Entangled web of destruc.., p.21
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 21
She tries to hit him, but he grabs onto the ropes, securing her hands.
“That is not nice.”
“If you recall, I can still summon some of my powers even with your charm.”
“I have thought about that.” He places a gag in her mouth. “There will be no worries now, Nelia. If you want to play nice, I will remove it. Otherwise, enjoy the long journey.”
ELBAS WAS RIGHT BEFORE, about her family not wanting her and sending her away. The night her mother died, she sat on the bed with her, holding onto her hand as Aurora tended to the duties of their kingdom. Aurora longed to be with them, but after their father’s untimely death and their mother’s unforeseen illness, she was forced to accept the responsibilities of leadership with the direction of the Elders.
“Mother, we can’t lose you like we did Father.”
“You and your sister will do fine without me. Look at all your accomplishments over the past year, your studies, and Aurora’s leadership.”
Nelia whispers, “I don’t trust the Elders. I don’t know how, but I think they had something to do with Father’s death.”
She brushes the statement off and sits back in bed.
“I think your illness was brought on by black magic. Don’t ask me how I know, but do.”
“I am tired, Nelia.”
Nelia tucks her mother into bed and ensures she has enough blankets to keep her warm. She sits in a chair reading over the family grimoire as her mother sleeps. Her mother passed away that night. A few days later, Aurora and Nelia meet with the Elders.
“Nelia, it’s time for you to return to Splintered Vale,” Aurora informs her.
“I don’t want to do that. I can help you here.”
“To keep our alliance with Splintered Vale, your duties are to be with the royal family.”
“If you were an only child, we would have another obligation to House Ainsworth. Why is that not an option, so that I can come home?”
“Nelia, I am not trying to be difficult.”
“Dismiss the Elders and talk with me privately, which you have not done since taking over for Father.”
“Nelia, you leave at first light. You will be escorted to the outskirts where someone from Splintered Vale will meet you.”
“You have all of this figured out, don’t you, or are the Elders pulling the strings?” she asks, pacing back and forth. “You know, if Father were here, this would not be happening.”
“It would, sister.”
“Sister? I am more like a rejected family member sent away to keep me out of trouble or something.”
“You know that is not true.”
“I will fade away in the morning as you wish,” Nelia says as she slams the door.
50
Charnell
Hidden City
The Hidden City is nestled in the rugged cliffs of the Wavering Mountains, surrounded by a magical dome protecting town from extreme weather conditions. The last time he was here, Cora was born. He was not privileged enough to see her that day, but the memories he created with Nelia are unforgettable.
A cavalry of about ten men rides toward Charnell and his party. They are all dressed in maroon tunics and black cloaks, and they are armed with a variety of weapons.
“Please state your name, and the reason you are seeking refuge,” a man yells.
“Charnell, Grandmaster of Arms of Splintered Vale. I seek an audience with High Priestess Aurora.”
“She is not taking any visitors at the moment.”
“Can we wait inside the sanctuary of your city until tomorrow? At that time, we will return to Splintered Vale,” Charnell claims.
“What are you doing?” Cora whispers.
Charnell waves her off.
“It seems the young lady has something to say.”
“I can speak for our party,” he says.
“You were saying, my lady?”
“Charnell is right, I was speaking out of turn,” she says.
Charnell watches the presumed leader talk to everyone as he waits for their decision on whether to let them inside or turn them away. He turns toward Cora, who raises her eyebrows and shrugs. He glances around at the other members of the party and knows, if they do not obtain shelter, some of them will not make it back to Splintered Vale.
“Please forgive us, Grandmaster of Arms, but we cannot approve your passage.”
“What?” Cora harps. “I need to see my aunt. You must let us inside. Charnell, do something?”
Her knuckles turn white as she grabs onto the leather of the harness, and he notices a glimpse of Nelia as her eye color shifts but returns to crystal blue.
“Our queen will make a generous offer to your homeland, if we are granted safety for this evening. Unfortunately, our travels have taken us on the wrong path, and we are lost, which has brought us here. Some of us will certainly not make it out of the mountains after sundown with the freezing temperatures.”
A lone rider approaches in their direction, and Charnell instantly recognizes the white-and-golden attire of an Elder.
“You have been given permission to seek sanctuary here tonight. Please follow us,” the Elder says, as he leads Charnell’s party and the cavalry flanks behind them.
Entering the wooden gates, Charnell notices the streets are empty as well as the courtyard, which is a bit strange from the lively city he saw the last time.
“The inn is located over there,” a man says, pointing to a blue building. “The stables are behind you, and there should be plenty of room to rest your horses for the evening. Feel free to accept the accommodations of the cottages adjacent to the stables or the inn.”
“Charnell, if you and the young lady would join me, I will escort you to High Priestess Aurora.”
“Please, allow us to board our horses and join you in a few minutes.”
He nods.
Charnell quickly joins Mitchell.
“Something is not right. Please inform everyone to keep a lookout and report any concerns to you immediately,” Charnell cautions as he places his horse in a stable. “I have a bad feeling we are being set up.”
“I noticed that there are no signs of people. Either they are in hiding, or they vanished, which is scary either way.”
“We may need a decoy for the prince.”
“Will do. You be careful.”
“Cora, will you join me?” Charnell asks as he holds out his arm. “I need you to listen to me very carefully. I made a promise to Nelia I would ensure you were safe and escorted back to Splintered Vale.” He smiles as they get closer to the Elder. “There is something wrong here, and I need you to stay close to me or Mitchell.”
“Aurora?” she says as tears swell in her eyes.
“We are about to find out,” he whispers. “We appreciate your kindness this evening. I noticed the city is quiet. Did everyone party too hard?”
“We have an illness that has been running rapidly through our homes, and we are trying to keep it contained. That is the reason you were not permitted entry.”
“What changed your mind?” Charnell probes.
“We could not turn away a descendant of the Winifred family.”
Cora tightens her grip on Charnell’s arm.
The Elder escorts Charnell and Cora through the halls of the castle. Candles melt in iron sconces hang randomly throughout the passageway, with little light illuminating the area. The lingering scent of the sweet, floral lavender fragrance fills the air as they walk by the apothecary shop. There is no one within the halls that he can see. Him, Cora, and the Elder.
The small suite is located down a narrow hall, almost in the darkness.
The room is gloomy, with only a small candle sitting on the table casting a dim glow. Aurora lies in bed, dampness covering her hair and body, from a fever, he presumes. Even in the shadows, he can see her pale skin and circles under her eyes. The bed sits in the center of the room, accompanied by a small dresser in one corner and a nightstand. Cora pulls a chair closer to the bed, as Charnell does on the opposite side.
“Aurora, we did not realize you were ill,” he says as he wipes her forehead with a damp cloth. “You remember Cora, don’t you?”
“My beautiful niece, of course,” she says, reaching out her hand, and Cora accepts. “It seems you are in trouble, little one. I have done everything in my power to rid the threats from Elbas, but I have failed.”
“I am sure you did what you could,” she says.
“What happened?” Charnell asks.
Cora helps Aurora sit up in bed. Her body is frail and weak.
“There is an illness that seems to ravage our family, my mother before me. Unfortunately, it’s fatal, and I may not have much time. Your smile gives me happiness.”
“I know this may sound strange, but I don’t think this is a mortal illness. I am sensing black magic,” informs Cora.
“No one has that kind of power,” she says, coughing. She takes a sip of water. “Charnell, please tell Nelia, all I wanted was for her to be happy, and being here was not the happiness she was seeking.”
“I will tell her,” he says.
“It seems you have been exposed to dark magic, Charnell. You’re radiating an aura of great power, a poison, I presume, destroying your body.”
“My own foolishness. A minor disagreement with a mage, but once we are done here, I can seek out Bryanna.”
“Aunt Aurora, I see the same aura surrounding you.”
“Cora, will you be a dear and ask whoever is in the hall to bring Bryanna here for Charnell?”
“What about you?”
“Don’t worry,” she says, turning to Charnell after Cora gets up. “I need you to promise me. You will protect her no matter what happens.”
“I don’t understand?”
“A great power of darkness has arrived,” she cautions. “Give this to Cora when the time is right.”
She hands over a velvet cloth.
Inside, he sees a crystal with a cloud of blackness swirling within.
“Is this what I think it is?” he asks.
“Nelia’s black magic,” she confirms.
51
Cora
Hidden City
“Where does Bryanna live?” Cora asks, pacing back and forth. “They should have been back already. Something doesn’t feel right.”
“Aurora, we had seen some strange things when we arrived. We have seen none of your people anywhere. It’s like the city has been abandoned. We were notified an illness had swept through your city, placing everyone in quarantine and preventing travelers from entering,” he says. “I think we are being set up.”
“A lie. Cora, can you feel a shift in your power?”
“Shift?”
“I sense a great darkness,” she cautions. “Charnell, can you get me more water? The warlock is here.”
The water pitcher shatters against the floor.
Cora stares at Aurora, unable to think, and nausea overcomes her. Trembling inside, she attempts to put on a brave front, but that is far from the truth, knowing her father is hunting her.
“What do you need me to do?” Cora asks.
“Bryanna’s home is located in the apothecary square, which is hidden in the caves here in the city, but her shop is located in the castle.”
“Does she have healing elixirs?”
“She does. Find the bottle that has a pink flower on it.”
“Charnell, I will return.”
“Cora, wait!”
Cora rushes out of the door, almost running into the Elder, who apparently didn’t move when she asked him to bring Bryanna to them. Giving a faint smile, she continues to leave the area. Hopefully, she can find Kyle, Pugh, or Jack to help her and warn them that the warlock is allegedly here somewhere. The halls are still empty, quiet, and show no signs of life.
She can see the party sitting outside the stables, talking, unaware of the dangers that they may face. Pugh tosses Cora an apple, which she accepts. Her teeth sink into the juiciness as her belly grumbles. It looks like there will be no time for dinner or a good nap, and she is craving both, her body heavy from exhaustion.
“I need one of you to help me,” she says.
“Is everything okay?” Pugh questions.
“I can’t get into everything here in the open, in case someone is listening, but Aurora needs our help. The warlock is here, somewhere.”
“I can go with you,” Jack says, grabbing his gear.
“Let me go. You two notify Mitchell and the others what we may be facing,” Kyle says as he joins Cora. “We will reconvene shortly.”
Entering the courtyard, there are still no signs of any of the townspeople. It’s unclear where they are being held.
An Elder watches everything from a balcony.
A large shadow soars above the city, dodging in and out of the clouds.
Once they are inside and out of sight, she tells Kyle they need to break into an herbalist shop to steal healing potions for Charnell and Aurora. In the meantime, they need to be observant, as trouble is lurking. Silence remains between the two as they continue to make their way in the direction of the shop, or at least the direction that Cora remembers.
THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH the door, as Cora thought; it opens without a key, as if someone is waiting for them, but the room is empty. At least, it looks empty. Herbs hang from the ceiling, and their fragrance clings to everything in the room, but not as powerful as one would think. The shelves are covered in vials, elixirs, and potions. The craftsmanship of the vines carved into the wooden prep table resembles a similar skill to those who carved the details inside the caverns.
It’s unclear how Cora will find the elixir before they get caught, or something happens to Aurora or Charnell. Unfortunately, the room is filled with a lot of bottles, some of which she has seen before, but others are entirely new to her.
Kyle gives her a faint smile as he continues to search through the shelves in front of him.
“This is ridiculous. I have no idea what we’re looking for, but I do know this warlock could find us anytime. Charnell and Aurora are going to die.”
“Didn’t you say a bottle with some kind of flower?”
“Yes, pink or red, why?”
“That is a start, right? Maybe they are in sections or something.”
“Or something. It looks like the potions are in the funny-shaped bottles, and the elixirs are in the round-looking ones.”
“Do we need the elixir or the potion?”
“I don’t remember,” she exhales, crossing her arms. “Elixir, maybe.”
“Let’s start there.”
“Time is running out, Kyle. I’m never going to see my parents again, if this warlock finds me, and maybe he’s already taken care of them. This is all my fault.”
Kyle places his hands roughly on her shoulders and shakes her slightly. “I need you to focus. We need both Aurora and Charnell to fight this warlock? If you don’t focus, we are going to have more trouble than we do.”
“Fine.”
Cora steps away from Kyle and closes her eyes. There are so many elixirs in the room she can’t find the one she needs quickly enough. There has not been a time when she has summoned or conjured anything other than the doves, but that was more of an accident. If she can reach Elena or Sylora, they might be able to help, if they are familiar with herbalism.
The crystal is cold against her palm as she tightens her grip and calls out for the druids of Ravendell. A swirling of light glistens in the room as a figure stands in the shadow of the white radiance.
“Cora, you have learned a new ability, which is very impressive,” Sylora commends her.
“We need your help with locating a healing elixir in this shop. Aurora and Charnell are both fighting off different poisons. She is very weak, and the toxin seems to be winning.”
Cora watches Sylora scan the room, searching for the elixir she presumes, as Kyle leans against a bookcase with his arms crossed, almost as impatient as Cora. The silence reflects worry and fear, tugging at Cora’s anxiety as she feels edgy, irritated, and anxious. She wrings her hands together, trying to relax, as he knows the more nervous she becomes, the more likely she will unleash some of her powers. Which would be a beacon for the warlock.
“The elixirs are located at the bottom of a shelf that sits two rows to your left, Cora, and one aisle back from there. You will see several, but you need to grab the two that are identical to one another,” informs Sylora. “There is a pink flower called echinacea on the front. That specific healing elixir is mixed with other herbs to create a concoction that aims to either cure, repair, or lessen the side effects of illness.”
Kyle quickly hunts for the items.
“Thank you for your help. Once all of this is over, perhaps we can have a proper get-together when daily life has calmed,” Cora says.
“Excellent idea.”
Sylora twirls her hand, a bright light explodes, and she disappears.
CORA ENTERS THE ROOM WITH Kyle to see Charnell holding Aurora’s hand. Her mind jumps from one scenario to another as she fears the worst, but she sighs with relief, when Aurora shifts her eyes in her direction. Cora hands over the elixirs to Charnell.
He administers one of the bottles to Aurora, and he downs the other one quickly.
“Did you run into any trouble?” asks Charnell.
“Not exactly. How long do you think this will work?”
“It’s hard to say. She has been going in and out of consciousness, since I have been here. One of those Elders randomly peers inside. However, it does not last for long, and he is gone in a flash. Once you all leave, I will barricade the door and stay here, until she is able to move.”
“Kyle and I will return to the others, if Mitchell has found out anything. There continues to be no signs of the townspeople, warlock, or Nelia. We have only seen one other Elder, and I think you said there are three?”
“At one time, yes. However, I am sure that has not changed. He may be with the warlock. Aurora will need to tell us what abilities they have, but I don’t think that is going to be possible. Kyle, I promised your mother and Cora’s I would protect you, and I don’t want to fail them.”
