enough time stopping to eat. We can’t afford to waste more. Rowan, can’t afford it.”

“You said he’s still alive.” Tomag pointed out. “That’s a good sign. If the Queen planned to kill him, he’d be dead by now. A few hours won’t matter but it will matter if you drop dead before we reach Basmorte.”

“I appreciate your concern but really, I’m okay. I can keep going. I have to.” Thaden ran a hand through his hair as he looked at the other man, envious of his strength and resilience. He was smaller than most of the men on his squad but no less capable. The Shee warriors trained hard and long for situations like this plus the natural strength of their species made them tougher and able to endure much more than the average Elf. Going days without sleep or even food was nothing for Tomag and, Thaden hated to admit it, even to himself, but Tomag would probably have reached Basmorte on his own by now, if it weren’t for Thaden slowing him now.

“Your determination is admirable.” Tomag stated. “But a wise man knows his limits. You, my friend, have nearly reached yours.”

“You may be right.” Thaden admitted. “But I can’t allow my apparent weaknesses to keep me from reaching my mate in time. I have a bad feeling. I can’t really explain it, I just feel like something bad is coming. Rowan is on edge, frightened, and I can feel his worry growing. I know he’s alive, but he’s not safe. There’s something, some danger, looming over him and he’d beginning to lose hope.”

“If that’s true, then we’ll forge on, for his sake.” Tomag sighed. He didn’t like the idea. He really felt that Thaden needed to rest and preserve his energy but he could see the determination in the man’s eyes and he knew nothing, not even death, was going to stop him from reaching Rowan in time. He only prayed that Thaden wouldn’t succumb to exhaustion before he had a chance to rescue his mate.

***

As the two riders came into view, Nasir held out a hand for Selanor to slow. The riders weren’t moving very fast and didn’t appear as though they were planning any type of attack. It was possible they didn’t even realize that the Elven army was camped out ahead. Nasir would have turned and left if it wasn’t for the fact that the riders were headed straight for them. Rather than allow them to stumble onto the encampment by mistake, Nasir decided that the safest course of action would be to ride on ahead and steer them around, away from camp.

“We ride on.” Nasir informed his companion. “But take it nice and slow. We don’t want to alarm them. If they are just hunters there is no need to show hostility. I’d prefer not have innocent blood spilt this night.”

Selanor nodded in understanding, slowing his horse to a steady crawl as they approached the riders.

Nasir was the first to lead his horse out from within the cover of the trees and onto the road before them. He held out his arms, showing that his sword remained sheathed and that he and his riding companion were no threat to the two strangers. “Hello there.” He called out to them. The riders stopped instantly, their hands moving to the hilts of the sheathed swords. “We mean you no harm.” Nasir told them.

“A man who greets one with ‘we mean you no harm’ is sure to have ill intent.” One of the riders responded. Nasir could tell that man’s guard was up as he positioned himself before the second rider, as though protecting him. “What is your business here?” He asked, his hand never leaving his sword as he eyed Nasir suspiciously.

“What is yours?” Nasir asked in return.

The first rider looked to his companion, words were spoken that Nasir was not close enough to hear, then the rider turned back to Nasir. “We’re two merchants, on our way to Moorsden to trade.”

Nasir narrowed his eyes. He looked over the two carefully, taking stock of all he saw before him. They had no cart, and only two horses which carried them, and no mule carrying supplies. Something about their demeanor also seemed off. They were too cautious and he could tell at once that the man was lying. He just didn’t know why.

“You travel light for merchants.” He observed. “Unless you have a cart hidden in the woods, I see no wares for you to barter with.”

The first rider leaned over to his companion once more and once again a hushed conversation was had. After a moment, the first rider turned his attention back to Nasir. “I’m sure you can understand our reluctance to share our business with you.” The rider said. “It’s not unheard of to encounter bandits on this road and I, nor my companion, wish to be robbed tonight.”

Nasir chuckled at the man’s boldness. “We are no bandits.” Nasir informed him. “But I do understand your suspicion.”

“Then, I ask that you allow us safe passage. I’m sure none of us can afford any trouble. We have pressing matters at hand.”

Nasir nodded. “You are correct. We wish no trouble, for any of us. For that reason, I ask that you go around the clearing ahead. You can take Galtos pass, it’s a bit out of the way but will bring you out on the other side of the forest.”

“It will also cost us another day’s ride.” It was the second rider who spoke now and his tone was less friendly than the first. “That is unacceptable.”

“Be that as it may.” Nasir told him. “I’m afraid you have no choice. I can not allow you to continue down this path.”

“And who is going to stop us.” The second rider growled, clearly becoming more hostile than his companion. He went to draw his sword but his companion stopped him with a gentle hand to his arm.

“I will stop you.” Nasir answered him, his voice growing more forceful now. “And I have the Elven army to back me up. Take the mountain pass and no harm will come to you. Challenge me, and the outcome will not be in your favor.”

This revelation seemed to give the two men pause. Nasir thought they were about to turn and take the pass as instructed but instead, the second rider urged his horse forward a few cautious steps. As the light of the moon shone down on the rider, making him now visible to all, Nasir gasped. “Thaden?” He asked in disbelief, “Is it really you?”

***

Thaden stared back at Nasir. He couldn’t believe that he was there and with his father’s army? He had so many questions but there was no time. “Yes, it’s me, old friend.” Thaden urged Shadow dancer forward until he was beside Nasir. Tomag followed behind him. Thaden nodded to Selanor. “This is Tomag.” He said of his companion. “Warrior of the Shee tribe of Pickaway village. Tomag, this is Nasir, commander of the Elven army and Captain of the King’s guard, as well as my oldest and truest friend. The man behind him is Selanor, his second in command.”

The three men greeted each other as allies would, clasping the forearm and speaking the word ”Caraid.” When the introductions were over, Thaden looked to Nasir again and asked, “Why is my father’s army in Lycan territory?”

“We’re marching on Basmorte.” Nasir told him.

Thaden’s eyes went wide at the news. “Basmorte? Why? What has happened?”

“Come back to camp with us.” Nasir said. “We have much to discuss and your brother will be pleased to see that you are still alive.”

Thaden narrowed his eyes in confusion at Nasir’s words. “Why would my brother think I was dead?” He asked.

A troubled look crossed Nasir’s face, his eyes darkened, and Thaden heard a hint of anger in his voice as he spoke. “After you had disappeared along with that vampire bastard, we could only assume that you had been taken. We expected to receive ransom demands from King Desmond but then we heard of his murder and assumed that you were either captive or had been killed. I knew that vampire of yours was a spy. I should have taken his head myself.”

“Is that why you’re planning to attack Basmorte?” Thaden asked, suddenly concerned that he had somehow been responsible for his father and brother declaring war on the vampires.

“No, but it helped to stoke the fire. Your father has ordered us to storm the gates of Basmorte and free as many of the slaves as we can. The Queen has ordered all Fae to be killed. Every night she has another group slaughtered until someone comes forward with the identity of the King’s assassin.”

Thaden sighed as he rubbed his temples. “Firstly, I was never captured and Rowan is no spy. I left with him to spare him father’s wrath. I wasn’t lying when I said that he was my mate. I vowed to protect him at all costs. Secondly, I believe the Queen has other reasons for her attack on the Fae. The King’s murder may be just a convenient excuse for her actions.”

“Why? What do you know?” Nasir furrowed his brow and tightened his jaw as he looked to Thaden for an answer. He wasn’t yet convinced that Rowan was innocent in all that had happened and even if he were, it was still because of him that Thaden had left Rosegate. He couldn’t forgive the vampire for that, but he was willing to hear his friend out. After all, if Thaden truly believed that the vampire was his mate then his actions had merit. Whether Nasir liked it or not.

“Take us to my brother.” Thaden instructed. “As you’ve said, we have much to talk about.”

***

Lierin was bent over the maps, studying all the entry points of the vampire city as his two advisors argued over the best approach to take. Elmon thought a head on approach was best. He suggested going through the main gates and slaughtering any vampire they came across while Arlen, the more level headed of the two, suggested a more sensible plan. Send in a small squad of men to discretely take out as many of the guards as they could then position their archers to take out the guards along the wall. While the archers attacked at a safe distance, the rest of the King’s army could flank them, coming in from the mountain pass on one side and the forest on the other.

Once they gained access to the city, they could open the main gate and allow the Lycans to enter, taking out the rest of the city guards. His plan made sense and it would certainly be the easier way to access the city but there was one flaw that he didn’t like. “The Lycans are too unpredictable, especially during a full moon. They won’t just attack guards and soldiers, they’re likely to go after innocent women and children as well. It would be a slaughter.”

“Vampires.” Arlen reminded him. “None are innocent.”

Lierin narrowed his eyes as he turned to his advisor and scowled. “I will not have the blood of women and children on my hands. Vampire or not, they are innocent.”

Arlen sighed, turning back to the maps on the table before him. He knew better than to argue with the Prince. He wasn’t nearly as ruthless as his father who would have ordered every vampire they saw to be killed on sight, women and children alike. That kind of senseless killing did not sit well with Lierin though. He hated fighting and he despised the idea of starting a war but the vampire Queen had crossed a line that he could not just simply ignore. He would have preferred a more peaceful solution.

Meet with the Queen perhaps and, barter for the lives of the Fae. If she would agree then no blood need be spilled on either side but Lierin, as kind as he was, was also no fool. It was unlikely that the Queen would agree to his terms. She wasn’t like the King before her and Lierin did not make deals with devils. If his only recourse was to fight then so be it. At least their numbers were on his side. The vampire army was small and out matched and the years of peace after the treaty had made them lazy. There was no way that they could defeat the Elves and the Lycans too. If they were smart, they’d surrender but from what Lierin had heard of the Queen, she wasn’t one to just lay down and die.

Lierin never even looked up from his maps when he heard the men whom he assumed to be Nasir and Selanor enter the tent. “What did you discover about our two unannounced riders. Were they hunters as we had assumed?”

“Not hunters.” A voice that he knew all to well answered him. “A Shee warrior and an Elven Prince, your Majesty.”

Lierin looked up slowly and took in the sight before him. Nasir and Selanor stood to the sides of the two riders. One a man that Lierin did not know but was obviously a member of the Shee tribe given his style of dress, hair, and the tribal tattoos that marked his arms and neck. The man standing beside him, Lierin did know though, he had to ask himself if he were dreaming. “Thaden?” He questioned, rising from his seat. His two advisors also had stopped arguing with each other and were now staring at the young Prince in shock and wonder.

“Thaden, tell me I am not dreaming.” Lierin said as he rounded the table and walked towards him.

Thaden smiled warmly at the other man. “You are not dreaming, brother. I’m really here. It’s really me.”

Before Thaden could speak another word, Lierin threw his arms around him and pulled his younger brother into a tight hug. Tears filled his eyes as he whispered into his brother ear. “I thought you dead. Tell me, brother. How did you escape?”

“I didn’t escape, Lierin. Because, I was never taken. I left on my own. With Rowan. I would not allow our father to execute him and so we fled. These past few weeks we’ve been on the run but we settled in Pickaway village.”

“Why?” Lierin stared at his brother, the hurt and confusion clear on his face. He couldn’t understand Thaden’s reasoning at all. To put him and their father through the pain of thinking he was dead or worse, held captive by the vampires, tortured daily, begging for death. Why would he do that to them? It made no sense. “You chose that vampire over your own flesh and blood? Thaden, have you truly gone mad?”

Thaden shook his head sadly. It pained him greatly to see his brother in such a state, and it hurt even worse knowing that he was the cause of it but, he could not be sorry for fleeing with Rowan. Not when staying would have meant his death. “Perhaps I have gone mad.” Thaden answered. “Mad with love. Lierin, Rowan is my mate, my life. I could not abandon him and I vowed to protect him, no matter the cost. I love him.”

“So you chose to side with our enemies?” Lierin took a step back, looking at Thaden as though he no longer recognized the man standing before him.

Thaden shook his head. “Rowan is not our enemy. That’s what I was trying to tell you and father before we left. It’s true that his father was King Desmond but his mother...Lierin if you only knew the truth.”

“Then tell me, brother. Help me to understand because, where I stand now, it looks as though you’ve committed treason against your own father!”

Thaden nodded. “Then sit, brother. Let us talk and drink, like we used to. Give me the opportunity and I will explain everything to you and you will see why I did what I did and, why I must save him now.”

“Save him? From whom?”

“The Queen.” Thaden said, honestly. “She’s taken him captive and I fear for his life. If the Queen learns of who and what he truly is, then I fear, not even the Gods will be able to save him.”

***

Lierin had sat quietly, listening as Thaden recounted the events following his escape with Rowan. Of course, Thaden left out some details, such as Rowan’s heat and the intimate moments they had shared together. Not even his brother was privy to that information. In the course of an hour Lierin had emptied two goblets of wine, the information Thaden had shared with him had him reeling. It seemed far too much like some bedtime story to actually be real. To believe that Rowan, a vampire, was a direct descendant to a Goddess, was ludicrous. Though, Lierin had never known Thaden to lie to him and he had no reason to believe that his brother was lying now.

Finally, once Thaden had finished, Lierin downed the last of his third goblet and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his fingers interlocked as he carefully considered all that he had just been told. He looked up at Thaden, his expression grave, as he spoke. “If what you say is true, and the Queen learns of this, then your mate is as good as dead.”

“I know.” Thaden rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “That is why Tomag and I are traveling to Basmorte, to save him.”

Nasir huffed from the other end of the table where he had been sitting, listening to Thaden’s story. Thaden stared at him, his eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. “Something you would like to say, Nasir?”

“Yes, there is.” Nasir leaned forward, locking eyes with Thaden. His expression was hard and cold with weeks worth of anger showing through. “Even if were to believe this story about Gods and Goddesses, despite what his mother was, Rowan is still a vampire. He is still our enemy. The fact that he has the blood of the Tuatha coursing through his veins makes him that much more dangerous. How do you even know that he hasn’t put you under some kind of love spell? How do you know that any of it is real?”

Thaden sighed, slouching back into his chair. “I know only what my heart is telling me and my heart is telling me that it’s real. I can feel him, through our bond, and I know that what he feels for me is real as well. I know that it’s hard for you to understand, Nasir. But, when you meet your fated mate, you’ll understand how I feel. You’ll do anything for them, die for them. Nothing in this world will be more important to you than your fated one.”

“More fairy tales and childish fantasy!” In a huff, Nasir shoved himself away from the table and stood up. “If I hear more foolish talk of fated mates and destiny I think I’ll lose my lunch!” He turned and stormed out of the tent, leaving Thaden confused by the outburst. Nasir was unpredictable but the anger he displayed was out of character, even for him.

Lierin sighed heavily, dropping his head as he stared at the ground and ran his fingers through his long hair.

“What was that all about?” Thaden asked him.

“It’s a long story.” Lierin responded. “One best left for another day. We have more pressing matters at hand.”

“Agreed.” Thaden finished the last of his wine then stood up and reached for his sword and scabbard. “There’s no time to be wasted. Tomag and I will ride on ahead and find Rowan. We’ll get him to safety before you arrive with your men.”

“Wait.” Lierin was on his feet in an instant, moving to stand at his brother’s side. “You don’t mean to go in a lone, do you?”

“That’s exactly what I plan to do.” Thaden told him. “As I’ve already told you, my only concern at this moment is finding my mate and keeping him safe. That means getting him as far away from the fighting as I can.”

“What you are suggesting is suicide, Thaden. Please, be reasonable. Ride with us, join our army. We have the numbers to ensure our victory. Once we’ve sacked the city, you’ll be free to find your mate.”

“And what if it’s too late by then?” Thaden placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder and looked at him with regret but also determination. He was torn between wanting to help his brother in his cause and needing to find his mate. He didn’t like having to choose between them but when it came to Rowan, he would choose him every time. “Please try to understand, Brother. I can not risk losing him.”

“Think about this, Thaden. The chances of you finding him alive now are slim to none. The Queen is ruthless and deranged. Your mate is probably already dead. I’m sorry, but that is the reality of the situation.”

“No.” Thaden shook his head. “He’s alive, I can feel it.”

“Thaden...”

“No, Lierin!” Thaden pulled away from his brother, suddenly becoming furious at Lierin’s attempt to change his mind. “Don’t you understand? It’s not just Rowan’s life that is in danger right now.”

Lierin narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

Thaden sighed. “He’s with child, Lierin. My child. I’m not just trying to save Rowan. I’m trying to save them both.”

Lierin turned, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked up to the ceiling of the tent as though asking the Gods for guidance. “Thaden.” He whispered as he shook his head, crestfallen.

“Don’t treat me as though I’m some Ill-bred child.” Thaden sneered. “I intend to take full responsibility for my actions. Can’t you see that this is why I am so adamant about going on ahead? Rowan is mine to protect. This child is mine to protect. Would you do any less for those you love?”

Lierin turned and looked at his brother. He supposed that he had to accept that Thaden was a man now. A man with a family of his own. Try as he might though, Lierin couldn’t help but still see him as the strong willed and happy youth that once ran through the streets of Rosegate, a wooden sword in hand, dreaming of the day when he might join his father and older brother in battle. Now that day had come and Lierin wished above all else that he could shield Thaden from the harsh realities of war.

“You’ve grown into a man that I can be proud of.” Lierin told him. “All your life I’ve only wanted to protect you but, I see that it is time I let you live your own life, and do what you feel is right. It’s time I let you go.” He walked to Thaden and placed a hand on the younger man’s shoulder, giving him a strained smile. “Go, find your mate. I won’t stop you. But, promise me one thing before you go.”

“What is that?” Thaden asked.

Lierin took in a deep breath as he looked at his younger brother. His face was stern and he spoke with conviction. “You have never been in a serious battle nor seen the horrors of war. Do not rush into battle foolishly. Promise me, if you have a chance to run, to save yourself, take it. You will be no good to your mate and child if you are dead.”

Thaden nodded, then hugged his brother. “I promise.” He told him. “I have no desire to leave my mate a widower.”

“Good. Go on then, save your mate. When next we meet I expect a proper introduction to my future brother in law.”

“Thank you, Brother.” Thaden smiled and bowed before he and Tomag left the tent to retrieve their horses. Lierin waved them off then turned, walking back to the table in the center of the tent and seating himself behind it once more. He stroked his beard thoughtfully as he carefully weighed all of his options. Finally, he turned to Selanor who stood vigilantly behind him.

“Go and find Nasir.” He ordered. “Tell him to ready the men. We ride out at first light.”