Sneak Peek at Silver and Light

I'm so excited to finally be able to present a sample of the next Chronicles of Alburnium story-- Part two of the Lionheart Province. 
Click the Read More button for the first three chapters of Silver and Light. After you've read them, let me know what you think. Look for the release of the whole book in the next few days!!

A kingdom in jeopardy. A ruler trying to govern fairly. A runaway looking for safety. And the evil rogue scheming to take it all over.

Regent Leon's time to take control of his Province has finally arrived.
Except nobody will take such a young and inexperienced ruler seriously. His advisors tell him that he needs to find a wife and become a family man to prove to his people that he understands their plight. The only problem is that the one he'd like to give his heart to is far away from his capital city of Rodon.

Kardia is determined to find a place in Alburnium where she will be safe from the danger of pestilent wizards.
She will make the journey to meet King Shaydon, no matter how far or how long it takes her. Her injured hands hinder her progress and Kardia fears she's lost her rare Sano gift. Will the king, or anyone else, even accept her after seeing how damaged she is?
​
Darnel desires to grow in power and strength so he can depend only upon himself.
He has a plan. With Fajer the wizard powerless, and Anwynn's allegiance turning in his direction, Darnel hatches a plan to use the elf maiden to overthrow Rodon and gain power over the Province of Rodonal. Only, he must guard his heart or risk losing everything.

Silver & Light
 
The Lionheart Province
Book Two
Chronicles of Alburnium
  
A Grimm’s fairy tale retelling based on
The Maiden Without Hands
 

~~*~~

Chapter One

Kardia nestled deeper under her woolen blanket, breathing in the scent of damp earth and moss. She’d made camp beside a stream after venturing off the road she followed in her search for the King’s Highway. Hopefully, she’d find the road to Aloblase soon. She was running out of the few supplies she’d packed before leaving Goia, her childhood home.
​
Her eyes, heavy from exhaustion, slowly closed. She’d almost drifted off when the sound of wagon wheels rolling over the dirt road caused her to sit up. A chill of fear raced down Kardia’s back. Hopefully, she was far enough off the road to not be spotted. Holding her breath, she waited for the traveler to pass. Her heart pounded like a drum in her ears. She curled her arms tighter around her chest and tried not to move.

The clomping of hooves stopped.

Something made a sniffing sound.

Strange.

Kardia tried to peer through the fern and brush toward the road, but the growing night made it too difficult to see more than gray shadows.

“Hello in the woods,” a deep voice called out.

Oh no! They knew she was there. But how?

Kardia held perfectly still, not daring to breathe lest she make her position known. Silently willing them to leave, she tensed up, wondering if she’d get very far if she ran for it. Why hadn’t she left her boots on? If only her tired feet hadn’t hurt so badly when she stopped earlier. She’d not wanted to lose her toes like she’d lost her fingers. Despite the pain, she’d wriggled out of them. They were so hard to get on and off with her damaged hands.

“I can smell you. Human, for sure. Are you hurt? I smell the scent of blood hanging about you. I can help…” the man moved off the edge of the road. It wasn’t footfalls she heard, but rather the clomping of…what exactly was she hearing? How did he… smell…her?

Granted, she’d not tried to bathe yet. She’d hoped to find safe shelter before attempting that.
“I won’t hurt you, little human.” It sniffed again.

Kardia reasoned that if it was calling her human, then it wasn’t.

“Ah, there you are,” the stranger declared, his tone softening.

Her heart threatened to pound right out of her chest.

“If you’re hiding a weapon, you should know I’m a master fighter. I’m also much larger and stronger than you could ever dream of being.” Then he added, “Even if you were a grown human male. But rest assured, I intend no harm, so be a good little human friend and sit up slowly so we can talk.”

She bolted to her bare feet, stepped on the edge of a jagged rocked, and cried out from the sharp pain. Her foot misstepped and she started to tilt toward the stream.

The creature-man darted forward and caught her by the arm. To her shock, he wasn’t dressed! His bare chest glistened in the dim light of the rising moon. His bearded face and wild hair came into focus. He towered over her by nearly two feet. Thick hair covered his lower arms. As she dared to lower her gaze, she found thick hair, or rather dark brown fur, covered the lower half of his body down to his hooves.
Kardia blinked. She’d heard of the half human half goat men before. They were called…what? The part human and part horsemen were centaurs, she was sure.

“Faun!” she exclaimed as the name slammed into her memory. “You’re a faun!”

“Jael Azazel is my name. My home is in the Melodies Forest. My friends call me Jael. What may I call you… friend?” His grip on her arm tightened.

Her gaze took in his thick hooves and strong goat-like legs. She’d never be able to outrun him. “Let me go if you’re a friend. You’re hurting my arm.”

“Oh.” He backed a small step away and dropped his hands to his side. “My apologies human girl. I’ve introduced myself, now will you show the same courtesy and do the same? Or are you one of the kinds who sneers their uppity noses at my kind? If so, say so now before I waste more of my time with you.”
“Who am I to look down on anybody? Besides, you’re much too tall for me to look down upon, don’t you think?” He was forward in his mannerisms, but maybe some company wouldn’t be so bad. The King’s books promised to send help when someone was in need. Was Jael the King’s provision?
Least she could do was try to find out.

“My name is Kardia.” She gave a slight bow, trying not to lose her balance again. “From the House of the White Horse.”

“Well, there you go, that’s how it’s done.” The faun smiled, showing a row of thick yellow teeth. His beard and tangled hair were a bright red that darkened into a chestnut color toward his arms and legs. His ears turned upward into points, just like a wizard’s.

With a nod, Jael glanced around her campsite. “No fire? Nothing to eat?” Then his gaze fell upon her hands. “Are you running, Kardia? You don’t seem like the thieving type to me, with your fine clothes and nice boots. But I’ve heard enough tales to not be surprised by anything these days.”
She shook her head, not sure what she was willing to tell him.

He jerked his thumb toward the road. “Let me pull my cart closer and then we’ll talk. I bet you have the most interesting story. I’m eager to hear it.”

She didn’t wish to share too much of her story with a stranger. Yet, he seemed friendly enough. If only she could know if he was a good faun, or not. After being tricked by the wizard’s apprentice, she couldn’t help but be suspicious of any stranger.

“You know,” Kardia said as Jael pulled his box-cart deeper into the cover of the trees. “I wasn’t planning on staying here long. I should be on my way while—” Pots and other objects clanked together as he maneuvered the small wagon over the uneven ground.

“Nonsense. Nobody should travel at night. That’s when the baddies come out. Wolves, there are. They stroll across the land like they own everything, the ratty beasts.” He spat out his words with such venom, she had a feeling he knew this from experience. 

Waving his hands in a downward motion, he ordered, “Sit and let me fix us something scrumptious to eat. I’m famished after walking all day, peddling my wares. I don’t normally come this far into the province, but… well, an opportunity presented itself.” His smile and mannerisms brought forth a giggle from her.

She’d never met a real creature before. Were all of them like this? So friendly and bold? Her stomach rumbled at the thought of warm food. It must have gotten over the revulsion of the sight of her fingerless hands. At least Jael the faun didn’t seem repulsed by her, though he was assuming she might be a thief. She’d feared that would be most people’s reaction.

“Where are you from, Little Bit? I can’t help but call you that. You’re so small, like the tiny flowers that grow beside the lane. So dainty but determined to find their place in the sun. That’s you, I think. Something is driving you. Something that’ll cause you to travel all by yourself?” He clapped his hands. “Oh, I can’t wait to hear this. Yes, but first we’ll eat. I found some tubers and the most delectable morels I’ve seen in some time. Oh, and wild garlic.” He smacked his lips while pulling a basket from his cart. “If only I’d been able to stop long enough to hunt, but perhaps there’s a couple of fish lurking in that steam. Do you think I should give it a go? It’s a little dark to see below the surface properly…oh, perhaps I’ll wait till morning…” and on he went, chattering like a flock of birds when the sun rises.

Kardia managed to get her stumpy thumb to hook around the tie on the meat bag. She pulled it from her pack and offered to share whatever was inside.

Jael clicked his tongue sympathetically over her impairment. “No wonder you’re such a rag muffin, poor Little Bit. Lucky for you, ol’ Jael came when he did. I can help. I’m happy to help. I think the golden-haired Little Bit will be quite a profit…uh, proficient…” he paused as if trying to stop himself from saying too much. With a chuckle he finished with, “We’ll be great friends, I believe. You seem like a good one, to me. I’m a great judge of character. Just ask me.” This brought out a hearty laugh as he waved his hands before him and shook his head.

Kardia couldn’t help but grin at him. He was so funny.

“You have a nice smile, too,” he winked then set to his tasks of making their dinner. “Don’t be taking ol’ Jael too seriously, little Kardia. He likes to joke and have fun.”

Before she knew it, he had a fire blazing and a pot from his cart bubbling with his foraged plants and her dried meat. “And I love a hearty meal. Like this one is going to be.”

She couldn’t wait, finding herself hungrier that she thought at first. Since leaving Goia, she’d had to settle with nibbling on hard bread and what few apples and spring vegetables from their garden that Mother had packed for her. 

Though Kardia wished to help, Jael seemed to have everything under control. He hummed merry tunes as he worked and kept sneaking glances at her. When she caught him, he’d wink and laugh. Such a strange faun. Or maybe they were all like this. How could she know?

Remembering the book she’d been reading before the sky grew too dark, she scooped it up in her palms and dumped it into her open pack, along with several twigs and rotting leaves. Oh well, at least it was safe. If she had reason to run, she didn’t wish to lose anything important. The contents in her bag were all she had in this world. A much bigger world than she’d ever imagined.
And she was only getting started.

She slipped her feet back into her boots but couldn’t get the laces tied.

Jael’s bottom lip puckered out. “Poor Little Bit, looks like you’ve not been long without your digits, have you? So, tell me. I promise not to judge. I’m not anyone who has a right to casts stones, let me tell you.” He moved closer and secured the strings for her. “Did you nick something?”

“No! I’m not a thief.” She didn’t even know how to explain about the wizard’s curse and didn’t really want to. For some reason, she’d rather people thought she was a thief. “I didn’t steal. It was an … accident. My father was chopping wood. I got careless.” Close enough to the truth, with a few major facts left out.

Jael sat back on his haunches. “Faerie fluff!” He seemed to grow annoyed for a moment, then managed to shake it off. “Oh, never mind, if you don’t wish to tell me. I understand. Doesn’t really matter.” He returned to stirring the contents of his pot. “I’m always saying, keep your eyes looking forward, Jael, or your hooves will trip over a log.” At her perplexed frown, he added, “You know, from looking back and not… oh never mind. The stew is nearly done. You hungry?”

Kardia nodded. While they ate, Jael did most of the talking. She’d asked him what he kept in the cart and he talked about how he enjoyed traveling and trading goods.

“I collect plants for healers, special stones for masons, and any other oddity that’ll prove profitable. Never know what you’ll find around the next bend in the road. As I said earlier, I’d not intended to come this far into the province, but… it’s proved advantageous if you ask me.” He mopped up the last of the stew with the bread she’d shared.

Setting the bowl aside, he patted his swollen belly. “Oh, but that was delicious. And we have enough for the morning. We make a great team, you know? You should consider traveling with me. I’ll keep you safe from the baddies, I promise.”

Excitement bubbled up in Kardia’s heart. Maybe this was the provision the King’s book talked about. His letters said he would send help to those in need, and she was in great need.

“I’m looking for the White Path, also known as the King’s Highway. Can you show me where to find it?” She tried to scoop up his bowl so she could wash them in the stream. Hopefully, she wouldn’t drop them or they’d be carried off on the current.

“Never heard of such a thing. What’s so special about it? You’re already on a road. Where are you going, Little Bit? Since you deny that you’re running. I’m still very curious about this.”

“Not running,” she assured him. “I’m traveling to see the King of Alburnium.”

Jael’s brown eyes widened, and he started to laugh until he realized he was laughing alone. “Oh, you’re serious. Huh.” He scratched at his head while settling back against a fallen log. “Well, that’s optimistic of you. Do you have any idea where the King lives?”

Kardia stared down at her lap, then gave a slight sake her head.

“Right. Thought as much. If you knew, you’d realize what a daunting trip it’s going to be. Especially someone limited as you are.” He motioned toward her ruined hands. “Poor little thing has no clue what she’s in for. But I promised that I would keep you safe, and I will. Say you’ll come with me. I like you an awful lot. And I don’t say that often about humans. Not at all. Normally, I avoid dealing with your kind, but something about you is different. I sense a good heart.”

Kardia’s face heated over his compliment. “Thank you, Jael.” She edged toward the stream. Keeping the bowl pressed between her palms and dipped it into the cold water. Burning pain shot up her wrists up for a moment, but the cooling water numbed it to a dull throb. “I suppose we can travel together for a while. At least until I’m able to find the path.”

“Right, if you find the path, I’ll restock your bag and bid you a sad farewell. But all we have is right now, don’t we? Let’s worry about tomorrow when it gets here.” He was up and at her side. “Poor Little Bit, let me help before you lose my bowls, silly thing. Such a determined one, aren’t you? It’s good, I think. Very good that I found you first.” His smile widened. “You go rest. We’ll be back on the road by early morning.”

She wanted to ask where he was going but figured it didn’t matter at the moment. All the walking she’d done had tired her out, as well. Her eyes grew heavy so she curled into her blanket once again. Hopefully, tonight she’d enjoy a sound sleep.

The familiar doubts crept in, warning her to not let down her guard. Was the faun really safe? He seemed like a jovial fellow. And if she did travel with him, he’d help her do things she wasn’t able to do for herself at the moment.

When she did finally doze off, her slumber was fitful and full of shadows that frightened her. Each time her eyes fluttered open, Jael remained on the opposite side of the small fire, watching her. Always watching and never sleeping himself.

She wasn’t sure what to make of her new friend. Despite his friendliness, he made her nervous.
 

Chapter Two​

 
Leonard, the Regent of Rodonel, stared out the window overlooking the city of Rodon. The blazing summer sun glinted off the river Leukos that flowed past the capital nestled at the foot of the Augazo Mountains. Only by crossing the bridge, wide enough for four horse-drawn carriages, could one enter through the guarded gates. The river provided a means of protection, along with the worm dragon residing in the depths of the deep watercourse.

Not that Leon thought the capital city needed protection. Aside from the few infringements by rogue wizards on the border towns, he’d not witnessed any threats to the Province of Rodonel. Still, because of what he had seen during his tour, Leon realized the need for added protection around the borders.
He glanced down at the letter clutched in his hand. This one from the Prior who was in charge of the Meeting Hall in Osas—The livestock traders. The majority of responses said practically the same thing. Most of the Rodonel townships were unwilling to send their young people to him at this time.

Leon wanted to train more guards to protect the borders from the neighboring wizards. He also wanted young people to make the trip to Radiance and Aloblase where they could attend the Academy and begin learning to use their gifts to help enhance the kingdom.

Most of the Priors had responded that everyone was too busy working their land and nobody had the time to accompany the younger ones on the trip to the capital city.

The Prior from Osas actually sounded rude with his response.

“Sire, you promised that we would have time to organize and find people willing to make such a trip. A trip, might I remind you, that will take them far from their homes. Yes, as I said when you visited, I believe that encouraging our youths to undergo instruction concerning their trades was essential. However, it simply is not practical at this time. This is the season we need every hand available to work the land. How else can we maintain the trade Rodon is accustomed to from us?”

Leon crumpled the letter and tossed it onto his desk with the other crumpled bits of parchment. Strange how agreeable they’d been when speaking to him face-to-face, but now…

Distance did make a huge difference, it seemed.

He would need to make the trip north to the mountain city of Radiance after harvest. He’d hoped to take as many with him as were willing to go. From Radiance, they could continue their training, or travel through a portal to meet with King Shaydon.

One huge need he’d noticed during his tour was that too many of the younger generation had not made any attempt, or even shown a desire, to meet with the King. Leon needed to find a way to encourage that desire.
He leaned against the bookshelf that surrounded the arched window. The Hall was high up on the side of the hills that bordered the town. The township spread out along the flat plain between the foothills and river.

Watching the cluttered market square reminded Leon that he needed to make time to visit the tailor for some new outfits. Now that he had meetings to attend on a daily basis, he needed to dress the part.
He would miss his comfortable traveling clothes.

“Oh well, I’ll go tomorrow.” For now, he needed to find a solution to this one problem, at least. He rang a bell sitting on his work table. A few minutes later, a young blond-headed boy entered and bowed low. He wore the blue and silver uniform of a Page, except the knees of his breeches were grass-stained and an inch too short around his ankles.

“Samuel,” he said to the young attendant who often ran his errands and delivered messages. He would someday make a fine Messenger for the King with his clarion voice and daring personality. “Would you let my advisers know that I’d like to meet with them in the next hour? Tell them I’ll be waiting in the library.”

The boy bowed again. “Yes, your highness.”

Leon pinched the bridge of his nose. “How many times have I asked you not to call me that? You save that title for the day you address King Shaydon. You’ll address me by my name.”

The boy’s freckled face colored to match the red carpet of the study. “But Sire, the Steward will have my hide if he hears me using your common name.”

The Steward, another relic remaining from Leon’s father’s time of serving, or rather ruling, might soon need to be reassigned. The former regent, Lonnell of the House of Lion, served nobody but himself.

Leon still did not understand why Prince Issah appointed him to take over his deceased father’s position. There were many others who were better equipped to handle running the Rodonal Province.
“Then call me Regent, that should be safe. Now go do as I ask.” He waved the boy away. People who showered him with lofty titles and too much praise made him nervous. He didn’t like it.

Eventually, he’d need to find someone to replace the Steward who constantly looked down his long, bent nose at Leon’s lack of decorum. There were still too many of his father’s staunch followers hanging around like cobwebs clinging to the walls of a tomb.

This was a new day, a new rule, with new plans to carry out. Leon would not tolerate anyone remaining who intended to drag down his innovative ideas. He wanted this province to thrive and grow, and he planned to do whatever it took to make that happen.

If the town leaders were reluctant to send their people to him, he would find a way to go to them. Maybe not him personally, but he could send Messengers to stir the people’s hearts and get them excited about his plans for growth and maybe even someday expand his borders.
Wouldn’t that impress Prince Issah?

Yes, somehow, he’d work hard, every waking moment if that’s what it took to turn this province around and make it into something King Shaydon could actually be proud of.

As he headed down to the first-floor library, he met his mother along the way. She had also received a letter which she waved to get his attention. “I’ve word from your cousin and his wife. They’ve reached Goia safely with Riyah’s help. There is now a white road for people to travel between there and Rodon, I’m sure you’ll be pleased by that news.” Her smile tilted up on one side.

Riyah was a being, called an Elderad, who served as King Shaydon’s counselors and advisors around the kingdom. Only regents were given the privilege of the council from an Elderad. Leon did not take his friendship with Riyah lightly. Not anymore.

One of Riyah’s many talents was his ability to turn a common dirt road into one covered in the sparkling white stones that Meeting Halls were built from. Any person who walked upon the King’s Highway, also known as the White Road, traveled under the protection of King Shaydon. A province with such roads joining the various hamlets and towns were also protected from those outside forces that wished to bring harm to a province dedicated to Shaydon.

Leon was sure that was why Issah assigned the Elderad to Rodonal.

“Any word from my Chief Adviser?” he asked, taking the envelope from his mother.

“No, but cousin Emory wrote to let us know there are no signs of wizard activity in the town. The previous Prior, a man named Wilhelm, said that Goia is free from any contacts made with sorcerers. Emory and Lizzy have already fallen in love with the little hamlet and promise you will hear more from them soon. He has several young people that he’s met that are of prime age to make the journey to meet King Shaydon. He wanted to know if you wish for him to send them your way now, or wait until you were ready to depart for Radiance.”

He took the letter and glanced over it, wondering if there might be some mention of the former Prior’s daughter. But no such news had been included. His heart deflated, but he kept his face stony in front of his mother who had listened with great interest when Riyah had shared about his accident while they were visiting Goia and the Sano woman who healed his broken leg.

Since then, he’d had a hard time getting the golden-haired maiden out of his mind.

“Emory is a smart man,” Leon folded the letter and tucked it into the pocket of his jacket. He had faith that his cousin would bring the town around and make it prosperous in due time. “I’ll write him back after I speak with the council. That’s where I’m heading now.”

His mother brushed a bit of lint off his shoulder. “Very well. I’m pleased they arrived safely. Will you ask about the girl when you write back? I’m sure you must be curious, especially after she mended your broken leg. If anyone needs to make that trip with you to Radiance, it should be her.”

“Emory can handle Goia, that’s why I sent him. If she wishes to come, I’m sure he’ll send her with the rest. Now I’m going to be late for the meeting I called.”

His mother narrowed her eyes at him as she clasped her delicate hands together. “This evening we should discuss my idea for having the ball here. It’ll give the people a chance to see you, and perhaps you’ll meet an eligible maiden during the event.”

Leon would not fall into another discussion with his mother about his need to find a wife. He was fine with how things were. He had too much on his platter already. He did not need a wife to be a good regent, he didn’t care what all the Elders thought.

“I’m running late, Mother.”

 “Oh, very well. I’ll see you at dinner tonight. We can talk more about this at that time.”
Before he could make an excuse to eat in his quarters, she was strolling out the front doors, probably for a walk in the gardens.

By the time Leon finally reached the library, his advisers were already gathered around the main table.
“Good afternoon,” Leon said, trying his best authoritative tone. He took the seat at the head of the table. “I’ve heard back from nearly all the towns that I sent the letter we drafted. So far, the majority have answered the same way. They can’t spare the loss of workers, and they don’t wish to send their young people at this time.”

The fair-headed man to his right tapped his fingers on the table top. Ansel, who was in his late forties, had taken over Kolomon’s post after the elder man, who’d worked for his father, had left Leon during the tour of Rodonal Province. Leon did not mind the loss of the arrogant Koloman in the least and actually liked his new appointee.

The other two men, Zoppel and Naton, had both served as Priors at one time in their lives, both were in their sixties, but were open-minded and thoughtful with their advice. They had also served on Father’s council, but Leon liked them and had decided to keep them on.

Ansel leaned forward on his elbows and pressed his hands together. “I suppose, Regent, if they will not come to us, we should discuss the possibilities of us going to them.”

Zoppel’s hair was gray like river stones and often tied back at the nape of his neck. His paunch pressed against the edge of the table. He used it to rest his arms on. “The real question is, who will we find that’s willing to travel to the hamlets?”

Leon suggested, “I will have notices posted around town. Maybe I can send a request to Tarest and DeTierre? They are the only two towns, aside from my cousin who just reached Goia, that are willing to send people to us.” Though they were only willing to offer a handful of their youths.

Naton leveled his gaze on Leon. “It’s early, Leon,” the practical man said. “Don’t become discouraged over their lack of enthusiasm. They are waiting to see what kind of leader you will be.” He shook his finger at him, “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again and again until you start doing something about this. If you want the people’s respect, show them you are a respectable man. A family man.”

Leon’s mouth started to open in protest, but Naton cut him off.

“I know, I know, you think you are too busy. But I’m telling you, Regent.” Naton paused a moment, then asked in a softer tone, “Isn’t this why you agreed to appoint me as an adviser? I’d assumed it was because you believe I have a small bit of wisdom to impart. Am I correct?”

Naton enjoyed his simple comforts, as well, and often spoke with bluntness, and sensibility.

Except on the matter of marriage. There was no need to rush such things.

“Yes, Sir.” Leon gave a nod to pacify them and hopefully get them back to the important topic of the towns.

“Then listen to me. To us.” Naton moved his hand in a circle motioning to his fellow counselors. “We’ve all said that you need to find a wife and start a family if you honestly hope to gain cooperation from your people. Look at all the other regents. They are married and have huge families and, I will add, the respect and devotion of their citizens. Folks want to know that you understand them, what they are going through. Here you are asking them to send their youths to you. Do you have any idea how hard it is for parents to send their children away? Not knowing for sure how you will treat them?”

Leon leaned back in his chair, realizing he’d never once considered how families would feel about being separated. But what was he to do about that? In the other provinces he’d visited or passed through, it was a common expectation that children in their teen years would come to the capitol and undergo more intense training than they received in the smaller towns.

Unfortunately, Father hadn’t seemed to care what the people of the towns outside of Rodon did, so long as trade remained stable.

“So, you’re not going to let this go?” Leon sighed deeply. “I must find a wife and soon?”

All three men nodded simultaneously.

Wonderful. A wife was the last thing he wanted, or needed, at this time of his life.
 

 

Chapter Three

Darnel led the caravan wagon into a cluster of trees. There were few sheltered areas outside of the large town of Osas, their destination. From the road, he could see the town perched upon a hill and surrounded by miles and miles of grasslands.

Their little group that consisted of himself, an injured wizard and a frightened elf were in no way ready to enter the town’s gates.

While he unhooked the cart ponies Anwynn approached her long curling hair, the color of a cloudy sunset. She’d tied back today, revealing her pointed elfin ears. Her graceful steps barely made a mark on the ground. She’d brought the horses’ brushes and feed bags with her.

While Darnel removed the harnesses, Anwynn began brushing down the ponies’ coats. “Fajer still does not speak.” Her melodic voice lowered into a whisper. “He’s slept all day. I’m worried, Darnel.” The elfin woman only used his name when she wanted something. At least she’d finally stopped calling him Mutt. Since fleeing the hamlet town of Goia, after the fiasco with the Sano girl, he and Anwynn had gained a small bit of respect for each other.

Darnel gave a short nod. “Soon as I picket the horses, I’ll try to speak to him again. Why don’t you go hunting for us? I think we’ll camp in the shelter of these woods for a few days.” He took the brush from the elf. “There is no point entering Osas until Fajer is responding again. This plan was all his idea.”

Her sharply defined mouth turned down in a sneer. “And we saw how his last plan fared.”

“Let’s try to not rub it in, shall we? What’s done is done.”

Anwynn’s scowl remained, but she nodded despite any reservations she might have. “Do you believe that Koloman fellow is still in the city?”

Before Fajer went to Goia to claim his contract on the Sano girl, he’d learned that the regent’s adviser had abandoned his post. There had been some disagreement between the two men. Fajer was sure he could use their disagreement to his favor.

Darnel shrugged. Without being able to look into the all-seeing globe, he couldn’t be sure. “That’s why we are remaining here. We’re far away from the Mire Woods and the Brethren Order. And hopefully hidden enough that travelers passing along the road won’t see us.”

Her head bobbed a few times before she reached over her shoulder and pulled a bow out of nowhere. Somehow, the elf had access to any kind of weapon she felt necessary by mere thought. “Don’t build any fires until I return.”

Darnel found her special talent amazing and wished he knew if elfin magic could be transferred in the same way the Brethren sapped a human’s gifted powers. His mind danced with the possible advances he would accomplish by being able to pull any weapon out of thin air. However, he had plenty of powers in his own right. Shielding, mind-probing, and more. So much more, that he kept strictly to himself.

As Anwynn headed away from camp, Darnel called out, “Take your time and bring back something that’ll last us a few days.”

Mainly, he wanted her gone while he had it out with the wizard hiding inside the wagon. He knew Fajer didn’t sleep all day. Nearly a month had passed since the incident with the Sano girl. For the first couple of weeks, Darnel and Anwynn were patient with their master, but enough was enough.

Soon as he had the horses tended, he went to the back of the caravan. Not bothering to knock, he yanked open the door. Fajer sat on the floor, surrounded by several brown tinted bottles from his supply cabinet. His bald head was covered with red markings, reminding Darnel to proceed with caution when dealing with the wizard.

The heavy smell of snakeroot and other pungent herbs permeated the small space. Darnel’s gaze drifted from the man on the floor to the potbelly stove where some concoction brewed. “What are you doing with that…? It’s poisonous!”

Fajer glared at him, his violet eyes rimmed with red and burning with some kind of fevered anger. “Begone, Grunt! Leave me!”

Darnel’s breath caught. He’d not been called that in ages.

Sweat dotted the master wizard’s scalp as he poured a bit of the steaming liquid into a vial. He set the pot back on the stove, then stared at the liquid and swirled it in the beam of light shining from the small square window.

“This will take care of everything.” Fajer tipped the glass to his lips.

Darnel bolted inside, knocking the tube from the man’s hand. Glass shattered, spewing the contents over the wood flooring. He grabbed Fajer by the hood of his cloak and dragged him outside. “What do you think you are doing?”

Fajer hit the ground and didn’t bother to get up. “Like you really care? I’m surprised you are not holding the vial steady for me while I drink. Then you’ll get what you’ve wanted all along. Me out of the way.” He reached into the pocket of his vest and threw a key at Darnel. “There, that’ll unlock my cabinet where I keep my most prized possessions. You’ll find several items of interest along with the globe you’ve been drooling over. Take it. Take it all and let me finish what I started.” He moved to get up when Darnel pinned him down with a boot on his back.

Darnel leaned over the wizard. “Let me guess, you’ve lost your powers? So now you want to what…? End your misery? You cowardly fool!”

Fajer covered his face with his grubby hands. “I have nothing more than what I was born with. Everything I’ve worked hard for, all the powers I’ve infused… all of my magic is gone. At best, all I can do now is make a fire at the snap of my fingers.”

Darnel moved away from the pathetic man and went to sit on the bottom stoop of the caravan. This was what he’d been waiting for. A chance to have the upper hand over Fajer. But what good would it do him now? After their failure in Goia, returning to the Brethren’s fortress risked them suffering even more severe consequences.

He was right back where he was when he first met the wizard. A wandering outsider that nobody wanted anything to do with. Anwynn said they were the only family any of them had and that they needed to stick together. She probably also realized that if Fajer didn’t recuperate, she’d be left adrift, as well.

“You’re right, Fajer. I’ve traveled with you all this time to gain what I could, then I planned to leave. Now it’s not so simple. Without you, I’m an outcast again. So is Anwynn. Where else are we to go?”

Fajer slowly rolled over to his side and pushed himself into a sitting position. “Let me drink the potion. Burn my remains. Then the caravan and everything in it is yours. I don’t really care where you go. I’ve failed and now there’s no way I can regain all I’ve lost because of that…that…”

“I tried to warn you not to demand her hands. Not when she was willing to sacrifice them to save her family.”

Fajer took a look around their surroundings. “Where’s the elf?”

“I sent her out to hunt knowing you and I needed to work out a few matters.”

The wizard stood and shook the dirt from his coat. “Very well. I bequeath all I own to you. Take all this and be on your way. All I ask—”

“Forget it, Fajer. I’m not going to let you drink that poison.” He also stood. “Matter-of-fact, let’s take care of that right now.” Before Fajer could stop him, he rushed inside the caravan, locking the door behind him. In the dim light, he tried to gather all the jars that could be used for harm, along with the pot of remaining potion and took it back outside.

Fajer followed him, demanding Darnel to stop and give his belongings back.

“I don’t have to. You just gave it all to me.” He smashed the jars on the ground and poured out the pot’s contents until every last drop was gone. Snapping his fingers, he sent a bolt of consuming fire onto the pile, igniting it. Then he turned and motioned for the key Fajer had thrown at him. It flew through the air into his waiting hand.

“You think that'll stop me?” Fajer stared at the flames. “I can find—”

“But you won’t. Not after you hear me out.” Darnel watched as the blue enchanted flames turned the broken glass into a black stone. “I certainly can let you die, but then all I’d be left with is an old wagon, a couple of stubborn ponies. And worst of all, that petulant elf. You had a plan before all this happened. We are a day away from the destination you set us on—”

“What’s the point, Grunt?”

Darnel was at his side, grasping Fajer’s coat in his fist. “What have I told you about calling me that? You—”

“Who cares now?” Fajer tried to push him away but didn’t even have the strength for that. “All that is gone now. Even if we do find this Koloman fellow, it’ll make no difference if I can’t bend him to my will.”
“I can, Fajer. I still have my powers and you must still have some. You said you have what you were born with, at least.” Darnel released the wizard. “We’ll find a way to refuel the extra powers you once had.”

For a long moment, Fajer stared at Darnel, his violet eyes glimmering to the point Darnel feared the man might tear up. Blinking a couple of times, the wizard finally said, “My plan had been to capture the regent’s former adviser and find out any information we could to use against the new ruler. I’ve been devising a plan to overthrow the Province of Rodonal. But we’d need the help of the Brethren. Which means, I need to have my powers in place, or they’ll cast me into the pit to work the mines along with the trolls and other poor unfortunates they’ve enslaved.

“You and Anwynn would be in danger of the same sentence for being associated with me. That’s why I sought to end my life. I don’t care to suffer the consequences of losing Goia that I know will come if I return home.”

Overthrow Rodonal? Darnel’s pulse raced, blood and greed surging through his veins. To gain power over one of the provinces would be a terrible blow to the Light King. And if they gained power over one, Darnel could begin challenging the other provinces.

“Is it truly possible to take over Rondonal?” he asked slowly releasing the wizard’s coat.

“It was. But first, we have to find a way to get rid of the regent. Not kill him, or there will be another appointed in his place. We need to lure him away from his duties. Or somehow gain control of his mind.”

Fajer began to pace. “If there is nobody left to rule the land, it’ll be up for grabs. All we need to do is find a way to wheedle our way into the court. I had a couple of ideas, but I wanted to drain the adviser for information first.”

Darnel stepped back and also began pacing in the other direction. His thoughts ran rampant and he needed to rein them in, along with his hunger for power. He had to keep a clear head about this. “I can get whatever information you need from Koloman.”

Fajer offered a feeble smile. “I counted on that. But you are still missing an important—”

“No, I’m not dismissing your lack of power. We can get it back, can’t we? If we locate someone who’s gifted with strong talents, perhaps another Illuminate, or Warrior?”

“The Illuminates are best for what we do,” Fajer answered. “But the stripping ceremony…I cannot return to Mire Wood.”

“You don’t have to, Fajer. We only need an isolated spot, someplace where the boundary is weakest. Like in the Mire Woods. Perhaps we can head south, near the ancient forest, where the Brethren won’t sense us. Then you, I, and Anwynn will call forth the—”

Fajer gasped, his eyes rounding into near circles. “Do you realize what you are saying? What you are contemplating is insane! It’s—”

“Completely doable. I read the book you gave me, Fajer. And I even found a few others they thought they’d hidden.”

The wizard shook his bald head. “When?”

“During the winter months, while we stayed at the compound. My Curian blood led me right to the books I desired. I read them all and know exactly how to summon one of those pit demons.”
Fajer stumbled backward, fear etched on every line covering his face. “You’ve lost your—”
“I’m part Curian and part Logorian, it will obey me. My Logorian blood will enable me to command and control it.”

Once the blue flames burned out, leaving the death potion nothing more than a black spot on the earth, Darnel returned to the wagon. “I’m not going to let you get out of this, Fajer. We made a deal to stick together and I’m holding you to it. I need your knowledge and you need my powers. We can still make this work.”

The possibility of finally gaining a small advantage on Aloblase fueled Darnel’s drive and consumed any fears of facing a being of the underworld. They’d been banished ages ago by the Prince and the King. The Brethern wizards had found ways to breach the wall separating the worlds. They knew enough to use the underlings to drain power for the gifted.

From what Darnel had read, anyone who had the ability to control the underlings would be rewarded with unlimited power. His Logorian blood held that power.

But he’d have to be careful. He’d have to keep his real plans hidden within his hardening heart and not even tell Fajer his true desires.

Fajer paced for several long minutes while he considered Darnel’s offer. Finally, he stopped, a smile slowly crawling across his marked face. “Well, I have absolutely nothing to lose. If we do manage to find another gifted one, and if we can call forth an under-earthling and it ends up killing me, at least I’ll die more befittingly.”

Darnel had no problem allowing Fajer to take that risk. 

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