Entangled web of destruc.., p.10
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 10
“Nelia, the warlock cursed her with no sight. Can you reverse it?”
Nelia covers Aurlynn’s eyes, chanting something Constantina cannot decipher. She is sure Richard did this more to show off the warlock’s powers than to protect his home. Based on her observation, Aurlynn had spent her time in the dungeon away from everything. Her clothes were soaked, covered in mud, and her body was pale.
Nelia pulls away from Aurlynn.
“Can you see?” Roselynn asks.
“Nelia, you are the best,” Aurlynn says as she hugs everyone.
“I am sure they will be happy to see you as well,” says Nelia.
“They are in the gardens with Maggie, please join them. I would like to speak with Nelia for a moment,” Constantina says, as she closes the door to ensure they are alone before addressing Nelia.
“What happened on the night of the breach?”
“I fell behind as Charnell rushed Jonathan inside, and he didn’t know until later that I was not with them. The warlock ambushed me in the gardens and . . .”
“I never second-guessed your loyalty, Nelia.” Constantina brushes Nelia’s hair back. “We will bring down the warlock and Richard together with the help of our loyal friends. Our home will never be infiltrated again, not if my family reigns, and they will pay for bringing pain to all of us.”
“I will reach out to my homeland to request their blessing for support.”
“I will do the same with mine. Charnell and Alexander are searching for two traitors, who, I am sure, are long gone, who betrayed us by turning Aurlynn over to our enemies. Please join my children in the gardens while I take a moment.”
Once alone, she sits at her husband’s desk, running her fingers down the smooth wooden carvings, an heirloom handed down from generations of rulers before him, and one day, her son will be sitting at this very desk as he rules in place of Jonathan. He never allowed many people into the study, a place he called his sanctuary to hide from the world and to clear his mind.
She searches through the desk until she locates a silver dagger, wrapped in carvings of trees, with a single emerald on the handle. A gift to Jonathan by the elves of Ravendell, promising an alliance for future generations. A relationship she may need to call upon in the future to protect her children from their enemies.
22
Nelia
Splintered Vale
Alittle over eight months have passed since the battle of Splintered Vale. Nelia has secluded herself in her tower since her pregnancy started to show, unwilling to deal with the onlookers or those who might report back to the warlock. It’s been months since she had journeyed to the gardens, knowing the Charnell would be able to see through her lies, as he was ordered to accompany her nightly.
The snow has fallen upon the Wavering Mountains northwest of the castle, where her homeland, the Hidden City, is concealed deep within the rugged mountains. The thought of traveling home to give birth frightens her, not because she must face her sister and the Elders but because of the unpredictable travel.
The door to the tower unexpectedly opens, and Constantina enters without warning.
“Your Majesty,” she asks. “Is something wrong?”
“Nelia, look at me. I need you to tell me what’s happening, and why you’ve kept yourself locked away from everything. My children, me, and the realm. Your lack of presence in the kingdom is being noticed, and there are rumors you have fled as you did before.”
“Please forgive me. My intention is not to disrespect you. To disclose the truth will only bring danger, and I cannot allow you or anyone else to carry my burden. Reality is hidden behind a false hope that everything is an illusion, and I am stuck in a dream that continues to drain my very existence.”
“Our friendship has overcome many obstacles; we hold each other’s secrets, but we are here today faced with the difficult task of not trusting one another. I never doubted your loyalty to House Ainsworth. If I need to, I can pull my rank as the queen to force you to tell me instead of being your friend, but that is something I don’t want to do.”
Nelia sighs. There was a time, a few months ago, when she thought about leaving, but placing herself and the child in danger also crossed her mind, as she knows her nemesis is tracking her.
Nelia clears her throat. “I am with child.” She removes her heavy cloak, exposing her large stomach.
“That is not the news I was expecting. Charnell?”
Nelia shakes her head.
“We can get through this together. What do you need from me?”
“It’s not what you are thinking, Your Majesty. Divulging the truth only makes this situation real and more dangerous than I want to think about. The plan was not to disappear without informing you I must travel to my homeland. My family will provide the necessary protection we need as I give birth.”
Constantina says, “You are due anytime, Nelia, and traveling is not an option, let alone navigating the mountains alone. Why can you not stay here?”
Nelia rests her hands on her middle as the baby kicks and stretches.
“Richard’s warlock is the father.”
“What? Oh no, Nelia,” says Constantina as she sits on the bed beside her, pulling her hands into hers. “You could have told me.” Tears stream down her cheeks as she cries, “I never doubted your loyalty to my family. Jonathan never doubted you.”
“Your Majesty, I don’t know what to do. I cast a cloaking spell to keep us hidden from the warlock, but there is only a short time before he finds a way around it.”
Constantina runs her hands over her face.
Nelia knows she has no solutions, either. Every scenario that has crossed Nelia’s mind has predicted the same results; the warlock wins, and she can do nothing about it.
“Please join me at dinner this evening. You, me, and a few friends. It will be good for you to get out and mingle, and my children miss you.”
“It’s not a good idea, Your Majesty. Please accept my apologies for declining your invitation.”
Constantina jumps to her feet. “I will have Charnell escort you.”
“Your Majesty, I—”
Constantina hurries out the door faster than Nelia can get to her feet.
Leaning against the door, she exhales, feeling relieved to tell someone. On the other hand, there is concern that this has opened more challenges, secrets, and possible opportunities for the warlock to discover her strategy. With a wave of her hand, a bolt of red lightning darts toward the fireplace, igniting the wood. Fighting fatigue, she tries to focus on her family’s grimoire, but she can’t keep her eyes open and falls asleep at the table.
A FAINT TAPPING WAKES NELIA. She rubs her eyes, walking toward the door to find Charnell standing on the other side. Her heart races quickly as he looks her over, as if confirming what he was told: She is with child. Is he mad? Heartbroken? There is no way to know as he gently walks past her, and she closes the door.
“She should not have told you, not yet, not until this evening when we all gather in the dining hall.”
“You’re right. You should have been the one to tell me, not her, but here we are entangled in a web of lies.”
“Stop!” She breaks eye contact and continues, her voice tearful and breaking up. “I did not ask for this or for you to come here and insult me.” Nelia’s face flushes as anger and embarrassment consume her. “Why are you here?”
“I am your guardian until ordered otherwise,” he says with a slight grin as he wraps his hands around hers. “My intent was not to insult you. We have known each other for . . .”
“Fifteen years.”
“We have seen each other at our lowest point, grown up alongside one another in a realm of endless possibilities, and yet we always find a way back to one another.”
“Charnell, please listen—”
“The night of the castle’s breach, I thought you were behind me; otherwise, I would never have left you.”
“I don’t want to talk about that.” She attempts to pull her hands free, but he tightens his grip. “Please.”
“I will destroy him.”
She jerks away. “You are a fool to even think of dueling the warlock. I will not have your death on my conscience for you trying to prove something you can’t do.”
He starts to say something but stops.
“You can leave now.”
“It’s not that simple. I made an oath, and I will not defy an order from our queen. Let me escort you to dinner,” he says, reaching out his arm.
“Can you wait outside? I need to change and wash.”
Resting against the wall, her pulse races as she presses her hands against her chest to stop the sharp pain, but it doesn’t help. There have been many times she thought about wiping their relationship from both their memories, but that would be unfair to him. Taking a deep breath, her voice gargles as she fights the urge to cry. Get a hold of yourself, Nelia. This is only the beginning of a long journey.
The cold water feels good against her face. Changing her clothes, she observes her unborn child stretching against her skin as if they are ready to embrace the world and all its chaos. Her smile turns to sadness as she knows that soon, she will be giving up the child for protection from the wrath of the warlock. She quickly dresses in a dark-colored gown and grabs her cloak.
She accepts Charnell’s arm as he escorts her down the winding stairs.
NELIA’S MOUTH WATERS AS THE rich smell of the roast embraces her upon entering. The dining hall is not as elegant as the Grand Hall, but it is more suitable for smaller, intimate gatherings. Chandeliers light the windowless room. The focal point of the room is the grand fireplace, surrounded by a small seating area where the children play. The long mahogany table sits off-center, displaying the large feast and its chairs with tall backs. The tapestries hang high on the walls alongside the flags of Splintered Vale and Night Haven.
Constantina wears a white gown adorned with green lace; her long, twisted hair falls down her back. She jumps to her feet when she sees Nelia, embracing her with a gentle hug.
“Maggie, I am going to steal Roselynn and Aurlynn away for a few minutes if you can keep an eye on the children.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Everyone joins Constantina at the table as the kitchen staff brings out the final dishes before departing.
“We have known each other a long time, watched our lives be turned upside down, and supported one another when times have been harsh. Rumors are still circulating through our towns about Richard not being finished with Splintered Vale, and his mental state is deteriorating after the loss of his family. Alexander, I need you to ensure that the nobles and lords know we are here to support them.”
“I will ensure that our presence is visible within our homeland,” Alexander confirms.
Charnell adds, “We continue to train for an invasion, even if none appears. The sons of several of our knights have joined our ranks over the past few months. We will ensure that your family is always protected.”
“I trust both you and Alexander. That being said, we are faced with another trial that involves everyone here, and trust is of the utmost importance to protect those involved. As you know, Nelia has been isolated in her home for what seems like an eternity.” Constantina rests her hand on Nelia’s shoulder. “I will not divulge her entire circumstances, but as you can tell, she is with child. As her friend, and for the sake of our homeland, we must protect her and ensure she safely arrives in the Hidden City.”
“It is overwhelming for me to be in this situation, and my weakness is very present. Those who stand with me during this dangerous time will be greatly rewarded in the end, and we will need to make a blood oath to keep the warlock from reading us. If you do not wish to participate, you can opt out without repercussions from me or anyone else.”
“We are family, and family does not let each other down,” Alexander says.
“I will second that,” says Charnell as he raises a glass of wine. “To family!”
“To family!” Aurlynn says.
Nelia watches everyone eating, and Aurlynn and Roselynn gush about a friend who recently entered the knighthood. Constantina holds Kyle in her arms, feeding him as Maggie rocks Kayleen to sleep. Charnell and Alexander talk too low for her to make out their conversation, but she can only guess it’s all about business. She can only wonder why Alexander never married and dedicated his life to the royal family voluntarily, unlike her, who was forced into a role by her own family.
“This will be uncomfortable, but I need everyone to prick their finger and squeeze at least three droplets of blood into the silver chalice. Once done, I will cast the spell protecting all our minds from the warlock. Going forward, we must remain vigilant and watch for any potential dangers that may be lurking. Both Richard and the warlock are unpredictable and a lethal combination.”
Each individual pierces their skin with a knife, even Maggie, and places their blood into the cup.
Swiping her hand over the mixture, Nelia steps back, calling upon her ancestors. “House Winifred, I beseech you to bind us together, not only to protect the next descendant of our bloodline, but to protect us all from the wrath of the warlock. I beg you to be merciful to my child, as they have done nothing wrong and will need all the protection from those who wish to harm them. The child’s incredible power will help future generations and protect our lineage.”
A fiery glow encases the chalice, with smoke billowing over its sides, and a swoosh of wind brushes past everyone, colliding with the entrance to the room. The wood bellows and crackles as the frame shudders in the storm. The flurry of the squall gives up, racing around the room, colliding with everything until it disappears back into the red glow.
“It is done,” confirms Nelia.
“I have never seen magic before,” Maggie whispers to Roselynn.
Nelia asks, “Your Majesty, it’s been a long day. I could request to retire.”
“Of course. Charnell, if you would be so kind as to escort her back to the tower, there should be a guard stationed there for the night shift, and another will take his place in the morning. Nelia, in the upcoming days, we will discuss a plan of action further. Girls, can you gather up my children, and we’ll get them ready for bed? Night, everyone,” Constantina says before she disappears into the kitchen.
“Nelia, shall we?” Charnell asks as he reaches out for her, and she accepts.
“I wish this nightmare would end,” Nelia whispers as she leans against Charnell.
23
Nelia
Splintered Vale
Nelia tosses and turns as the nightmare becomes more vividly.
Something or someone is searching for her and her child. Heart racing and breathing heavily, she runs through the woods, holding on to her large belly, trying to keep calm, but she has lost Charnell, and something is tracking her. She hides between boulders, but the noise of breaking branches makes her cringe as the smell of a wet dog invades her nose.
She jumps as something bumps into her, but nothing is there; nothing can be seen. It’s as if someone is taunting her, or making her feel like she’s losing her mind. Taking shallow breaths to ease the panic, she realizes it must be the warlock playing games. Rubbing her hands together, she conjures a blue orb, casting it into the wind. Blue smoke filters over the land, uncovering the warlock, who stands a few yards from her. The sight of his fiery red eyes sends chills up her spine. She jerks awake and grabs a cup of water to quench her thirst.
She folds a few dresses and places them in a carrying bag for her trip. Nelia doesn’t know what she will say to Aurora, but hopefully, her sister will be happy to see her, as it has been a long time since they last spoke. A few times, Nelia has reached out, but not as often as she had hoped. The Elders will be another story. She doesn’t trust them, as her mother never did, but they were loyal to her father, and that is why she attempts to be kind to them.
Charnell knocks as he enters the open door. His knight attire clings to his body, outlining his muscular frame, and his wavy locks fall softly to his shoulders.
“Everything is in place for our trip. Are you ready?”
“Not really, but what choice do I have? I wish you would reconsider traveling to the Hidden City. I know my sister won’t be happy to see you, or the Elders, for that matter. There was a small fishing cabin by a lake where you could stay, until I could meet you a few days afterward.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I don’t have an issue with facing your family or these Elders you always talk about. Besides, I already know they don’t like me, so you can’t tell me anything new?”
“Right,” she says with a slight smile. “Do you think we will run into trouble?”
“Have we ever not faced obstacles in our lives? I promise we will make it to your homeland.”
She fumbles through some books on the table, searching for her family grimoire.
Their strategy is to set out at sundown and make their way through the winding river into the Wavering Mountains. It’s not the best option because of her morning sickness, but at least it may be the safest. A brisk snow has settled upon Splintered Vale from the mountains as the wind shifted suddenly and very unexpectedly for this time of year. Nelia wonders, if this was the work of the warlock to prevent her from traveling. He knows she will need to take her family to the sanctuary when she gives birth.
“Do you need help finding anything?” he asks as she continues to search through the pile of books.
She grasps the leather book; the pages are almost brittle and yellow, showing its age. A gift passed down to her from her mother that outlines their ancestry and includes spells have been passed from one generation to the next.
“Let’s go before I change my mind,” Charnell says as he winks.
NELIA AND CHARNELL ENTER THE storage room by the lake entrance, where they are greeted by Constantina and Alexander. Constantina hugs Nelia before handing her freshly baked bread from the kitchen for their journey. Charnell and Alexander disappear, presumably to ensure everything is ready for the two of them to depart shortly.
