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This month's story is... Thornburg's Prophecy- Book 1 of Fantastic Tales of Fae
(preface through chapter 5)
May 18th-June 18th 2017
PREFACE - BELLEROSE
The Sorcerer’s powers were strongest around the iron castle. It stood alone on the highest peak of the deadly mountains. Because of his plague of darkness, the mountain never saw, the light of the sun because the darkness blocked it out. It laid thick like tar. It devoured the mountain like a hungry beast. Inside the castle, a barefoot girl in rags with butchered hair moved silently through the empty halls. It was pitch dark, not a single torch was lit, but she didn’t need light to know where she was going. Though she had never seen it with the torches lit, she often imagined the walls draped in beautiful tapestries. She knew there were chandeliers above, because she could hear them creak as they swung from the chains that held them up. No one had even once lit their candles in her lifetime. She hoped one day she would see those chandeliers all lit up.
Swish, something moved past her in the dark. Not wanting to be caught by the fiends that roamed within the black veil, she stopped and stood frozen, till she was sure whatever it was had passed.
She continued, on silent feet as she headed for her destination. A lonely tower in the farthest corner of the castle. It was there where the Half-Elf Princess had been imprisoned
Teregarin was the world below the mountain, across the sea of lava, in the beautiful part of the world. It was where the Fae and Humans lived in harmony. She had never been there. It was her dream to someday see it.
The girl stopped at the end of the hall. The cold air came in through the crack under the door. It made her toes curl. She took a deep breath and pushed with all her might. The door creaked open. She poked her head out. It was snowing again. The ground was covered. She should have grabbed her father’s old pair of boots for this, but she knew if she could just get to the tower, the Princess would make it all better.
Getting there was the hard part. First, she had to cross the frozen courtyard, there was a giant beast chained up in the courtyard among the various stone statues, that were once humans or elves or other creatures. The only Fae not turned to statue were fairies. They could become tiny in the blink of an eye so they could avoid the poison.
She wondered if the Queen Auria was among the statues in the garden. She had heard her mother talking about the tragedy that befell the Princess’s parents. It made her wonder what would happen to her if her parents were taken from her. She shuddered. Then she shook her mind clear as she prepared to venture forward. One wrong step and the beast or dragon would be upon her. She could see the form of the beast. He was asleep. She sighed with relief. One glance at the sky for the dragon and she darted out. One, two three, four, five. She ducked behind a statue to catch her breath. It was a young woman. A look of fright forever sealed on her face. The woman held a bundle of something in her arms. The little girl refused to allow herself to believe that it was an infant.
The wind was merciless and the snow relentlessly pounded down on her. One glance at the beast, one glance at the sky, a deep breath and one, two, three, four, five. She darted behind another statue. This time it was of an old man. He held out a cane as if trying to defend himself. The same look plastered on his face as the woman’s. A look of pure terror.
The sorcerer hadn’t created these, these had been the work of a basilisk. A deadly creature who could turn you to stone with just one look.
She heard the flapping of wings overhead and knew the dragon was nearby.
“Don’t you know by now, he wouldn’t eat you if he saw you?” A voice spoke. It was masculine and deep.
“Who…who said that?” The little girl asked trying to control her fear.
“You have us all wrong.” The voice said. “Come out from behind that old man, and come see for yourself.”
“You’re the b. b. b. beast. You’re trying to t. t. t. trick m. m. me, so you can e. e. e. eat m. me.”
The beast began to laugh. “Child, I would no more eat you than I would eat- He paused “Well never mind, if you waited for me to decide what I wouldn’t eat, you’d freeze to death. You better hurry on up to the tower, the sooner you reach it, the sooner Bellerose can heal you.”
“H. h. how d. do y. y. you know I’m g. g. going to the t. t. tower?”
“I’ve been watching you. You think I’m asleep, but I hear you when you walk by. I open my eyes when you get past and I watch you scurrying through the dark to the tower. She’s lucky she has someone like you to look after her.”
“Are you a prisoner too?” The little girl stepped out from behind the stone man.
Unlike the castle, the moonlight lit the yard, so she could clearly see the beast when she stepped out. Without looking up, she could only see the paws of a massive lion. They were at least six foot tall on their own. They were attacked to a beast, he mostly looked like a lion, but had the face of the human he once was, the tail of a scorpion and the wings of a bat. The creature, Byron Thornburg had been turned into, was called a manticore.
“In a way.” The beast replied. He laid down, so the girl could see him better. “I’d say more slave than prisoner. Chained here and forced to do my master’s bidding.” She could see the iron shackles on his paws and heard the scrape of the chains against the ground. Byron looked up at the sky. “At least I have it easier than poor Draco. He’s forced to fly from noon to dawn with no rest.”
“Why?”
“Because he defied the Sorcerer. He was told along with the rest of the dragons to kill the unicorns, but he resisted, and he even saved the last one.”
“You mean there’s still unicorns?” The little girl asked with wide eyed wonder.
The beast laughed. “There is one, and Draco hid her from the sorcerer.”
“But how will it make baby unicorns if there’s only one?”
“She’ll have to wait, till the Bringer of light brings the unicorns back.”
“She can do that?”
“With the power of the book.”
“Where is the book? Tell me, I can get it and then she can bring the unicorns back.”
“It isn’t here. It was sent away, to a far place. A safe place. It was my grandfather who was charged with the task of protecting it.”
“Wilson is your grandfather?”
“Did I actually say that? You weren’t supposed to hear that.”
“Your secret is safe with me, Prince Byron.” She pulled her tattered skirt out at the sides and curtsied.
“I am not him, anymore.” The beast sad sadly. “I am nothing but a beast that guards this castle, but I am no enemy to the Fae or to any human. I guard this castle, because it allows me to guard her, and her sister.”
“Wait, I’m confused.”
“Well you’re going to be frozen if you don’t get going. Come back when you have seen her, I will tell you more. Tell her, tell there is a guardian closer than she may think, actually there are two.” He looked up at the sky as Draco flew by. “Now go, and be careful on the steps, they will be slippery.”
“I’ll be careful.” The little girl waved and headed off toward the tower. She could see it looming in the darkness. She looked up, and couldn’t see the top, for it was shrouded in a thick black cloud. The sorcerer’s plague, it was strongest around the stone tower.
The staircase wound its way around the outside of the tower. They spiraled all the way up to the iron door at the top. The little girl in rags, began to climb the frozen stone steps.
As she climbed higher the wind grew stronger and, colder and she slowed to almost a crawl fighting against it. Snowflakes swirled, lashing at her eyes, but she fought through the prickling pain and blindness. The steps became slippery and she slipped and slammed her knee into the frozen stone step. She cried out in pain, but her cries were muffled by the heavy fog. Once she picked herself up again, she started limping back up the stairs. The little girl knew if she could just reach the top, the princess would make it all better.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The princess, Bellerose, stood at the window of her tower. The fabric of her dress was thin, soft, and white, yet she did not feel the chill in the air as the little girl on the stairs did. Behind her was a tall white glowing flame. It had taken years to perfect, but at last she had managed it. The light in the center of the tower gave off a warm glow. It made her natural wheat colored hair that flowed down her back and across the floor, take on a golden hue.
She listening to the howl of the wind, waiting for the sound of the dragon’s wings as it passed overhead. This was the only way she could mark time. The dragon passed over her tower twice every hour. When she no longer heard him, it meant it was dawn. Though the darkness outside her tower never changed day or night because of the plague, her keen ears could hear the different sounds that came depending on day or night. Aside from the dragon who left the sky for several hours, somewhere below the tower she could hear the faint distant roar of the beast that roamed below. Like the dragon who passed over twice an hour, the beast roared twice an hour, but only during the hours the dragon wasn’t in the sky. In the day time between the hours the dragon wasn’t in the sky, other creatures often flew by, including Vultures, rocs and harpies. The vultures screeched as they circled looking for their next meal. The rocs powerful wings made a thunderous echo and the harpies screamed and cackled at each other. Occasionally a harpy would land on the tower’s window sill.
Bellerose heard the sound she dreaded. She made a fist and flicked her hands open. Little sparks of white energy appeared. She heard the thump and turned to see the harpy’s red glowing eyes looking at her.
“I have news for you.” The harpy said. “The army has fallen. The vultures are picking the bodies to pieces. Your brother, Asheron, was among them.”
“You’re lying.” Bellerose threw the first ball at the harpy. It screeched and dodged.
“Well, maybe it wasn’t Asheron. Maybe it was the other one. Either way you’re going to lose them all.” She cackled and Bellerose threw another ball of light at her. This time it struck the harpy and sent her flying backwards out of the tower. Four more harpies came flying in at her. They tore at her dress and pulled at her hair. Then two of them pushed her back till she was helplessly pinned against the iron door. The first harpy flew back in. She started towards her. Slowly, methodically. The two harpies held her pinned against the door with their talons.
“Pathetic little elf girl.” The harpy said. “You can’t even fight off three silly harpies, how are you ever going to fight off the Bringer of Darkness, the most powerful being in all the world?” The harpy slapped her face with her wing. “Do you think he won’t clap you in irons, subdue you so that you can’t fight him as he performs his ritual? You’re helpless and pathetic.” She slapped her again. Bellerose struggled against the harpies. The claws of their talons dug into her flesh.
Suddenly there was a loud thud as another creature appeared at the window. A giant lion’s paw clawed at the harpies. They screeched and tried to get away, but the only way out was through the window where the beast was waiting for them. They all dived at the beast clawing at the lion’s paw till it withdrew then they flew out. Bellerose could see the dark shapes and hear battle as the harpies and the beast fought. At last the harpies flew off and Bellerose was alone again. She never saw more than the giant paw of the beast that often came to her rescue, but she was grateful. She wondered if it was the beast in the courtyard, and why did he always defend her from the harpies?
It had been a while now, since the harpies had last attacked.
She was so far up, that even her keen hearing couldn’t pick up the conversation that was going on in the courtyard, below her. She didn’t pick up the sounds of the little girl on the steps outside, till she was half way up.
Bellerose heard a cry of pain. Oh, poor Fawn. She was such a dear and loyal friend. She risked her life every time she came to visit, and no matter how many times Bellerose told her she had to stop coming, the cook’s stubborn daughter, never listened.
A faint smile crept across the Princess’ face at the thought of her friend’s visit. It was always a comfort to see her. Fawn always came with messages from the cook. Bellerose had never actually met her, but from the way Fawn talked about her mother, Bellerose could tell the woman was kind and thoughtful. She was married to the captain of the guards who had somehow convinced the Sorcerer that he was worth not killing. Together they worked the system, to help the various slaves and prisoners. They were practically slaves themselves, as their payment ended and they were trapped when the new sorcerer took over. They were survivors and they did whatever they had to, to protect their children. The guard would get information out of the prisoners in exchange for bits of food from his wife. Then he would tell her, and their daughter would overhear it and tell Bellerose.
The Fae had been fighting a war since before they were both born, and though the Bringer himself was dormant now, his legion was not. It wreaked havoc where ever it went killing and maiming the Fae and humans. Those they didn’t kill, they’d capture and bring them to the castle where they would be thrown into the prison and left to die. Of course, the guard and cook wouldn’t allow that.
The castle was under the rule of the Wicked Queen, Angelica and Calex, the Lord-host, the foolish apprentice who was consumed by the Bringer of Darkness. They hid themselves in their own towers, waited on by the slaves. They were all women, some human, some Fae. The original Bringer had captured them, long before he had been concealed in the book. Most of them had long forgotten their own names and who they once were. Fawn often told Bellerose the story of a human Queen who was among them, but no one could remember her name or what land she was the queen of. Bellerose always promised that when she saved them all, she would see that the Queen found her rightful place.
Her keen ears picked up the faint pit pat of the girl’s bare feet on the stairs again. She was higher now, just a few more turns and she’d be at the door.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Fawn bravely fought her way up the rest of the stairs. She would not give up. The thought of seeing her dear friend urged her on. Suddenly she felt a warmth inside of her. The princess was thinking of her, filling her with the warmth of her light to keep her going. Fawn pushed herself a little faster. She ignored her now numb limb as she struggled up the last few steps. She suddenly heard the flapping of wings, and froze in terror as the dragon flew over. Suddenly a talon snatched her.
“No! Let me go!” She begged.
The dragon flew up higher and then as quickly as it had snatched her, it let her go. She found herself on the top step outside the door.
“Thank you!” She called out as the dragon flew off.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bellerose heard Fawn outside the door. “Fawn, you must stop coming.” Bellerose stood at the window now facing the door across from the tower. “It’s very dangerous.”-
“I’m not afraid.” Fawn said as she fiddled with the key her father had given her. Her hands were so cold and stiff she could barely turn it, but at last she heard the click and she pushed the door open.
The first thing Fawn always saw was the white flame in the center of the room. It was dim and small, but it gave a dim light in the otherwise pitch dark tower. Fawn entered the tower and shut the door behind her. Then she came around the side of the flame. Bellerose stood by the window. She wore a thin white dress and had long golden tresses that flowed down the length of her body and pooled on the floor. Around her throat was an amulet with the ghostly etching of a unicorn, and a crown of gold sat on her head. The Princess raised her hands and the flame got brighter.
Fawn stopped to bow. “I brought you a loaf of bread. It was all I could carry with me.”
“That was very thoughtful of you, Fawn. We’ll share it.” Fawn handed it to her and Bellerose broke it in half and handed one half back to Fawn. Fawn greedily gobbled up her half while Bellerose nibbled on hers.
“Here, I’m full. Your mother knows how to make a hearty bread.”
“You barely ate any.”
“I ate enough. Here, you need it more than I do.” Fawn hesitated before she took the bread and gobbled it up. “Fawn, this has to be your last visit.”
“Why?”
“I can feel a change in the air. Can’t you feel it?”
“I just feel cold.” Fawn said shivering.
“You’ll catch your death in here.” Bellerose came to kneel before the little girl. “Let me see your hands.” She took the girls hands into her own and she closed her eyes.
“No. Don’t. You’ll spend up all your power for the day. Just heal my leg, and I’ll be all better.”
“I’ll be all right, but you won’t survive much longer. Let me do this, Fawn. You and your mother have been so kind to me, it’s the least I can do.”
“Just a little.” Fawn said. Bellerose nodded with a gentle smile. Of course, they both knew she would heal her as much as she could. Because of the iron door, she had a sickness that caused her powers to be weak and when she used them it drained her, so it took everything she had to help Fawn.
Bellerose covered the girl’s icy hands with hers and filled her hands with white flames of light. It warmed Fawn’s hands and spread across her body. Her leg healed and she felt warm again.
“Enough!” She said pulling her hands away. “Keep some of your strength for yourself. I have so much to tell you.” Fawn said excitedly.
“What is it?” Bellerose asked. Her curiosity peaked.
“You know the beast in the courtyard?”
“Yes?”
“He’s your Uncle, Byron.”
“Byron?”
“And the dragon in the sky, that’s Draco, the last dragon of the north. He helped me. He carried me to the door.”
“Did he?”
“They aren’t evil or dangerous.”
“I don’t understand. Draco is the one who attacked my father’s kingdom.”
“He was forced to, he’s a prisoner, just like you. So is your Uncle Byron.”
“So that’s why he saved me from the harpies.”
“Harpies? You were attacked by harpies?”
“yes. Which is why it’s not safe for you to come up here.”
“But if I don’t bring you food, who will?”
“Once a day a tray of food arrives on my window sill. I don’t know who sends it or where it comes from, I never see who delivers it. But every morning, it’s there. So, you don’t need to worry about me. Someone takes care of me.”
“You’re my friend.”
“And you’re mine, and that will never change, no matter what, but you must stop coming.”
“But it’s not so dangerous anymore. The beast won’t hurt me while I cross the courtyard, and the dragon will help me if I can’t continue on.”
“Fawn! Tomorrow is my sixteenth birthday.”
“Oh! You mean tomorrow, we’ll all be free?”
“If I win.” Bellerose said.
“You will. You have to.”
“Fawn I need you to do something for me.”
“Fawn nodded.
“If the ritual happens tomorrow, if I am defeated, if your father and his loyal men can get Calex back into the castle, even if the plague of darkness spreads, if Calex is in the castle, the Bringer of Darkness is subdued, as long as he’s subdued he can’t hurt anyone. Promise me you will tell your father.”
“I promise.”
“Then the world still has a chance, even if I am defeated. I wish I could pass my power to you, but I don’t think it works that way. It must be a child of my own, and if I die tomorrow, I’ll be able to have a child of my own, but maybe one of my sisters can. Maybe one of their children or grandchildren will be the next Bringer of Light and maybe they’ll succeed where I fail.”
“You won’t fail. You’re the Bringer of Light.”
“My grandmother failed.”
“She captured the darkness, before it could perform the ritual. What if you did the same? I can get you the book, so that you can capture it. Then you can bury it deep within the mountain where no one will ever find it again.”
“It would be dawn long before you found the book. Calex probably hid it.”
“You can’t give up.” Fawn said throwing her arms around Bellerose’s waist.”
“I’m not. I will fight, Fawn, I will fight with every breath, but you need to understand that it may not be enough, and so the world must be prepared to go on without me. Starlight, as long as her light shines, there will still be hope.”
“Mother said she hid her light, when Calex was consumed, she gave up being the Bringer of light.”
“Then someone must help her find it again. You, Fawn. You must help her find it again.”
“Me? But I’ve never even met the Goddess. Why would she listen to me?”
“Because you are my dearest friend.” Bellerose hugged her. “I have one more request.” Bellerose unhooked the necklace from around her neck.
“No!” Fawn shook her head. “You need her.”
“She needs to be protected.” Bellerose hooked the necklace around Fawn’s neck. “Will you protect her?”
“No, I can’t, but I know someone who can. No one knows she’s alive.” Bellerose cocked her head. “I have a twin sister.”
“You do?”
“She’s hidden, because it was against the rules for slaves to have more than one child, so father hid her, he and I are the only ones who know where she is. I visit her whenever I leave you, I tell her all about my visit with you. If anyone can keep the last unicorn safe for you, Lilly can.”
The beast suddenly roared. Bellerose ran to the window. She could hear the dragon’s wings in the far distance. The beast roared again. “That’s odd.”
“What?”
“He never roars more than once an hour, and the dragon is still in the sky. Which means it’s not yet dawn.”
“Someone must be coming. He’s probably trying to warn us.”
“If someone is coming, if you go down by the way of the stairs, whoever it is will see you. You’ll be safer up here.” Bellerose raised her hand to the flames and closed her fist. The flame vanished throwing them into pitch darkness. Fawn gulped as she hid draped beneath Bellerose’s’ hair. She clung to her skirt.
“It may only be your father.”
“I don’t think Prince Byron would warn us if it was just my father.”
“Maybe it’s the harpies.” Bellerose turned to face the window. She pushed Fawn behind her. She listened but there was no sound of flapping wings, aside from the dragon who was now circling back towards them. The beast roared again. His roar seemed to get louder. She could now hear the flapping of wings. She had only heard that sound once before.
II
Suddenly Bellerose heard footsteps on the stairs. One set was heavy footed and stomped, while the other was softer. It made a clicking sound with each step. She became silent and cocked her head.
“What? What is it?” Fawn asked.
Bellerose put a finger to her lips.
“What do you hear?” Fawn asked.
“I think someone is coming. No not just someone. I hear two distinct footsteps on the stairs.”
“The Wicked Queen is coming with a guard. She’ll kill me if she finds me here.”
Outside she could hear the steady flap of the dragon’s wings as it made another pass over the tower. As the flapping faded, the footsteps got louder.
“I’m so scared.” Fawn trembled behind her.
“I won’t let them hurt you.” Bellerose promised. She reached her hand back and Fawn clutched it. Their hearts raced as they waited as Bellerose listened as the footsteps got higher and higher up the stairs. The dragon circled repeatedly. At last the door flew open and the light from a burning torch shone in the room
“How is this door unlocked?” A female voice demanded. “Who was up here with you?”
“No one.”
“No one?” Angelica reached behind her and pulled fawn out. “What do we have here? A little sewer rat?”
“Don’t hurt her.” Bellerose begged.
“How did you get the door open?”
“I had a key.” Fawn admitted.
“The key. Hand, it over.”
“I…I threw it out the window.” Fawn pointed.
“Clever little girl, aren’t you? Be gone! Before I feed you to the beast.”
“He wouldn’t eat me.” Fawn said defiantly. “I know his secret. He talked to me.” Fawn didn’t release Bellerose’s hand but stayed where she was.
“If I catch you out of the sewer again, little rat, she won’t be able to protect you.”
“Leave her alone, Angelica!” Bellerose said.
“So, the little sewer rat told you who I am? What else did she tell you?”
“She told me you were the wicked Queen who ruled this castle alongside the Bringer of Darkness.”
“What else?” Angelica demanded.
“What else should she have told me?”
“I never said you were her sister.” Fawn said.
“Sister?” Bellerose asked surprised. “No sister of mine would ever do this.”
“Oh, but that’s not all she did.” Fawn said clutching Bellerose’s hand for strength. “She killed your father and turned your mother into stone.”
“Silence you little rat.” Angelica threw the torch at her, but Bellerose blocked it. The torch went out. The tower was instantly thrown into darkness. “When I get my hands on you, I’m going to wring your little neck.”
“You’re not going to harm her.” Bellerose turned to whisper to Fawn. “She can’t see you, make your way to the door and when you get back to the kitchen hide. I’ll distract her.”
“It’s pitch dark in here. Why don’t you bring the light?”
“She can’t.” Fawn said still in the room. “She used her strength to heal me.”
“Captain, take the little rat back to where she belongs and make sure she stays there. Then return quickly.”
“Yes, my Queen.” The guard bowed. “Come along, Fawn.” The guard gently picked her up and carried her out.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bellerose turned her back to look out the window. It was as dark outside as it was inside the tower. She could hear the rustling of leaves as the wind howled through the trees. The dragon was coming around again. There wasn’t even a sliver of moon light. “It’s always so dark here.”
“Your tower is consumed by the darkness.” Angelica explained. “This whole mountain is, and after tomorrow, the whole world will be just like this.”
Bellerose heard footsteps behind her. She felt Angelica step on her hair as she crossed the room to stand beside her sister at the window.
“I will defeat him.” Bellerose promised. “I will save our world.”
“You wouldn’t stand a chance. You haven’t learned how to wield your power. What little power you had, you wasted it on that rat.”
“Stop calling her that. She is a human.” Bellerose snapped. It took Angelica by surprise for a second.
“If you think I care for humans, you would be greatly mistaken,” she said.
“Why? You are a human.” Bellerose pointed out.
“I am not!” Angelica insisted, her face contorted in mild disgust. “Despite appearances to the contrary, I am a mortal half elf with no power. There is a difference.”
“Father was a human. I may not remember much, but I remember that.” Bellerose said
“Father was a half-human.” Angelica said. “Less than half even. He was mostly Fae. He just looked like a human.”
“But he was mortal.”
“Yes, he was that.” Angelica became silent again and both sisters stood side by side looking out into the abyss.
Bellerose sighed. She tried to cross the room, but the sharp tug on her scalp reminded her that Angelica was still standing on her hair, keeping her tethered within a short distance from the woman. Still, she wanted a little distance between them.
“Get off my hair!”
“Your hair? Oh! I didn’t see it.” Angelica stepped back only to step on more of Bellerose’s hair.
“You’re still on it!”
“My goodness, how long is your hair?”
“I don’t know.” Bellerose said. “It just keeps growing.”
Bellerose fell silent for a moment. She sighed again. “If I am to die at dawn, then allow me a few hours of peace.”
“Someday this will all make sense.” Angelica said.
“There won’t be a someday, I’ll be dead by dawn.”
“No, you won’t.”
“You can’t guarantee I’ll defeat him.”
“No, I can’t, but—” Angelica pulled a dagger from the bodice of her top. She unsheathed it, and the tip glowed green.
“I do—regret—what I did to father—and to mother.” She paused. “but I won’t regret this.” Before Bellerose could turn around, Angelica thrust the dagger into her side. The blade slid between her ribs and the girl gave a frightened gasp as the pain spread through her chest. Bellerose fell to her knees. “I’m sorry, dear sister. Someday you’ll understand.” Angelica pulled the dagger out and let it fall to the ground. Bellerose groaned in agony. Blood immediately began to pour from the open wound. Bellerose nearly collapsed but Angelica grasped her around the waist and supported her sagging frame. She took out a vial of clear liquid, uncorked it quickly and spilled a drop on Bellerose’s wound. “You won’t die. This elixir I smeared on my blade is a potion Uncle Biron helped me make many years ago. In time, you’ll be strong enough to defeat the Bringer of Darkness, but not yet. Not today. Now sleep, Bellerose. Close your eyes and sleep.” Bellerose’ eyes closed. Angelica gently laid her on the floor.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Angelica sat on the floor in the tower long after Bellerose had been taken to the dungeon. Did she do the right thing? Did she just save them all or doom them? She got up and went to the window. The dragon was still in the sky, which meant it wasn’t quite dawn yet. Now to brace herself and face the Bringer of Darkness’ wrath when he finds the ring empty. She wondered how much time she would have to hide. Where could she go that he wouldn’t find her? She knew Starlight and the guardians wouldn’t help her after she had betrayed them, even though Starlight was there the night it happened. Her thoughts turned back ten years earlier, to Bellerose’ sixth birthday, the day no one would ever forget.
CHAPTER ONE-Angelica
Ten years earlier
From the shadows, Angelica watched as her father and his soldiers rode into town at dawn. Her brother proudly rode beside him. The King and Prince lost in deep conversation till they arrived. They looked tired, hungry and several were wounded, but everyone who had taken off had returned.
The village was awake and welcomed their heroes with shouts of good cheer and showers of petals as they rode through the streets.
“I see them!” She heard Bellerose, shout excitedly. The little six-year-old princess waved happily as her father and his men rode into sight of the castle. There was music now, as musicians gaily led the parade to the castle. At last the horses stopped and the king dismounted. “Father! You have come home!” The little princess ran to her father’s open arms.
Angelica was wracked with a wave of sadness, guilt, and jealousy as she watched her father embrace her sister in loving arms.
“Hello my beautiful rose.” He hugged her tight. Bellerose had wheat colored hair that hung down her back and brushed the floor. It was pulled back in a loose braid and a wreath of white roses sat on her head around her gold tiara. Her dress was white with blue ribbons. “You get prettier every year.” He kissed her cheek. “Run and tell your Uncle we have arrived, some of my men need healing.”
Angelica watched her parents embrace. It has been years since she had left on the journey with her Uncle, Byron. Bellerose hadn’t even been born. Angelica studied her family. Her twin brother, Asheron was getting older. He was still not full grown for an elf, but for a human like her, they were nearing their 21st year. According to her research, humans only lived to be 40 years of age. It meant she was over half way through her lifetime.
Like Angelica, Asheron and his other siblings had the dark hair of their mother. But unlike her, they had the elven ears and the elvish power and most of all, they had the immortality. It didn’t stop them from dying in this world, but if they did die, they would have a chance to be reborn when the book of Fae prophecy was used to restore them. That was Bellerose’s job when she was older. She would restore the world and bring back the fallen Fae, if she survived the Bringer of Darkness’ ritual.
Angelica pulled the poisoned dagger from the bodice of her gown. Did she really have what it would take? When it came time, could she really do it? She wondered as she put the dagger back. She moved through the shadows till she could hear her father and Marrick speaking. Her father and Uncle looked like twins except Marrick wore a blue robe and an emblem of the sun, and Garrett wore gold armor and a cape of green. She watched them embrace in their own way, clasping each other’s arms and then pulling in tight and patting each other on the back.
“Don’t think I don’t see you.” Came a voice. “I’ll pretend I don’t, but just tell me, are you all right?” Asheron leaned up against the tree she was hiding behind.
“I should have known, you’d spot me.”
“We’re connected, you and me. Why don’t you come out of the shadows and show yourself to the family? They’ll be overjoyed to see you.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not? They miss you, they long for your return, and here you are.” Ace reached around the tree and felt for her hand. She allowed him to take hold of it.
“Ace, what do you know about the prophecy?”
“You mean tonight’s prophecy?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I know that something is going to happen. Someone is going to kill- He dropped her hand and turned around to face her. “It’s you! You’re going to do it. That’s why you won’t come out of the shadows. Why?”
“I have to.” Angelica turned her back to him so he wouldn’t see her tears.
“Don’t do it.” Asheron begged.
“I have to.” Angelica whispered.
“If I call for the guards and tell them you’re here to kill the king, they will arrest you and then you won’t be able to.” Asheron grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. He removed the hood of her cloak.
“Father and I have searched everywhere for you, and here you are.” Angelica struggled to get out of his grip, but he tightened it around her arms.
“Let me go, Ace.”
“No. Not till you tell me why. Are you under his control?” Asheron searched her eyes for signs of mind control. “So, you do this, under your own free will? I don’t believe you.”
“I want power and immortality. I want to be like you. Powerful and immortal. I don’t understand why I was born so different.”
“What did you do?” He gripped her arms even tighter and shook her. “What did you do?”
“I promised to bring him Bellerose.” Asheron raised his arm to strike her, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He was still seeing his beloved sister, his twin, in front of him.
“If you do this, I will never forgive you.” With that he ran off. Angelica put her hood back up and slumped against the tree.
“Someday you’ll understand.” She said wiping away her tears. “Someday you will all understand.” Angelica wiped every trace of tears and slipped off into the shadows to find her sister. She found her in the garden, but she wasn’t alone. Four fairies were with her. Angelica watched as they flew around her and she happily tried to catch them. Then the fairies became big and bowed to her. No fairy had ever bowed to Angelica. She felt the twinge of jealousy creeping in. Instead of pushing it away, she let it consume her. She would need those feelings to carry out her deeds.
Angelica slipped further into the shadows when her sister Celera appeared. Celera, would have recognized her and sounded the alarm, well, not the alarm, she technically hadn’t done anything yet, but she didn’t want to be discovered, not yet. But not only that, it would hurt too much to reunite with her family knowing what she would have to do.
Bellerose was now making little white butterflies and then she would chase after them. Even at six years old she had the kind of power Angelica could only dream of, the kind the Sorcerer had promised her in exchange for her sister, but first the kingdom would have to burn and their father would have to die. Angelica pulled the dagger out again.
“There is a celebration going on, or did you not hear?” Angelica turned to see a snow-white Pegasus fly down. As she landed she turned into a woman with fire red hair. She wore a gown of white with a cloak of gold. In her hand, she held an orb.
“Don’t try to stop me, goddess.” Angelica said. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“Silence child.” Starlight raised her free hand and silenced Angelica. “I am not here to stop you. I know what must be done, but know once you cross that threshold there is no coming back from it. Once you kill, you will never be the same. Once you kill, you will always be a Dark One.”
“I’m already a dark one.” Angelica lied. “I killed Uncle Byron.”
“then you are truly lost to us.” Starlight said sadly. She took form of a Pegasus and flew off.
“I thought you of all people would understand!” Angelica whispered.
“Why take claim to something that isn’t true?” She heard a voice speak. At first, she though it was her father, but when the wizard appeared before her instead of the King, she knew it was her Uncle, Marrick.
“You know nothing, Uncle.”
“I know in my heart my brother is still alive. So why would you tell the goddess that you killed him.”
“I had to tell her that. I had to make her believe I was lost.”
“You are only hurting yourself.”
“I am only following the prophecy. Playing my part in the game. If anyone is to blame, it is the wise ones, they were the ones who created it, they are the ones driving me to do this. They are the ones who decided I should be human so that my jealousy and desire for power and immortality would drive me to carry out their wishes.”
“The wise ones did create the prophecy, that is true, but they did not create the darkness. They created the prophecy to stop the darkness. Bellerose is the Bringer of Light, no matter what you do, she will always be the bringer of light and she will always come to the moment where she must face her enemy and destroy him before he destroys her. But the darkness is spreading and our world is at war with the Legion. Your father and the Goddess’ army beat them back, but they will return and they will return stronger. Only your father has the strength to hold them back. Kill him, and we are done for.”
“I wish there was another way, believe me, Uncle, I do, but there isn’t. I’m sorry, but there must be another way to beat the Legion, but father, must die. It’s in the prophecy.”
“Then I will not try to stop you, we all know the prophecy and we all know it cannot be denied. We must find another way to defeat the legion. If you do this, you will have taken both my brothers from me, don’t expect me to forgive you.”
“I don’t expect you to. I don’t expect anyone to. I don’t even know if I will ever forgive myself. I will have to become a dark one, just to lose these feelings.”
“No. Live with them.” Marrick snarled. “Let them torment you for all your days. It is a just and fair punishment.” With those words, he walked away.
The celebration lasted all day, ending with a feast. Angelica was hungry and longed to join her family, but she remained in the shadows.
“I thought you might be hungry.” Asheron said. “You can’t join us, can you?”
Angelica shook her head.
“It would hurt too much? Knowing what you have to do?”
Angelica nodded again.
“Maybe you should be forced to hurt. Maybe you should be forced to look us all in the eye before you rip our hearts out. Are you going to look father in the eye? Or stab in the back like a coward?”
“Asheron, you’re making this harder.”
“Good. It should be hard. You should hate yourself.” He dropped the plate on the ground spilling some of the food. “Better pick it up, before father’s hounds find it and give you away.”
CHAPTER TWO-Bellerose
Bellerose anxiously stood beside her mother. She had been woken early by the servants, and stuffed into her new gown. Still sleepy she had nearly fallen asleep while the maids fussed over her hair which was getting very long, but her mother refused to let her cut it. It now hung down her back in a loose braid, the tips of each strand just barely brushed against the ground. She raised up on her tiptoes and peered out across the dirt road, her keen hearing hadn’t picked up the clip clopping of the horse’s hooves. Suddenly her face lit up. “I hear them! Clip clop clip clop. They’re at the edge of town.”
“They’re almost here.” The queen smiled at her daughter.
“Home in time for your birthday.”
“Will father have to go back to war when my party is over?”
“No.” The queen said looking out at the road. She refused to say another word.
“I see them! I see them!” Bellerose waved happily as her father and his men rode into sight of the castle. Musicians gaily led the parade. As soon as the king neared, the trumpets blew announcing his return. At last the horses stopped and the king dismounted. “Father! You have come home!” The little princess ran to her father’s open arms.
“Hello my beautiful rose.” He hugged her tight. “You get prettier every year.” He kissed her cheek. A tear rolled down his face. Bellerose raised her hand to wipe it away.
“Why are you crying, father?”
“I am happy, my little rose. Happy to have this beautiful day with my family. Run and tell your Uncle we have arrived, some of my men need healing.”
Bellerose took off running across the courtyard, but her Uncle was already coming out of the palace. He was dressed in blue robes today. The emblem of the sun hung on a gold chain around his neck.
“Father needs you right away, Uncle Marrick, some of his men are wounded.”
“I’ll tend to them right away.” Marrick said. “Come child, you can help me.” Bellerose ran after her uncle. The wounded were already being brought into the palace’s great hall. Garrett greeted them.
“Bellerose, this is no place for you.”
“She can assist me.” Marrick said.
“Marrick, I want her to enjoy the day. She should be outside, chasing butterflies in the garden and dancing to the music, not in here. Not today.”
“But father, I want to help.” Garrett kneeled in front of her.
“I know you do, my beautiful rose, you have the heart of an angel, but today is your birthday, and you should be out enjoying the sunlight with your friends.”
“Father, what did this to them?” Bellerose asked peering around her father at the wounded men.
“The legion. I fear, this won’t be the last time.” A tear trickled down Garrett’s face and Bellerose reached up and wiped it away.
“Don’t cry father. It will be all right. See, the men are already getting better.”
“Bellerose!” She heard her mother calling for her.
“Go see what your mother wants.” Garrett said rising. “Marrick can handle the wounded.”
Bellerose ran off to find her mother. “Here I am, mother.”
“Don’t run off like that, you know what today is.”
“I was with father, and Uncle Marrick. Uncle Marrick asked me to help him heal the wounded.”
“I should have known you were with the wounded. Your brother wants to see you.”
“Asheron!”
“My little sister!”
“You’ve gotten taller.”
“So, have you, look at you, I hardly recognized you.”
“I’m six years old today.”
“Yes, I know. It’s a very big day for you.” Like her father before, a tear rolled down Asheron’s face.
“Don’t cry!”
“Me, cry? Never.” Asheron said. “I’m a knight, strong and brave. We do not cry.” He insisted with a wink.
“Father was crying too.”
“Yes, I imagine he was. This is a hard day for us all, and though it should be a joyful one, I have found no joy in it.”
“But there’s plenty of joy, you and father have come home, and the army is only wounded there have not been any deaths, and it’s my birthday and we’re having a party.”
“You always see the bright side to everything, little sister. No matter what, never let that change.”
“Come to the garden with me, there are so many new plants growing.”
“In a little while, I must go speak with father. Go play in the garden, I’ll find you there when I’m done.”
“Can I come with you when you talk to father?”
“No. Go play in the garden. Matters of war are not your concern. Not yet.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means be a child while you can, because all too soon you’ll only have the memories of the garden to look back on. Take the day and soak it all up. Capture every happy moment in your mind, so that you’ll have those moments later.” Asheron rushed off before she could see any more tears. Alone again, Bellerose ran off to the garden. The servants were busy setting up for a feast, and the musicians were tuning up their instruments.
“Looks like it’s going to be some party.” A little voice said as a ball of yellow light appeared. “Who is this party for, I wonder.”
“Oh, silly Taliesin, It’s my birthday today.” Bellerose giggled. The little ball of yellow light giggled as it flew around her. Soon a ball of green and blue light appeared and they danced and swirled around her giggling. A red light landed on Bellerose’s shoulder.
“If you ask me, they are all making way too much fuss over it.” The red light spoke.
“You’re just jealous, Meridia” The green light said. “No one ever throws you a party.”
“I’m not jealous, Florence, I just don’t think the fuss is necessary. They should be trying to-
“They know they can’t stop it from happening, so they are throwing a party to give everyone one last happy day. What’s so wrong with that?”
“Can’t stop what?” Bellerose asked. “What is it that no one will tell me?”
“Tonight, you vanish from our world, never to be seen again.”
“Where will I go?” Bellerose asked
“No one knows. You’ll just vanish.” The red light said. “I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.”
“Don’t worry Bellerose, you’ll return to us one day, when you’re older, and you have your power, then you’ll end the war and save us all.” Florence said.
“You can do it, Bellerose, we believe in you.” Taliesin said
“Even red believes in you.”
“My name is not red.” The little red light jumped off Bellerose’s shoulder and a girl in a red dress appeared. The yellow light copied and a little boy dressed in a yellow tunic appeared. The blue and green fairies did the same.
“Petunia!” Bellerose hugged her friend.
“Taliesin is right, we believe in you. I will miss you.”
“I will miss you too.”
“I wish I could come with you.”
“Maybe I’ll go live with the Goddess in cloud Castle. Mayne she’ll teach me how to control my power.”
“I don’t think you’re going to cloud castle. If you were, why would they have sent the babies there?”
“You don’t think- no- that can’t be it. Can it?” Taliesin asked.
“What?” Florence asked.
“She can’t be going to the Iron Castle, can she?” Taliesin asked.
“The iron castle? You mean the one on the mountain?” Bellerose asked. They all turned to look north at the horizon. They could just see the tower of the castle perched on the highest peak of the deadly mountains.
“She’s Fae. Not even she could survive the Iron Castle.” Merida said.
“What’s so scary about it?” Bellerose asked still looking at the castle in the distance.
“It’s made of iron, the one metal that can instantly kill us. Only humans can go there, then the sorcerer turns them into undead and sends them to attack us.” Florence explained. “It’s how he creates the Legion.”
CHAPTER THREE- Starlight
High in the sky many miles away, in a castle in the clouds, the Goddess Starlight stood before a large basin of water that sat on a tall pedestal. She dipped her finger in the water and watched as an image appeared.
She watched as a dragon swooped down on the kingdom in the valley burning everything in its path. She could hear the screams of the helpless people as they tried to flee. Then it headed for the castle. It slammed its body into the castle wall causing it to crumble on the celebration going on. One piece struck the princess in the head and knocked her to the ground. A cut appeared on her forehead. Starlight watched as Prince Asheron rescued her and carried her to the throne room.
Starlight waved her hand through the water making the image vanish. She had seen enough. “It is her birthday today.”
“You cannot defy the prophecy, no matter how much you want to. It must be fulfilled.” A black Pegasus with fire for a mane and tail approached her. It stopped at the base of the stairs that lead to the pedestal.
“I can’t bring myself to know it.” Starlight said turning to face him. “All I know is she will be taken tonight, at the stroke of midnight, the dragon will return.”
“So, it will be the dragon who takes her?”
“No. No, it will be her sister.”
“Her sister?”
“Valadhail. She is now the Queen of the Legion. She will return and she will take her sister and lock her away in the tower till her sixteenth birthday when she will then hand her over to the Bringer of Darkness for his ritual.”
“But the ritual won’t happen. She will defeat him. She will save her world.” The Pegasus insisted.
“It never changes, Lucero, I always see her, fallen.” Starlight stepped down and reached her hands out to pet the head of the Pegasus. “She will fall, unless something changes, but I don’t know what.”
“Save her. Bring her here.”
“I can’t. That would be defying the prophecy.”
“Speak to the wise ones. Speak to your mother, she will listen to you. Beg them to change it. Beg them to allow you to change it. You can’t give up, not this time. You are the Goddess, be their goddess.”
“I am not a goddess, Lucero, no matter what they call me, I am no goddess. I have no control here. I am simply helpless.” She bowed her head and rested it against his snout. “If only we had more time.”
“Speak to your mother, only she can give us more time.”
“If we ask for more time, that gives the Legion more time to destroy us.”
“We are strong, we can fight the Legion, but every battle we fight will be pointless if she falls.” Starlight lifted her head off his nose and nodded.
“I will speak to them.” She turned back to the pedestal and took an amulet from her neck and dipped it into the water and swirled it around till there was a tide pool, she let go of the amulet and watched it get sucked into the eye. A moment later the water calmed. It turned purple and mist rose from it.
“You called, my child?” A voice came from the mist.
“Mother! I need to request a favor of you and your sisters.”
“Ask, and I will do what I can.”
“The dragon hasn’t attacked yet, there’s time to fix this.”
“There is nothing to fix, my child. You had your chance, Starlight, you failed, and you hid your light.”
“But Bellerose will fail, and she will have no one to help her.”
“You refuse to see it. Look again!” The mist vanished and the water began to swirl again and the amulet was flung from the basin. Starlight caught it. She struck it against the basin in anger as the water subsided.
“What did she say?”
“You didn’t hear her?”
“No.”
“She said, there is nothing to fix.”
“Then trust her.”
“Bellerose will fail, and it’s all my fault.”
“You have a gift to take to her. Go, go join the party.”
“Not yet. I need to know.” Starlight dipped her finger. “Show me what I seek.” She said. An image appeared. She watched as the King and the army returned. Then she saw it, the one thing she had missed before. The missing Princess, hiding behind a tree. She waved her hand and the image showed the dragon attack again. This time she kept watching after Asheron carried his sister to the throne room. She allowed herself to enter the throne room behind him. There standing before her father brandishing a dagger glowing blue, was Princess Valadhail.
“You have to stop her.”
“I can’t. It’s part of the prophecy.” Starlight throws the basin over.
“Starlight!”
She runs to the balcony, takes flight as a Pegasus and vanished beneath the clouds.
CHAPTER FOUR- Marrick
From the window of his tower, Marrick could see the procession. The musical notes of the various musicians just a whisper on the wind. The wizard had been up all night pouring over his books looking for an answer to stop the event that was coming, but there was nothing he could do. Exhausted, his eyes burning from reading so much, he had failed a brother again. For a moment thoughts of Garrett and Byron as they were that day so long ago, filled his mind. They had come a long way since the day Garrett had first left with the Goddess’ army. They had been only sixteen then, young foolish chaps who thought they had the whole world at their fingertips. Marrick no more than a mage studying magic then, and Byron was studying potions. Marrick was still convinced that Garrett only survived because of the gifts the two brothers bestowed upon him at the time of his departure. Marrick had given him an amulet of protection and Byron potions of healing. As a mortal, he could not use the healing waters the Fae used, so Byron had created an elixir that would work just as well.
When he heard, the trumpets blowing, he left his tower and made it down to the courtyard as little Bellerose came running to find him.
“Father needs you right away, Uncle Marrick, some of his men are wounded.”
“I’ll tend to them right away.” Marrick said. “Come child, you can help me.” Marrick lead his niece to the great hall where the wounded were already being brought in. Garrett appeared only moments later. After Garrett shoed his daughter away, he turned to his brother. “It is good to have you home, brother.”
“It is good to be home. There were no deaths this time, we can thank the stars, but several of my men are wounded. I assume you have the elixir still?”
“It is running out, but I still have enough.”
“I shall find a potions master who can make more.”
“Go, be with your family.”
“How does she seem to you?”
“She’s a happy child, with a good heart.”
“And her powers?”
“She is already very strong.”
“Good. She’ll need to be.” Marrick nodded. He went about the cots giving the men each a rink of the elixir. Those that were Fae were given the healing water. Just a drop could heal almost any wound. When the men’s wounds were healed, he went out onto the terrace to quietly observe the festivities.
“Ah to be six years old again, without a care in the world.” Garrett said joining him.
“I was just thinking back to those days this morning.” Marrick admitted. “I was thinking about the day you went off with the Goddess and her army.”
“I remember it like it was yesterday. Mother told me I had a quest to go on. An Elvin princess to find. You and Byron thought I was mad.”
“More Byron than me. I knew it would be you, out of the three of us to settle and marry. Auria is a fine wife, and Queen.”
“Indeed. You will look after her, when I’m gone, won’t you brother?”
“I will.” Marrick promised.
“And Bellerose, you will search for her and find her, if you can.”
“I will be there for her when the time is right. That is what I can promise.”
“And Asheron, he’s still so young, he has so much to learn.”
“He’s no younger than you were when you first joined the Goddess’ army.”
‘But that was years before I became a King. He must become King tomorrow, at dawn.”
“It shall be done.” Marrick promised.
“Celera, see that she finds a good husband. Florence would make a fine Prince. See that he takes her to the fairy kingdom, and protects her for all her days.”
“I will see to it, brother.”
“And the wee ones, the ones who will never know me as their father.” A tear rolled down Garrett’s face. “I am grateful that mother told me my fate, so that I could prepare for it. I just wish-
“There was more time.” Marrick nodded. “We all wish that, brother.”
“Tell me truthfully, brother Marrick, can she, do it? Will she, do it?”
“I am an acolyte of the prophecy, I trust the light. She is the Bringer of Light, I have no doubt in my mind or heart that she can do it, and that she will do it.”
“Then I can die, in peace, knowing that.”
“If Byron is on the other side, give him a piece of my mind.”
“And if he isn’t and you find him, give him a piece of mine.” The men clasped hands and touched foreheads. “Take care of mother and father. You are the last of us.”
“One son will be a great king; one son will fall to darkness and one son will be a great and powerful wizard.”
“It’s up to you. Time to become that great and powerful wizard.” Garrett slapped his brother on the shoulder one last time, before he turned and walked away.
“Garrett Thornburg, strong and brave to the end.”
CHAPTER FIVE- Angelica
Resigned to what she had to do, Angelica slipped off to the throne room. There were no guards around, they were all on the wall, preparing for the dragon that would be upon them within the hour. Everyone else was still out in the garden enjoying the feast and celebrating. It would be easy enough to find a servant and send it to get Bellerose. She would be gone before anyone tried to stop her. If only that was her only task, but the Sorcerer wanted the King dead. The poison on the dagger would prevent anyone from trying to save him. She began to pace in front of the throne. Her heels clicked with every step echoing off the walls.
Angelica didn’t have keen hearing, so she couldn’t hear the dragon till it was upon the castle. She felt it slam into the castle wall. The hour had come. Soon everyone would rush into the throne room. Should she stand to face them? Or hide like a coward? She chose to stand. A moment later the King came in. He paused in the door and studied her. “My Angel! You have come home!”
“No father.” Angelica steadied her voice. “I have come to kill you.”
The king nodded. “I know.”
“Father, didn’t you hear me? I have come to kill you.”
“Yes, I heard you. I am prepared to die. It is the will of the prophecy. I assumed it would be the dragon, but in a way, it’s more fitting, my child that was lost, has come home to kill me. Why?”
“Like you said, it’s the will of the prophecy.”
Garrett nodded again. “You have been missed, Valadhail.”
“My name is Angelica.”
“So, you have embraced your mortal name.”
“Why aren’t you afraid? Why aren’t you calling the guard to stop me?”
“The guards are busy fighting your dragon.”
As if on cue the dragon slammed into the castle wall again. They heard bricks tumble and crash on to the ground outside
“He’s not- Angelica stopped talking as Garrett walked towards her. He glanced her way as he passed her to sit on his throne.
“It has been years, since I have actually sat here and ruled over my people. I have been away at war, fighting the legion. Doing what I can as a soldier and a warrior, to leave my mark.”
Her father seemed to age right before her. His face had wrinkles and his hair was streaked with white. He stood and took off his sword belt. He leaned it against the throne. He took off his green cape and draped it across the throne.
“Tell me, Angelica, do you think Asheron will make a good king?”
“How can you be so calm? I’m here to kill you, to end your life.”
“Then get on with it. I have known about this day since I was fifteen, when my mother first told me. I have lived my life waiting for this moment. I am prepared to die, if it means my world will live on.”
“That’s not up to you.”
“No. The world is in your sister’s hands. Small hands of a child.” The king stepped down towards her. He unfastened his armor and let it drop. He removed his tabard with the thorny vines that entangled a sword. A crown around the base of the sword. It was the symbol of the Thornburg’s. Their family name. “Kill me, take your sister as the prophecy demands, but leave the others. Tell your Legion they are not to be touched.” He took off his chain male. Now all he had was a white cotton shirt and trousers. He didn’t look like a King anymore. “Alright, Angelica, strike my heart and make it quick.”
Angelica took out the dagger. Her hands trembled. Garrett kneeled to make it easier for her, but his resignation only made it harder. She had hoped to fight with him, to get him angry, and then strike when she couldn’t take it anymore, but here he was kneeling before her presenting his heart, and it made her hesitate. In that moment of hesitation Asheron appeared. He held Bellerose in his arms. She was unconscious and had a cut on her forehead.
“Father!”
“Stay back, Asheron. You are the king now. Do it!” He grabbed Angelica’s hand and placed the tip of her dagger against his shirt above his heart. “Do it!”
“No!” Auria appeared. Garrett guided Angelica’s hand and thrust the dagger into his chest. Angelica dropped her hand and fell to her knees.
“Father, forgive me!” She wept. Auria raced across the throne room floor.
“Mother don’t touch him!” Angelica screamed but it was too late. Auria fell to her knees beside her husband and touched his face. Angelica and Asheron watched as her hand began to change color. She turned to look at Angelica. Her eyes seething with anger. Her hand outstretched for Garrett. She slowly turned to stone.
“Mother!”
“What did you do!” Asheron streaked. He laid Bellerose down and went to his parents. “I will never forgive you for this!”
“Take your sister, and go. You’re work here is done.” Starlight said from the doorway.
“Can you undo it?” Asheron begged as Angelica gathered her sister in her arms. In the girl’s arms was a beautiful doll. A gift sent to her by her Uncle, from the other world. Angelica made sure she didn’t drop it as she carried her from the castle. Starlight didn’t say a word as Angelica climbed onto her back and she lifted her into the sky. She landed at the edge of the glen where the sea of lava had already begun to cool. Draco was already waiting. Angelica climbed onto his head and he carried them back to the Iron Castle. Once there she took Bellerose to the highest tower. She tended the wound on her forehead.
“Mother was never supposed to be there.” She whispered. “They’ll find a way to reverse the spell. Starlight will reverse it. I don’t know what is instore for you. I wish I could tell you you’ll be safe here, that no harm will come to you, but I don’t really know. Sleep well, little princess. I’m sorry this has to be your life now.” Angelica tucked the doll in her sister’s arms before she got up and left the room. Locking the door. “No one goes in or out without my permission.”
“Yes, My Queen.” The guard bowed.
“Tell the cook to make her something to eat. The beast can deliver it.”
“Yes, My Queen.” Angelica made her way across the courtyard.
“So, it has been done?” The beast asked. “He will be pleased.”
“You promise the elixir will work?”
“I promise. On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, give it to her.” Angelica pulled the vial of green glowing goo from her pocket.
“What if he finds out?”
“You better hope he gives you the power and immortality before he does, he will kill you otherwise, and you will be no help to her.”
“I better go speak with him.”
“Calex is in the library.”
“Of course, he is, what is he looking for?”
“I suspect a spell of some kind.”
It didn’t take Angelica long to find the young apprentice. He was perched on a ladder flipping through a book. When he had flipped through it and didn’t find what he was looking for, he’d toss it and let it fall to the floor. There were now books everywhere.
“What are you looking for?”
“Oh! You’re back. How did it go?”
“The king is dead and Bellerose is here.”
“So, it has begun?”
“So, it has.”
“How long?”
“Ten years.”
“Not a lot of time. I was hoping for more time.”
“Can he hear us?”
“The ladder is made of iron, so no.”
“Good. I have a way to give us more time.”
“Ooh! Do tell.” Calex clasped his hands on the iron to make sure the Bringer of Darkness was entirely subdued. As a human, it didn’t affect him.
“Before Byron was turned into a beast, he helped me concoct a potion that will turn back time. All I must do is get Bellerose to drink it. Then, she will turn into a baby and we will have sixteen more years.”
“Will it really work?”
“Byron swears by it.”
“Let’s test it.”
“How?”
“I’ll drink it.”
“What if that releases him?”
“If I’m still alive, it won’t. We must test it before we give it to her. This will give us time to get it right, if it’s not. Give it to me.”
Angelica handed him the vial. He climbed off the ladder before he uncorked it and drank it.
“Anything?” Angelica asked after a moment.
“No. Yes. The room is spinning. Suddenly, he fainted and Angelica dropped to her knees to feel a pulse. As she touched him he vanished and in the bundle of his clothes, she found an infant. It worked! They had a way to delay. Now to figure out what to do with Baby Calex.
(preface through chapter 5)
May 18th-June 18th 2017
PREFACE - BELLEROSE
The Sorcerer’s powers were strongest around the iron castle. It stood alone on the highest peak of the deadly mountains. Because of his plague of darkness, the mountain never saw, the light of the sun because the darkness blocked it out. It laid thick like tar. It devoured the mountain like a hungry beast. Inside the castle, a barefoot girl in rags with butchered hair moved silently through the empty halls. It was pitch dark, not a single torch was lit, but she didn’t need light to know where she was going. Though she had never seen it with the torches lit, she often imagined the walls draped in beautiful tapestries. She knew there were chandeliers above, because she could hear them creak as they swung from the chains that held them up. No one had even once lit their candles in her lifetime. She hoped one day she would see those chandeliers all lit up.
Swish, something moved past her in the dark. Not wanting to be caught by the fiends that roamed within the black veil, she stopped and stood frozen, till she was sure whatever it was had passed.
She continued, on silent feet as she headed for her destination. A lonely tower in the farthest corner of the castle. It was there where the Half-Elf Princess had been imprisoned
Teregarin was the world below the mountain, across the sea of lava, in the beautiful part of the world. It was where the Fae and Humans lived in harmony. She had never been there. It was her dream to someday see it.
The girl stopped at the end of the hall. The cold air came in through the crack under the door. It made her toes curl. She took a deep breath and pushed with all her might. The door creaked open. She poked her head out. It was snowing again. The ground was covered. She should have grabbed her father’s old pair of boots for this, but she knew if she could just get to the tower, the Princess would make it all better.
Getting there was the hard part. First, she had to cross the frozen courtyard, there was a giant beast chained up in the courtyard among the various stone statues, that were once humans or elves or other creatures. The only Fae not turned to statue were fairies. They could become tiny in the blink of an eye so they could avoid the poison.
She wondered if the Queen Auria was among the statues in the garden. She had heard her mother talking about the tragedy that befell the Princess’s parents. It made her wonder what would happen to her if her parents were taken from her. She shuddered. Then she shook her mind clear as she prepared to venture forward. One wrong step and the beast or dragon would be upon her. She could see the form of the beast. He was asleep. She sighed with relief. One glance at the sky for the dragon and she darted out. One, two three, four, five. She ducked behind a statue to catch her breath. It was a young woman. A look of fright forever sealed on her face. The woman held a bundle of something in her arms. The little girl refused to allow herself to believe that it was an infant.
The wind was merciless and the snow relentlessly pounded down on her. One glance at the beast, one glance at the sky, a deep breath and one, two, three, four, five. She darted behind another statue. This time it was of an old man. He held out a cane as if trying to defend himself. The same look plastered on his face as the woman’s. A look of pure terror.
The sorcerer hadn’t created these, these had been the work of a basilisk. A deadly creature who could turn you to stone with just one look.
She heard the flapping of wings overhead and knew the dragon was nearby.
“Don’t you know by now, he wouldn’t eat you if he saw you?” A voice spoke. It was masculine and deep.
“Who…who said that?” The little girl asked trying to control her fear.
“You have us all wrong.” The voice said. “Come out from behind that old man, and come see for yourself.”
“You’re the b. b. b. beast. You’re trying to t. t. t. trick m. m. me, so you can e. e. e. eat m. me.”
The beast began to laugh. “Child, I would no more eat you than I would eat- He paused “Well never mind, if you waited for me to decide what I wouldn’t eat, you’d freeze to death. You better hurry on up to the tower, the sooner you reach it, the sooner Bellerose can heal you.”
“H. h. how d. do y. y. you know I’m g. g. going to the t. t. tower?”
“I’ve been watching you. You think I’m asleep, but I hear you when you walk by. I open my eyes when you get past and I watch you scurrying through the dark to the tower. She’s lucky she has someone like you to look after her.”
“Are you a prisoner too?” The little girl stepped out from behind the stone man.
Unlike the castle, the moonlight lit the yard, so she could clearly see the beast when she stepped out. Without looking up, she could only see the paws of a massive lion. They were at least six foot tall on their own. They were attacked to a beast, he mostly looked like a lion, but had the face of the human he once was, the tail of a scorpion and the wings of a bat. The creature, Byron Thornburg had been turned into, was called a manticore.
“In a way.” The beast replied. He laid down, so the girl could see him better. “I’d say more slave than prisoner. Chained here and forced to do my master’s bidding.” She could see the iron shackles on his paws and heard the scrape of the chains against the ground. Byron looked up at the sky. “At least I have it easier than poor Draco. He’s forced to fly from noon to dawn with no rest.”
“Why?”
“Because he defied the Sorcerer. He was told along with the rest of the dragons to kill the unicorns, but he resisted, and he even saved the last one.”
“You mean there’s still unicorns?” The little girl asked with wide eyed wonder.
The beast laughed. “There is one, and Draco hid her from the sorcerer.”
“But how will it make baby unicorns if there’s only one?”
“She’ll have to wait, till the Bringer of light brings the unicorns back.”
“She can do that?”
“With the power of the book.”
“Where is the book? Tell me, I can get it and then she can bring the unicorns back.”
“It isn’t here. It was sent away, to a far place. A safe place. It was my grandfather who was charged with the task of protecting it.”
“Wilson is your grandfather?”
“Did I actually say that? You weren’t supposed to hear that.”
“Your secret is safe with me, Prince Byron.” She pulled her tattered skirt out at the sides and curtsied.
“I am not him, anymore.” The beast sad sadly. “I am nothing but a beast that guards this castle, but I am no enemy to the Fae or to any human. I guard this castle, because it allows me to guard her, and her sister.”
“Wait, I’m confused.”
“Well you’re going to be frozen if you don’t get going. Come back when you have seen her, I will tell you more. Tell her, tell there is a guardian closer than she may think, actually there are two.” He looked up at the sky as Draco flew by. “Now go, and be careful on the steps, they will be slippery.”
“I’ll be careful.” The little girl waved and headed off toward the tower. She could see it looming in the darkness. She looked up, and couldn’t see the top, for it was shrouded in a thick black cloud. The sorcerer’s plague, it was strongest around the stone tower.
The staircase wound its way around the outside of the tower. They spiraled all the way up to the iron door at the top. The little girl in rags, began to climb the frozen stone steps.
As she climbed higher the wind grew stronger and, colder and she slowed to almost a crawl fighting against it. Snowflakes swirled, lashing at her eyes, but she fought through the prickling pain and blindness. The steps became slippery and she slipped and slammed her knee into the frozen stone step. She cried out in pain, but her cries were muffled by the heavy fog. Once she picked herself up again, she started limping back up the stairs. The little girl knew if she could just reach the top, the princess would make it all better.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The princess, Bellerose, stood at the window of her tower. The fabric of her dress was thin, soft, and white, yet she did not feel the chill in the air as the little girl on the stairs did. Behind her was a tall white glowing flame. It had taken years to perfect, but at last she had managed it. The light in the center of the tower gave off a warm glow. It made her natural wheat colored hair that flowed down her back and across the floor, take on a golden hue.
She listening to the howl of the wind, waiting for the sound of the dragon’s wings as it passed overhead. This was the only way she could mark time. The dragon passed over her tower twice every hour. When she no longer heard him, it meant it was dawn. Though the darkness outside her tower never changed day or night because of the plague, her keen ears could hear the different sounds that came depending on day or night. Aside from the dragon who left the sky for several hours, somewhere below the tower she could hear the faint distant roar of the beast that roamed below. Like the dragon who passed over twice an hour, the beast roared twice an hour, but only during the hours the dragon wasn’t in the sky. In the day time between the hours the dragon wasn’t in the sky, other creatures often flew by, including Vultures, rocs and harpies. The vultures screeched as they circled looking for their next meal. The rocs powerful wings made a thunderous echo and the harpies screamed and cackled at each other. Occasionally a harpy would land on the tower’s window sill.
Bellerose heard the sound she dreaded. She made a fist and flicked her hands open. Little sparks of white energy appeared. She heard the thump and turned to see the harpy’s red glowing eyes looking at her.
“I have news for you.” The harpy said. “The army has fallen. The vultures are picking the bodies to pieces. Your brother, Asheron, was among them.”
“You’re lying.” Bellerose threw the first ball at the harpy. It screeched and dodged.
“Well, maybe it wasn’t Asheron. Maybe it was the other one. Either way you’re going to lose them all.” She cackled and Bellerose threw another ball of light at her. This time it struck the harpy and sent her flying backwards out of the tower. Four more harpies came flying in at her. They tore at her dress and pulled at her hair. Then two of them pushed her back till she was helplessly pinned against the iron door. The first harpy flew back in. She started towards her. Slowly, methodically. The two harpies held her pinned against the door with their talons.
“Pathetic little elf girl.” The harpy said. “You can’t even fight off three silly harpies, how are you ever going to fight off the Bringer of Darkness, the most powerful being in all the world?” The harpy slapped her face with her wing. “Do you think he won’t clap you in irons, subdue you so that you can’t fight him as he performs his ritual? You’re helpless and pathetic.” She slapped her again. Bellerose struggled against the harpies. The claws of their talons dug into her flesh.
Suddenly there was a loud thud as another creature appeared at the window. A giant lion’s paw clawed at the harpies. They screeched and tried to get away, but the only way out was through the window where the beast was waiting for them. They all dived at the beast clawing at the lion’s paw till it withdrew then they flew out. Bellerose could see the dark shapes and hear battle as the harpies and the beast fought. At last the harpies flew off and Bellerose was alone again. She never saw more than the giant paw of the beast that often came to her rescue, but she was grateful. She wondered if it was the beast in the courtyard, and why did he always defend her from the harpies?
It had been a while now, since the harpies had last attacked.
She was so far up, that even her keen hearing couldn’t pick up the conversation that was going on in the courtyard, below her. She didn’t pick up the sounds of the little girl on the steps outside, till she was half way up.
Bellerose heard a cry of pain. Oh, poor Fawn. She was such a dear and loyal friend. She risked her life every time she came to visit, and no matter how many times Bellerose told her she had to stop coming, the cook’s stubborn daughter, never listened.
A faint smile crept across the Princess’ face at the thought of her friend’s visit. It was always a comfort to see her. Fawn always came with messages from the cook. Bellerose had never actually met her, but from the way Fawn talked about her mother, Bellerose could tell the woman was kind and thoughtful. She was married to the captain of the guards who had somehow convinced the Sorcerer that he was worth not killing. Together they worked the system, to help the various slaves and prisoners. They were practically slaves themselves, as their payment ended and they were trapped when the new sorcerer took over. They were survivors and they did whatever they had to, to protect their children. The guard would get information out of the prisoners in exchange for bits of food from his wife. Then he would tell her, and their daughter would overhear it and tell Bellerose.
The Fae had been fighting a war since before they were both born, and though the Bringer himself was dormant now, his legion was not. It wreaked havoc where ever it went killing and maiming the Fae and humans. Those they didn’t kill, they’d capture and bring them to the castle where they would be thrown into the prison and left to die. Of course, the guard and cook wouldn’t allow that.
The castle was under the rule of the Wicked Queen, Angelica and Calex, the Lord-host, the foolish apprentice who was consumed by the Bringer of Darkness. They hid themselves in their own towers, waited on by the slaves. They were all women, some human, some Fae. The original Bringer had captured them, long before he had been concealed in the book. Most of them had long forgotten their own names and who they once were. Fawn often told Bellerose the story of a human Queen who was among them, but no one could remember her name or what land she was the queen of. Bellerose always promised that when she saved them all, she would see that the Queen found her rightful place.
Her keen ears picked up the faint pit pat of the girl’s bare feet on the stairs again. She was higher now, just a few more turns and she’d be at the door.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Fawn bravely fought her way up the rest of the stairs. She would not give up. The thought of seeing her dear friend urged her on. Suddenly she felt a warmth inside of her. The princess was thinking of her, filling her with the warmth of her light to keep her going. Fawn pushed herself a little faster. She ignored her now numb limb as she struggled up the last few steps. She suddenly heard the flapping of wings, and froze in terror as the dragon flew over. Suddenly a talon snatched her.
“No! Let me go!” She begged.
The dragon flew up higher and then as quickly as it had snatched her, it let her go. She found herself on the top step outside the door.
“Thank you!” She called out as the dragon flew off.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bellerose heard Fawn outside the door. “Fawn, you must stop coming.” Bellerose stood at the window now facing the door across from the tower. “It’s very dangerous.”-
“I’m not afraid.” Fawn said as she fiddled with the key her father had given her. Her hands were so cold and stiff she could barely turn it, but at last she heard the click and she pushed the door open.
The first thing Fawn always saw was the white flame in the center of the room. It was dim and small, but it gave a dim light in the otherwise pitch dark tower. Fawn entered the tower and shut the door behind her. Then she came around the side of the flame. Bellerose stood by the window. She wore a thin white dress and had long golden tresses that flowed down the length of her body and pooled on the floor. Around her throat was an amulet with the ghostly etching of a unicorn, and a crown of gold sat on her head. The Princess raised her hands and the flame got brighter.
Fawn stopped to bow. “I brought you a loaf of bread. It was all I could carry with me.”
“That was very thoughtful of you, Fawn. We’ll share it.” Fawn handed it to her and Bellerose broke it in half and handed one half back to Fawn. Fawn greedily gobbled up her half while Bellerose nibbled on hers.
“Here, I’m full. Your mother knows how to make a hearty bread.”
“You barely ate any.”
“I ate enough. Here, you need it more than I do.” Fawn hesitated before she took the bread and gobbled it up. “Fawn, this has to be your last visit.”
“Why?”
“I can feel a change in the air. Can’t you feel it?”
“I just feel cold.” Fawn said shivering.
“You’ll catch your death in here.” Bellerose came to kneel before the little girl. “Let me see your hands.” She took the girls hands into her own and she closed her eyes.
“No. Don’t. You’ll spend up all your power for the day. Just heal my leg, and I’ll be all better.”
“I’ll be all right, but you won’t survive much longer. Let me do this, Fawn. You and your mother have been so kind to me, it’s the least I can do.”
“Just a little.” Fawn said. Bellerose nodded with a gentle smile. Of course, they both knew she would heal her as much as she could. Because of the iron door, she had a sickness that caused her powers to be weak and when she used them it drained her, so it took everything she had to help Fawn.
Bellerose covered the girl’s icy hands with hers and filled her hands with white flames of light. It warmed Fawn’s hands and spread across her body. Her leg healed and she felt warm again.
“Enough!” She said pulling her hands away. “Keep some of your strength for yourself. I have so much to tell you.” Fawn said excitedly.
“What is it?” Bellerose asked. Her curiosity peaked.
“You know the beast in the courtyard?”
“Yes?”
“He’s your Uncle, Byron.”
“Byron?”
“And the dragon in the sky, that’s Draco, the last dragon of the north. He helped me. He carried me to the door.”
“Did he?”
“They aren’t evil or dangerous.”
“I don’t understand. Draco is the one who attacked my father’s kingdom.”
“He was forced to, he’s a prisoner, just like you. So is your Uncle Byron.”
“So that’s why he saved me from the harpies.”
“Harpies? You were attacked by harpies?”
“yes. Which is why it’s not safe for you to come up here.”
“But if I don’t bring you food, who will?”
“Once a day a tray of food arrives on my window sill. I don’t know who sends it or where it comes from, I never see who delivers it. But every morning, it’s there. So, you don’t need to worry about me. Someone takes care of me.”
“You’re my friend.”
“And you’re mine, and that will never change, no matter what, but you must stop coming.”
“But it’s not so dangerous anymore. The beast won’t hurt me while I cross the courtyard, and the dragon will help me if I can’t continue on.”
“Fawn! Tomorrow is my sixteenth birthday.”
“Oh! You mean tomorrow, we’ll all be free?”
“If I win.” Bellerose said.
“You will. You have to.”
“Fawn I need you to do something for me.”
“Fawn nodded.
“If the ritual happens tomorrow, if I am defeated, if your father and his loyal men can get Calex back into the castle, even if the plague of darkness spreads, if Calex is in the castle, the Bringer of Darkness is subdued, as long as he’s subdued he can’t hurt anyone. Promise me you will tell your father.”
“I promise.”
“Then the world still has a chance, even if I am defeated. I wish I could pass my power to you, but I don’t think it works that way. It must be a child of my own, and if I die tomorrow, I’ll be able to have a child of my own, but maybe one of my sisters can. Maybe one of their children or grandchildren will be the next Bringer of Light and maybe they’ll succeed where I fail.”
“You won’t fail. You’re the Bringer of Light.”
“My grandmother failed.”
“She captured the darkness, before it could perform the ritual. What if you did the same? I can get you the book, so that you can capture it. Then you can bury it deep within the mountain where no one will ever find it again.”
“It would be dawn long before you found the book. Calex probably hid it.”
“You can’t give up.” Fawn said throwing her arms around Bellerose’s waist.”
“I’m not. I will fight, Fawn, I will fight with every breath, but you need to understand that it may not be enough, and so the world must be prepared to go on without me. Starlight, as long as her light shines, there will still be hope.”
“Mother said she hid her light, when Calex was consumed, she gave up being the Bringer of light.”
“Then someone must help her find it again. You, Fawn. You must help her find it again.”
“Me? But I’ve never even met the Goddess. Why would she listen to me?”
“Because you are my dearest friend.” Bellerose hugged her. “I have one more request.” Bellerose unhooked the necklace from around her neck.
“No!” Fawn shook her head. “You need her.”
“She needs to be protected.” Bellerose hooked the necklace around Fawn’s neck. “Will you protect her?”
“No, I can’t, but I know someone who can. No one knows she’s alive.” Bellerose cocked her head. “I have a twin sister.”
“You do?”
“She’s hidden, because it was against the rules for slaves to have more than one child, so father hid her, he and I are the only ones who know where she is. I visit her whenever I leave you, I tell her all about my visit with you. If anyone can keep the last unicorn safe for you, Lilly can.”
The beast suddenly roared. Bellerose ran to the window. She could hear the dragon’s wings in the far distance. The beast roared again. “That’s odd.”
“What?”
“He never roars more than once an hour, and the dragon is still in the sky. Which means it’s not yet dawn.”
“Someone must be coming. He’s probably trying to warn us.”
“If someone is coming, if you go down by the way of the stairs, whoever it is will see you. You’ll be safer up here.” Bellerose raised her hand to the flames and closed her fist. The flame vanished throwing them into pitch darkness. Fawn gulped as she hid draped beneath Bellerose’s’ hair. She clung to her skirt.
“It may only be your father.”
“I don’t think Prince Byron would warn us if it was just my father.”
“Maybe it’s the harpies.” Bellerose turned to face the window. She pushed Fawn behind her. She listened but there was no sound of flapping wings, aside from the dragon who was now circling back towards them. The beast roared again. His roar seemed to get louder. She could now hear the flapping of wings. She had only heard that sound once before.
II
Suddenly Bellerose heard footsteps on the stairs. One set was heavy footed and stomped, while the other was softer. It made a clicking sound with each step. She became silent and cocked her head.
“What? What is it?” Fawn asked.
Bellerose put a finger to her lips.
“What do you hear?” Fawn asked.
“I think someone is coming. No not just someone. I hear two distinct footsteps on the stairs.”
“The Wicked Queen is coming with a guard. She’ll kill me if she finds me here.”
Outside she could hear the steady flap of the dragon’s wings as it made another pass over the tower. As the flapping faded, the footsteps got louder.
“I’m so scared.” Fawn trembled behind her.
“I won’t let them hurt you.” Bellerose promised. She reached her hand back and Fawn clutched it. Their hearts raced as they waited as Bellerose listened as the footsteps got higher and higher up the stairs. The dragon circled repeatedly. At last the door flew open and the light from a burning torch shone in the room
“How is this door unlocked?” A female voice demanded. “Who was up here with you?”
“No one.”
“No one?” Angelica reached behind her and pulled fawn out. “What do we have here? A little sewer rat?”
“Don’t hurt her.” Bellerose begged.
“How did you get the door open?”
“I had a key.” Fawn admitted.
“The key. Hand, it over.”
“I…I threw it out the window.” Fawn pointed.
“Clever little girl, aren’t you? Be gone! Before I feed you to the beast.”
“He wouldn’t eat me.” Fawn said defiantly. “I know his secret. He talked to me.” Fawn didn’t release Bellerose’s hand but stayed where she was.
“If I catch you out of the sewer again, little rat, she won’t be able to protect you.”
“Leave her alone, Angelica!” Bellerose said.
“So, the little sewer rat told you who I am? What else did she tell you?”
“She told me you were the wicked Queen who ruled this castle alongside the Bringer of Darkness.”
“What else?” Angelica demanded.
“What else should she have told me?”
“I never said you were her sister.” Fawn said.
“Sister?” Bellerose asked surprised. “No sister of mine would ever do this.”
“Oh, but that’s not all she did.” Fawn said clutching Bellerose’s hand for strength. “She killed your father and turned your mother into stone.”
“Silence you little rat.” Angelica threw the torch at her, but Bellerose blocked it. The torch went out. The tower was instantly thrown into darkness. “When I get my hands on you, I’m going to wring your little neck.”
“You’re not going to harm her.” Bellerose turned to whisper to Fawn. “She can’t see you, make your way to the door and when you get back to the kitchen hide. I’ll distract her.”
“It’s pitch dark in here. Why don’t you bring the light?”
“She can’t.” Fawn said still in the room. “She used her strength to heal me.”
“Captain, take the little rat back to where she belongs and make sure she stays there. Then return quickly.”
“Yes, my Queen.” The guard bowed. “Come along, Fawn.” The guard gently picked her up and carried her out.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bellerose turned her back to look out the window. It was as dark outside as it was inside the tower. She could hear the rustling of leaves as the wind howled through the trees. The dragon was coming around again. There wasn’t even a sliver of moon light. “It’s always so dark here.”
“Your tower is consumed by the darkness.” Angelica explained. “This whole mountain is, and after tomorrow, the whole world will be just like this.”
Bellerose heard footsteps behind her. She felt Angelica step on her hair as she crossed the room to stand beside her sister at the window.
“I will defeat him.” Bellerose promised. “I will save our world.”
“You wouldn’t stand a chance. You haven’t learned how to wield your power. What little power you had, you wasted it on that rat.”
“Stop calling her that. She is a human.” Bellerose snapped. It took Angelica by surprise for a second.
“If you think I care for humans, you would be greatly mistaken,” she said.
“Why? You are a human.” Bellerose pointed out.
“I am not!” Angelica insisted, her face contorted in mild disgust. “Despite appearances to the contrary, I am a mortal half elf with no power. There is a difference.”
“Father was a human. I may not remember much, but I remember that.” Bellerose said
“Father was a half-human.” Angelica said. “Less than half even. He was mostly Fae. He just looked like a human.”
“But he was mortal.”
“Yes, he was that.” Angelica became silent again and both sisters stood side by side looking out into the abyss.
Bellerose sighed. She tried to cross the room, but the sharp tug on her scalp reminded her that Angelica was still standing on her hair, keeping her tethered within a short distance from the woman. Still, she wanted a little distance between them.
“Get off my hair!”
“Your hair? Oh! I didn’t see it.” Angelica stepped back only to step on more of Bellerose’s hair.
“You’re still on it!”
“My goodness, how long is your hair?”
“I don’t know.” Bellerose said. “It just keeps growing.”
Bellerose fell silent for a moment. She sighed again. “If I am to die at dawn, then allow me a few hours of peace.”
“Someday this will all make sense.” Angelica said.
“There won’t be a someday, I’ll be dead by dawn.”
“No, you won’t.”
“You can’t guarantee I’ll defeat him.”
“No, I can’t, but—” Angelica pulled a dagger from the bodice of her top. She unsheathed it, and the tip glowed green.
“I do—regret—what I did to father—and to mother.” She paused. “but I won’t regret this.” Before Bellerose could turn around, Angelica thrust the dagger into her side. The blade slid between her ribs and the girl gave a frightened gasp as the pain spread through her chest. Bellerose fell to her knees. “I’m sorry, dear sister. Someday you’ll understand.” Angelica pulled the dagger out and let it fall to the ground. Bellerose groaned in agony. Blood immediately began to pour from the open wound. Bellerose nearly collapsed but Angelica grasped her around the waist and supported her sagging frame. She took out a vial of clear liquid, uncorked it quickly and spilled a drop on Bellerose’s wound. “You won’t die. This elixir I smeared on my blade is a potion Uncle Biron helped me make many years ago. In time, you’ll be strong enough to defeat the Bringer of Darkness, but not yet. Not today. Now sleep, Bellerose. Close your eyes and sleep.” Bellerose’ eyes closed. Angelica gently laid her on the floor.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Angelica sat on the floor in the tower long after Bellerose had been taken to the dungeon. Did she do the right thing? Did she just save them all or doom them? She got up and went to the window. The dragon was still in the sky, which meant it wasn’t quite dawn yet. Now to brace herself and face the Bringer of Darkness’ wrath when he finds the ring empty. She wondered how much time she would have to hide. Where could she go that he wouldn’t find her? She knew Starlight and the guardians wouldn’t help her after she had betrayed them, even though Starlight was there the night it happened. Her thoughts turned back ten years earlier, to Bellerose’ sixth birthday, the day no one would ever forget.
CHAPTER ONE-Angelica
Ten years earlier
From the shadows, Angelica watched as her father and his soldiers rode into town at dawn. Her brother proudly rode beside him. The King and Prince lost in deep conversation till they arrived. They looked tired, hungry and several were wounded, but everyone who had taken off had returned.
The village was awake and welcomed their heroes with shouts of good cheer and showers of petals as they rode through the streets.
“I see them!” She heard Bellerose, shout excitedly. The little six-year-old princess waved happily as her father and his men rode into sight of the castle. There was music now, as musicians gaily led the parade to the castle. At last the horses stopped and the king dismounted. “Father! You have come home!” The little princess ran to her father’s open arms.
Angelica was wracked with a wave of sadness, guilt, and jealousy as she watched her father embrace her sister in loving arms.
“Hello my beautiful rose.” He hugged her tight. Bellerose had wheat colored hair that hung down her back and brushed the floor. It was pulled back in a loose braid and a wreath of white roses sat on her head around her gold tiara. Her dress was white with blue ribbons. “You get prettier every year.” He kissed her cheek. “Run and tell your Uncle we have arrived, some of my men need healing.”
Angelica watched her parents embrace. It has been years since she had left on the journey with her Uncle, Byron. Bellerose hadn’t even been born. Angelica studied her family. Her twin brother, Asheron was getting older. He was still not full grown for an elf, but for a human like her, they were nearing their 21st year. According to her research, humans only lived to be 40 years of age. It meant she was over half way through her lifetime.
Like Angelica, Asheron and his other siblings had the dark hair of their mother. But unlike her, they had the elven ears and the elvish power and most of all, they had the immortality. It didn’t stop them from dying in this world, but if they did die, they would have a chance to be reborn when the book of Fae prophecy was used to restore them. That was Bellerose’s job when she was older. She would restore the world and bring back the fallen Fae, if she survived the Bringer of Darkness’ ritual.
Angelica pulled the poisoned dagger from the bodice of her gown. Did she really have what it would take? When it came time, could she really do it? She wondered as she put the dagger back. She moved through the shadows till she could hear her father and Marrick speaking. Her father and Uncle looked like twins except Marrick wore a blue robe and an emblem of the sun, and Garrett wore gold armor and a cape of green. She watched them embrace in their own way, clasping each other’s arms and then pulling in tight and patting each other on the back.
“Don’t think I don’t see you.” Came a voice. “I’ll pretend I don’t, but just tell me, are you all right?” Asheron leaned up against the tree she was hiding behind.
“I should have known, you’d spot me.”
“We’re connected, you and me. Why don’t you come out of the shadows and show yourself to the family? They’ll be overjoyed to see you.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not? They miss you, they long for your return, and here you are.” Ace reached around the tree and felt for her hand. She allowed him to take hold of it.
“Ace, what do you know about the prophecy?”
“You mean tonight’s prophecy?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I know that something is going to happen. Someone is going to kill- He dropped her hand and turned around to face her. “It’s you! You’re going to do it. That’s why you won’t come out of the shadows. Why?”
“I have to.” Angelica turned her back to him so he wouldn’t see her tears.
“Don’t do it.” Asheron begged.
“I have to.” Angelica whispered.
“If I call for the guards and tell them you’re here to kill the king, they will arrest you and then you won’t be able to.” Asheron grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. He removed the hood of her cloak.
“Father and I have searched everywhere for you, and here you are.” Angelica struggled to get out of his grip, but he tightened it around her arms.
“Let me go, Ace.”
“No. Not till you tell me why. Are you under his control?” Asheron searched her eyes for signs of mind control. “So, you do this, under your own free will? I don’t believe you.”
“I want power and immortality. I want to be like you. Powerful and immortal. I don’t understand why I was born so different.”
“What did you do?” He gripped her arms even tighter and shook her. “What did you do?”
“I promised to bring him Bellerose.” Asheron raised his arm to strike her, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He was still seeing his beloved sister, his twin, in front of him.
“If you do this, I will never forgive you.” With that he ran off. Angelica put her hood back up and slumped against the tree.
“Someday you’ll understand.” She said wiping away her tears. “Someday you will all understand.” Angelica wiped every trace of tears and slipped off into the shadows to find her sister. She found her in the garden, but she wasn’t alone. Four fairies were with her. Angelica watched as they flew around her and she happily tried to catch them. Then the fairies became big and bowed to her. No fairy had ever bowed to Angelica. She felt the twinge of jealousy creeping in. Instead of pushing it away, she let it consume her. She would need those feelings to carry out her deeds.
Angelica slipped further into the shadows when her sister Celera appeared. Celera, would have recognized her and sounded the alarm, well, not the alarm, she technically hadn’t done anything yet, but she didn’t want to be discovered, not yet. But not only that, it would hurt too much to reunite with her family knowing what she would have to do.
Bellerose was now making little white butterflies and then she would chase after them. Even at six years old she had the kind of power Angelica could only dream of, the kind the Sorcerer had promised her in exchange for her sister, but first the kingdom would have to burn and their father would have to die. Angelica pulled the dagger out again.
“There is a celebration going on, or did you not hear?” Angelica turned to see a snow-white Pegasus fly down. As she landed she turned into a woman with fire red hair. She wore a gown of white with a cloak of gold. In her hand, she held an orb.
“Don’t try to stop me, goddess.” Angelica said. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“Silence child.” Starlight raised her free hand and silenced Angelica. “I am not here to stop you. I know what must be done, but know once you cross that threshold there is no coming back from it. Once you kill, you will never be the same. Once you kill, you will always be a Dark One.”
“I’m already a dark one.” Angelica lied. “I killed Uncle Byron.”
“then you are truly lost to us.” Starlight said sadly. She took form of a Pegasus and flew off.
“I thought you of all people would understand!” Angelica whispered.
“Why take claim to something that isn’t true?” She heard a voice speak. At first, she though it was her father, but when the wizard appeared before her instead of the King, she knew it was her Uncle, Marrick.
“You know nothing, Uncle.”
“I know in my heart my brother is still alive. So why would you tell the goddess that you killed him.”
“I had to tell her that. I had to make her believe I was lost.”
“You are only hurting yourself.”
“I am only following the prophecy. Playing my part in the game. If anyone is to blame, it is the wise ones, they were the ones who created it, they are the ones driving me to do this. They are the ones who decided I should be human so that my jealousy and desire for power and immortality would drive me to carry out their wishes.”
“The wise ones did create the prophecy, that is true, but they did not create the darkness. They created the prophecy to stop the darkness. Bellerose is the Bringer of Light, no matter what you do, she will always be the bringer of light and she will always come to the moment where she must face her enemy and destroy him before he destroys her. But the darkness is spreading and our world is at war with the Legion. Your father and the Goddess’ army beat them back, but they will return and they will return stronger. Only your father has the strength to hold them back. Kill him, and we are done for.”
“I wish there was another way, believe me, Uncle, I do, but there isn’t. I’m sorry, but there must be another way to beat the Legion, but father, must die. It’s in the prophecy.”
“Then I will not try to stop you, we all know the prophecy and we all know it cannot be denied. We must find another way to defeat the legion. If you do this, you will have taken both my brothers from me, don’t expect me to forgive you.”
“I don’t expect you to. I don’t expect anyone to. I don’t even know if I will ever forgive myself. I will have to become a dark one, just to lose these feelings.”
“No. Live with them.” Marrick snarled. “Let them torment you for all your days. It is a just and fair punishment.” With those words, he walked away.
The celebration lasted all day, ending with a feast. Angelica was hungry and longed to join her family, but she remained in the shadows.
“I thought you might be hungry.” Asheron said. “You can’t join us, can you?”
Angelica shook her head.
“It would hurt too much? Knowing what you have to do?”
Angelica nodded again.
“Maybe you should be forced to hurt. Maybe you should be forced to look us all in the eye before you rip our hearts out. Are you going to look father in the eye? Or stab in the back like a coward?”
“Asheron, you’re making this harder.”
“Good. It should be hard. You should hate yourself.” He dropped the plate on the ground spilling some of the food. “Better pick it up, before father’s hounds find it and give you away.”
CHAPTER TWO-Bellerose
Bellerose anxiously stood beside her mother. She had been woken early by the servants, and stuffed into her new gown. Still sleepy she had nearly fallen asleep while the maids fussed over her hair which was getting very long, but her mother refused to let her cut it. It now hung down her back in a loose braid, the tips of each strand just barely brushed against the ground. She raised up on her tiptoes and peered out across the dirt road, her keen hearing hadn’t picked up the clip clopping of the horse’s hooves. Suddenly her face lit up. “I hear them! Clip clop clip clop. They’re at the edge of town.”
“They’re almost here.” The queen smiled at her daughter.
“Home in time for your birthday.”
“Will father have to go back to war when my party is over?”
“No.” The queen said looking out at the road. She refused to say another word.
“I see them! I see them!” Bellerose waved happily as her father and his men rode into sight of the castle. Musicians gaily led the parade. As soon as the king neared, the trumpets blew announcing his return. At last the horses stopped and the king dismounted. “Father! You have come home!” The little princess ran to her father’s open arms.
“Hello my beautiful rose.” He hugged her tight. “You get prettier every year.” He kissed her cheek. A tear rolled down his face. Bellerose raised her hand to wipe it away.
“Why are you crying, father?”
“I am happy, my little rose. Happy to have this beautiful day with my family. Run and tell your Uncle we have arrived, some of my men need healing.”
Bellerose took off running across the courtyard, but her Uncle was already coming out of the palace. He was dressed in blue robes today. The emblem of the sun hung on a gold chain around his neck.
“Father needs you right away, Uncle Marrick, some of his men are wounded.”
“I’ll tend to them right away.” Marrick said. “Come child, you can help me.” Bellerose ran after her uncle. The wounded were already being brought into the palace’s great hall. Garrett greeted them.
“Bellerose, this is no place for you.”
“She can assist me.” Marrick said.
“Marrick, I want her to enjoy the day. She should be outside, chasing butterflies in the garden and dancing to the music, not in here. Not today.”
“But father, I want to help.” Garrett kneeled in front of her.
“I know you do, my beautiful rose, you have the heart of an angel, but today is your birthday, and you should be out enjoying the sunlight with your friends.”
“Father, what did this to them?” Bellerose asked peering around her father at the wounded men.
“The legion. I fear, this won’t be the last time.” A tear trickled down Garrett’s face and Bellerose reached up and wiped it away.
“Don’t cry father. It will be all right. See, the men are already getting better.”
“Bellerose!” She heard her mother calling for her.
“Go see what your mother wants.” Garrett said rising. “Marrick can handle the wounded.”
Bellerose ran off to find her mother. “Here I am, mother.”
“Don’t run off like that, you know what today is.”
“I was with father, and Uncle Marrick. Uncle Marrick asked me to help him heal the wounded.”
“I should have known you were with the wounded. Your brother wants to see you.”
“Asheron!”
“My little sister!”
“You’ve gotten taller.”
“So, have you, look at you, I hardly recognized you.”
“I’m six years old today.”
“Yes, I know. It’s a very big day for you.” Like her father before, a tear rolled down Asheron’s face.
“Don’t cry!”
“Me, cry? Never.” Asheron said. “I’m a knight, strong and brave. We do not cry.” He insisted with a wink.
“Father was crying too.”
“Yes, I imagine he was. This is a hard day for us all, and though it should be a joyful one, I have found no joy in it.”
“But there’s plenty of joy, you and father have come home, and the army is only wounded there have not been any deaths, and it’s my birthday and we’re having a party.”
“You always see the bright side to everything, little sister. No matter what, never let that change.”
“Come to the garden with me, there are so many new plants growing.”
“In a little while, I must go speak with father. Go play in the garden, I’ll find you there when I’m done.”
“Can I come with you when you talk to father?”
“No. Go play in the garden. Matters of war are not your concern. Not yet.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means be a child while you can, because all too soon you’ll only have the memories of the garden to look back on. Take the day and soak it all up. Capture every happy moment in your mind, so that you’ll have those moments later.” Asheron rushed off before she could see any more tears. Alone again, Bellerose ran off to the garden. The servants were busy setting up for a feast, and the musicians were tuning up their instruments.
“Looks like it’s going to be some party.” A little voice said as a ball of yellow light appeared. “Who is this party for, I wonder.”
“Oh, silly Taliesin, It’s my birthday today.” Bellerose giggled. The little ball of yellow light giggled as it flew around her. Soon a ball of green and blue light appeared and they danced and swirled around her giggling. A red light landed on Bellerose’s shoulder.
“If you ask me, they are all making way too much fuss over it.” The red light spoke.
“You’re just jealous, Meridia” The green light said. “No one ever throws you a party.”
“I’m not jealous, Florence, I just don’t think the fuss is necessary. They should be trying to-
“They know they can’t stop it from happening, so they are throwing a party to give everyone one last happy day. What’s so wrong with that?”
“Can’t stop what?” Bellerose asked. “What is it that no one will tell me?”
“Tonight, you vanish from our world, never to be seen again.”
“Where will I go?” Bellerose asked
“No one knows. You’ll just vanish.” The red light said. “I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.”
“Don’t worry Bellerose, you’ll return to us one day, when you’re older, and you have your power, then you’ll end the war and save us all.” Florence said.
“You can do it, Bellerose, we believe in you.” Taliesin said
“Even red believes in you.”
“My name is not red.” The little red light jumped off Bellerose’s shoulder and a girl in a red dress appeared. The yellow light copied and a little boy dressed in a yellow tunic appeared. The blue and green fairies did the same.
“Petunia!” Bellerose hugged her friend.
“Taliesin is right, we believe in you. I will miss you.”
“I will miss you too.”
“I wish I could come with you.”
“Maybe I’ll go live with the Goddess in cloud Castle. Mayne she’ll teach me how to control my power.”
“I don’t think you’re going to cloud castle. If you were, why would they have sent the babies there?”
“You don’t think- no- that can’t be it. Can it?” Taliesin asked.
“What?” Florence asked.
“She can’t be going to the Iron Castle, can she?” Taliesin asked.
“The iron castle? You mean the one on the mountain?” Bellerose asked. They all turned to look north at the horizon. They could just see the tower of the castle perched on the highest peak of the deadly mountains.
“She’s Fae. Not even she could survive the Iron Castle.” Merida said.
“What’s so scary about it?” Bellerose asked still looking at the castle in the distance.
“It’s made of iron, the one metal that can instantly kill us. Only humans can go there, then the sorcerer turns them into undead and sends them to attack us.” Florence explained. “It’s how he creates the Legion.”
CHAPTER THREE- Starlight
High in the sky many miles away, in a castle in the clouds, the Goddess Starlight stood before a large basin of water that sat on a tall pedestal. She dipped her finger in the water and watched as an image appeared.
She watched as a dragon swooped down on the kingdom in the valley burning everything in its path. She could hear the screams of the helpless people as they tried to flee. Then it headed for the castle. It slammed its body into the castle wall causing it to crumble on the celebration going on. One piece struck the princess in the head and knocked her to the ground. A cut appeared on her forehead. Starlight watched as Prince Asheron rescued her and carried her to the throne room.
Starlight waved her hand through the water making the image vanish. She had seen enough. “It is her birthday today.”
“You cannot defy the prophecy, no matter how much you want to. It must be fulfilled.” A black Pegasus with fire for a mane and tail approached her. It stopped at the base of the stairs that lead to the pedestal.
“I can’t bring myself to know it.” Starlight said turning to face him. “All I know is she will be taken tonight, at the stroke of midnight, the dragon will return.”
“So, it will be the dragon who takes her?”
“No. No, it will be her sister.”
“Her sister?”
“Valadhail. She is now the Queen of the Legion. She will return and she will take her sister and lock her away in the tower till her sixteenth birthday when she will then hand her over to the Bringer of Darkness for his ritual.”
“But the ritual won’t happen. She will defeat him. She will save her world.” The Pegasus insisted.
“It never changes, Lucero, I always see her, fallen.” Starlight stepped down and reached her hands out to pet the head of the Pegasus. “She will fall, unless something changes, but I don’t know what.”
“Save her. Bring her here.”
“I can’t. That would be defying the prophecy.”
“Speak to the wise ones. Speak to your mother, she will listen to you. Beg them to change it. Beg them to allow you to change it. You can’t give up, not this time. You are the Goddess, be their goddess.”
“I am not a goddess, Lucero, no matter what they call me, I am no goddess. I have no control here. I am simply helpless.” She bowed her head and rested it against his snout. “If only we had more time.”
“Speak to your mother, only she can give us more time.”
“If we ask for more time, that gives the Legion more time to destroy us.”
“We are strong, we can fight the Legion, but every battle we fight will be pointless if she falls.” Starlight lifted her head off his nose and nodded.
“I will speak to them.” She turned back to the pedestal and took an amulet from her neck and dipped it into the water and swirled it around till there was a tide pool, she let go of the amulet and watched it get sucked into the eye. A moment later the water calmed. It turned purple and mist rose from it.
“You called, my child?” A voice came from the mist.
“Mother! I need to request a favor of you and your sisters.”
“Ask, and I will do what I can.”
“The dragon hasn’t attacked yet, there’s time to fix this.”
“There is nothing to fix, my child. You had your chance, Starlight, you failed, and you hid your light.”
“But Bellerose will fail, and she will have no one to help her.”
“You refuse to see it. Look again!” The mist vanished and the water began to swirl again and the amulet was flung from the basin. Starlight caught it. She struck it against the basin in anger as the water subsided.
“What did she say?”
“You didn’t hear her?”
“No.”
“She said, there is nothing to fix.”
“Then trust her.”
“Bellerose will fail, and it’s all my fault.”
“You have a gift to take to her. Go, go join the party.”
“Not yet. I need to know.” Starlight dipped her finger. “Show me what I seek.” She said. An image appeared. She watched as the King and the army returned. Then she saw it, the one thing she had missed before. The missing Princess, hiding behind a tree. She waved her hand and the image showed the dragon attack again. This time she kept watching after Asheron carried his sister to the throne room. She allowed herself to enter the throne room behind him. There standing before her father brandishing a dagger glowing blue, was Princess Valadhail.
“You have to stop her.”
“I can’t. It’s part of the prophecy.” Starlight throws the basin over.
“Starlight!”
She runs to the balcony, takes flight as a Pegasus and vanished beneath the clouds.
CHAPTER FOUR- Marrick
From the window of his tower, Marrick could see the procession. The musical notes of the various musicians just a whisper on the wind. The wizard had been up all night pouring over his books looking for an answer to stop the event that was coming, but there was nothing he could do. Exhausted, his eyes burning from reading so much, he had failed a brother again. For a moment thoughts of Garrett and Byron as they were that day so long ago, filled his mind. They had come a long way since the day Garrett had first left with the Goddess’ army. They had been only sixteen then, young foolish chaps who thought they had the whole world at their fingertips. Marrick no more than a mage studying magic then, and Byron was studying potions. Marrick was still convinced that Garrett only survived because of the gifts the two brothers bestowed upon him at the time of his departure. Marrick had given him an amulet of protection and Byron potions of healing. As a mortal, he could not use the healing waters the Fae used, so Byron had created an elixir that would work just as well.
When he heard, the trumpets blowing, he left his tower and made it down to the courtyard as little Bellerose came running to find him.
“Father needs you right away, Uncle Marrick, some of his men are wounded.”
“I’ll tend to them right away.” Marrick said. “Come child, you can help me.” Marrick lead his niece to the great hall where the wounded were already being brought in. Garrett appeared only moments later. After Garrett shoed his daughter away, he turned to his brother. “It is good to have you home, brother.”
“It is good to be home. There were no deaths this time, we can thank the stars, but several of my men are wounded. I assume you have the elixir still?”
“It is running out, but I still have enough.”
“I shall find a potions master who can make more.”
“Go, be with your family.”
“How does she seem to you?”
“She’s a happy child, with a good heart.”
“And her powers?”
“She is already very strong.”
“Good. She’ll need to be.” Marrick nodded. He went about the cots giving the men each a rink of the elixir. Those that were Fae were given the healing water. Just a drop could heal almost any wound. When the men’s wounds were healed, he went out onto the terrace to quietly observe the festivities.
“Ah to be six years old again, without a care in the world.” Garrett said joining him.
“I was just thinking back to those days this morning.” Marrick admitted. “I was thinking about the day you went off with the Goddess and her army.”
“I remember it like it was yesterday. Mother told me I had a quest to go on. An Elvin princess to find. You and Byron thought I was mad.”
“More Byron than me. I knew it would be you, out of the three of us to settle and marry. Auria is a fine wife, and Queen.”
“Indeed. You will look after her, when I’m gone, won’t you brother?”
“I will.” Marrick promised.
“And Bellerose, you will search for her and find her, if you can.”
“I will be there for her when the time is right. That is what I can promise.”
“And Asheron, he’s still so young, he has so much to learn.”
“He’s no younger than you were when you first joined the Goddess’ army.”
‘But that was years before I became a King. He must become King tomorrow, at dawn.”
“It shall be done.” Marrick promised.
“Celera, see that she finds a good husband. Florence would make a fine Prince. See that he takes her to the fairy kingdom, and protects her for all her days.”
“I will see to it, brother.”
“And the wee ones, the ones who will never know me as their father.” A tear rolled down Garrett’s face. “I am grateful that mother told me my fate, so that I could prepare for it. I just wish-
“There was more time.” Marrick nodded. “We all wish that, brother.”
“Tell me truthfully, brother Marrick, can she, do it? Will she, do it?”
“I am an acolyte of the prophecy, I trust the light. She is the Bringer of Light, I have no doubt in my mind or heart that she can do it, and that she will do it.”
“Then I can die, in peace, knowing that.”
“If Byron is on the other side, give him a piece of my mind.”
“And if he isn’t and you find him, give him a piece of mine.” The men clasped hands and touched foreheads. “Take care of mother and father. You are the last of us.”
“One son will be a great king; one son will fall to darkness and one son will be a great and powerful wizard.”
“It’s up to you. Time to become that great and powerful wizard.” Garrett slapped his brother on the shoulder one last time, before he turned and walked away.
“Garrett Thornburg, strong and brave to the end.”
CHAPTER FIVE- Angelica
Resigned to what she had to do, Angelica slipped off to the throne room. There were no guards around, they were all on the wall, preparing for the dragon that would be upon them within the hour. Everyone else was still out in the garden enjoying the feast and celebrating. It would be easy enough to find a servant and send it to get Bellerose. She would be gone before anyone tried to stop her. If only that was her only task, but the Sorcerer wanted the King dead. The poison on the dagger would prevent anyone from trying to save him. She began to pace in front of the throne. Her heels clicked with every step echoing off the walls.
Angelica didn’t have keen hearing, so she couldn’t hear the dragon till it was upon the castle. She felt it slam into the castle wall. The hour had come. Soon everyone would rush into the throne room. Should she stand to face them? Or hide like a coward? She chose to stand. A moment later the King came in. He paused in the door and studied her. “My Angel! You have come home!”
“No father.” Angelica steadied her voice. “I have come to kill you.”
The king nodded. “I know.”
“Father, didn’t you hear me? I have come to kill you.”
“Yes, I heard you. I am prepared to die. It is the will of the prophecy. I assumed it would be the dragon, but in a way, it’s more fitting, my child that was lost, has come home to kill me. Why?”
“Like you said, it’s the will of the prophecy.”
Garrett nodded again. “You have been missed, Valadhail.”
“My name is Angelica.”
“So, you have embraced your mortal name.”
“Why aren’t you afraid? Why aren’t you calling the guard to stop me?”
“The guards are busy fighting your dragon.”
As if on cue the dragon slammed into the castle wall again. They heard bricks tumble and crash on to the ground outside
“He’s not- Angelica stopped talking as Garrett walked towards her. He glanced her way as he passed her to sit on his throne.
“It has been years, since I have actually sat here and ruled over my people. I have been away at war, fighting the legion. Doing what I can as a soldier and a warrior, to leave my mark.”
Her father seemed to age right before her. His face had wrinkles and his hair was streaked with white. He stood and took off his sword belt. He leaned it against the throne. He took off his green cape and draped it across the throne.
“Tell me, Angelica, do you think Asheron will make a good king?”
“How can you be so calm? I’m here to kill you, to end your life.”
“Then get on with it. I have known about this day since I was fifteen, when my mother first told me. I have lived my life waiting for this moment. I am prepared to die, if it means my world will live on.”
“That’s not up to you.”
“No. The world is in your sister’s hands. Small hands of a child.” The king stepped down towards her. He unfastened his armor and let it drop. He removed his tabard with the thorny vines that entangled a sword. A crown around the base of the sword. It was the symbol of the Thornburg’s. Their family name. “Kill me, take your sister as the prophecy demands, but leave the others. Tell your Legion they are not to be touched.” He took off his chain male. Now all he had was a white cotton shirt and trousers. He didn’t look like a King anymore. “Alright, Angelica, strike my heart and make it quick.”
Angelica took out the dagger. Her hands trembled. Garrett kneeled to make it easier for her, but his resignation only made it harder. She had hoped to fight with him, to get him angry, and then strike when she couldn’t take it anymore, but here he was kneeling before her presenting his heart, and it made her hesitate. In that moment of hesitation Asheron appeared. He held Bellerose in his arms. She was unconscious and had a cut on her forehead.
“Father!”
“Stay back, Asheron. You are the king now. Do it!” He grabbed Angelica’s hand and placed the tip of her dagger against his shirt above his heart. “Do it!”
“No!” Auria appeared. Garrett guided Angelica’s hand and thrust the dagger into his chest. Angelica dropped her hand and fell to her knees.
“Father, forgive me!” She wept. Auria raced across the throne room floor.
“Mother don’t touch him!” Angelica screamed but it was too late. Auria fell to her knees beside her husband and touched his face. Angelica and Asheron watched as her hand began to change color. She turned to look at Angelica. Her eyes seething with anger. Her hand outstretched for Garrett. She slowly turned to stone.
“Mother!”
“What did you do!” Asheron streaked. He laid Bellerose down and went to his parents. “I will never forgive you for this!”
“Take your sister, and go. You’re work here is done.” Starlight said from the doorway.
“Can you undo it?” Asheron begged as Angelica gathered her sister in her arms. In the girl’s arms was a beautiful doll. A gift sent to her by her Uncle, from the other world. Angelica made sure she didn’t drop it as she carried her from the castle. Starlight didn’t say a word as Angelica climbed onto her back and she lifted her into the sky. She landed at the edge of the glen where the sea of lava had already begun to cool. Draco was already waiting. Angelica climbed onto his head and he carried them back to the Iron Castle. Once there she took Bellerose to the highest tower. She tended the wound on her forehead.
“Mother was never supposed to be there.” She whispered. “They’ll find a way to reverse the spell. Starlight will reverse it. I don’t know what is instore for you. I wish I could tell you you’ll be safe here, that no harm will come to you, but I don’t really know. Sleep well, little princess. I’m sorry this has to be your life now.” Angelica tucked the doll in her sister’s arms before she got up and left the room. Locking the door. “No one goes in or out without my permission.”
“Yes, My Queen.” The guard bowed.
“Tell the cook to make her something to eat. The beast can deliver it.”
“Yes, My Queen.” Angelica made her way across the courtyard.
“So, it has been done?” The beast asked. “He will be pleased.”
“You promise the elixir will work?”
“I promise. On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, give it to her.” Angelica pulled the vial of green glowing goo from her pocket.
“What if he finds out?”
“You better hope he gives you the power and immortality before he does, he will kill you otherwise, and you will be no help to her.”
“I better go speak with him.”
“Calex is in the library.”
“Of course, he is, what is he looking for?”
“I suspect a spell of some kind.”
It didn’t take Angelica long to find the young apprentice. He was perched on a ladder flipping through a book. When he had flipped through it and didn’t find what he was looking for, he’d toss it and let it fall to the floor. There were now books everywhere.
“What are you looking for?”
“Oh! You’re back. How did it go?”
“The king is dead and Bellerose is here.”
“So, it has begun?”
“So, it has.”
“How long?”
“Ten years.”
“Not a lot of time. I was hoping for more time.”
“Can he hear us?”
“The ladder is made of iron, so no.”
“Good. I have a way to give us more time.”
“Ooh! Do tell.” Calex clasped his hands on the iron to make sure the Bringer of Darkness was entirely subdued. As a human, it didn’t affect him.
“Before Byron was turned into a beast, he helped me concoct a potion that will turn back time. All I must do is get Bellerose to drink it. Then, she will turn into a baby and we will have sixteen more years.”
“Will it really work?”
“Byron swears by it.”
“Let’s test it.”
“How?”
“I’ll drink it.”
“What if that releases him?”
“If I’m still alive, it won’t. We must test it before we give it to her. This will give us time to get it right, if it’s not. Give it to me.”
Angelica handed him the vial. He climbed off the ladder before he uncorked it and drank it.
“Anything?” Angelica asked after a moment.
“No. Yes. The room is spinning. Suddenly, he fainted and Angelica dropped to her knees to feel a pulse. As she touched him he vanished and in the bundle of his clothes, she found an infant. It worked! They had a way to delay. Now to figure out what to do with Baby Calex.
STORY CORNER