Entangled web of destruc.., p.6
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 6
Grabbing her robe, she peers out the window, seeing a fire in the distance outside the wall. That means only one thing. War is upon them. She dresses in her husband’s chainmail, covering it with her robe and grabbing her dagger. There is no turning back, and part of her wish is that she would have escaped with her son, but that would give Jonathan too much worry.
Jumping, Constantina quickly turns around to Alexander, who is entering the royal chambers.
As he approaches, he whispers, “I understand your motive, but I will never lie to the king or defy him. The ladies have left the kingdom, and the knight who helped them has been detained. Too many scouts are outside the walls, and Richard’s army is at the main gate. I pray for all our sakes they make it to their destination.”
She snaps, “I appreciate your loyalty, but my intention is not to lie to my husband. I had no choice but to protect our legacy in case anything should happen to us. Please escort me to the king.”
Several knights enter the royal chamber, flanking around the edges.
“You must follow us to the safe room, for Richard’s army has just breached the gates.”
12
Nelia
Splintered Vale
Charnell escorts Nelia through the garden as the moon’s light drapes over the landscape. A slight breeze brushes through the flowers as a wolf howls in the distance. Tonight is the night a nightmare will unfold, bringing with it death, destruction, and heartbreak. The hair on her arm goes erect as something or someone brushes past her, but there is nothing there. She scans the surroundings, quivering, knowing they are no longer alone.
“Charnell, there is someone here,” she whispers.
“Who?”
“I don’t know, but someone is here, and I can feel it.”
Charnell leans in, whispering, “Nelia, our role tonight is to protect those we serve. No matter what happens, never stop fighting. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
Charnell wraps his arm around her as he ushers her through the entanglement of paths, and three knights join them.
“Nelia, the king is completely unrealistic about what will unfold tonight. He feels his brother is trying to instill fear among our kingdom to divide us all, but Richard’s men will breach the walls, if they have not already, and everything will unravel.”
“I understand, but I can do nothing to change his mind. I can only provide the information that I was given, even if it’s false hope, which it is by no means. We have a long night ahead of us, and if we both make it through this, maybe we can have tea in the garden to catch up.”
“Maybe.”
The garden wraps around the cathedral, highlighting its thick base and tall stained-glass windows. Inside, the candelabra dances in the wind as the door opens, lighting the dark path to the front of the aisle. Jonathan kneels in the front of the room, not saying a word or turning around as they enter. Nelia makes her way to the front to talk with the king, whom she has not spoken with since her arrival.
She wonders if things would be different, if she had not fled years ago and stayed to be his confidant, but with all her powers, she cannot change the night of his mother’s death. Nelia straightens her dress and takes a deep breath as Jonathan approaches her. He still looks as handsome as he did over ten years ago, and she would recognize him anywhere by his walk.
“Sorceress, I wish we had more time to talk, but you know the time I have left is limited. I need you to tell me, if anything has changed since you spoke with my wife.”
“There will be bloodshed between you and your brother this very night. I would warn you to flee, but that would be pointless. Tell me what you wish of me after tonight’s events, Your Majesty.”
“You will accompany Charnell and me back to the saferoom, to be with my wife and son. I ask you to do whatever is in your power to protect them, no matter the cost.” He lays his hand on her shoulder with a gentle smile. “I am glad you are back, but I wish we had more time.”
“Please don’t worry about your family. I will never leave them.”
The rattling of his armor sends chills up her back as he walks by her. Nelia lays her hand against her breastbone to stop the pain as her heart races, and her breathing intensifies. Squeezing her eyes shut to stop the burning tears as they cascade down her cheeks, she knows she can’t stop what will transpire, but she must try.
The door jolts open, alarming Nelia.
Charnell stands in the doorway, covered in blood, with his sword drawn.
“You must follow me quickly, Your Majesty. The enemy has breached the castle, and our army is attempting to hold them back.”
The horns sound from the watch towers. Nelia hurries to the door, watching him disappear into the night with the king, and several knights, flanking them. She squeezes through the closing door and rushes to catch up with them.
Flap.
Flap.
Birds scatter.
HER SHOULDERS TENSE, as she knows she is no longer alone. Trembling, she slowly turns around to see her rival standing a few feet away, and he is not alone. She lowers her head, removes her hood, and reveals her long curls and face. This was unforeseen and something he intentionally prevented her from seeing, a ploy to keep her away from the royal family, no doubt.
“Lurking in the darkness does not suit you, old friend.”
Nelia unfastens her cloak.
“I wish your absence had lasted longer, but your presence gave me another idea.”
She laughs.
“Have you not learned from your past mistakes, warlock? Defying my family did not end well for you, and if you think this distraction will keep me from my duties to the royal family, you are wrong.”
Dark clouds cover the moon as rain rips from the sky, crashing down upon the land. A low rumble brings a burst of lightning zipping across the sky, and a line breaks off, striking a tree in the garden. Another explosion of thunder clashes as fire bellows toward the sky, and wind jostles around the garden as she sweeps her hand across her body, conjuring fire in her palm.
The warlock brushes his hand over an amulet. A faint amber glow radiates around it as the magic in her palm evaporates. He removes his hood, and they are face-to-face for the first time in over a decade. Everything moves too quickly for her to react, her heart beating rapidly as two men secure her arms. Her chest is heavy from the uncertainty of his motives as he walks toward her.
“You were once a great man, humble and kind,” she reminds him. “We once laughed together in the town square. Let us not lose everything we once shared.”
He yanks off her family crystal, tossing it into the gardens.
“Your family no longer protects you, my dear.” He caresses her cheek. “I have plans for us, sorceress. I need you to bear me a child.”
“A child?” She chuckles. “The fumes of your potions must have created delusions, if you think I will ever lie with you.”
“I have not forgotten the feelings we once shared.”
His warm breath masks her face as they gaze at each other intensely. She refuses to flinch or appear frightened, but she doesn’t know how long she can hold out, because the flashing images of what could happen will not stop. When she struggles to free her arms, the men tighten their grip.
“You are serious. Retribution for your actions will not be forgotten.”
Squeezing her eyes shut, a vortex of arcane magic energizes her body as she fades into a dreamlike state, and a blue aura wraps around her.
CHRISTIAN RUNS THROUGH THE corridor of the monastery. His laughter and smile bring happiness as he embraces her with a hug.
“Sister Nelia, you’re back.”
“I missed you, Christian. Tell me what you have been doing, since I left.”
“Father Zackary has taught me more about elixirs. Did you know that healing elixirs are immensely powerful?”
“I did not,” she lies. “What do you have in your hands?”
“I have two elixirs for you, but there is a price.”
“A price?” she asks. “I don’t understand.”
“Once you leave here, you will forget about me again, which is okay because I will never forget you.”
Tears fill her eyes as she realizes he is telling the truth.
“The blue elixir is for strength, and the green is for healing. Which will you choose?”
“What if I don’t want to choose?”
“Your friends and family need your protection. Here, take the blue; it matches your eyes.”
The potion burns her throat.
NELIA CALLS UPON HER black magic, regretting nothing and accepting all the consequences of her decision. The power burns through her veins, and her eyes widen as the darkness takes over.
“A slow, painful plague will invade the bodies of those who have aligned themselves with you. Be warned that everyone will know you are traitors.”
“Your powers are useless against me,” Elbas mocks.
“Underestimating me will be your downfall.”
Unclenching her fists, she pushes her arms to the side, sending a moving charge that blasts everyone away as fiery arrows race through the sky. A motionless moment frees her from the events unfolding in the kingdom as the enemy ravages the castle grounds, screams echo in the distance, and the smell of burning wood assails her nostrils. The rain soaks her body and clothes as time continues to stand still.
13
Constantina
Splintered Vale
Several knights do various tasks around the room as Constantina sits alone, thinking of her family and worrying about what will happen next since the enemy has entered the kingdom. Alexander peers out the door, looking for something or someone and never removing his hand from the hilt of his sword. Her eyes meet her husband’s gaze as he enters the room with Charnell. He rushes toward her, dropping to his knees.
He pulls her hand into his and rests his head on her belly as tears flow. Shutting her eyes, she runs her hand through his damp hair and wipes her nose on her sleeve as commotion erupts outside the door.
“Where is Kyle?”
“Please forgive me.” Her voice cracks. “I sent him away, fearing what your brother would do to him.”
“Don’t worry.”
Richard’s army pushes through the door.
“Evening, brother,” he taunts. “Our father’s picture still hangs in the throne room as if you still care for him, but we know that is a lie.”
“This is unnecessary.” Jonathan draws his sword. “I beg you to stop this before you do something you will regret.”
“Do you know the heartache I endured after being tossed away like trash?” He takes a deep breath as several of his men enter the room. “If your wife renounces the throne, she can go.”
“Your word is not trustworthy,” Jonathan warns. “Charnell, you and Alexander escort my wife to safety.”
“Your Majesty, I refuse to leave you,” Charnell interjects. “Alexander!”
“Richard, for the sake of our family and the realm,” Constantina pleads. “We will renounce the throne and leave Splintered Vale, never to return.”
Alexander pulls her arm, but she jerks away from him.
Before anyone can react, Samuel, Jonathan’s king’s guard, places a blade against her throat from behind.
“You are a traitor to the crown. Release her!” Alexander orders.
“See, brother, your men have turned against you, as has the entire realm.”
Samuel’s body presses against her, pulling her back as Richard and Jonathan argue. How many other men have betrayed them? She closes her eyes, trusting Alexander will protect her and her child. The thought of Nelia’s warning of not knowing the child’s future frightens her. At this time, she must hold on to hope that nothing will happen.
“This could have been avoided, dear brother,” says Jonathan.
“You were lucky to have our mother raise you in a home full of love and promise. The kingdom has flourished and become wealthy. On the other hand, I was raised in squalor, watching unexpected illnesses ravaging our villages over the years. Do you know how heart-wrenching it is to watch your life fall apart? Of course you don’t. We were raised in two completely different worlds.”
He crosses the room, gripping the sword handle and bending his knees, ready to fight.
Richard thrusts his sword at his opponent, but Jonathan dodges his advance. They dance around each other for a few moments, before Jonathan makes a countermove, piercing through Richard’s unprotected clothing and cutting his arm. Richard does not flinch and counterstrikes, twirling around and slicing in the air.
The echoing of the swords sends shivers down Constantina’s spine.
They dance around each other and counter each other’s moves.
Jonathan swings, missing his brother, allowing Richard to catch Jonathan off guard. He pushes forward, thrusting his sword under the armor, and penetrates his body.
Jonathan groans as his sword collides with the floor, and he collapses.
“No!” Constantina pulls away from Samuel, pushing past Richard, and drops beside her husband. “Jonathan, please look at me.”
Alexander flips his sword against Samuel’s throat, warning him not to intervene.
The warlock abruptly appears.
“Your Majesty, Jonathan’s reinforcements have arrived. We must retreat.”
Richard drops his sword.
“Until we meet again, Constantina.”
“My queen, we must get you out of here,” Charnell warns.
“I will not leave him. Gather our forces to retaliate,” she orders.
“I cannot do that. My priority is to protect you and the heirs,” Alexander says as he gently lays his hand on her shoulder. “The king’s breathing is shallow, and he is losing a lot of blood.”
“I will not lose him. Do you understand me?”
She brushes back her husband’s hair and kisses his lips.
He grips her hand, whispering, “Do not give in to my brother’s endless promises. You have strength like no other, the ambition to lead our kingdom, and the power to show Kyle how to rule.”
“Jonathan, you are the endless light of my soul.”
Time fades as they share their last moment together, and he dies in her arms. She closes his eyes, wanting the nightmare to disappear and their happiness restored. Every happy memory floods her mind. The chatter between Charnell and Alexander interrupts her thoughts as their argument intensifies. Water gushes down her legs, soaking her gown.
“No! Alexander, my water broke.”
“Find Nelia!” Alexander orders.
Charnell nods as Lord Mitchell enters with several knights.
Mitchell shares, “We have taken back control of the towers, and the gates are secure.”
“Your Majesty, I will escort you to your chambers.”
“I cannot leave him. Please do not make me leave him,” she says as she grabs her husband’s hand. The contractions intensify, and her words get weak as her energy is depleted.
He waves for two knights to secure the king’s body as he helps her up. Her legs tremble and become unsteady, and dizziness overcomes her, and she collapses.
14
Charnell
Splintered Vale
The storm diminishes over Splintered Vale as brisk rain coats the land and Charnell’s clothing as he and two other knights search for Nelia. A faint glow catches his attention. Flinching, his hand scrapes against the thorns of the roses as he grabs the cold locket. The family heirloom holds the key to her existence and charges her magical powers, so there is no way she would have left it voluntarily. He had no choice but to leave her as he escorted the king to the saferoom.
The drops of rain echo with every impact against the ground, and every moment seems to slow down as he scans the surroundings for a sign, any sign of her. A soft breeze swirls around him, bringing a faint scent of sweet lavender, and the clattering of the conservatory’s windows catches his attention as the wind intensifies. The pounding of his heart overpowers his thoughts. He worries about what may have happened.
Time stands still as he grasps the cold iron and hesitates to enter, not knowing what he may encounter inside. Images continue to flash in his mind of what could have happened or what could be. A blue aura engulfs his hand as the warmth of the metal startles him, a power he has never seen or felt before, and a connection to Nelia he will never be able to explain. He nods for the two knights to stay outside as he enters the greenhouse.
A streak of light travels around the room toward the darkest corner, where he can see Nelia. Cautiously, he walks toward her. Her hair and clothes are soaked from the rain. She rocks back and forth slightly, cradling her knees. Kneeling in front of her, he holds out the locket, and the aura brightens the small area, highlighting her torn clothes and scrapes on her hands.
The intense pain in his knees against the uneven floor causes him to shift, and her eyes lock with his.
“Let me help you.” He reaches for her hand.
“Do you know that no matter what our abilities, we can still fail ourselves and others? Alexander told me I need to control my emotions, or darkness will consume me, but maybe that is what I want. Not to feel pain or love or anything. The evil dominates and reaches out every waking hour until I give in.”
“He is a wise man,” he agrees as he withdraws his hand. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.”
“I can’t turn off the vivid visions of Jonathan, our friend, king, and guide. It’s too much for me to tolerate after everything that has happened. Failure is not an option for me, but here we are again, in a situation where I have forsaken my duties. My sister has the power to cast me away into the shadows to protect everyone from harm, but she chooses to watch me unravel as I bring destruction to everything I touch.”
