Entangled web of destruc.., p.2
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 2
2
Nelia
Devil’s Inn
The large monastery fades into the distance as Nelia strolls down the dirt road toward Port Soul. The recent rain has saturated the dirt path, and mud splatters against her long cloak as she attempts to dodge the giant puddles of water. Separating from her son is the hardest thing she has done in years. There will be no possibility of returning once she arrives on the shores of the mainland. She presses the small bag against her breast as her heart flutters faster, and a wagon rumbles down the street, startling her. Regaining her composure, she holds her head high and takes a deep breath, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
Port Soul is an old fisherman’s town that houses runaways, bandits, and those who wish to remain unseen. A few younger sailors stand at the end of the porch to the inn, watching Nelia approach. She pulls the hood of her cloak closer as she enters the door, keeping her head down and making her way through the crowd. The smell of whiskey assaults her nose as she approaches the bar. The patrons’ bodies brush against her as she moves through the swarm of people, searching for the innkeeper.
“Sir, I am looking for Alex,” she whispers.
He gestures toward the nearest corner.
An older gentleman grabs her arm, pulls her into the poorly lit area, and forcefully pushes her against the wall. His muscular body is only inches away from her, and the smell of wine takes her breath away. Her gaze locks with his bloodshot eyes as they stare at each other. Nelia tries to squirm away, but his arm blocks her path. She clutches her fist as magic circulates through her veins, wanting to inflict pain upon the man. Her eyes widen and turn dark as she gazes into the distance.
Alexander emerges from the shadows, placing his sword against the gentleman’s throat.
“Release her!”
“King Richard has a reward for her whereabouts. Do you dare take food from my family’s table and deprive me of the riches he will give me?”
“I will spill your blood upon this floor, if you do not release her. I do not care about your family or yourself. Richard does not scare me, for I am loyal to King Jonathan.”
“I will not do that,” the man slurs, staggering to his right, and he pulls her with him as they collide into a table, knocking it off-balance. “Sorceress, the bounty will feed my family for months.”
Nelia and the man tumble to the ground, and the tavern goes silent as the people gaze at the commotion. Alexander does not take his eyes off the two but trouble is about to stir, and their only hope is to make it to the ship.
“I am not your property,” snaps Nelia, pulling her arm free and pushing him away. “Never place your hands on me again.”
The man reaches for her cloak and fails as Alexander flashes the blade between the two.
“She is a loyal servant to the crown. I demand you to stop, or I will take your life for treason.”
Nelia watches several men in the tavern unveiling their tunics, displaying King Richard’s coat of arms. She attempts to pull Alexander away, but he hesitates, refusing to look at her.
“Your action gained attention of several of King Richard’s knights,” she whispers, placing her hand on the sword’s blade and forcing it away. “I do not wish to die here. Do you?”
Alexander’s eyes narrow as he searches the room for a moment. He places his hand on Nelia’s lower back, guiding her to the front as the crowd moves away. Once outside, he wraps his arm around hers as they walk toward the shipping port, and neither looks back, knowing they are being observed.
“Why does Richard have a bounty for me?”
“He has been searching for you, since you left, fearing you would return to prevent him from overtaking Splintered Vale. He knows you can destroy the warlock who serves him.”
“Elbas.” She shivers. “An old foe who has been nothing but trouble. I was hoping Richard would have destroyed him by now.”
“They have gained more power and influence over the past few years. It will be nice to have you back home.”
If only she were as happy to return home as everyone else is to see her. It seems there are more enemies than she anticipated, including an old rival who once served her father. She may need to reach out to her sister, to seek guidance and find out what Elbas is planning, but she does not want to discuss her whereabouts over the last ten years.
NELIA STANDS ON THE SHIP’S deck of the Sera’ness, watching the shoreline fade in the distance. Tears swell in her eyes and stream down her pale cheeks, knowing she will never see her son again. Taking a deep breath, she tosses her cloak off her shoulders and conjures two doves. The birds descend from the sky, landing on the deck.
The twin birds shake their wings as a white aura illuminates their surroundings. The creatures grow tall and slim, transforming into two identical ladies. Their long silver hair glides down their backs with silver shards tucked into the braids. The white-and-silver lace gowns flow to the ground. Their beauty catches a few sailors off guard, disrupting their duties on the ship.
“Nelia, you sent for us,” they speak in harmony.
“Send word to Her Majesty. I am returning to Splintered Vale.”
“Safe journey, Nelia.”
A flash of light encircles the ladies as they shift back into doves and fly away.
“You never cease to amaze me, sorceress,” says Alexander.
“A few years ago, they searched for a new companion after theirs died. They found me at the monastery. I still don’t understand how, but I sometimes wonder if my sister sent them to find me.” She pulls his hands into hers. “You have always been caring and never doubted my innocence after Lilianna’s murder. I will never forget your kindness.”
“You are the light that will bring happiness back to many. Don’t let the past define you, or your love for Charnell blind you to what is coming. Splintered Vale needs your strength.”
Below the deck in their cabin, Nelia peers out the small porthole as she listens to Alexander snoring. She grabs onto ropes secured to the wall as the ship jerks against the crashing waves of a storm stirring over the Soulless Sea. It will take days before they reach Port Welch, giving her enough time to run through different scenarios about how she should respond to Charnell. When they reunite.
3
Neila
Port Welch
Port Welch is the busiest port town on the main continent of The Vale, bringing in a variety of merchants from the northern territories with an assortment of goods and supplies. A farmer’s market spans the streets, with vendors selling fresh vegetables and live animals. A cool breeze filters off the Soulless Sea, and Nelia pulls her cloak tight as chills brush against her body, the hair on her arms goes erect.
Alexander interrupts her thoughts, saying, “He is not coming. I honored the queen’s request to travel to Green Haven alone. A few knights will be joining us as we travel home.”
“How is he?” she asks, gripping the railing as her pulse intensifies. “I mean, is he . . .”
“He is focused on his new job as the Grandmaster of Arms. His father died unexpectedly, and he has been caring for his mother for years.”
“That is awful.” Stumbling on her words, she asks, “Did Charnell ever get married?” Cringing, she doesn’t want to know the truth, but she needs to know before seeing him. “I am sorry. I should not have inquired about his personal life, or put you in a position to divulge anything.”
“I am sure he will ask about you.” He picks up his belongings. “He has never given up on your relationship and often talks about you.”
Her face flushes with warmth as they travel down the ramp toward town. The streets are soft from the recent rain, but the ground is solid enough to prevent puddles of water. Vendors beg them to purchase their goods, but they continue to walk, ignoring their bargaining tactics.
Six royal knights of Splintered Vale stand by the stables in the shade, a few feet past the town’s inn, and a sense of calmness wraps around her as she sees the king’s coat of arms on their tunics.
Alexander says, “We are waiting for a few more men to escort you to Splintered Vale. Relax before we embark on the long journey.”
“I will be here,” she says, standing on a step of the inn.
He nods.
Blasting music shouts from inside the inn as the patrons come and go. Nelia closes her eyes to rest, rocking slightly in a chair. Struggling to keep her heavy eyes open, she succumbs to the tiredness from the lack of sleep the night before. Her dreams are unsteady as someone tries to infiltrate her mind, creating flashes of lightning to shatter the images, and she knows of only one person with the power to torture her, Elbas.
She has returned.
The door smashes against a few chairs, and she jerks awake, seeing three young men staggering onto the porch.
“We do not see many ladies at sea.” A short, bald man leers in her direction. His foul breath brushes against her skin.
“My friend will be returning shortly. Please, enjoy your day.” Her muscles tense as she prepares to flee. The crooked grin from the bald man alarms her, but he walks away, and she exhales with relief.
The taller one turns around, leaning against her chair. “Nelia, it has been many years since our last encounter,” Tyler says, his eyes narrowing on her face. “I am sure you didn’t forget my lack of loyalty to Jonathan, before my famous departure from Splintered Vale.”
“How could anyone forget you burned down the stables in your escape? I am sure a bounty is on your head, whether you are dead or alive. Be gone, traitor, or I will alert the guards.” She nudges toward the stables.
“Tyler, come on,” his friend yells.
He pulls out a dagger, placing it against her chin. “You need to come with me, sorceress.”
She leans closer, not wanting to show fear, as she presses the cold dagger against her skin. “One scream and things will get unpleasant for you and your friends. Your family will be in dire need of help, if you are in prison for threatening me.”
“One swipe, and you die before anyone knows.”
“Tyler, surely you have not forgotten whom you are threatening. A blast of arcane magic will kill you instantly.” A flash of darkness engulfs her eyes. “Do not threaten me, dear boy!”
“You have been hiding for about ten years, sorceress. I am sure your magic has been dormant in your hideaway. You would not risk exposure here and harm an innocent.”
“Why would you risk your freedom by talking to me today? You are not the type of man to be careless.”
“I am under King Richard’s protection, and he will pay plenty for your capture. Get to your feet, Nelia.”
“I will not, Tyler. Tell your friends you have mistaken me for someone else and depart.”
Tyler pulls her out of the chair, placing the knife at her side. She doesn’t fight him, to prevent a scene, and hopes that one of the knights will rescue her.
“Tyler, what’s going on?” the bald man questions.
“Marcos, you and Scout help me escort the sorceress to King Richard, for a hefty reward that I will split with each of you.”
“This is a bad idea,” Scout insists. “King Jonathan’s knights are over by the stables. She is not worth imprisonment or death. I have a family to think of.”
“You’re a coward, Scout. I will report you to King Richard when we return. Marcos, are you with me?”
Marcos slightly nods.
Tyler pulls Nelia into an alleyway as the other two men follow closely.
“You are making a mistake,” she warns. “The king will charge you for treason for kidnapping me.”
“King Richard is the true king,” Tyler says. “A bounty for your safe return will bring us all the gold we need to survive in the winter months.”
“I am confident King Jonathan will pay you gold for releasing me and maybe even forgive you for your treason.”
Tyler smirks.
She continues, notifying them, “Time is not on your side, dear friend, for death will come swiftly, taking your soul. Your heart beats louder than your friend’s, alerting me you know this is a mistake. Release me and flee as if we never met.”
He pins her against a wall, pressing the blade against her neck as he pulls up her dress, running his rough hand up her leg. “Let’s see what Charnell saw in you.”
Marcos and Scout reluctantly watch their friend, but neither says a word.
Nelia closes her eyes, listening to Tyler’s heavy breathing as his alcoholic breath caresses her cheek. Her body shivers as the black magic circles around her, bringing darkness. Her eyes are no longer the color of sapphires, but dark as onyx, as she meets Tyler’s stare. Without hesitation, a powerful force thrusts Marcos and Scout in opposite directions.
Tyler releases the dagger and steps away.
“As I said, death is coming for you.” She pushes her hands forward as a gush of wind knocks Tyler back several feet, and he lands on his back, not moving.
Flinging her arms out to her sides, she pulls Marcos and Scout off the ground. Refusing to look at either of them, she clenches her fists, causing their throats to constrict under the pressure. Their screams are muffled by the lack of air escaping. Everything around her slows down. The leaves are frozen in the air, birds are stuck in flight, and the two men’s hearts slow down as she clenches her fists tighter.
The wind spins around Nelia.
Tyler staggers to his feet and makes eye contact with her, pulling his sword. As he gets closer, she releases Marcos and Scout from the magical grip, and they collapse on the ground, gasping for air. Smiling, she twirls her finger, conjuring a faint blue flame. She flicks her hand, and a blast of magic collides with his shoulder and scorches his tunic. He moves closer, swinging his sword, and Nelia conjures a fireball in her palms. Their eyes lock as he stops moving forward.
“Nelia, stop!” Alexander screams.
“Go away, Alexander. They humiliated me. Death is the only solution for the violation.” The raging wind stirs the leaves through the air as the dirt spirals like a tornado. “Alexander, please leave, for I do not want to harm you.”
“I can’t do that, sorceress.” His rough hand rests on her forearm. “Let me handle these cowards.”
“I cannot.”
“Sure, you can. You will never see them again.”
Hesitating, she finally retreats with Alexander away from the men as the royal knights arrest them.
“Sir Augustus, check the area for witnesses and take care of them. Nelia, you are forbidden to leave my side until we arrive at Splintered Vale. Do you understand me?”
“Don’t underestimate me, Alexander. I will not allow anyone to harm me, ever. These men are taking orders from Richard. I regret nothing here, and your orders have no power.”
“I am the first knight of Splintered Vale, and by order of King Jonathan, you are hereby ordered to obey the law. Do not underestimate me, Nelia,” Alexander warns. “Nelia—”
“I am done talking!”
Nelia focuses on the path toward the stables, listening to Alexander’s sword clanging against his leg armor. Tears burn her eyes as she squeezes them shut for a moment. If Alexander does not take care of him, she knows Charnell will. All she must do is ask him. However, she can’t divulge this incident due to her involvement in conjuring black magic, which reveals her weakness and lack of control.
“Nelia, I have posted several knights outside of the stables. I will return shortly to confer with you about the next steps.”
She refuses to respond, listening to Alexander’s gait fading in the distance. Lying down on a cot of hay, she closes her eyes, trying to recall a happier memory to overshadow the day’s events. The image of Christian running in the garden brings both a smile and worry, as the picture fades quickly. The closer she gets to Splintered Vale, the harder she must fight to keep his memory alive. Her eyes are heavy, and she falls asleep.
Alexander wakes Nelia after a few hours have passed.
“We have taken care of the men, and no witnesses were found. The actions you demonstrated today worry me. Our enemy has threatened our home, and you have no control over your emotions. You will fail us if you continue to lack restraint and dignity. I never believed the rumors that you betrayed the late queen, but your conduct says otherwise.”
“My behaviors do not demonstrate a lack of failure to the late queen. I fear my time in seclusion has done more harm than good. I will never disrespect your kindness or our monarch again, but be warned, I am unstable and fear what I may do.”
“We move forward as if none of this happened, but you must find a way to control your powers, for you’re the only one who can fight the warlock.”
4
Elbas
Broken Rest
Broken Rest is the kingdom of King Richard Ainsworth V, the twin brother of King Jonathan Ainsworth, who rules Splintered Vale. The kingdom sits on the cliffs of the Soulless Sea, surrounded by stone layers to protect the interior ward from invaders. Over the years, the kingdom has fallen into ruin with fewer resources, and illness has ravaged the land. Nevertheless, the Ainsworth family continue to reside here with those loyal to the family.
Elbas wipes the sweat from his forehead as the cauldron’s vapors swirl in the air. The history between him, Nelia, and her sister, Aurora, is complex. He is the rightful heir of the Hidden City, but House Winifred refuses to acknowledge that, and the Elders have their own agenda to obtain power. A few rats scurry underfoot as he carefully pours the brew into jars and places them on the dusty shelves.
