#thesweetbellsofsummer

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 1: Chapter 4

The city was unlike anywhere the two friends had ever been. The roads were smooth and paved, the building sturdy and clean, and the people, all the people, were well dressed and happy looking. Right before the gates swung closed, Katherine looked back through them and noticed other travelers in the distance. She correctly assumed that they were others that had been summoned by the Queen. Her attention was brought back to her front when Eraenes nearly tripped and she had to make sure her unwieldy friend didn’t fall and hurt herself. William escorted them to the palace, and the friends bade their goodbyes as a bevy of maidservants lead the two to their guest chambers. And so in no time at all Katherine and Eraenes had separated from William, the only familiar person in the castle, and had found themselves with a luxurious suite of rooms, and instructions for dinner. At six they were to don their nicest clothing, and they would then be escorted to the dining hall to join the other invitees.

The second the servants were gone Eraenes dropped her heavy bag on the ground, took off her boots and glasses, and passed out on the bed. The room was cool enough that it wouldn’t be as much as a pain to sleep somewhere so dry. Katherine, however, was still full of energy, and instead of sleeping chose to explore their rooms. Off the bedroom was a washroom, a sitting room, and much to her delight: a balcony. She opened the glass doors leading out, and found herself overlooking the palace’s rear gardens. Katherine looked down at the rose bushes below, and then out at the carefully sculpted hedges. Delighted, she willed one of the bushes to grow up, up, up to her. Katherine leaned in to sniff it, and the aroma lifted her spirits even higher, she couldn’t even comprehend how something bad could be happening somewhere as gorgeous as Coraje. It was definitely worth risking the wrath of her father to come here, she thought, even if she still felt a bit guilty about dragging Eraenes out of her lake in the middle of the night. Katherine decided, seeing as she had several hours before dinner, to prepare herself the nicest gown she could. As her clothing consisted solely of plants grown from her own skin, she didn’t have to rely on a set amount of options. Katherine began by picking a color, blue, and then began the long process of choosing flowers and growing them together in a weave to her liking.

Eraenes woke to a cheer of success from her friend. Looking up, she found Katherine in the center of their bedroom twirling in a flowing gown made from blue hydrangeas and giggling in delight. The sight was enough to make her grin and reach for her own pack. While Eraenes didn’t own many clothes, she did have a set of dress robes she would sulk around the outskirts of Court celebrations in. Elves tended to carry all their possession with them when they traveled, so that night she had gone to complete her initiation ritual Eraenes had brought everything she could put her name to. This included her books and scrolls, her quills and ink, her clothes, and of course the rolls of Corajen silk she planned to make her mother a new dress from. After arriving at the Court, there was obviously no reason to use the cloth for her mother, and so eventually, after reaching her full height, she made herself something nice to wear. Eraenes donned the floor length black robes over the matching shirt, with its high collar. She kept her usual pair of worn boots though, as the robes would more than adequately cover them when she walked. The subsequent goofing off of the two, dancing and enjoying themselves in the fancy room, occupied them until dinnertime.

At six sharp a loud ringing sounded throughout the palace, breaking the friends away from their foolishness. Seconds later there was a knock at their door, and on the other side they found one of the servants that had shown them to their room on arrival. Jessica, she introduced herself as, and promptly took them through the palace to the main dining hall, a room primarily used for feasts during the Kingdom’s many religious festivals.

Jessica left them at the entrance to the hall, and as she hurried away the two slipped through the truly enormous door leading inside. A long table dominated the room, already mostly filled by clamoring guests. As the two searched for some empty seats they noticed that they were the only ones there that weren’t human. Everyone else seemed to be knights from other Kingdoms or glory seeking, foolhardy men. The two suddenly felt very awkward, and sat down across from each other as fast as they possibly could. They could feel the curious eyes of the other guests boring into them, but did their best to avoid acknowledging it. As tall as she was, Eraenes could both easily ignore the piercing stares, and see far above the heads of everyone else in the room. She noticed that the seats at the end of the table to her left were vacant, most likely left for the Queen, but that the other end of the table was already occupied by a tall, greasy man clothed in scarlet, and by the looks of it already well on his way to being drunk, despite there not being anything besides dishes on the table yet. She decided that he must have brought his own flask to the table, rude, but not especially odd she assumed, letting her poor views of humans sway her assumptions.

While silently judging the greasy man at the end of the table, Eraenes didn’t notice the doors behind her swing open, but Katherine did. The young woman glanced over only to see Coraje’s very own ruler, Queen Jaya, in all her resplendent glory enter the room surrounded by a group of what appeared to be several maidservants and a bard. Katherine tapped Eraenes’s hand and pointed at the entrance to alert her, and as everyone rose to their feet, the elf shot up embarrassed and clumsily, almost knocking her poor neighbor over in her haste. Everyone at the table stayed standing until the Queen strode to her chair and sat primly on her seat. The second she did the guests and the Queen’s servants all fell as one, and this time Eraenes managed to move with a bit more grace than she had before. The Queen said nothing besides a brief greeting, and with a wave of her hand the meal was carted in and served. Trays of steaming meats and roast vegetables were placed on the table, while servants walked around the table filling all the goblets to the brim with wine. Eraenes nabbed Katherine’s cup almost immediately, knowing that the woman had never had alcohol before. She both didn’t want her friend to be too drunk, and she wanted to make sure she herself had enough to at least feel the buzz of intoxication. Katherine had no desire for the admittedly delicious looking food that had been set before her, but Eraenes was happy to eat what she wouldn’t.  She gorged herself on the meats provided, which she thought were excellent, despite the fact that they were cooked, as Eraenes usually ate her meat fresh and raw. The two were also thankful for the distraction the meal provided the others at the table, as they were no longer being watched so closely.

Several hours later after a quality feast and strong wine, the guests had settled down quite a bit. As the dishes were taken away, the Queen rose from her seat and cleared her throat to get the attention of those assembled.

“Greetings honored guests of Coraje!” The Queen began in soft, but commanding, voice. “I thank you all for coming, and I am sure that you are all eager to know what exactly has prompted my summons.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the table as Eraenes leaned towards Katherine to translate. “I wrote of a series of incidents on the edges of our borders, some of which a few of you may already be aware of.” A few more shout of agreement sounded. “Before any of you agree to help us, I must tell you of our suspicions as to the culprit. We believe that Coraje is under attack by … a dragon.”

Shout of surprise echoed through the room. Eraenes felt herself freeze up at the thought of a dragon, those flames. She remembered vividly the pain of burning. Katherine, while a bit frightened, was mainly interested. To her a dragon had always been like a fairy tale, a scary monster in the stories Eraenes would sometimes tell on moonless nights. The Queen, realizing that she could probably not say anymore because of the din, waved her hand in dismissal and left with her posse. Eraenes and Katherine, now tired and annoyed by the noise decided to return to their bedchamber. The two hurried away, completely unnoticed by the other guests, and retraced their steps back to their rooms.

The friends washed and changed before collapsing onto their bed together. They curled under the blankets and did their best to sleep, but seconds before Eraenes could drift off, Katherine asked her a question.

“Eraenes, you used to tell me all those stories with dragons in them, have you ever seen one?”

Eraenes froze, unsure of what to say. She thought about the fire, and the bodies torn apart, and the deafening roar she had heard right before she-. “Not seen, my friend, but experienced.”

Katherine wanted to ask more, but Eraenes turned away from her and pulled the covers tighter around herself. They fell asleep.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 1: Chapter 2

It took almost an hour of coaxing for Eraenes to settle everyone down and remind them that Gaia would never let them come to harm (it didn’t help that the satyrs were afraid of her almost as much as they were the stranger). She asked the man what he was doing in the Forest, and he identified himself as a messenger from Coraje, a fact she quickly passed on to Katherine’s father in an attempt to soothe his nerves. Luckily, reason eventually conquered his innate freeze response, and he had Eraenes instruct the messenger to follow her to his home to deliver to him the message. Eraenes hadn’t spoken the language for many years, and her speech was halting and awkward, but she had kept up in her studies and was able to convey the King’s words to the man. He went with her to the King’s home, a large hut woven from still living trees.

The messenger sat cross legged on the floor of the hut, facing Katherine and the King (Katherine because she insisted on sitting beside him). Eraenes stood stiffly beside the messenger, ready to translate his words. The man removed a scroll from his pack, sealed with red wax and stamped with the coat of arms of Coraje’s royal family: a roaring lion set before two crossed swords. He broke the seal, cleared his throat, and read as Eraenes carefully translated.

“Greetings, this is a message from Queen Jaya of Coraje to the ruler of the Court of Fauns, faithfully delivered by my trusted servant William. A series of grievous incidents have occurred within and around my kingdom, killing many. We have come to suspect that the attacks are magical in nature, and humbly request the assistance of learned mages from your Court to assist us. I understand if you do not wish to help, as you are no doubt unaffected by this, but I implore you, please come to our aid.

Signed, with noblest intentions, by Queen Jaya of Coraje.”

When the message was finished the King stood up and left the room to gather his wits and determine his answer. Katherine sat primly in her chair and directed her attention at her friend.

“Eraenes could you please translate for me?” She asked eagerly. “I want to know more about this ‘Coraje’, have you been there? Do these humans live near Skye?”

“Of course I will, and no, I have never been there. The Kingdom is actually to our South, not the North, and I only know the language because such things were included in my studies as a young girl. We used to travel very far for trade, and such multilingualism proved most useful,” Eraenes replied.

“Used to?” Katherine prodded, spotting her opening.

“Do you not have questions for our friend here?” Eraenes quickly evaded.

“Of course, of course,” Katherine agreed. “Ask him about the people! Are they all human like him?”

Eraenes relayed her Princess’s question, and William answered that yes, all the citizens of Coraje were human. He continued on explaining about the knights and servants and noblemen in the Queen’s castle, as well as recounting life living in the Kingdom’s inner city, he spoke about the houses and markets and the small theater not too far from his home. Katherine was enraptured by this information, listening intently to William’s descriptions and Eraenes’s translations and explanations for over an hour. Eraenes’s voice tired quickly, but she could not bear to stifle Katherine’s curious nature.

When Katherine’s father finally returned he found the three still in his sitting room. William shot up to his feet when he noticed the King’s entrance, eager to hear the man’s response, while Eraenes in turn rose to stand beside him. The King settled next to his daughter, and Katherine leaned into him with a smile.

“Young messenger I am afraid that I must deny your Queen’s request for our assistance,” the King said solemnly. “We of the Court, children of Gaia, do not wage war nor bring harm unto others. I will not allow my subjects out into the world of man so defenseless. Forgive me.”

William nodded in understanding, obviously disappointed, but he stayed composed. Eraenes had done her best to keep the King’s words as soft as possible, but a no was still a no. William shifted nervously, now unsure of his next actions. It was night, and much too dark for someone to wander around a place like the Forest alone. The King offered William a bed in his home, and soon enough it was time for Eraenes to return to her lake to sleep curled with her beloved Mona.

Eraenes walked slowly through the Forest, the light of the moon guiding her home and shielding her from danger. She was distracted by thoughts of Coraje. While Eraenes had never personally been there, most of the elder elves had, and she spoke enough of their language and knew enough of their culture to be enraptured by it. She had had several interactions with human, but never on so large a scale as a city. Perhaps, she thought. Perhaps when Katherine is crowned Queen I shall go, I will no longer be needed anyway. Once she reached the edge of the lake Eraenes shed her clothes, took off her glasses, and dove into the water. The cool depths soothed the irritated scars marring her long body, and the absolute darkness allowed her sensitive eyes a rest.

Soon enough silver shimmers began to appear in silky strands coiling around her, weaving themselves together until a gorgeous woman had formed with Eraenes wrapped in her embrace. The two stayed entwined, did nothing but find quiet comfort in the other, and Eraenes was just drifting off to sleep when a loud -SCREECH- traveled through the water and reached her ears. She flailed, jerking back from Mona and then forward, smacking her beloved in the chest accidentally. Mona had to grab her and press Eraenes firmly against her chest to calm the young woman down. Mona, who was generally a very calm being, reasoned that it was probably just her love’s friend, and that Eraenes should go to her, so gently, she grabbed Eraenes by her sides, and pushed her upwards, towards the surface.

Eraenes’s head bobbed on the surface of the lake, dark hair falling over her face and the shimmery scars, mostly concealing them from view. Hard, angry eyes stared up at Katherine, and the surprised face of William. Eraenes let out a low growl at the abrupt intrusion into her nighttime activities. Katherine took a step back in response, but her eyes were trained on the hints of old pain peeking from beneath Eraenes’s dark hair. Katherine was a bit frightened of her friend in that moment. During the day the sun gave her power, but night was Eraenes’s domain, the moon and the darkness giving her power and protection. There was no doubt in Katherine’s mind about her friend’s status as an apex predator, no matter her usual way of carrying herself. Katherine watched as Mona disintegrated herself back into her true form, leaving Eraenes privacy to deal with her.

“What. Do. You. Want?!” Eraenes gritted out through clenched teeth.

“Eraenes I’m so sorry we interrupted, oh Gaia! She was down there wasn’t she I’m so sorry!!!” Katherine blurted out after realizing what she had probably interrupted.

“What.”

“Ah, ah, we’re leaving, and I want you to come,” Katherine explained.

“Leaving?” Eraenes asked, calming down, but still with an edge of danger in her voice.

“For Coraje. My father doesn’t want any of the Court getting hurt, but as the Princess I do have some leeway for when I can come and go, a-and you’re not even part of the court, you can leave whenever you want, and you know so much about the outside. I need you to come with me, Eraenes, please, I need to see outside of the Forest!” Katherine implored.

Eraenes stared back at her friend, annoyed, but she knew that even if she didn’t agree to go, Katherine would anyway. The Princess had never been outside the Forest, and had no solid experience with even the defensive uses of her magical ability, only domestic ones. The pendant around her neck glowed and vibrated against her chest, chiding her, and so Eraenes let the anger roll off of her. She grabbed her clothing, dove beneath the water, and came back up several minutes later, dressed, packed, and ready to leave.

The group left the Forest that night on foot, trying to put as much distance as possible between them and the King. Even if Katherine was an adult, it was still likely that her father would send someone after her to bring her home. Mona sat far above them, lighting their way.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 1: Chapter 1

At twenty-two Eraenes Hunter was over seven feet tall, thin as a rake, and would have easily been mistaken for a tree had she not been such an odd shade of grey-blue. She lived in a small lake deep inside Gaia’s Forest, a blessed realm slightly offset from reality, created and protected by Mother Earth herself. The water was clear, the trees were tall and healthy, and the weather was always warm. Every night the moon was full, and Mona, being at her strongest in this state, could descend to earth and join Eraenes in the cool depths of her lake whenever she wanted. Ever since that night, when they had connected for the first time, the two spent all the time together that they could. When the two curled together in the silence of the water, power would thrum between them, pulling on the water around them and wrapping them in its currents.

Every morning at ten, Eraenes would swim from the dark depths of her home to the shallow edge of the lake, and would wait for the only person in the forest brave enough to come near her: Princess Katherine of the Court of Fauns. Katherine was short, green, and while quite deer-like around the face and from the waist down, but had nothing to fear from someone like her friend because even if Eraenes had shown the tendency to eat even humanoid creatures over the many years of their companionship, she only ate meat and the Princess was a being born of the earth.

Once Katherine would arrive at the water’s edge, Eraenes, no matter how hot out it was, would tug on her long sleeved tunic and pants, neatly wrap a roll of bandages around her hands and up each arm, and exit the lake. After she was out, Katherine would hand her the darkened spectacles needed to keep her overly sensitive eyes safe from the (to her) blinding sun. The two had kept that pattern for nearly seven years, ever since Mona had delivered Eraenes into the safety of the forest. Despite their long friendship, the elf had kept her silence on the events leading to her life there, not that Katherine hadn’t tried to extract it from her. The horror of that night had never left, the scars from the fire and the blows from the rocks Mona had been unable to prevent in her hurry to pull the girl under the water to safety never faded. She felt shame at the reminders of what had happened, for perhaps, if she hadn’t made that journey, hadn’t gone off to meet the moon, she could have helped, could have prevented at least part of the massacre. The Princess knew from the stories told to her by her father that the outside world was cruel, and that for someone from a race as strong as the sea elves to flee to the Forest, something she did not yet understand must have occurred. Eventually she realized it was a secret Eraenes might never reveal to her, and made her peace with it.

The friends had completed their schooling together, and finally they were closing in on the age of responsibility. Katherine’s people, while few, still needed a leader. Her father was aging, and would soon become too old to rule. Rot had already been spotted along his legs, and who knew when it would spread too far to manage? Preparing for power of that sort was difficult and tedious, even if Eraenes did her best to make the studies easier. Coming from another culture, she was able to share viewpoints and experiences the Fauns had never encountered, even if some of the more brutal aspects of elvish rule were not quite what Katherine needed to know. Eraenes did her best to shield Katherine from the worst of it, but she sometimes let slip forbidden tidbits when she was distracted or bored, as she often was by subjects like politics or geography.

Eraenes knew that when her friend ascended to the throne that she would be left alone most of the time; the feeling was akin to that of a mother anticipating the day her child would be grown and leave her. She didn’t know what she would do after that, after she had arrived in the Forest she was enlisted as Katherine’s companion almost immediately, Eraenes had nothing else established to fall back on. Katherine had been a welcome distraction from her sorrows, and by herself, Eraenes was unsure if she could stave off the repercussions much longer. Eraenes was doing her best to relish the time they had left, which might have been easier if she was willing to share her feelings on the matter, but as always sharing was not her strong point. Katherine knew that once she became Queen she would lose the chance to see the wonders of the outside world she could occasionally goad Eraenes into sharing. Tales of vast oceans and fairy pools and the open endless moors of the island her friend had come from fueled her fantasies of freedom. Together the two were restless, unhappy in what was supposed to be the ideal life, neither truly prepared for the world tomorrow would bring.

On this particular morning, after the friends met at the edge of the bank, the two headed off deep into the forest in the hopes of finding somewhere hidden from the rest of the Court. Eraenes welcomed the shade, as the sun tended to burn her and hurt her weak eyes. There were no actual roads in the forest, only small paths beaten down by generations of fleet footed satyrs rushing through year after year. The walk was quiet, the silence only occasionally broken by Katherine asking silly teasing questions and Eraenes answering with small, soft laughs. It was only when they were closing in on a treetop fort the two had built several summers previous that Katherine became serious in her questioning.

“Eraenes, do you think we’ll always be friends like this?” She asked.

“No, not like this I don’t think,” Eraenes answered sadly. “But I think we’ll still be friends, just in a different way. Everything changes, and even if we grow apart, there’s still now, nothing can take that.”

“I guess that’s alright.” Katherine tangled her fingers in Eraenes’ and tugged her forward. “Come on, we’re almost there!”

The friends set off running towards their sanctuary, feeling like the children they hadn’t been in years. After all, they thought to themselves, all that is certain is the now, why not make the best of it?

The friends stayed in their own little world together until the sun no longer shone through the gaps in the leaves above them. Katherine insisted that Eraenes join her next to the fire in the Court’s dusk gathering, and even though she was getting quite hungry, Eraenes agreed. The Fauns didn’t need sustenance quite like she did, and thus had nothing when she sat at “dinner” with them. Sitting around the fire, listening to the tales of the elderly and the playing of the young made Eraenes feel very out of place. Katherine chattered endlessly to her father, as her friend sat beside her in silence, gazing intently into the flickering flames. She was entranced by them, and with each crackle she remembered. She remembered the burning and the bodies and the stench of charred flesh and how not even the ocean waves and the salt of the air and the rushing wind could wash it away. Kaltyn noticed, but said nothing; she was used to it after so many years, and thought it best to let her alone as when she had prodded in the past she had been met with explosive retaliation. Still, she was sad, Katherine knew that Eraenes would only lose herself like that on her bad days, and that there was nothing she could do.

As Eraenes remembered and Katherine regretted and the Court came together, a branch snapped loudly not too far away from the gathering. All the satyrs startled up, carefully watching the direction the sound had come from. The sudden movement jolted Eraenes from her trance, and left her abruptly aware and overwhelmed by her surroundings. It took several seconds for her to reorient herself and realize that there was something coming their way. Eraenes slowly stood up, taking shallow, quiet breaths in an attempt to calm herself. She knew that no animal in Gaia’s realm would be large enough or careless enough to break something that big (besides the satyrs), and they were all within the small clearing in the heart of their village. However, the tense anticipation was broken by the thwack of another branch hitting something solid and a long stream of swears in the language of a neighboring country, a language Eraenes not only recognized, but understood.

Eraenes cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted at the approaching stranger in Ispaniká. “Over here, come over here!”

Her shout startled the satyrs, but Eraenes was sure in her belief that Gaia would not allow a threat into her Forest. Slowly, the person stumbled their way toward her voice, until finally a tall man stepped out into the clearing. His clothing was well made and his jacket a bright scarlet, obviously a fairly well-off citizen of Coraje, a large prosperous kingdom a few hundred miles to the southwest of the Forest. What someone from there, a human no less, could possibly need to enter a place like the forest was a mystery. The man stepped forward, visibly nervous, sweating, and looked from the still frightened satyrs to the frighteningly large form of Eraenes, and shifted his weight from foot to foot, to try to avoid the stares. Eraenes glanced from Katherine to the King then back to the man. She knew that the satyrs probably couldn’t communicate with him, and so she stepped forward, ready to represent their home to him, and to try to determine why he had traveled so far to find them.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Epilogue

We executed Ronald on the edge of the river the next morning. One quick slice across his throat was all it took for his blood to stain the grass beneath him as he slumped to the ground. His death was quiet, the silence broken only by the sound of Ronald choking on his own blood and the quiet crying of Marta and Katlyn. Marta, because Ronald had been her friend for so many years before this, and Katlyn because for her, the death of another was painful no matter who they were.

I froze Ronald’s body in a block of ice, to preserve him until we arrived back in Coraje. Before leaving we had to construct a wagon to carry it, but just a few days later we had Ronald on the wagon covered in sawdust and a tarp. Marta and Kaila’s horses were fastened to the front, with my lady and I following behind in case something should happen to the body. If it were to melt, I would need to be able to refreeze it before he could decompose.

Yan was sorry to see us go, likely she was going to miss the excitement not present in day to day life, and so in a fit of compassion I promised to visit someday. I felt a flutter in my chest when she smiled, which was quickly followed by a yelp of surprise when the locks of Mona’s hair I carried with me suddenly heated up. I blushed when I realized why, and Yan chuckled in amusement. I waved goodbye to her as we left the valley, feeling...good, for the first time in far too long.

The journey to did not take nearly as long as the trip to the mountain had. This time we knew exactly where we were going and how to get there from the start. When we passed by the half rebuilt village we were even able to let them know that they should not have any more trouble, being able to assure them of their safety was wonderful. The Kowe were next; they extended their gracious hospitality to us once more, and were glad that I had made a full recovery. We made it out of their forest without any ghostly beast on our trail, well fed and in good spirits. We completely bypassed the town we had dropped those bandits off in so long ago, something about Marta wanting to avoid someone she had met there. Personally, I thought the person was that sheriff she had disappeared with, and frankly I could not blame her.

Finally, finally we reached the gleaming gates of Coraje. They parted for us before we had to ask, and we so easily slipped into the city’s veil of protection. It was too bad that with our good news of victory, we were also bringing the body of a man the Queen had long thought of as a trusted friend. I hoped that she would believe us when we told her, even a wise and sensible woman such as she could become lost in a fog of emotion and act without thinking it through.

We were asked to report to her throne room immediately by one of the castle’s servants, and because we could not (and were a bit afraid) to try and bring the entire wagon inside we instead had to push Ronald’s ice block down the hallways and to Jaya ourselves. I tried to keep the block slick enough that it would be easy to push, but solid enough that it would not melt and make a mess on the floors. Those that passed us looked on in curiosity and sometimes annoyance, as while a group of people pushing a large ice block through the castle was a unique sight, it was difficult for others to get around it in the sometimes narrow passageways.

Jaya was very surprised when we entered the throne room like that, especially because since the ice had frosted over hiding Ronald’s body, it looked to outsiders like just a large ice cube. The look on her face when she saw us was almost enough to make me burst out into laughter, but remembering the grave circumstances of our meeting I held myself in.

“Kaila! I mean, my friends! How good it is to see all of you after these many, trying, months. The reports of attacks have ceased, I hope that means you have slain the beast, yes?” Jaya asked, excitedly.

“In a way…” Kaila answered.

“And, whatever this is,” Jaya queried, motioning at Ronald’s ice block.”

“That would be the beast.”

“Ah. It is...smaller, than I was expecting.”

“Tell me about it,” Marta muttered from behind the bard’s back.

“Well, sometimes small things can be more dangerous than big things, and are able to hurt us more because we weren’t expecting them to,” Kaila said. Katlyn squeezed her eyes shut in frustration, wanting someone to just tell the queen what had happened already instead of beating around the bush. She likely would have done it herself had she been as close to Jaya as our companions, or perhaps a little less frightened of confrontation.

“Perhaps we should all sit down for some tea and discuss it,” I suggested, wanting to get to the point, or at least end this awkward conversation, as soon as we could.

“Yes, of course!” Jaya clapped her hands together in realization. “You all are probably exhausted, I should have thought of that when you came in. I’ll go have something prepared.” She looked at Kaila. “My darling, would you be a dear and take them to my sitting room?” She asked.

“Right away,” Kaila answered. “Er...what should we do with this?” She asked, patting our ice block.

“Is it important?”

“Not to me, but it might be to you,” Kaila answered cryptically.

“Oh, well then…” Jaya paused for a moment in thought. “How about we just leave it where it is for now, will it stay frozen?” Kaila looked to me.

“It should, let me just-” I reinforced the ice, and dropped temperature of and around the block as low as I could, so it would take longer to unfreeze. I wanted to avoid making a mess on the queen’s nice floor. Kaila nodded in satisfaction, then took us out of the throne room, down a narrow hallway, and into a smaller, much more comfortable looking, room.

Plush couches were arranged around a grand fireplace, the floor was carpeted, the short table in the center crafted from oak and glass, and shelves full of actual books lining the walls. Kaila set about lighting a fire for us, while we all flopped down onto the seats in various states of exhaustion. After such a long journey it would be hard for anyone not to miss the comforts of everyday life. Once the fire was started Kaila sat down next to me on the couch I had claimed. I looked over at her and smile, and was delighted when she grinned back at me.

Jaya entered the room soon enough, some tiny servant scurrying after her with a large tray full of tea and sandwiches. As soon as the tray was set down and the door closed we all lunged for the food at once. I grabbed the two sandwiches nearest to me, cucumber and chicken respectively, and a cup of spiced tea; my friends did much the same. By the time Jaya had shut and locked the door and turned around the tray was mostly empty. She pointedly did not comment on it, and instead settled down on the couch next to Kaila and me, as close to the bard as she could be in mixed company.

“Now,” Jaya said softly, teacup in hand and expression grim, as if she already knew something was amiss from our meeting in the throneroom. “Tell me everything.”

                                                                                                                The End

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Chapter 35: Sentencing

The occupants of the room (besides Yan of course) startled at the sudden, deafening sound. Ronald’s body jerked forward, but restrained as he was all that happened was his body collapsing back onto the hard stone behind him and his head and neck hurting a bit from the clamp. He grunted in pain as I held back a laugh.

“Ronald has admitted his guilt,” I said, loud as I dared. “Yan and I think it best that we take him to Wyndelle now, for sentencing.” I was afraid how they would react, given the tension in the room. Kaila just nodded, calming down, while Katlyn looked on, relieved at the turn of events. Marta said nothing, and when I looked at her I saw that she was crying again, or still crying, I did not know which. However, she did not object and I took that as acceptance. Kaila unlatched his restraints, and pushed him back harshly against the stone when he made a weak attempt at escape. She was strong enough to pick him up with one arm (no small feat given how large Ronald was) and set him back down on the stretcher I had laid out on the table in the meantime. Katlyn helped to strap him in, small fingers buckling the straps quickly and efficiently. Marta and Kaila hoisted him up as we cleared their way back out of the dungeon and up the dark stairwell.

Wyndelle’s chamber was nearby, and my friends seemed glad that they would not have to carry Ronald’s heavy, squirming body as far as they had earlier. Her cavern was just as magnificent to me as it had been the first time; familiarity had not dulled its splendor. Wyndelle was asleep when we arrived, curled into a ball on the floor and snoring loudly. Her face was right in front of us, or would have been had her tail not been set in front of it. However, as soon as my friends unlatched and dropped Ronald to the floor with a painful sounding thump, the tail rose a bit to reveal two enormous eyes sleepily peeking out from under it.

“Hello, my friends,” I translated for her. “I see that you have brought me something.”

“We request that you handle his sentencing,” Yan said politely, not showing any of the affection she had in our first meeting with Wyndelle.

The dragon’s head tilted to the side, and she looked a bit worried about Yan, but soon redirected her attention, as per our request. Wyndelle’s piercing stare bored into Ronald, picking apart his very soul and leaving it bare. A being as ancient as her could not be defended against by a human man.

“While I appreciate the forethought of having someone not so emotionally attached to this situation be in charge of sentencing, I believe doing it yourselves would have been more cathartic,” I translated. “But then again it is admirable you decided to spare him the rather creative punishments rattling around in young miss Hunter’s brain.” I flushed in embarrassment after processing what I had just translated, avoiding Wyndelle’s knowing look.

“Let’s just get this over with, please,” Marta muttered. I did not translate that for Yan and Wyndelle.

Ronald was tense as a bowstring, radiating fear and discomfort in the presence of the being he had spent so long impersonating. It was pathetic. Wyndelle leaned down towards him, one eye being nearly as big as he was, and examined him slowly. He looked ready to scream when she sniffed him, and I almost laughed.

“Death is the only punishment befitting his crimes, at least if we do not indulge young Hunter’s fantasies,” I translated. Kaila snickered, and I knew that she would not mind if I was let loose on him. “There is no point in wasting time, tomorrow’s sky will be clear, perfect execution weather,” Wyndelle finished. She then closed her eyes and recurled herself on the floor, ready to go back to sleep.

Wyndelle’s abrupt end to our meeting left all of us a bit off kilter, but nonetheless Ronald was picked back up, and we all hurried out of the cavern as quickly and quietly so as to not disturb Wyndelle further. With nothing left to do with Ronald, we brought him back down to the dungeon, where Kaila threw him quite roughly into one of the cages. When my friends filed out, I stayed behind, watching the man who had taken everything from me. Ronald stared back at me from behind the bars, calm, collected, and I hated him.

“What must she think of you,” I whispered. “Unlike her I have never had the luxury of believing in good men, why did you have to ruin that for her?”

“She didn’t have to know, no one did, I could have died here, a hero, or returned and been who I have always shown myself to be.”

“My affection for Marta only goes so far, so no matter how much it pains her, I will show no leniency, your people will know of this, will know what you are,” I answered, voice toneless.

“You speak with such disconnection from your own loss, do monsters like you truly not feel?” Ronald asked.

“On the contrary, we feel far too much.” I would not let him see me cry, would not let him see me vulnerable, would not lash out to show him how much I hurt. Instead I turned away from him and walked towards the door. He shouted at me, telling me to stop, to turn around, to look at him, but I did not. I closed the door securely behind me when I left, and the secret entrance at the top of the stairs as well. Back in the passageways I could no longer hear him. My friends were down the hall, almost out of sight, so I ran to join them, and Ronald was pushed from my mind by their presence.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 2: Chapter 3

Eraenes’ eyes slowly fluttered open and was instantly blinded by the unfiltered sunlight hitting them. She winced in pain and turned her head away from the light, inadvertently pulling at an ache deep in the muscles of her back. Eraenes gritted her teeth to stop from crying out, and instead tried to sit up and see where she was. She managed after several minutes and a lot more pain, and found herself in a small wooden hut. She had been lying on her sleeping pack and the ground around her was covered in a thick bed of leaves, the light was streaming through a tiny door several feet in front of her. Not really sure what else to do, and not wanting to remain in such a cramped space, Eraenes slid herself out the door with as much grace as she could muster.

Katherine’s sunny face greeted Eraenes as she emerged. She had no doubt heard Eraenes’ rustling within the hut and had come to investigate. Eraenes blinked stupidly at her, barely making out her friend in the harsh light. Katherine only realised the problem when Eraenes’ eyes began to water, and with an apologetic squeak she removed the glasses from her own cloak and slid them onto Eraenes’ face.

“Thank you, Katherine, I had forgotten how blinding the day was. Now, well, now I wish to know what has happened, where are we?” Eraenes asked.

“You were knocked off your horse,” Katherine answered.

“Yes, thank you, I remember that. What happened afterwards is what I want to know,” Eraenes gritted out, annoyed and in pain.

“We ended up surrounded by those things following us through the forest. They were wolves Eraenes, but they looked strange, all silver and glowing,” Katherine said.

“Like spirits?”

“Exactly. I managed to knock a few away from us, but Morgan’s sword just went right through them, and Kalypso was almost injured trying to calm the horses,” Katherine explained.

“Then how did we escape, and where are we?” Eraenes asked.

“We were rescued by the forest’s living inhabitants, I believe they may have been lured by Morgan’s shouting,” Katherine giggled out. Eraenes smirked in response. “Their weapons could hurt the wolves, so they were able to chase them back. They took us back here, to their camp, so we could receive medical attention. You’ve been out for a while, that fall did a lot of damage.”

“Nothing irreparable I hope?”

“You’re fine, Eraenes,” Katherine chided.

“Hmmpf. Now where is everyone? I doubt Morgan is particularly pleased about the halt my injury has caused in our progress.”

“I’m not entirely sure how she feels, I don’t understand most of what she said, but she didn’t sound very happy at all since we got here,” Katherine answered. “Come on, they’re in the next clearing.” Katherine helped Eraenes to her feet and tugged her in the direction of a small path through the trees.

“I suppose I’m ready to face her, and if she makes my headache worse I’ll have a reason to retaliate,” Eraenes decided.

“Please try not to upset her, Eraenes, its mean.”

“Hmmpf.”

“Greetings my friends,” Eraenes directed at Morgan and Kalypso as she and Katherine enter the clearing. The women were sitting next to each other on a large log, across from a group of small bearlike creatures. Unsure of what language their saviors spoke, Eraenes folded her lengthy body in two in the most graceful bow she was capable of instead.

“Ah, you have awakened, my dear,” said one of the creatures. Eraenes silently thanked the gods that they spoke the common language of Coraje. “You are alright, I hope?”

“Yes, and thank you for tending to me in my time of need, I deeply appreciate you kindness.”

“There is no need for thanks, kindness is to be expected not rewarded,” the creature replied.

“Still,” Eraenes said. “I am thankful, not everyone is so willing to help strangers such as us. Now if I may ask, I have not heard any nonhuman populations within Coraje, so who are you?” Looks of surprise and guilt flashed across Kalypso and Morgans’ faces, having forgotten to as themselves.

“Well, I am Sabia, but we are the Kowe,” the creature answered with pride, spreading its arms to gesture to the others around it.

“It is very nice to meet you Sabia of the Kowe. I am Eraenes Hunter who dwells within Gaia’s Forest with my ladyship, the princess,” Eraenes replied.

“Dear Katherine, yes, we all got to know each other while you rested.”

“I take it you know why we were in your forest in the first place then?” Eraenes asked.

“You’re looking for Wyndelle, Lady Morgan has already apprised us of the whole situation,” Sabia said, noting the confounded look on Eraenes’ face. “Wyndelle is the dragon of course, dear. Although I am not sure whether she’s kept that name, she can be very fickle sometimes and we haven’t seen her in quite a while.”

“Uh...” was all Eraenes could get out as she glanced over at her friends. They looked as helpless and confused as she did. Sabia took no notice of them, and instead returned to its previous activity: staring off into the sky longingly. Eraenes did not dare interrupt the creature to ask for clarification, and instead joined her friends on the log.

Morgan, in an attempt to shame Eraenes for her ineptitude made intense eye contact with her, hoping Eraenes would avert her eyes in embarrassment. Eraenes, in spite of Morgan’s hopes, stared back at her through her darkened glasses, not stopping until Morgan herself was forced to look away. Kalypso huffed in amusement at the interaction, seemingly unbothered by Morgan’s ire.

“Sabia,” Kalypso said at dinner that very night. “We are traveling up north to find the dra-to find Wyndelle. Do you know exactly where she lives?”

“Up in the mountains of course, along with those girls of hers,” Sabia said, smirking.

“Girls?” Kalypso asked with a smirk.

“Be quiet,” Morgan scolded in return. She turned to Sabia. “Now, the mountains you say?”

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 2: Chapter 2

Morgan showed up at the inn the next morning without the Sheriff. She rousted the rest of the group from their bed and sent them off to bathe, she was only protested by soft groans and the occasional mumble. They grabbed their packs and went out by the river, where Eraenes hid herself to strip before diving into the water. She scrubbed quickly at her skin before emerging as quickly as she had entered and dressing again in secrecy. Katherine sat peacefully on the bank and soaked up the sun while Kalypso and Morgan stripped down and leisurely cleaned themselves.

“So,” Kalypso said to Morgan. “What did you and the Sheriff talk about, anything to do with the dragon?” She asked.

“He gave us a direction,” Morgan answered. “He said there’s been a lot of activity in the North lately, near the mountains.”

“A GOOD PLACE TO FIND A DRAGON!” Eraenes shouted from somewhere hidden nearby. “THEY TEND TO NEST AND MOUNTAINS ARE VERY DEFENSIBLE.” Katherine cocked her head questioningly, and seeing her friend from wherever she was hidden, Eraenes helpfully translated for her.

“Where- whatever. That’s good to know, I guess, anything that gives us more information is good,” Morgan answered.

“Good.” Katherine said decisively with a sharp nod of her head, despite not actually knowing what Morgan had just said. Kalypso snorted in response. Eraenes smiled from her hiding place, glad that her friend had begun the mimicry stage of learning a new language, hoping that understanding would come quickly.

“We can start out after breakfast then, Cameron said the tavern has pretty good food. What did you think?” Morgan asked Kalypso.

“We didn’t actually eat anything, ya’know, and who’s Cameron?” Kalypso replied.

“The Sheriff.”

“Oh. Hmm.” Kalypso said nothing more, and the group finished bathing in silence.

Once they had eaten their fill and packed some more food into their bags, the group left the small town. Kalypso was glad to be free of the Sheriff, Morgan was grumpy as always, and Katherine and Eraenes really didn’t care whether they stayed or went. Of course Eraenes, at that time, was distracted thinking about the dragon, and what it had done. She wanted to find it, to hurt it, but at the same time was so very, very frightened of it.

They hadn’t been riding even ten minutes before they heard a voice calling to them from the direction of the village. “Wait!” Someone cried. “Wait just a second, please!” Everyone stopped, and looked back down the road to find a stocky young woman huffing and puffing toward them.

“Can we help you?” Morgan asked as the woman finally reached them.

Unfortunately the poor woman was much too out of breath to speak at that point, but in answer she removed a small scroll from her breast pocket and thrust it toward Morgan. Morgan dismounted and snatched the scroll out of the woman’s outstretched hand in annoyance. She unrolled it with a frown, but when she glanced down at the signature, she smiled.

“It’s from Ronald,” Morgan said, pleased. She read the letter. “He said that once we find where the dragon is we should send him a message so he can bring us some troops.”

“Anything that means we won’t have to go up against something like that alone is fine by me,” Kalypso answered.

“How did he know where to find us?” Katherine asked her friend.

“I. He. I am unsure, I will ask,” Eraenes responded. “Lady Morgan, Katherine was just wondering how he found us so quickly.”

“It was- He probably- He’s very smart, Hunter, I’m sure he deduced where we were headed with ease,” Morgan answered, unsatisfactorily.

Eraenes hummed doubtfully in response, but relayed the answer to Katherine anyway. With nothing left to say Kalypso thanked the young woman, and the group restarted their path away from the town.

It took another week of travelling, north this time, to reach another obstacle. The days had mostly been spent trying to teach Katherine some Ispaniká, vital if she wanted to go anywhere without Eraenes. She could now greet people, say please and thank you, and ask them for help. Katherine also took up mimicking everything Eraenes said, which was partially helpful to her education and partially incredibly annoying. Nonetheless Katherine was much improved by the time the team reached another large forest.

They entered cautiously, remembering the bandits concealed in the last wood they had entered. This forest seemed darker than the last one, the trees packed more closely or more branches or something kept the light from penetrating the canopy of leaves above. Eraenes allowed water to slip from her flask before forming it into a ring around the party. Morgan and Kalypso were just about to protest and question it, but before they could the water began to glow brightly, illuminating their path and each other. Katherine clapped delightedly at the lovely blue light and Kalypso grinned in appreciation. Morgan, of course, no matter how awed she was would never admit it, and so just huffed in response. The group continued on through the forest, the path now revealed with Eraenes’ help.

This would be the second time venturing into a forest would spell trouble for them, and in fact it was beginning to seem to Katherine and Eraenes that the world only turned within the confines of trees. However, this threat was not made up of human attackers with swords and knives, but creatures of the forest, much like Katherine. Silvery flashes of fur appeared near the ground below them, each sighting passing by in an instant. Everyone was tense, but continued on, waiting for the attack.

As the minutes wore on the sightings became more and more frequent, something even rushed across the darkened path in front of the group once, briefly startling the horses. Despite the long prelude to their appearance Eraenes was still caught off guard when one, enormous, ghost-like wolf broke through her ring of water and slammed into her at full force, knocking her clear off her horse and unconscious on the ground.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 2: Chapter 1

The first day the group spent travelling was silent. Even Katherine, an early riser by habit, was still exhausted when they set out and didn’t absorb enough energy until well into the day. Eraenes and Kalypso spent the day staring at the ground half asleep. Only Morgan was at all focused, looking forward intently on the path in front of them. The scowl on her face was unwavering, as well as the glare that at any moment could fix itself on a less attentive member of the group. That night they settled by a river, Eraenes sleeping in the water and her companions sleeping on the bank.

The second day Kalypso played music on her lute as the group rode, occasionally singing a few verses of half finished songs as she did so. It irritated Morgan who looked as if she hadn’t had much sleep during the night, but Katherine and Eraenes found her tunes pleasant and catchy. Katherine chatted excitedly to Eraenes most of the day, and Eraenes, while she did not often answer, listened carefully. Another night came, and because the path followed the river they slept as they had the night before.

On the third day, the group found themselves in a thick wood. Morgan kept her lead, and because everyone else trusted that she knew where she was going, they let her. However, when they were about midway through the forest, Morgan and her horse came to a screeching halt. Everyone else took another few seconds and much chaos to stop themselves once they realized. Kalypso started to ask what had happened, but Morgan interrupted her and motioned for quiet. Everyone became tense, listening for whatever threat Morgan had perceived that they were oblivious to. They waited, one minute stretched into two into three, but nothing happened, not a single sound escaped from the trees. Nothing, until the second the group let down their guard and started moving again, when all at once a group of large men sprung from the forest and surrounded them.

Morgan wasted no time in leaping from her horse and unsheathing her sword, but before she could even begin to raise it the bandits were yanked high into the air by their ankles. The men screamed out in terror, and Morgan looked panicked, glancing around in search of the new enemy. It was Katherine that soothed her fears, giggling softly and lowering the men down with the vines she had made spring forth from somewhere in the trees.

“Was that-was that you?” Morgan directed at Katherine, which Eraenes dutifully translated.

Katherine’s head bobbed up and down in confirmation and excitement. She had no idea that she could use her magic that quickly under pressure, always having had plenty of time, and encouragement from her friend. She then had the vines wrap themselves around the bandits completely, and left them bound on the road. Of course then everyone had to dismount because Morgan was insistent that they deliver the men to the proper authorities, and so the men had to be tied over the backs of their horses. Eraenes and Kalypso, because they had the larger horses, both took two, while Katherine and Morgan could only carry one man on each of their horses. Morgan was sure that there was a town just on the other side of the forest with a sheriff, and a jail to house the criminals, so the group just continued as they had been for the past few days.

The sun fell below the horizon before the trees began to thin. Luckily, Morgan was right in her assertion of there being a town, and right on the edge was the sheriff’s office. Morgan hitched her horse to a post just outside  it and strolled right on in. Everyone else stayed outside, either tied up or just unwilling to move after a long day of travel. Several minutes afterward, Morgan emerged with an overall average looking, but vaguely grimy, man who they assumed to be in charge of the station. The man trudged down the front steps of the building before stopping to appraise the situation in front of him. Morgan returned to the group and had them unload the bandits from their horses. Katherine and Kalypso retrieved the men on their horses without too much of a hassle, but Morgan was quickly annoyed by how weak Eraenes was, despite her size. Katherine had to step in and help Eraenes with her captives before Morgan lost her temper. The sheriff helped them herd their captured bandits into his office and lock them in a large jail cell inside.

“Now,” said the sheriff. “The name’s Cameron, and I already know Lady Morgan here, so who are you?”

“Kalypso,” answered Kalypso.

“Eraenes,” answered Eraenes. “This is Princess Katherine.” She gestured at her friend.

“Pleased to me you ladies. Now Lady Morgan, there was something you wanted to discuss?” He asked.

“I’d rather speak to you alone Sheriff,” Morgan answered.

“There anywhere to get a drink in this town then?” Kalypso asked, a bit irked by Morgan’s dismissal of her.

“Down the street, big sign, can’t miss it. There’s an inn there too if you want to set up shop. It's alright if you wanna leave your horses tied here until morning.”

“Thank you,” Kalypso answered. She nodded at Eraenes and Katherine, “Let’s go.”

Eraenes told Katherine what was happening, and received a nod in agreement. The three left Morgan to whatever it was she wanted to do with the Sheriff, and walked down to the small tavern down the street.

“My real problem, ya know, my real problem is this ain’t even the first time she’s da-she’s done somethin’ like this,” Kalypso slurred out while Eraenes listened. “I feel like we’re growin’ apart, but I don’ really know what to do about it, yeah?”

Eraenes shrugged. The second Kalypso had begun slurring, Eraenes had sent Katherine to the inn to get some sleep, not wanting to expose the princess to their inebriation. Eraenes herself was almost as drunk as her new friend, and was definitely too drunk to hold her tongue.

“My mother once told me that if someone insults your honor you should eat them,” Eraenes advised. “Although if Lady Morgan’s crimes are not as harsh as that I’m sure the removal of a limb or two would be plenty.”

Kalypso stared up at her with a loose, amused grin. “You’re really weird, you know that? Is her ladyship always sayin’ stuff like that too but we just can’t understand her?” Kalypso asked.

“Katherine-” Eraenes broke out into giggles. “Katherine has not one cruel bone in her body, well, no bones at all actually but you know what I mean.”

“Wha’did’ya say? No bones? I must be drunker than I thought.”

“Probably. I believe it is about time we retire, my friend.”

Kalypso and Eraenes stumbled outside and into the inn next door. The innkeeper directed them upstair to their room, and they collapsed onto the bed next to Katherine, shoes still on, and Eraenes’ glasses still perched on her nose. Morgan didn’t return that night.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 1: Chapter 6

Morgan took her sweet time getting to Katherine and Eraenes. The two seemed ridiculous and unprepared, and them monopolizing Ronald’s attention, unintentionally or not, was unacceptable to her. Before joining them Morgan made a fool loop around the castle, picking up various odds and ends for the journey as slowly as she could. However, when Morgan was midway through requesting herself a bedroll, the bard interrupted her, annoyed by Morgan’s procrastination.

“What are you doing?” the bard asked.

“Preparing for our quest, as you can probably tell,” Morgan replied.

“It looks like you’re wasting time.”

“Says who?”

“Says me. Those mages that came to help us out have been in their room doing coin tricks for over an hour now.”

“So? There’s no reason for me to hurry up, Kalypso, I’ll get there when I get there.”

“Don’t be an asshole,” Kalypso replied. “Go help them out!  Do you really think they're alright on their own? The only one that can speak English is that tall one, and she still sounds strange.”

“Fine, but I won’t be happy about it.”

“You’re not happy about anything,” Kalypso pointed out.

Morgan huffed and shoved her friend away, angry but knowing that Kalypso was right, and her charges couldn’t wait any longer. She still walked slowly, but Morgan didn’t make any unnecessary stops on her way to Katherine and Eraenes’s room. When Morgan reached their door she knocked, secretly hoping that they weren’t there and wouldn’t answer. Alas, Katherine threw the door open in excitement and embraced her before Morgan could even finish. Morgan stumbled through the doorway with her overly friendly accessory, and noticed the elf wince at the sight. Eraenes, thankfully, lifted Katherine off her, and scolded the young princess for her indignity.

“Good afternoon,” Morgan greeted flatly.

“Good afternoon,” Eraenes replied as she and Katherine bowed. “You are here to help us prepare, yes? All we need are horses, I believe; we brought everything else with us from the Forest.”

“Well, that’s...excellent,” Morgan forced out. “I can handle that, then. The Queen shall discuss the plans in more detail at dinner tonight. Be there, and listen carefully.” Morgan turned and left, glad that she wouldn’t have to do much for those strangers.

Dinner that night was at a much smaller, and more manageable, table. Katherine and the Queen, both being royalty, sat at the ends of the table, with Eraenes and Kalypso on one side, and Morgan and Ronald on the other. The group sat quietly as food was brought out, all patiently waiting for the Queen to apprise them of the mission’s details. The Queen waited until she was full to tell them, keeping her guests on the edge of their seats with anticipation.

“Several years ago a town on the very outskirts of Coraje burned to the ground,” the Queen said softly. Eraenes whispered this to Katherine. “For a while the attacks stayed only on our borders, where our settlements are few and far between. Recently, however, they’ve been getting closer and closer to our more populous areas. We searched for clues on the sites and in our libraries, and our books spoke of a monstrous beast that burned and killed with no remorse. The people of Coraje do not practice magic, even if we did it would be weak, and so I reached out for help. I must know, can you slay a dragon with your magic?” the Queen asked.

Katherine glanced at Eraenes, wondering just how strong her friend was, before looking down at herself and wondering if she could really kill a living creature. Eraenes’s eyes hardened behind her darkened spectacles, and without hesitation or a quiver in her voice, she answered “Absolutely.” Katherine could tell from the look on her face that Eraenes had consented to going. The princess wasn’t afraid of their mission, and was glad her friend wasn’t either. Katherine grinned in excitement.

“That’s, that’s fantastic!” the Queen cried, startling Morgan and Ronald a bit. “Then, if everything is prepared, you can leave tomorrow!” Eraenes relayed this to Katherine, and both nodded their assent. Morgan looked annoyed. “The two of you are going to become such great friends with Morgan and Kalypso!”

“Huh?” the knight and the bard asked in unison.

“Well of course on such an intense mission such as this you will all bond for life, at least that’s what I’ve gleaned from the stories,” the Queen answered.

“Like I’d ever be friends with them!” Morgan shouted. At the same time Kalypso cried “Why am I going!?”

“Well I obviously need people I trust on this mission,” the Queen answered Kalypso. “And you mustn’t separate yourself from others Morgan, it is a terrible thing to be lonely.”

Eraenes snorted at that, and Katherine elbowed her in warning. Morgan’s expression was murderous, and even Ronald who to that point had been sitting relaxed in his chair tensed up. The Queen, however, blundered straight through without realizing how hostile Morgan was, and thanked everyone for their assistance. The group ate dessert in silence, Katherine and the Queen moaning and smiling in enjoyment while everyone else just did their best to ignore Morgan’s sour mood. Eventually Eraenes managed to drag Katherine away from the table under the pretense of retiring early to prepare for the next day’s mission.

Eraenes splayed out on the bed with her cape and boots off, groaning. Katherine, knowing that her friend was just being dramatic, let her dress recede into her body and joined her. She curled her small body against Eraenes’s chest and sighed in contentment. Eraenes awkwardly patted her on the back in return. They fell asleep together, Eraenes thinking about the dragon and Katherine wondering how long they would be gone, and how mad her father would be when they got back.

The next day found all four women standing half asleep in the castle's foyer. Eraenes and Katherine had their rucksacks packed and with them, while Morgan and Kalypso had been able to store everything in their saddlebags, given their home advantage. The Queen came to bid them goodbye as a few servants were sent to fetch the horses. She wrapped Kalypso in a tight embrace, tears slipping down her cheeks, and patted Morgan lightly on the back. Katherine and Eraenes both received a warm, solid handshake and a smile. Ronald grinned and winked at Morgan before hugging her goodbye. He slipped a small envelope into the inner pocket of her jacket as he did so.

Morgan and Katherine’s horses were both a bit short, to fit them, with Kalypso’s being of average size in turn, and Eraenes’s steed as large and sturdy as a mountain. They rode off with the rising sun, Kalypso and Morgan waving back at their friends and Katherine and Eraenes looking forward to the future.

End of Part 1

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Part 1: Chapter 3

The trio walked through the night and on until noon. By then, they had all been awake for far too long, and collectively decided that they had put enough distance between themselves and the Forest that they could safely rest. Katherine and William decided to nap a ways off the path, where it was sunny and warm, while Eraenes went on a little farther in search of a stream to cool down in. She made sure not to get too far from Katherine, and kept an ear out to make sure nothing happened. Katherine, while not even remotely stupid, had never been in the world of man. While Eraenes had been able to recite certain histories of the human civilizations and all the death that accompanied it, she wasn’t sure if her friend had taken the intended lesson to heart. Humans. Were. Dangerous. A human could be good, intelligent, wonderful, but humans as a collective were a plague.

They slept through the setting of the sun and woke as it rose. Eraenes had missed two nights with her beloved and so she woke up cranky, deprived of some of the only physical contact she was comfortable with. Still, she dutifully rose, dressed, and rejoined the group. Katherine was stretched out underneath the sun, feeding, and allowing the dew that had gathered on her skin to soak into her body. Bliss was clear in her face, and Katherine couldn’t help but notice how different the sun felt outside Gaia’s Forest. Sunlight may have kept her perky, but it didn’t do the same for anyone else. The cracks that William’s back and neck made as tried to stretch after spending the night sleeping on the ground were audible, and he grimaced with each movement. Eraenes had spent the night in shallow water, and so when the sun began to peak over the horizon the light was able to penetrate to where she had fallen asleep, irritating her. Eraenes brought fish from the stream to the campsite, assuming that William probably didn’t have much on him. She tossed him one, and as he looked on in horror and Katherine looked on in fond disgust, she ate hers raw. Eraenes’s outward appearance suggested an educated, put together individual, what with her modest clothing and glasses, but her eating habits betrayed that suggestion and showed a carnivorous sea dweller. No one commented though, as Katherine was used to it and William was too polite, and perhaps a little afraid.

William started a small fire and cooked his fish in the embers, eating it on a small plate with a knife and fork he procured from his bag. As the three had breakfast, Katherine, now fully energized, was ready to engage in one of her favorite activities: asking questions.

“Eraenes ask William if he knows more about the summons, it must be serious if they sent someone to the Forest, right?” Katherine asked.

Eraenes relayed the question to William, who answered that he had not been permitted to know the details of whatever had happened. All he knew was that it was urgent that he take the letter to the Court as fast as he could. What Katherine and Eraenes did learn, however, was that William wasn’t the only messenger sent out. Supposedly there were letters to all the neighboring Kingdoms, remote villages of Coraje, and to every magical community the Queen could find. The two realized that something must really be wrong for there to be a response of that magnitude to it. Seeing his new companions thoughtful expressions, William attempted to give them more information, on the chance some of it would help them.

“I may not know what exactly is going on, but the letter did say they thought whatever it was had to do with magic. That Forest was magical wasn’t it, and you’re both...maybe you’ve heard something in passing and forgot about it,” William suggested.

“I doubt it,” Eraenes replied. “The Forest and its inhabitants are cut off from the rest of the world, as is its nature.”

“But you speak as if you’ve been to Coraje before.”

“No, never, but I am not of the Forest, I am from Skye,” Eraenes explained.

“Skye? I think I’ve heard of it, it had trade relations with Coraje I believe.”

“Had, yes. Due to the connection your language was taught in our schools as a valuable life skill, however it has been many years since I last spoke it, and I apologize if my translations are at all incorrect,” Eraenes answered.

“Why did we stop trading anyway, no fallings out I hope?” William asked.

“No, no fallings out,” Eraenes replied while trying to keep her face impassive and voice steady. “As it happens there are over two thousand kilometers between Skye and Coraje, a very long distance to travel to trade for non necessities. We mostly exchanged things like pearls for some of Coraje’s silks and satins.”

“Silk and satin? But don’t you live underwater?” William asked.

“Yes, but we often met with Skye’s land dwellers, and looking presentable is only polite,” I answered. “Now, I believe it is time to start.”

William agreed, and Katherine was always ready for action. The group started their day’s journey in silence, all wondering about what would await them in Coraje.

Later that day the group reached the border of Coraje, where a small sign was the only thing marking the transition. However, as they continued on, the wooded path slowly gave way to large grain fields, workers toiling away on each side, reflecting the change to man’s realm much more clearly. The Corajen countryside was beautiful. After the fields were rolling hills and tiny bustling towns, but while William was used to it, and Katherine welcomed the sun, the heat was overwhelming for Eraenes. She spent most of the journey trying to stay in the shade, and had to keep wetting down the handkerchief she had tied around her neck, covering the sensitive, fluttering gills there. As soon as it became dark, she made them set up camp near another stream, and immediately submerged herself. While she tossed her clothing up onto the bank, Eraenes herself did not rise for nearly an hour.

When Eraenes popped her head above the surface she brought more fish with her, and threw one to William before ducking back under to devour her prey. While she could probably find something bigger and a bit more appetizing elsewhere, she didn’t want for anyone to see her with her clothes off, nor did she want blood to stain them. She hoped that there would be something tastier than trout in a palace, especially considering that they would be guests. Eraenes knew how wealthy Coraje supposedly was, and wanted to see it for herself.

Skye had mostly been ruins by the time Eraenes had been born, and nothing was ever done about it because it would “disturb the history.” How crumbling pillars and worn statues could serve as a proper home she had never understood, but that was what she knew, so that was where she stayed. The Court had been so different when she had arrived half dead and out of her mind with terror. Mona had delivered her safely into the lake. After she felt safe enough to leave, Katherine, a then unknown variable, had brought her clothing and took her to the village. Everything there was perfect: the trees, the homes, the weather. The world inside the Forest was immaculate and, despite the heat, Eraenes could not help but love it. Coraje was even farther south than the Court, but Eraenes hoped the experience would be worth the discomfort. Eraenes drifted to sleep on thoughts of spiced meats and good wine.

A few days later the three stood at the top of a tall hill, and in front of them, the shining gates of Coraje’s inner city, Leónsangre. From their vantage point the spires of the Queen’s castle were easy to see, as well as the bright scarlet flags fluttering in the wind. Katherine and Eraenes were amazed by the sheer beauty of the city from afar, while William just seemed happy to be almost home. In excitement Katherine leapt forward and stumbled, sending her into an awkward tumble-slide down the hill, where she landed on her rump at the base. She broke out laughing below her friends, her infectious giggles sending them into laughter as well. The two still at the top hurried down after her, still chuckling, and helped her to her feet. Bursting with anticipation, the group started their walk with new vigor. Eraenes was shaking a bit, but the grin that split her face meant it was a good tremor, as Katherine happily observed.

Within an hour they reached the gates, large and imposing, and with just a nod in the direction of a guard from William, they were let in. Inside was like nothing the friends had ever seen.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Chapter 33: Interrogation

I stared at him, feeling scared but not entirely sure why. While it was likely that he had had a significant hand in the destruction of my people, he was still just a man. In a room with two mages, a knight, and a strangely muscular bard he had no hope of victory, especially considering the wounds it had taken only two of us to inflict. Kaila had her eyes trained on him as well, but less in anxiety and more in anger at how he affected her friend. Katlyn, out of either fright or concern, firmly gripped my wrist and pulled me to her side. Marta soon pushed her way out of Kaila’s embrace, far more composed than she had been before. While her face was blank, her voice wavered as she announced her plan.

“Elizabeth, do you think you could fetch Yan for us, we need to move him somewhere more secure.”

“Of course, my friend. I quite agree,” I answered, hesitantly. I slid my wrist from Katlyn’s grip, then awkwardly made my way out the door, trying to appear calm.

I wandered the halls in search of Yan. Unlike Katlyn, I had spent most of my free time in Ronald’s room, and so had not memorized the twisting paths beneath the mountain with any reliability. I was lucky that the direction I chose eventually led back to the main cave, where Yan was directing several of her workers in the sorting of piles upon piles of scrolls. When I reached her, I subtly drew her attention from the long list she had in her hands.

“Yan, I am sorry to take you from your duties, but Ronald has awakened. Lady Marta has requested that he be moved somewhere more secure. Can that be done?” I asked.

“I believe so, we do have a set of dungeons near Wyndelle’s cavern, though they have not been used in some time. I take it we will be interrogating him about what has happened?” Yan queried.

“Yes. I fear from what I saw during the battle and our interactions previously, that he was the one who orchestrated all of this, although I am not entirely sure why. His position in Coraje’s court would definitely give him the resources for those attacks,” I answered.

“The minds of men have long baffled me,” Yan agreed. “Come, we will investigate the dungeon, see if it is up to snuff as it were. I will send one of my people to fetch Ronald and your friends and bring them to join us.” Yan called one of the sorting elves to her, and sent her off back in the direction I had just come from.

The entrance to the dungeons were hidden behind a statue of a dragon-not Wyndelle-in one of the mountain’s back corridors. As we approached, Yan gave the statue a little wave, and the whole thing, wall and all, swung sideways, revealing a small entrance to a dark passageway. Yan at my side or not. She, on the other hand, did not appear hesitant at all, and calmly entered the doorway. I followed, but as soon as I had fully entered the passageway, the door swung closed behind me. I spun around, irrationally panicked, and began clawing frantically at the now wall, until I felt Yan gently grasp me around the waist and pull me away.

“I am sorry if I frightened you, my friend,” she whispered softly into my ear. “Allow me to light your way.”

The stone around us lit up, and I saw that the source was the same luminescent crystals used in the rest of the mountain. Yan had said that the dungeons were not often used, so it would make sense that the lights would not be kept on constantly like the ones in the common areas were. I was jolted out of that thought by the realization that Yan was still wrapped around me, improperly close, but soon stepped away to continue down the steps. The dungeon itself was small, but appeared secure. There were six cells lined up against the opposite wall, each with a bed and a bathroom. Off to the side was another door, which Yan explained led to an interrogation chamber. I sat on the ground by the entrance to wait for my friends, and Yan joined me, sitting close.

Ten minutes later we heard footsteps echoing down the passageway, and within a few moments the young elf Yan had sent off emerged. My friends came right after, carrying Ronald, restrained, on a stretcher. As they set him down, Yan thanked and dismissed the elf, who headed back upstairs to her duties. Ronald groaned in pain, and it sounded muffled to me so I glanced over and saw that at some point one of them had gagged him. Curious, I looked up at my friends.

“He was talking shit,” Kaila offered, with a hint of mild amusement in her voice.

The corners of my mouth quirked up into a smirk, but I managed to suppress any laughter that might have escaped. Marta glared at me, clearly upset. While she had been fully willing to fight him, Marta needed more time to process Ronald’s actions, and no doubt still felt affection for him.

“Where are we supposed to put him,” she asked, voice wavering.

“Were you planning on questioning him now, or just imprisoning him?” I asked.

“Questioning.”

“Then see that door over there?” I asked, pointing it out. “It’s an interrogation room.”

Marta nodded, and my friends lifted Ronald back up. I rose and went to the door to open it for them. The doorway was narrow, almost too narrow to fit Ronald on the stretcher while being carried, but through some creative pushing and angling they managed to force him through. A large table formed straight from the floor dominated the room. On one side stood several chairs, free to be moved about, and on the other the most secure looking seat I had ever seen. In most village jails they would simply tie the person to a wooden chair with ropes, but this one, much like the table, was stone and formed the floor. On both armrests, the front chair legs, and the headrest were thick metal clamps, designed to completely immobilize anyone sitting in it.

Marta and Kaila set Ronald back down on the table, undid his restraints, and swiftly hauled him onto the chair, snapping all but the head clamp closed once he had been set down. Yan walked in and took one of the seats on the other side of the table. Katlyn sat down next to her, looking a little uncomfortable, and I followed her lead. Once Ronald was secure Kaila took a step back to place the stretcher in a corner before perching herself on the edge of the table. Marta stood directly in front of Ronald, the two staring silent at each other. Without warning Marta pulled her hand back and backhanded him as hard as she could across the face.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Chapter 31: Fuck You, Ron

Marta’s leather boots pounded against the ground, short legs propelling her forward. Ronald slid back into a fighting stance, bracing himself for her fury. As she reached him, Marta swung upwards with considerable force, but Ronald matched it. She made at a swipe at his jugular, and was blocked again. Back and forth they went, crashing into each other as hard as they could, but neither prevailing. I decided it was time to intervene.

As I moved towards them, my anger with Ronald turned back to the numbness I had been reduced to for over a year. My sweat turned to ice, and the drops stuck to my skin. I felt cold and cruel, capable of a million atrocities. The air grew cold, and while Ronald was too absorbed in the fight to notice, I knew that Marta would. The ground froze underneath each steady step, frost spreading outward. Marta swung herself around so that if Ronald wanted to fight her, he would need to keep his back to me, and kept her eyes on him so that he would not notice my approach. Mona was not with me, and perhaps her presence would have deterred me, but all I knew was that alone, I was willing to do whatever it took to punish him. I did not reach for my sword, instead a blade of ice formed around my arm without any conscious thought of my own. A few meters from Ronald I sped up, rushing at him with full force, and with everything I had I jabbed the blade straight into his back. Blood flew from his mouth, splattering on Marta’s face, before he fell to his knees with nothing but a soft groan. I melted the ice around my arm, but left the blade inside him, before taking a step back. I panted, and glanced up at Marta only to find her gaze already locked with mine. We stared at each other for several seconds before her face split into a grin. She looked wild with her hair loose and snarled, with the morning sun glinting off the still wet blood on her face.

Ronald whimpered beneath us, drawing our attention, and quicker than he should of been able to, he was whipping out a knife and striking out at Marta. While I was not particularly fast, Marta was, and in an instant had crushed his hands beneath her boot, the bones crunching and the knife slipping from his fingers. I picked the knife up and pocketed it, before searching him for any other weapons. Ronald rolled onto his side and glared up at us, valiantly attempting to keep his dignity after having his hand broken by a girl a foot shorter than him. Marta looked down at him, looked up at me, and then brought the flat of her sword down on his head, cleanly knocking him out.

Marta, like everyone else, was much stronger than me for no discernible reason. Logically speaking, the 60 centimeter height difference between us should have meant that I would be at least as strong as she was, but alas as I struggled to lift Ronald’s arms, she leaned forward and promptly flipped his entire body over her shoulder and walked away. Not wanting to seem completely pathetic, I gathered all of Ronald’s confiscated possessions, and scurried after her. Soon Ronald would be restrained and at our disposal, and I could finally learn all of what he had done.

Yan stood tall in the center of the cavern, miraculously cleansed, as she directed everyone into their places. She knew that in a time of mourning order had to be kept, the busier everyone was, the easier it would be to keep their minds off what had occurred. She was the only one to notice my head poking around the doorway and beckoning her. I was not sure how my sweet princess would handle my intentions for the monster we had captured. Yan glanced around to make sure everything was running smoothly before she joined us in the hallway.

When she saw Marta, Yan became quite panicked over how much she was carrying, and snatched Ronald right off of her. Ronald groaned at the abrupt motion, but did not awaken.

“Friend Hunter!” she hissed. “Where have the two of you been?! Who is this?!”

“He is Sir Ronald of Coraje, we believe he is the one who orchestrated all of this.” I paused, just for a moment, to collect my thoughts. “I did not mention this to Lady Marta, but we cannot be entirely sure he worked independently from their queen,” I explained.

“I understand, but, we must act now if that wound is as bad as it looks. You cannot interrogate the dead, or at least not without powers we do not possess,” Yan answered. “I shall find a secure room and a medic, I suppose the two of you shall guard him for now.”

“Agreed.”

Yan turned on her heel, Ronald in her arms, and stalked off down the hall. Marta glanced at me, silently asking if we should follow, and I nodded. As we walked I filled her in on our plans (leaving out my hopefully wrong doubts about her queen). She agreed that it was too dangerous to leave Ronald near any of the elves, even restrained and injured as he was, and decided it was best we kept this quiet until things were a bit more stable.

“I’m not sure how much use you’ll be guarding him,” Marta mused. “You’re tall enough to be scary, but you’re too weak to fight without magic. And don’t act like you’d be able to conjure up some shit that quickly, you look like you’re about to collapse.”

“Your compliments are, as always, appreciated,” I replied.

“I do my best.”

Just a hint of a smile crossed my face as we walked side by side down the hallway.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Chapter 27: To Me My Elfmen

My group, and the rest of the elves, pooled into the large chamber. Marta, as expected, had donned a suit of lightweight armor, and did indeed have an extra set of chainmail (but no helmet) for my lady. Kaila’s leather vest and arm guards did not seem as protective as the shining metal Marta owned, but I assumed that the bard knew what she was doing, why else would she be allowed to go on this trip? The elven warriors wore lightweight, but magically sturdy, armor. The ones not wielding bows usually had swords or spears, but I noticed that some of the larger elves had enormous battle axes, sharp enough to cleave me in twain.

Yan stalked out of whatever hidden sanctuary she had ensconced herself in for the night. Her armor was scaly, like dragonhide, and her spear shone bright enough that, for several moments after spotting it, I was blinded. Strapped to her back was trident, much like the one wielded by Neptune, though nowhere near as big. It was to my greatest surprise that she walked my way and handed it to me. Its gleaming surface was silvery, but the weapon was much too late to be made of metal. Sigils shone as I touched it, reacting with my magic, and I knew that the trident was enchanted. Yan left us there, and placed herself in the center of the room. She centered herself, and addressed us.

“I trust that you have all prepared yourselves. The enemy is not yet in sight, but I have stationed lookouts on the mountain. For now, the archers shall assemble and camouflage themselves on the cliffs,” Yan announced. The archers arranged themselves in their squadron positions, while a rather short elf began roll call. “Now,” Yan continued. “All the mages will be stationed in the forest, by the river. If any of you spot the enemy approaching, do not engage them. Wait until they either rest or mount an attack, then start fighting.” Katlyn and I scurried over to the smallest group, but unlike the archers, no sorting occurred. “Finally, the rest of us will remain inside the entrance to the mountain. When I give the order, we shall join the fray.” The addressed remained where they were, willing to allow the rest of us to clear off, before they organized themselves.

The mages turned to march out of the room, and I followed them, still grasping the trident tightly. Katlyn was bouncing with excitement beside me, seemingly not at all weighed down by the heavy armor. Our squad came out of the mountain through the passage we had entered only a few days before. The hot sun beat down on us as we hurried to the cover of the trees. The shaded forest swallowed us whole, and provided what seemed to be a hiding place good enough to completely avoid detection. That is, if we managed to stay quiet, something, if Katlyn’s attempts to coax the other mages into a round of lively campfire songs was taken into account, would be difficult. I grinned, despite myself, happy that even now Katlyn remained in the light. I sat with my back against a thick oak, my eyes slipping closed, as I basked in the glorious calm Mona brought me.

A horse galloped through shallow water, and my eyes flew open.The sun had nearly set, the thick canopy around us blocking out the dying light. As my eyes adjusted, I noticed the other mages peeking out of the forest from behind their own trees. I stood up, looked out into the valley, and saw a gathering army, illuminated by torchlight. And there, leading them, was Ronald, in gleaming armor and wearing a cape bearing the symbol of Coraje, a golden, roaring lion. His greasy hair was swept back, showing a sneer stretched across his pimply face. A cold shiver ran through me as I glanced over at my lady; I knew that she had seen him too. To think that one of the Queen’s most trusted courtesans was a traitor could have disastrous consequences, dissent could mean the end of her reign, especially for a ruler so young. He needed to be taken out before we returned, doubts about Jaya’s ability to rule could not be tolerated. Then, like a lightning strike, I realized that he was the one who must have led the attack on my home. I surged forward without thought and would have ended him right there, giving away our position in the process, if Katlyn had not looped her arms around my waist and held me still, despite my protests. The other elves glanced at me, worried and a bit confused as to why such a small woman was stronger than me. I forced myself to stay still, but did not relax. My frame was tensed, ready to pounce, and adrenaline coursed through me, drowning my anxieties in its tempest.

“Elizabeth,” Katlyn whispered into my ear. “The moon is rising, it’s almost time.” I looked out, and realized the sun had now fully set. On the horizon, we saw the moon. I grinned, soon my power would be at its peak, and my foe would fall effortlessly to my feet. The soldiers, so many of them not fully grown, pitched tents in the valley, unaware of the danger they were in. Such a foolish opponent would fall easily, they did not even think to station lookouts as they sat and ate and talked and laughed. They were resting, unprepared. the time for action was fast approaching. My trident longed to bury itself in someone´s heart, my hands ached to rip and tear, and bloodlust filled me to the brim.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Chapter 26: Elizabeth and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Part 2)

“Friend Hunter!” Yan exclaimed, making her way towards me. “Please, may I have your map? I require it for display.”

I handed her our map and, as she examined it, the wall behind her shifted into its exact likeness. Crystals became the river, rock the land, and the two armies raised patches. Marta, most likely in an effort to cut down on the time it took to translate, pushed me forward, encouraging me to explain our plan. I stood stiff backed in front of them and cleared my throat nervously.

“Good evening,” I began. “As you can all see, a plan has been constructed,” sweat ran down my brow. “For now, we are assuming their forces will gather in the valley; we will have archers perched on the mountain to alert us. We shall strike the enemy before the battle even begins. If they sleep there before the battle starts, we will launch a surprise attack; if not, we must meet them head on,” I stopped to take a drink from my flask. “Any mages will be placed in their own squadron, along with myself and my lady, Princess Katlyn of the Court of Fauns. Their army should arrive by tomorrow night. We should rest now, and prepare in the morning,” I glanced at my friends uncertainly. “ That is all, I suppose.” I hurried away before the urge to vomit became overwhelming.

I stayed close to Katlyn for the rest of the meeting, while Marta carefully arranged everyone into their groups using gestures and the occasional nudge. On her last loop around to check that all was ordered, I noticed the archers puffing out their chests and flexing, in an effort to impress her.

Her return gave me the excuse to finally leave and I pulled Katlyn out the door with me as our friends followed behind. From the hallway I could hear Yan ordering the rest of the elves to disperse and the thundering of hundreds of feet as they cleared out. Our path twisted and turned, as all of them seemed to do beneath the mountain, but soon the doors to our bedrooms were straight ahead. I rushed into my room, still holding onto Katlyn, and shut the door before Marta or Kaila could follow.

I collapsed onto the floor, leaned back against the wall, and let my eyes slide shut. I sighed as I heard Katlyn gently situate herself on the bed. I knew she was staring at me, could feel the prickle of her eyes boring into me, but I refused to engage. I was too tired to indulge others anymore. I stayed there, even as Katlyn curled herself on the bed and fell asleep, back aching and stomach growling with hunger. But, slowly, the weight and tension consuming me eased, and I slumped onto my side, out like a light.

I felt a new weight settle on me, this one warm and comforting instead of oppressive. Thin fingers gripped my wrist, and I turned my head to the side to capture Mona’s sweet lips. She giggled, and snuck herself into my arms and against my chest. We lay entwined, reveling in each other’s presence, until the sun began to rise, and my beloved had to leave. She caressed my face, one last time, and whispered gentle words of encouragement to me before vanishing.

My eyes fluttered open, and I found myself back on the bedroom floor. Cramps immobilized my legs, and my back ached enough that I had no choice but to stay on the ground for several more minutes. Katlyn lay prone on the bed, still asleep, and I allowed her to remain. There was a chance it would be the last gesture of kindness she would ever receive. I eventually rose and dressed in my usual tunic, for I had no armor to speak of. Death on the battlefield would not be my end as it would for a human (at least a human these days), I would surely pass to the Elysian fields. If I had the choice I would want to return to the sea, for Mona could not reach me in the clutches of the Underworld. I felt panic squeeze me in its terrible grip, but only for a moment. There were other things to worry about.

I took my bottle of ink and, uncorking it, began painting sigils on my arms. Our day to day journey had not required more than a burst or two of weak magic, but for a battle, I needed to prepare. For this day I would need to forgo the bandages on my limbs, being comfortable did not matter when one was fighting for their life. The power I would use, would drain me considerably, and passing out mid attack was a possibility, but there are some risks you need to take.

The soft sound of Katlyn rousing behind me did not go unnoticed and, as soon as I finished, I returned my ink bottle to my pack and made my way back to her. She was stretched out on the bed, muscles pulled taut, and purring like a contented cat. Katlyn sleepily opened her eyes, staring back at me, and smiled, not yet remembering the day’s mission. I smiled back, if only halfheartedly, and extended my arm as a silent offer for help rising. She accepted, and I pulled her up, turning away directly after to fetch her clothing. Her corset from the day before lay on the ground near the bed, and a fresh shirt  and her comb were easily procured from my bag. Even if, as a creature of magic, Katlyn would be difficult to kill, I still wished to find her some armor. Perhaps Marta had an extra breastplate, maybe a helmet too if we were lucky. I felt that my inability to predict and provide for my lady was a reflection upon my own weakness. I could not allow Katlyn to be harmed, war was approaching.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Chapter 25: Elizabeth and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Part 1)

The wind rushed through our balcony, making me glad I brought my thick cloak along. I bundled Katlyn into her own, before wrapping mine around both of us. With the wind, scouting the area would be difficult, there was a chance that if one got too near the ledge, they would simply be blown over. We soon realized that the only way to ensure any safety was with Katlyn's help. Katlyn gather several seeds from my pack and dropped them unexpectedly over the side of the mountain. She then closed her eyes and concentrated, willing the seeds to take root in the ground far below. Katlyn kept her eyes shut, but this time reached out, her palms downward, and commanded the seeds to grow. Slowly, steadily the thick tendril crept their way up the rock, weaving into a strong cord, big enough to wrap around and support even me.

Katlyn wrapped it around me, holding me around my chest and thighs. The vine lifted me over the chasm, while I gripped my parchment and quill tightly in fear. Looking down, I blanched, a single mistake and I would be sent plummeting to my death. Still, I gathered my strength, and forced myself to work before Katlyn's concentration slipped. I quickly, but carefully, sketched out the surrounding area, noting hills and valleys and the river, in the margins. By then, I had not only broken out in a cold sweat, but had soaked through my tunic. But, at long last, I finished, and was pulled back from danger into the safety of Katlyn's waiting arms.

I crumpled against her, breathing heavily with my eyes squeezed shut, and thrust out the parchment. I heard it rustle as someone took it, but stayed pressed against my lady. It took nearly ten minutes for me to calm down and focus, my friends discussing strategy in the meantime. By the time I raised my head up, we had a half formed plan.

“If we can gather some archers on another platform, then we'll be able to pick off some of their soldiers before the battle even starts. That won't last long, though, because once the fighting actually begins it will be too dangerous to fire,” Marta commented.

“Then we shouldn't keep many up here, we should pool our forces on the ground,” Kaila mused.

I settled in a seat. “Not all of the elves will be mages. Perhaps we should separate those out into a unit, the two of us can lead them,” I offered.

“Yes!” Katlyn cried. “Then we'll be able to coordinate our attacks, and the danger of hurting our own side won't be as great.” She glanced at me guiltily.

“Hopefully we are already able to keep our attacks away from our fellows,” I admonished, side eyeing her. She blushed and turned away; I looked back at the map. “They will most likely gather in the valley, as we did. The river runs through that whole area, maybe…”

“Maybe what?” Marta mocked. “Maybe you’ll drown everyone in an act of righteous vengeance?”

“If we attack them in the night, that may not be such a farfetched idea,” I commented.

She snorted. “Sure it isn’t. Anyway, attacking at night would be a good plan, if we find the opportunity. Since these elves live in a mountain, they probably have better night vision than us. That could mean we’ll have a larger surprise factor.”

“It helps that they don’t know that we know that they’re coming,” Kaila added.

The door reopened, interrupting our discussion, and Yan peeked her head out. “Have you finished, or do you require more time?” she asked.

“We have everything we need, for now,” Marta answered, stretching as she stood.

“All we have left is to take inventory of our troops and organize them,” I commented, rising.

“Very well, my friends. Let us convene in the main hall then, and I will gather everyone,” Yan replied.

We gathered our maps, and went back inside. Yan lead us down, and we soon found ourselves in the large, shining cavern we had seen upon our arrival. It was just as stunning the second time. It struck me just then that these people, these strangers were fully willing to put their lives on the line alongside us. Yes, they wanted to protect their home but they were doing it our way. They had no reason to trust us, and yet, here we were.

Suddenly, swarms of elves filled the cave to capacity, all pressing against each other and us, making me nervous and uncomfortable. We were once again the center of attention, and with so many eyes on me, I felt as I did while Katlyn dangled me over the mountain. My friends seemed overwhelmed as well, and we huddled together for protection. Finally, Yan found us again, and Marta bravely stepped forward, their strong presences drawing the focus of everyone in the cavern.

“Greetings! I thank you all for gathering!” Yan boomed. “As you know, an army of humans are on their way here, seeking to destroy our great lady. This is unacceptable. Travelers from the south have made their way here, and in turn, warned us of the threat. It has been so many eons since we have fought a war, but they have stepped up to lead us out of a sense of duty. Together we will prevail against these invaders! Together we stand strong!” A loud cheer erupted in the room, the younger elves whooping and hollering in excitement. Yan continued, “Now, we prepare and, tomorrow night, we fight!” The cheer turned into a roar. It seemed that living in a mountain was not usually that exciting.

[thesweetbellsofsummerchronicles]

Chapter 24: Wasted Time

Marta lay on her back on the floor and groaned loudly. Kaila reached down to pull her back to a sitting position, before immediately grabbing Marta and throwing her up onto the bed. Marta squeaked, limbs flailing in all directions, and manage to smack into both myself and Katlyn before she landed. Kaila then threw her leg over the side, and clambered up next to us.

“So Marta,” Kaila started. “It’s so nice of you to join us. Now, to kill or not to kill, that is the question.”

“What?” Marta asked, still discombobulated from her sudden journey so soon after waking.

“While you were enjoying that nice, little siesta, we were debating what to do with the lowlife coming to kill us,” Kaila explained.

“You had to debate that?” Marta asked incredulously. “Just kill him!”

“Murder was my solution as well,” I weighed in.

“What’s wrong with all of you?!” Katlyn shouted. “Why is murder and torture your first solution to this?!”

“Then what would your suggestion be, my lady?” I asked.

“Diplomacy! A peaceful negotiation to end this without violence!” Katlyn declared.

“Ah, I understand now, you are putting your lessons to use,” I realized.

“Of course, the lessons you taught me,” she retorted.

“Those lessons were not devised by me, I was given set beliefs and ideas to impart upon you, by your father.”

“And this isn’t the Court, Katlyn,” Marta continued. “Our conflict is not an interpersonal dispute between countrymen, this is a war. Our opponents will not be open to sitting down and talking out the conflict, because murder on this scale cannot be settled with words.”

“Why were you teaching a princess anyway?” Kaila asked. “No offense, but wouldn’t your king prefer a native citizen to teach her instead?”

“No. In my home, I was a scholar, and when I found my way to the Court, I was much more educated than most of the people there. I had the knowledge of the outside world, for my lady to become a well rounded individual.”

“Why did come to us, Elizabeth?” Katlyn asked. “There are elves here, you could have been with your own people.”

“Your forest is protected by Gaia, the mother of my people’s god, and thus, my welcome was guaranteed. If I sought other elves, my success would have been unlikely. Not all factions are as welcoming as this one, and even if I had traveled to another sea, there might not have been elves. In the absence of elves there are mermaids, and it is our instinct to tear out each other’s throats on sight,” I explained.

“A little disturbing, but alright,” Kaila commented.

“Indeed.”

“Well, I still think we should at least try to reason with them. I don’t want to fight them, but I will if I have to,” Katlyn decided.

“We won’t make you fight if you’re really opposed to it,” Kaila assured. “But we do need all the magic we can get, it’s our only advantage.”

“No. I can’t just abandon my friends, that was another one of my lessons.”

“And one I wholeheartedly agree with,” I responded.

“If we don’t get on track, we won’t have time to formulate a battle plan,” Marta interrupted. We turned to her, knowing that it was best to work now and rest later.

“For an effective strategy, we would need a map of this mountain as well as a bird’s eye view of the surrounding terrain,” I mused.

“We can ask Yan when she returns. You have parchment, right?” Kaila directed at me.

“I believe so, but I fear my quill is much too large for any of you to wield comfortably. I will have to write out our plans myself,” I answered.

“You poor baby,” Marta shot back sarcastically.

“I do not think it wise to antagonize the one set to record your ‘wisdom’.”

Marta grumbled, before refocusing herself. I reached into my rucksack and managed to find a sizable roll of parchment, my quill, and a bottle of ink. A loud clang echoed through the room, as Yan opened the door to the chamber and peered in.

“Hello, my friends,” Yan greeted as she stepped fully into the room. “Troops have been gathered, and preparations are underway. What have you done here?”

We looked at each other awkwardly, no on wanting to tell her how little we had accomplished in her absence. Marta piped up to cover us. “We were just gathering supplies for when you arrived. We need a map of the tunnels, and a way on top of the mountain to make all this work.”

“Of course, I should have considered that earlier, I’m sorry, I’ve just been so, busy.”

Shifting guiltily, I looked away from her. She had been working to the best of her abilities, while Marta took a nap. “It’s alright,” Katlyn consoled. “Let’s just go and do our jobs.”

“Come then, we can pick up a map on our way. I can show you to a viewpoint high up on the mountain.”

Yan lead us back out of our sleeping quarters, this time bringing us up instead of down. She stopped at a small room, populated by only a few elves, and stepped inside, alone. Yan emerged ten minutes later with an armful of maps, and dumped them into my waiting arms. We then resumed our walk upwards, eventually coming out on a spacious ledge, holding a small amount of comfortable chairs near a small table. I was pleasantly surprised, only in Coraje had I seen public seating like this. We sat down, and Yan left us to the work we should have been doing earlier. I stayed away from the ledge, as their was no railing, and kept Katlyn near me to soothe my worries. Marta, seemingly unphased, perched on the arm of a stone bench. Kaila sat next to her, tangling their fingers together, and relaxing. I peeled myself away from the wall, reluctantly, and arranged the maps on the table. Katlyn followed, and pulled me down onto the bench opposite our friends. I pulled out my parchment and quill, and we began.