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Flames of Eternity
Flames of Eternity
Flames of Eternity
I could feel the army before I could see them, the gentle
vibration of the ground caused in the wake of thousands of hooves
beating against the earth as they carried the army towards us. I was
alone in my awareness of what was coming; others unable to feel the
vibrations went about their lives, visiting the small inns and vendors
who lined the dusty streets of Randor.
Glancing at the towers above, the large black pillars standing
high over the city, meant to alert of potential dangers but though I
could tell the guards were on alert I knew they had not yet sent word
to the city officials that such a large group approached.
Tucking my shawl around my shoulders, I turn and make my way to
the city’s edge, my straight black hair hanging loosely over my face,
covering my pale blue eyes as if I was hiding myself from others. Not
that many paid much attention to me, with my pale ivory skin and thin
sickly frame most just passed me by, those who did take time to notice
me, just gave a sympathetic smile before going on their way.
In a city this large it was easy to blend, not draw attention
to yourself, I was a loner, wandering the city, taking in what new
goods the merchants had created or on rare occasion received in the
few shipments that found their way to the city. I was accepted for my
coin, and willingness to spend it. If not for that, I am sure they
would have tried to cast me out.
I smiled at the thought of them casting me away, never knowing my
true identity or true appearance. If they only knew who I was and what
power I possessed I was sure to have been treated different.
To most, my true identity was nothing more than a fable, a
fairytale passed down through generation to generation. I had to laugh
as I thought about the variations of the tale that had reached my ears
through the years. Some said I was an enchantress, others a sorceress,
some claimed I was a witch. I guess you could call me a combination of
all the above, yet more. With the Flames of Eternity in my possession,
I had powers and gifts that most men could not even conjure in their
wildest imaginations.
I stop at one of the last vendors lining the entrance to the
city, the smell of fresh baked bread too tempting to pass. Exchanging
several coins with the young girl selling the bread I move to the side
of her shack to watch the oncoming cloud of dust heading for town.
I was amused by the ignorance of the people around me, ignoring the
coming danger, the change that is riding in upon us.
Lifting my hand to shield my eyes from the glare of the hot
afternoon sun, I watch as small black forms start to take hold in the
dust as the army nears. The dark specs become larger and slowly I can
make out the horses and then the men that ride upon them. As I see
the flag carried by the guard I stand taller, knowing what this means.
The rumors were untrue; King Zyphran had won the war, not King Drakor
as was thought.
I turn, glancing back over the city I can only wonder at what
this will mean for the people of Randor. They had suffered under the
greed of Overlord Ammen and now as the army neared, even I did not
have the power to see what the future would bring. Would King Zyphran
have the power to unseat the Overlord or would he be just another
minion to the mighty lord, doing his bidding?
“Selena?”
I jump as a hand touches lightly to my shoulder and I turn to see
my best friend Lilly looking worried as she watches the cloud of dust
grow closer. Her slightly crooked front teeth biting down upon her lip
nervously as she twists at her long auburn hair with her finger.
“Lilly, you scared me.” I smile at her gently. “Yes, it is King
Zyphran; I can just make out the flag.” As I speak horses speed past
us as a group of the elite guard rush to greet the incoming visitors.
“King Zyphran, but I thought . . .” Lilly bites down on her lip
even harder as worry feels her eyes.
Placing a hand on her arm, I pull her closer to the shacks wall as
we try to avoid the dust from the horses. “Fear not Lilly, I am sure
it is nothing. We have no need to worry, I have heard stories of King
Zyphran and though he is powerful and conquers many, he is not known
for his bloodlust. I am sure he is just come to claim his prize and be
on his way.”
“Selena, we must go, they are almost here.” Lilly pulled at my
arm, trying to pull me back through the town with her away from the
approaching army.
Shaking her off I laughed, “Oh calm yourself, they are not going
to harm us. They come in peace, not in war. Our guard is escorting
them in. Stay with me Lilly, perhaps your future husband rides amongst
them.” I teased knowing her yearning to find a male and raise a
family.
Immediately her demeanor changed, her eyes turning hopeful. “Do
your really think so?” Her eyes searched over the mass of men upon
horseback that were now visible just a few hundred feet from the city
gates. “There are a lot of them aren’t there.” She was biting at her
lip again, this time not in fear but curiosity and anticipation.
I laughed. “Yes Lilly, I would guess several thousand, come now,
let us watch as they enter.” I pulled her once again to the side of
the shack and ignored the squeeze of her hand nervously on my arm.
A cloud of heavy dust and the odor of sweat and beast filled the
air as we stood side by side. Randor’s elite guard approached the
gates first,in full armor sitting high as they led the masses into the
city. A gasp went though the crowd as they realized who was being
led.
King Zyphran sat proudly on his steed flanked by his men as they
walked through the gate, his eyes scanning over the crowd as if
searching for danger or threats. As his gaze met mine I knew I was
wrong. He had not come just to seek his reward, he had come seeking
me.
The moment our eyes met, I grabbed Lilly’s hand. “We must go now
Lilly, before the crowds become too large and we are unable to move
through the streets. Your father will worry if you are late, even with
all the excitement throughout the city.”
I could not let her see my worry, and using her overprotective
father was the perfect excuse to get her moving. With a final glance
back towards the King, I watch as he points me out to his guard, two
sets of heated eyes taking me in, both men ignoring the celebration
around them as they watch Lilly and I.
Throwing a cloak of invisibility over us, I start to move. I know
that it will only take us a moment to get lost in the throngs of
people who are still coming forth to greet the King as news of his
arrival spread through the city.
“But Selena, I want to watch, I have time yet. Father will
understand this one time.” Lilly’s voice pleaded as she tugged back on
my arm to stop me from moving. Her brown eyes beseeching as she looked
back over the incoming army.
Reaching a hand out I grab Lilly’s chin and turn her to look at
me. “You know your father will not understand, he will listen to no
excuses. Come we must go now.”
With a exaggerated sigh and a final glance back at the armored men
who were starting to pass us by she nodded and we took off, weaving
and dodging our way towards the center of the city.
As we ran down the street, I tried to understand the warning I
had felt at this man’s gaze. Many had come in hopes of finding the
legendary Flames of Eternity but it had been years since any posed a
threat to the stones or me. Something about this King was different;
somehow he would be the one to challenge me.
As we neared the center of the city, we slowed to a walk, the
crowds had thinned and we moved freely down the dirt roadway. I lifted
the invisibility cover from us as we neared Lilly’s home. Vendors and
merchants, smiled and waved at us as we passed, their eyes hopeful
that we might stop and buy something. Politely waving back, I wanted
nothing more than to see Lilly to safety and return to the stones to
insure their protection.
“Did you see them all? Do you really think that one of them could
be my fated husband?” Lilly asked dreamily.
I could not help but laugh. “There is a good chance, but you must
be careful. Many of those men have been out in battle for a long time,
they will be seeking female companionship, and you do not want to be
used by them just for a night or two. Promise me you will stay away
from them unless I am with you, Lilly. You must not trust them.”
She nodded and I was not sure she even understood what I was
speaking about. Lilly had always been shy, and her father protective
of his only child. I knew that she had few life experiences that would
have prepared her for the desires I knew many of these men had.
When I had found Lilly, she was a young girl of maybe sixteen.
She was hiding behind some barrels of ale behind her father’s Inn,
her nose bleeding and dress torn. I had taken her to my home on the
city’s edge and cleaned her up. Giving her a cup of hot cider, she had
finally told me that she had angered her father by showing up late to
help in the kitchen. My rage at her father’s actions was instant and I
had to hold myself back from taking the man’s life myself at what he
had done to his own child. From that day on, I had made sure to stop
by the Inn and visit with Lily, to make sure she was safe and when
needed use my magic to keep her safe from her father, be it changing
his memories of events, or even simply causing him to stumble to give
Lilly time to run.
I knew the day was coming when I would have her move into my home
and help her learn how to be on her own, make a life for herself. Even
I could not help but be hopeful that one of the many men who had just
rode into town, might be the one to rescue her from her personal hell.
Show her the love that she deserved to find.
As we approached the backside of the inn, I used my powers to
reach out and find her father; he was in one of the bedrooms with a
serving maid. Shaking my head, I hugged Lilly. “Go inside, you will
be safe. I will come by tonight and we can go for a stroll as the sun
sets. By then things around the streets should have calmed.”
She nodded apprehensively and opened the door. “Thank you, Selena.
Thank you for being my friend.” Turning she ran inside leaving me
alone.
I smiled as I thought about how alike we were, both yearning for
more; to run away from the lives we were given, for freedom to live.
Lilly had no idea of my true identity, no one did. It was a risk I
could not take, no matter how close the friend, how trusted they were.
For the stones to get into the wrong hands would be too big a risk for
me to take. I would forgo the simplest dreams and pleasures to keep
them safe, even my one greatest desire. Love.
Moving into the shadows, I will myself to the caves that sat high
above the city to the West. Though I had a house within the city,
this was my home, the one place I could be myself without the cover
of illusion. As I step deeper into the cave, I drop the spell and my
true form comes forth, long blonde hair flowing behind me in waves as
I walk, my skin taking on its natural gentle glow almost illuminating
the path as I walk.
Heading towards the deepest cavern in the cave to where I keep the
stones, I can feel their energy before I can see them. I know they
are safe. The cave protected by spells that even the most profound
sorcerer would have trouble sensing, the entrance not visible to any
human eye. The glow from the stones almost pulsing from around them
as if they were alive. I was still in awe every time I saw them; even
centuries after having them passed into my care, I still felt the same
excitement as that first day.
Walking a few steps, I stand over them as they sit upon a large
pillar of ivory. Two beautiful diamond stones, golden in color, the
strong points at the end of each connected to the other with magic.
Nothing surrounds them, they are open to touch if one dared; protected
by my spells and powers. Death would be instant to anyone who dared
try to touch them while I was awake, and I was always awake. I had
never slept, the only time I would sleep is after taking a lover, and
I had yet to find one that I could trust to do so.
As the glow warms my skin I remember back, I was a young girl of
fourteen, my mother stood beside me. I could hear her words still as
clear as the day she had spoke them. “The time has come, Selena for me
to pass these on to you, it is now up to you to protect the World from
the dangers that this could bring. Your life is not your own anymore,
you now are protector and keeper of the Flames of Eternity. They must
always be your first priority, nothing must come before them. You
sacrifice much to save many.”
In the next few hours she had told me everything I needed to know
about them, how to use them, the power they possessed and the evil
they could cause in the wrong hands. I listened and forced every word
to my memory. Overwhelmed and in awe, I stared at the glow for hours,
never taking my eyes from the stones as we talked. It was as if they
were feeding me my power, I felt myself grow stronger, the magic
burning inside me.
“How will I know mother, how will I know when the time comes to
use them, or to pass them on?” Unblinking the light from the stones
illuminated my eyes. I desired what they gave me, needed to be fed by
their power.
“Someday love will find you, when you give your heart to a man and
your body, in the way a woman does, you will sleep a long slumber.
While you sleep, the powers protecting the stones is dropped and you
and the stones will be vulnerable. If he who you love is true, the
stones and you will be safe. From this joining a child will be born,
a daughter. You will pass the stones on to her at her fourteenth
birthday as I have done to you. If his heart is not true, he may kill
you, steal the stones. I do not want to tell you what would happen to
the world if this should happen. You must not fail.”
Turning away from the stones, I wander back to the cave entrance
willing myself invisible again I look down the high cliff walls over
the city below. The procession is still going on. I use my superior
eyesight to watch the King. He looks bored but plays along with the
dignitaries as he must. I can’t help but feel drawn to him, he is
handsome and strong. The stories of his fearless conquests spread
through cities and towns.
With a shake of my head, I push thoughts of his attractiveness
from my mind. I cannot be distracted. I had prepared many years to
protect the stones and the time had finally come to do so. As I
watched King Zyphran from above, I can’t help but wonder if I am
ready.
2
The Grand Hall of Castle Randor was breathtaking. It spread out
before Lansing and I high and vaulted. Massive iron chandeliers
dangled from the ceiling and colorful tapestries covered the walls; a
formidable throne at its far end. The throne was made out of highly-
polished marble and carved with runes and ruts that had sparkling gems
in them. The bottom step was formed like dragon’s claws; which made
sense, since the dragon was Randor’s symbol. Perched on the throne,
wearing a splendid golden crown, brilliant green tunic and eyes has
hard as diamonds, was Overlord Ammen.
I heard Lansing’s quick intake of breath at the sight that laid
before us. “Any words of advice for me, my lord?”
“Do not avert your eyes from his,” I answered as quietly as I
could. “We’ve already established eye-contact. To break it now would
be taken as a sign of weakness on our part.”
“Oh, fret not, my lord. I have no intentions of taking my eyes
off him.”
“Good man.”
We took careful steps towards the ruler of all Ravencrest, me out
front as etiquette demanded and Lansing a respectful pace behind.
Ammen studied us all the while with a disinterested look and twitching
ringed fingers. I knew his bored expression was merely a mask. He was
very keen to see how far we’d go before halting and waiting for him to
call us forth the rest of the way. This was a very tricky bit of
statesmanship; to go too far was a gross sign of disrespect against
him and Randor, don’t go far enough, and it would be admitting that my
kingdom of Barrington was weak and therefore unworthy of the great
honors being bestowed upon me. After all, I was to be Ammen’s second-
in-command. Showing the proper balance of respect and strength was a
very fine line, but one I was fully expected to walk with perfect
precision.
When I passed the half-way point to the throne, Lansing bristled
and made a low warning sound in his throat. Making my War-General
uncomfortable was one of my favorite pastimes; and I had been doing so
since we were small children.
Lansing had been left for dead in a grove near Castle Barrington
as an infant. As the fates would have it, I was the one who found him
wrapped in a blue cloak lodged between the roots of a huge oak tree
screaming for all he was worth. I could’ve carried him, yet somehow
that thought never occurred to me, so I unceremoniously dragged the
newborn Lansing by his cloak to where my Pa was crouched low hunting
hares. It took me a good long while to reach my Pa, for I kept getting
distracted by chasing butterflies and grasshoppers, however, whenever
I started dragging him again, Lansing stopped blubbering and became
quiet. How Pa missed the racket is a mystery, but the look on his face
when he saw what I what I dragging behind me was one I’ll never
forget.
Lansing has been with me everyday since then. I love him like a
brother. However, keeping true to the duties of a big brother, I never
missed an opportunity to push him past his limits and boundaries.
Just as I was doing now by walking much closer to Overlord
Ammen’s throne than he was comfortable with. Had the situation not
been so important to my future, I would’ve had to fight back a grin.
However, if the situation wasn’t of such import, Lansing wouldn’t be
shuffling his feet behind me like an old maid trying to pull a
stubborn ox.
Suddenly, I dropped to one knee before the throne. A moment
later, I heard Lansing do the same thing with an irritated growl that
was meant only for my ears. Once we were in our private chambers, I
knew I’d be hearing all about how I failed to give him our prearranged
signal letting him know when I planned on stopping.
I bowed my head and draped an arm across my knee like I was
about to be knighted and said, “Overlord Ammen, I am your humble and
loyal servant. I have come, as summoned by your official degree, to
stand before you and be humbled by your generosity and greatness. I
am honored beyond words to be accepted as a guest in your beautiful
home.”
“King Zyphran,” he said at long last. “Thank you for the respect
you’ve shown to me. You, and only you, may rise and come to me.”
I rose and stepped towards the highly polished marble throne in
measured paces. “My lord. As is custom when you are an invited guest
in someone’s home, I have brought you a gift.” I reach into the
sheath that I usually kept my sword and withdrew an ornamental blade
wrapped very carefully in the finest blue silk. I presented the sword
as an offering in both hands to Ravencrest’s ruler. His steel-gray
eyes study my gift but his weather-worn face remained expressionless.
He didn’t fool me in the least. The man’s great love for
weaponry was legendary throughout all Ravencrest. I knew he wouldn’t
be able to hold to custom if he was offered a high-quality blade, and
the one I had settled on as his gift was a real work of art. The
pommel was made of the finest leather Barrington had to offer, and was
studded with rubies and emeralds and other gems. The blade was crafted
of the strongest steel, and even though it cost me handsomely, I had
insisted that a thin strip of pure diamond be forged down the center
of the blade from tip to pommel. It was magnificent. A true testament
of Barrington’s superior craftsmanship, which we were known for
throughout all Ravencrest. Any sword made in Barrington would be
suitable as a gift, even for the Overlord himself, but this particular
weapon was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
He took the bait.
Finally, Ammen rose from his throne and stepped down to accept
his blade. He took it into his hands with the greatest care and met my
gaze with glowing eyes. “Custom degrees that I wait until after the
official banquet to open this marvelous gift. However, if you will
grant me the leniency of that barbaric custom, so that I may unwrap
this truly fine gift now, I will grant you one request. You may use
this request to ask for anything within my kingdom, and it shall be
granted to you, King Zyphran. Do you accept these terms?”
Playing him had been so much child’s play. I knew he would try to
bypass custom by offering to grant me a request, for that was his way.
The march from my castle in Barrington to Overlord Ammen’s was spent
on forming my request, and there was only one thing in this world I
wanted; Regyna, the mystical Sorceress of the Stones, keeper of the
Flames of Eternity. I had every word carefully planned out. I wanted
to leave no doubt in Ammen’s mind that my gift to him was of such high
caliber as to justify my outlandish request.
“I find that your generous offer is far too delicious to bypass,
my lord,” I said with my well-rehearsed smile spreading across my
lips. “I accept your terms with great pleasure.”
“Excellent, King Zyphran.” He turned his back on me and walked
slowly back onto his throne, as if he was afraid he would shrivel up
and blow away if he was off it for too long. Like a child with a new
toy, Ammen ripped the silk covering off the sword and stared in open-
mouthed wonderment at his new weapon. His look pleased me greatly. I
knew I could ask for Regyna’s head to be delivered to me on a silver
platter and it would be done within the hour.
I had every intention of fulfilling my planned request, however
I found myself utterly amazed at the words that tumbled out of my
mouth. “My lord, as we were being escorted through your marvelous
city, my attention was captured, quite completely I must admit, by a
thin dark-haired girl in a gray and white dress. I only saw her for
the briefest of moments, you understand, but I’ll remember her always.
“For my request, in exchange for forgoing custom, I’d like to
be granted full ownership of her, and be allowed to take her back to
Barrington with me when I leave your most gracious hospitality. If
such a request would be found as acceptable to you, my lord.”
Ammen never hesitated. He smiled an oily grin, tilted his head
and with a dismissive wave of his hand said, “Granted. I shall order
her found immediately. This . . . request of yours will be presented
to you during your dinner tonight when I grant you your land and
title.” His smile deepened, and I knew he couldn't believe my request
was so light in the wake of giving him such an exquisite gift. “Your
rooms have already been prepared. My servants will escort you and see
to your needs. You still have a few hours before the banquet tonight.
Rest well, King Zyphran. Something tells me this night is going to be
extraordinary.”
Curiosity had been the downfall of many and as I paced the cave,
I wondered if it would be mine. I had never cared for matters of the
city. I blended, made my way from vendor to vendor trying to spread
my wealth and help those in need prosper, but I had no need for the
politics of Overlord Ammen. I knew that he was not a leader who cared
for his people, but only his own gain. Many of the city’s residents
suffered under his greed, going hungry and living in poverty when
he would steal goods from them or failed to assist those in need.
However, as I thought over the day’s events I could not help the call
in my heart to attend tonight’s banquet.
It had been years since I had wandered the castle halls,
taken on the form of a maid to gain access to the Overlords’s chambers
to seek information I had needed. I knew that I would never be welcome
to the banquet as sickly Selena; I would need a new persona, and new
look. If I was to be in attendance, I would also need an invitation.
Closing my eyes, I drew into my power and willed myself
to my home with in the city’s limits. It was a simple wooden home,
well kept and one of the nicer ones that lined the streets of Randor.
Flowers and small shrubs lined the edge of the home in assortments of
sizes and colors. I enjoyed nature’s beauty and took enjoyment and
planting and caring for that which I grew. Lilly and I spent many
hours in the small area behind my house where a garden grew the fresh
fruits and vegetables that we sold or gave to those in need.
I took the form as Selena once more as I appeared in my room
beside the bed, always careful that any neighbor who might be watching
would never see my true form while I was in the city limits. Moving
from the bedroom to the kitchen I found what I needed, a simple white
piece of parchment. I let the magic flow through my body as I seek
out what I needed. Finding the vision of an elderly man sitting in a
small room of the castle as he scrolled in old writing invitations to
all those invited to attend tonight’s events. I let the magic flow to
my fingers, a gentle glow emanating from them as I laid them upon the
paper. When my eyes opened, I held a perfectly scripted invitation in
my hands. Smiling to myself like a giddy teen, I had to laugh at the
excitement I felt at attending such a grand event. It was not often I
allowed myself to enjoy the finer things in life. Too much of it would
draw attention to myself and attention was never good for one with
secrets such as I had.
Next, I needed a gown. I closed my eyes once more and let
my hands slide down the simple peasant dress that I wore, I could
feel the chill of magic as my dress was transformed into a gown. A
brilliant lavender dress with layers of satin and lace fit perfectly
to my body. I glanced in the small looking glass that hung on the
wall and frowned at the image I saw. Selena’s frail from and pale
skin and hollow eyes looking back at me. Once more, I let the magic
flow around me and changed my appearance. I kept the dark brown hair
but added body, so it flowed in waves and curls down the center of
my back. Next, I changed my skin, darkening it to a deep olive tone,
setting off my new eye color of deep forest green.
A sudden rapping on the door startled me and I jumped as I
reprimand myself for not paying closer attention to my surroundings,
too caught up in my princess fantasy to have noticed those who
approached my home. Turning with swiftness, I open the door. Standing
before me are two elite guards in full uniform. My mind reeled with
wonder at what they could want.
“Excuse us milady. We are searching for a young girl named
Selena and were told that she resides here. Would she be in?” The
young guard tried to look around me as he spoke as the other guard
walked around the side of the house.
Keeping my composure, I smile. “I am afraid you have missed
my cousin, she left to watch the King’s arrival and has yet to return.
Might I give her a message?” I step back opening the door wider
allowing him to look past me to the empty room.
He frowns and glances to the other guard off to the side. “If
you would allow might we search the home? We are on orders from
Overlord Ammen to bring Miss Selena back to the castle with us.” He
starts forward before I can respond.
Having nothing to lose I step aside as he steps in. I follow
him to the center of the room and wait while he searches the three
small rooms of my home. His frown deepening as he realizes that his
search will come up empty.
Stopping before me, he smiles. “Thank you for allowing us
to search, should your cousin arrive could you please escort her
to the nearest guard that you find. This is of urgent matter to our
Overlord.”
“It would be my pleasure to do so. Nevertheless, I fear
my cousin has a mind of her own and it may be days before she even
returns home or contacts me to let me know she is safe. You know how
the young ones are now days.” I smile as I wonder at what need they
would have of me at the castle.
Turning, he sees the invitation sitting on the table and
smiles. “I see you will be in attendance tonight. It will be a grand
event. I hope that you enjoy yourself. Thank you for your assistance
and we wish you well.”
Giving a slight nod, I watch as they leave, I hear the orders
for one guard to remain and keep an eye on the house for Selena’s
return. I let out a long sigh; tonight was taking on a more serious
turn than I had even thought. Not only do I need to find out more
about King Zyphran but now I needed to find out why Overlord Ammen was
seeking me as well.
Looking up at the sky, I step back into the house. It was near
time to leave for the castle. My home, being one of the nicer ones in
town, was closer to the court than most others were. It would take me
a few minutes to reach the outer gates. I grabbed the invitation and
headed on my way ignoring the looks I received as I walked down the
street. I was a new face in town and I was on foot instead of using
a coach. It was a calculated risk not arriving with coach, one that
would draw unwanted attention to me but I lived close enough I hoped
it would be overlooked.
As I walked down the street, I took in the excitement around
me, musicians played as residents hoping to sneak a glance at the
festivities waited around the castle’s grounds. Children stood on
their parents shoulders watching the magnificent coaches decorated in
gold trim roll up to the gates seeking entrance.
I could not understand the need for such luxuries and waste.
I had lived centuries and had watched many suffer in need while others
wasted their money on lavish items such as these. I never understood
why they refused to help those less fortunate while flaunting their
wealth for others to see. I had learned long ago that an act of
charity was remembered much longer than the glint and glamour of gold.
Reaching the main gate, I stood in the long line of
dignitaries and rich who had just arrived seeking admittance. I forced
myself to wait and follow procedure, when I could have just willed
myself into the shadows of the grounds and bypassed waiting in the hot
afternoon sun.
Those around me watched me cautiously; I was not one they
knew, they whispered behind painted fans as they tried to place me
and my position. I laughed inwardly at their vain need to know and how
they would react if they knew me in either of my other forms. Sickly
Selena would be chastised and chased from the line while Regyna would
be welcomed as they attempted to lure her treasure from her.
“Invitation please.” The guard called to me as I stepped
forth.
I handed it to him and gave a small curtsy as he looked it
over and nodded. “Lady Isabella, please enjoy your evening.”
I smiled and stepped through the gate and onto the castle
ground making the short walk up to the castle steps. As I looked up at
the castle above me, I could not help but glance even higher to cliffs
over town and to the cave that held my cherished stones. As if they
knew I was looking towards them, I felt their power flow through me as
I made my way up the steps and into the castle.
Even though I had been inside the castle before I was still
in awe as I took in the high vaulted ceilings, the deep chiseled
sculptures and magnificent artwork that surrounded me. Gold glistened
from everywhere, reflecting on itself sending a shimmering of lights
dancing across the entry. I took it all in as I walked further in and
was greeted by more guards motioning me towards the large Banquet
Chamber.
This room was darker, done in mahogany and deep reds. Large
round etched columns lined the room. Tables lined the floor and people
took their seats, readying themselves for King Zyphran’s arrival.
Several groups of people milled around the sides of the room accepting
wine and light refreshments while they waited for dinner to be served.
I took the chance to wander and listen to conversations. Most were
still in surprise of Zyphran’s victory. Others talked of what his
reward would be. I listened bored as I searched for information I
desired, wandering from group to group with polite nods and smiles.
As I came across several servants standing to the side of
the hall I finally got what I desired as they talked of the gift that
King Zyphran had presented to the lord. I listened as they described
a wonderful jeweled sword, stopping and turning towards them as they
started to discuss Zyphran’s request in turn. The delivery of a young
girl he had seen on the streets as he entered the city. My heart froze
while at the same moment the room went silent then fell into loud
applause as King Zyphran and his War-General entered the room. I could
still feel the way their stare cut through me when we had been on the
street and I stepped closer to the servants, wanting to blend in with
the crowd and remain unseen. As we waited for the King to be seated
the servants continued to whisper, I moved closer still not wanting to
miss a word as they described the girl right down to her gray dress.
I held my composure as they went on to explain that King Zyphran had
requested ownership of her.
Ownership, the word went through me like a sword. I held
my breath as I listened to how the guards had been searching for her
so she could be presented to him this evening. Having heard enough I
turned to leave, to plan and prepare. In my rush, I stumbled, only to
be caught by strong arms that righted me on my feet.
Looking up into the eyes of the man who had caught me I felt
my breath leave me in a rush. He might have been cleaned up, shaved
and wearing formal clothing instead of his armor but there was no
doubt, I would remember those eyes anywhere. It was King Zyphran who
held my arm.
I could not have moved faster if I had wings. Running from the
Great Banquet Hall as fast as my feet would carry me. My skin still
burned from where his hands had gently grasped my arms. The intense
stare of his eyes still fresh in my mind. I had never experienced such
emotion or physical response to anyone in the centuries that I had
lived. I took it as warning, a strong feeling to stay away, but yet at
the same time my curiosity pulled me too him.
Forcing myself to stop running, I look up and find myself
standing in the large castle entryway. A few guards stared at me as
if I was crazy and maybe I was. Never before had I felt so unsure
and insecure in my stature. I squared my shoulders, offering them an
apologetic smile and slowly started walking out of the castle.
Making it almost to the large wooden doors, I stopped. I had come
here for information, not to run away at a simple stumble. I took a
deep breath and turned, forcing myself to walk back into the Banquet
Chambers.
I was relieved to find the room filled with conversation,
servants were bringing trays of food out as the meal was served.
Finding an empty chair in the back of the hall near the doors, I took
a seat. Others glanced up at me and then went back to eating not
showing any sign of recognizing me as the one who had almost ran down
the King on his way to his table.
I busied myself fixing my napkin on my lap while I glanced up
towards the head table at the King and his War-General. They both were
lost in conversation with each other, paying no attention to the many
who stared there way, the women in lust and men in jealousy. Overlord
Ammen sat beside them looking bored and angry and I was sure he was
thinking about how much this was going to cost him, and how much more
having to award the King with his reward would cut into his profits.
I thanked the servant as he set a plate before me and inhaled
deeply at the pleasant aroma of fresh duck. I had no appetite after
the night’s events but forced myself to swallow a few bites as not to
draw attention to myself once again.
I wished Lily were here with me, she would have enjoyed all
the fancy dress and food more than I was. She had dreams of someday
enjoying a lavish lifestyle where I had always been content to blend
in.
Forcing my thoughts from Lilly, I continued to watch King
Zyphran and his War-General smile and laugh with each other as if
they were old friends. I wondered at how long they had been together
as I watched the ease in which they bantered with each other. With
my powers I had enhanced hearing, but even with it the conversation
echoing through the hall made it impossible to make out what they were
saying.
Taking a long sip of wine, I watched and waited while the rest
finished their meals and the plates were cleared and everyone turned
their attention towards Overlord Ammen and the presentation of King
Zyphran to the people.
A silence came over the room as Overlord Ammen stood. “Tonight we
welcome King Zyphran of Barrington and his army back from a victorious
battle over King Drakor of Carygrove.” The crowd erupted in applause
as Ammen nodded towards the King. “Furthermore, by his victory come
rewards of great value . . .”
The speech went on and on as I watched King Zyphran smile and nod
in agreement. He looked as uncomfortable in this setting as I felt and
I found myself wondering at his background. He was different from the
Overlord who fed off the power and honors that his position offered,
and while I had no doubt that the King also enjoyed the honor and
prestige that went with victory, it was more about the conquest and
defeating an enemy with the King than about profit and gains.
His War-General looked even more uncomfortable, as his fingers
pulled at his high collar, fidgeting in the formal dress of the
evening. He half-heartily listened to the speech, applauded and nodded
at the right moments yet his stare was focused on the many young women
of the crowd as if he was searching for someone.
I smiled thinking of Lilly and wondered if he or one of his army
might really find her to their liking. Not that I wished her bridled
with a army man, always living in fear of him not returning, but I
wanted her happy and to find love and if one of these men were able to
deliver that to her so be it.
King Zyphran stood, shaking Overlord Ammen’s hand as he accepted
the gifts and honors of his success. I watched taking in his muscular
body, his ocean blue eyes sweeping over the crowd accepting their
applause and welcome. He beamed with honor and pride, yet something
about his demeanor told me that his mind was elsewhere, his thoughts
on something other than his reward.
As the crowd settled and desserts were served, I watched a
Zyphran’s War-General excused himself from the table, I figured he
was off to check in with his guards and others in command. I decided
the night was a waste and that any chance of gaining information had
come and gone. Pushing my chair back, I stood, taking a final glance
towards the King before turning and heading towards the doors. As
the guard opened the door for me to leave the Banquet Hall, I smiled
a thank you and stepped through, only to for the second time in the
night run straight into a large male. Looking up ready to apologize I
was caught of guard by the man before me.
“You . . .” King Zyphran’s War-General cried out in surprise.
3
I had been given chambers in the western section of Castle
Randor, overlooking the marketplace of the vast city. Autumn was
lurking just off the horizon, truth be told, it had more than likely
already fallen upon my kingdom of Barrington, but the days here were
still warm and summer-like.
My chambers were fit for the second-in-command of all
Ravencrest’s occupation, lavishly furnished with silk tapestries on on
the walls and a window with actual glass in it. A hallway separated my
sleeping chamber, with it’s massive iron-framed bed and lush pillows
from a dressing room, and another one for bathing. Huge throw-rugs
with fancy designs covered the hard floors, and teams of candles and
sweet-smelling scented sticks were placed everywhere. A large wooden
bowl with fresh fruit had been set on the table in the main room; a
full tankard of ale sat next to it along with three ornately decorated
crystal goblets.
The chamber, indeed his entire castle, was a grand testament to
Ammen’s love of having the best of everything. And in Ammen’s eyes,
the best clearly meant the most expensive. Still, the man was the
Overlord of Ravencrest, it wouldn’t be proper to have such a powerful
man dwelling in squalor like the commoners I was watching mill about
the marketplace from my window.
I was in a bitterly foul mood, for my special request to Overlord
Ammen had not been honored. Oh, he stood there, in his regal gown and
exquisite crown of gleaming sold gold, and announced in a voice as
loud as thunder that full and complete ownership of my angel, (he had
called her Selena) was granted to me. This degree had made her just as
much my property as the lands he had bestowed on me as well, yet no
female had been brought forth.
The insult had burned a hole in my stomach for the rest of the
night, which never seemed to end. Ammen offered no explanation for his
failure to honor his promise; instead he smiled in his oily grin and
told me not to worry. “The girl will be in your chambers by midday
tomorrow, my friend.”
Now, it was midday and there was still no Selena. My anger
swelled inside me like a pie inside the large ovens the kitchen of
Barrington Castle.
With nothing else to do, I simmered in my anger like a piece of
meat in a pot and watched the goings on in the marketplace, in the
vein hope that I’d spot Selena.
At first light, the activity had been slow, just a few early-
risers buying sticks of butter, or small sacks of sugar to satisfy
their cooking needs. A few drunken lads had run through the main
section of the market yelling obscenities at the woman-folk and
pushing old men to the ground. I had watched with an amused smile as
a few armed guards gave the hooligans chase. I could remember a time,
not so very long ago, when Lansing and I would’ve been those drunken
lads, tipping over stands with goods on them, and generally being a
nuisance.
I missed those days. The summers of my youth in Barrington
seemed to vanish like a vapor before they even had time to get started
properly. Well, I suppose that really wasn’t so; I was just always
entwined with stately duties. Whenever I could break away from being
Prince Zyphran, Lansing and I would lose ourselves in the grand woods
surrounding the castle hunting fox, boor, and deer.
Lansing would become consumed with the hunt.
Even from a very early age, Lansing was destined to be a solider,
he just fell into that life as easily as the red banners of Barrington
blew in the breeze. As a toddler, he would always try to sneak up on
the stray cats that somehow found their way into the castle proper. By
the time he was three, he was catching the felines with ease.
Somewhere between in fifth and sixth year, his enjoyment of
hunting cats became something of an obsession; an obsession that
did not escape the notice of my Pa, who had come to love the infant
castaway as his own flesh and blood, and the order was given to teach
Lansing to hunt. The blond-haired lad with the intense eyes took to
his teachings like moon took to the nighttime sky. Within months,
Lansing had traded capturing cats to killing hares, foxes and other
small game. Often, I was sent out into the woods to hunt with Lansing.
I always enjoyed the time I got to spend with him, though sometimes he
would frighten me with how intense he got while on the hunt. His eyes
would grow hard and cold, and his face would look as if it was carved
in stone. Even though I was his elder, and his prince, he would brook
no distraction from me once he began tracking his prey.
I stood by the window, a half-eaten green apple in one hand, a
goblet of strong ale in the other, and watched the swarm of people
conducting their business far below me. I had opened the glass hours
ago, and the sounds, sights and smells of the marketplace assaulted
my senses like storm clouds against a blue sky. The more the commoners
entertained the colorful calls of the vendors trying to sell their
wares, the more of Randor’s armed guards became visible.
My gaze landed on a solider with golden hair and a new-grown
beard, a hard stare peeking out of his gleaming helmet, a notched
and nicked broadsword firmly held in one hand, a heavy wooden shield
in the other. He was alert and ready for battle while the rest of
his comrades were lackadaisical in their duty. I had to smile as I
finished off Ammen’s ale and dropped the expensive glass goblet out
the window to watch it splinter into a million shards as it found the
ground, how much this intense soldier reminded me of Lansing.
By the time he turned seventeen, Lansing had traded hunting
animals altogether for the thrill of hunting men. While I was locked
up behind closed doors learning how to end the war against Carygrove
that had just invaded our land, Lansing was learning how to fight it.
A thin dark-haired girl wearing a worn brown dress and a blonde-
haired man donned in a red tunic and dark brown leggings, caught my
attention as they entered the marketplace. They had their backs to
me, and I thought they made an odd couple; her with her demure manner
and him stiff and awkward, as if he didn’t know what was expected
of him. My heart went out to him, for I could well relate to his
discomfiture. Nothing made my skin crawl quite like shopping did. To
me, it was woman’s work, and this poor bastard clearly held the same
opinion. The girl seemed to know exactly where she wanted to go, and
all the vendors greeted her with warm smiles and eager waves. She had
a wicker-basket in her hand and began making swift work of filling
it with this and that, always finding time to give the vendors a few
words.
Eventually, my mind, and my attention, began to wonder again.
I tried to concentrate on the Fires of Eternity, and their keeper,
Regyna. Legend has it that the beautiful sorceress lives in, or
around, Randor, though nobody knows just quite where. Some say the
magical stones rest at the bottom of the Eastern Sea, while others
claim they are buried deep within the jagged mountains that boarder
the northern and eastern sides of this sprawling city.
In hindsight, I’m sickened that I wasted my request on such
a foolish passing fancy. Some king I was, a pretty face in a crowd
was all it took to shake me from my true mission; and that’s all she
was, after all, just a face in a crowd. She was a nothing, a nobody,
a lowly commoner. I was after something much grander than her. I
was wanted immortality. I hungered for power unlike anyone had ever
enjoyed before. I sought sheer greatness. I wanted the fabled Fires of
Eternity.
My stare falls on the intense soldier again, and that brings
my thoughts back around to the subject of war. War made me think of
Lansing.
Now, my War-General was twenty-four and I was twenty-six; three
years into my rule, victory over Drakor’s forces had been achieved.
The cost to my kingdom had been severe, the loss of life alone
reaching into the thousands, however, the gains had been mind-blowing.
Nobody could deny me my conquests. I had defeated a deeply detested
enemy in Carygrove, I owned more land than my father ever did, and I
was the second-in-command behind the Overlord himself. Yet, I was seen
as a boy still by so many. Even by most of the soldiers in my vast
army, though they didn’t dare express such thought where I or Lansing
could hear them.
A feminine laugh drifted up through the window and captured my
attention. It was the girl in the worn brown dress. She was now in
the arms of her uncomfortable companion, and as he swung her around
so that I saw his face and then hers, I nearly fell out of the window
with shock.
It was Lansing! And that rotten backstabbing bastard had his
hands all over my request. He had his hands all over Selena!
4
I watched in stunned silence. Anger flooding into me like the red
waters of the Ashe River into the Eastern Ocean, as my friend, my War-
General, Lansing pawed my request. Blood pounded like war drums in my
temples and my hands started to shake with the uncontrolled rage. He
dare he defy me? Lansing took too much for granted if he thought our
past would protect him from my wrath at his cruel betrayal. I was a
king, for the love of all that’s holy; and more than that, I was now
the second-in-command behind Overlord Ammen for rule of all
Ravencrest. I was not a man to be trifled with. Friend or not, War-
General or not, brother or not, Lansing would pay dearly for his
insolence against me.
I grabbed the window sill tightly with both hands in an attempt
to contain my shaking. My mind was a torrent of thoughts ranging from
how enjoyable tar-and-feathering my backstabbing War-General would be,
to how custom and my new title would demand that I act in a regal and
stately manner. Right now, I didn’t give a blast about handling
Lansing’s gross insult in any kind of diplomatic fashion; no, what I
wanted was to laugh in victory as I washed his blood off my hands.
As my troops had marched from Barrington Kingdom to the capitol
city of Randor, I had wondered with great amusement what my first
command as Ravencrest’s number two would be. Never in my life did I
imagine that command would be the death of my dearest friend. The
Fates were already proving themselves a harsh mistress, yet I was
determined no to bow or fold under the pressure. Hard betrayals
demanded even harder punishments; news of this was bound to spread
among the commoners, and I couldn’t show them a weak face just because
I loved Lansing.
With God as my witness, he would pay with his life.
An insistent knocking forced my attention away from the
disturbing scene playing out below me, and my anger swelled to even
newer heights at the unwanted intrusion. Apparently, lofty titles and
prestige was not enough to earn respect in this regal city with its
mysterious magical ways and damnable citizens.
One of Ammen’s servants who had been assigned to me answered the
door. I heard the rapid tones of a hushed conversation, then the
unmistakable patter of footsteps on the throw rugs, and I knew whoever
it was, I was going to be forced to be stately.
Of all the damn times . . .
“Underlord Zyphran, Court Advisor of the Ways, Ryken is here
to officially beg an audience with you, my lord. He says it’s of the
highest import, was rather insistent of it, in fact, my lord.”
I closed my eyes tight against the boiling rage that threatened
to pour out of me in a murderous wave of action. Finally, I was able
to force a welcoming smile on my face and turned around to face my
uninvited guest.
What stood before was a sight worthy of a laugh, though I was
hardly in a mind to offer one. A man of highly advanced age stood
twenty paces from me dressed in a dark purple robe belted with a
bright yellow sash of silk. Black velvet boots covered his feet, and
an aged and gnarled walking stick was gripped tightly in his skeleton-
like hand. His hair was long, gray and so unkept I expected spiders
to crawl out of it at any moment. Eyes the color of an angry ocean
peered at me with obvious interest. I assumed he had a mouth, though
all trace of it was buried behind a heavy moustache and a long beard
that was as unruly as his hair. His skin looked like parchment that
had been crumbled in someone’s hand, thick lines ran across his
forehead while thinner ones webbed out from the corners of his eyes
and fell down his cheeks.
He allowed me a few moments to soak in his appearance before
he bowed deeply, sweeping one arms along his midsection in a grand
display of respect. “My young lord, how I have longed to meet you.”
The ancient one stayed in his bowed position, until I realized
he was waiting for permission to stand upright again. My anger was
slightly abated. Finally, I was being shown some proper respect, this
funny little man was welcomed in my chamber even if I hadn’t summoned
him. “Forgive me my lack of manners, my friend. You may rise. If you
would, my good man, what exactly is an Advisor of the Ways?”
Ryken straightened with some difficulty, his eyes betraying
gratitude at not having to stay bend over. “Thank you for your
kindness, my lord. In meanings spoken in words you understand, my
lord, I am a warlock. I dwell in the kingdom of magic.”
I furrowed my brow at the old one. A warlock. I should’ve guessed
by his ridiculous manner of dress. “What an odd way of speaking you
have, my friend. It reminds me of the language of the Elders.”
“Of this assessment of my speech, you are not incorrect, my lord.
I am of their wondrous ilk, and I do own their musical manner of word-
forming and thought processing.”
I nodded my head in acknowledgement. I could already tell
this ancient bag of bones was going to cause my head to ache. There
was only one way I could think of to limit his blather, “Ryken,
as I’m sure you can understand, I am a very busy man with many
duties to attend to. In the face of that, I must ask you that if you
have a reason for honoring me with this visit, that you get to it
immediately, please.”
“Of course, yes. Of course, yes. Apologise, my lord. I’m here to
speak to you about mysteries that of interest I know you have. Namely,
the ancient and all-powerful stones you incorrectly call the Fires of
Eternity.”
“What do you mean by incorrectly?”
The robed fool gave me a look of such inquiry I thought he had
fallen ill with madness. “Apologise, I do, my lord. Incorrectly is a
word I assumed the meaning of you knew.”
My anger had returned in full-force. “For the love of all that’s
holy, man. I know what the word means.”
“Why then state you that you did not, my lord?”
I took a few deep breaths to try and reign in my rage. “The
point, Ryken,” I said in a very tight tone. “Get to the point before I
lose all patience with you.”
The ancient fool bristled at my rebuke, then cleared his
throat. “Prophecy is written clear, my lord. Wrong is one thing
prophecy knows not how to be. I speak to you of the stones you seek
because demand it the prophecy does very loudly. You must be in
knowledge of this.”
I ran a hand down my face. It was something I often did when I
was frustrated with something, or in this particular case, someone. I
actually had no idea what all his blathering was about, I knew nothing
of prophecy whatsoever. However, I wasn’t going to let the warlock
know this; I wouldn’t exactly look regal and Underlord-like if I
admitted I didn’t know anything about prophecy. “Remind me of which
particular prophecy you are referring to, Ryken.”
“‘From another land, a great King will come to defeat the evil
sorceress, Regyna and be a mighty champion of the Rocks of Life. Of
young age and much power will the champion possess. The warlock of the
champions choosing shall act as the rod used by the champion to strike
down the sorceress.’ That passage be the one of which I quote, my
lord.” He pointed a bony finger at me and smiled in what looked like
took a great effort. “Prophecy’s champion is who you are. I feel this
true in the blood that sustains this life of mine. Rod of yours to use
is the offer I make to you, my lord. To win you the Stones of Life, or
as you call them, Fires of Eternity, I wish to see you achieve. Being
wrong is one thing prophecy is not able to be.”
The bag of bones had my full and complete attention now. All the
anger I’d felt moments ago about Lansing’s brutal betrayal had flown
out of the still open window. Perhaps, if the Fates were of such a
mind, they’d allow that anger to drop directly on that bastard’s no-
good head and crush him like the worm he truly was. At the moment,
however, I had greater issues before me. “Ryken,” I said as I took
the ancient one shoulders firmly in my hands. The warlock winced in
pain, but I didn’t care. This was far too important to worry about his
discomfiture. “Do you know where the stones are?”
The old one’s eyes stormed over, and I knew the answer before he
said a single word. “Their precise location is a frustrating mystery
to everyone, my lord. Including myself. However, hope is never all
lost. As a warlock, I can feel the stones. Their power, like blood
through these old veins of mine does run. Young I will never be again,
and the winning of the stones is a game for one blessed with youth.”
“Ryken!” I interrupted in a booming voice. I fixed the warlock
with a fiery stare and gripped his shoulders even tighter. My patience
with his flowery speech had reached its end. “Do you or don’t you know
where the stones are?”
The warlock grinned at me, the storm in his eyes
receding. “Question already asked, and question already answered,
my lord. I know not of the location to the Stones of Life, because
never have I looked for them.” Again, he pointed at me. “Champion I’ve
waited for, champion promised by prophecy is suddenly upon me. Now,
prophecy has been fulfilled. To find Stones of Life, you and I shall
embark.”