With tears burning her eyes, Layala slipped into the servants’ door. She didn’t want Thane or Piper or anyone else to follow her and she certainly didn’t want to go to her room with Thane so close. It wasn’t her responsibility to help anyone but herself. She wasn’t a king or a ruler. Her magic wasn’t owed to anyone; it was hers and hers alone. So why did his words cut so deep? She didn’t have to destroy the Void or do anything. It was her choice to be free of their bond, and she wasn’t wrong for wanting that. All she wanted was to go home, go back to her life and be with people she cared about and trusted.
The torches provided plenty of light for her to maneuver through the damp, cool stone. There were no windows and being inside the servants’ halls was like walking through underground tunnels, a little claustrophobic and maze-like. Being inside brought back the memory of waiting outside Thane’s room with the intent to kill him. She felt it was wrong then and even more so now. Yet she hadn’t apologized.
She blinked, clearing away the tears and lifted her posture. She hoped to find an exit to the outside soon. Fresh air and open space were much needed. After passing several doors, one of which sounded like the kitchen on the other side with clanging dishes, and shouting servants, she came to a much heavier one at the end of the hall. It had a heavy metal latch which she shoved up and hooked against the wall. Stepping outside brought the warm evening air, the scent of fresh-cut grass, and the hum of nature. Clouds covered the sun but the colors of pink and orange still bloomed behind them.
Everyone she passed stared at her like she was a pale one, but she didn’t give them a second look. She wandered the stone path far away from everyone until she found a willow tree. It was a symbol of safety, the ghost of her mother’s arms that had been stolen away. Leaning her back against the trunk, she sank to the ground and grabbed her mother’s golden willow necklace. She brought it to her lips and gently kissed it. Mother, please, help me. Help me know what to do. Give me an answer. Everything was still, quiet. More tears poured down her face. I’m begging you. If you can hear me, I need help. I need you. A breeze picked up, and long stringy branches swayed until a few lightly wrapped around her shoulders as if to comfort.
She sat in the silence and the sun peeked out from the clouds. Its warm light kissed her face. She closed her eyes, rubbing her temples. She was so sure about everything until she came here. So sure she knew who the enemy was but Maker above, she was wrong. She knew nothing before she arrived. She didn’t even know Tenebris and Mathekis wanted to use her to bring back the Black Mage. She didn’t know Thane had been protecting her all her life rather than searching to find her and use her. He wasn’t a monster at all. An arrogant prick at times but not what she once believed.
She sat there until the sun dipped below the mountain in the distance and night fell. Thane was right. She was being selfish. Her mother said she’d have to fight, and maybe it was time. She wiped her tears and pushed to her feet. She must speak with Thane.
When the morning came, Layala stood at her windows, watching elves pour in through the castle gates. Many lined up on the bridge and waited alongside the river that protected the grounds. The females wore gowns in shades of yellow, orange, and red, colors that represented the sun. The males dressed in white and light blue, representing the daytime sky. Their gathered movement in the brilliant colors was as if watching a school of tropical fish, shifting and dancing in unison.
Reina and Pearl had already been in to dress her. The two-piece burnt orange gown wasn’t as extravagant as she expected it would be given what they forced on her for dinner. The top was covered in lace and hung off her shoulders. It left a two-inch gap at the bottom, revealing a little skin. The skirt dragged on the floor, hugged around her navel, and was made of fine silk. It was good for twirling. As soon as her maids left, she spun around, watching the fabric flow around her like the wide-open petals of a flower. She left her hair free to tumble down her back despite their protests.
Reina said this would be an all-day event. The elves set up stations for different interests such as music and art or animals and magical flora. Tables and booths of food lined both sides of a cobblestone path and went deep into the castle grounds. The aroma of sweets, hearty meats, and baked goods drifted to her already.
The bag she’d packed for her journey to the mountains sat on the bed mocking her. Should she stay and marry Thane, so she could help her people? So she could fight? She wouldn’t have to be with him the way a wife usually did. She couldn’t. They could simply be partners in their plight against the pale ones. There was still her fear of the pale ones capturing her, but she didn’t want to live the rest of her life afraid of being taken. She didn’t want to hide anymore.
“It sure does smell good,” Tif said, staring longingly outside. Her tiny arms hugged the vine she leaned against.
“You should go down there. Taste some of that delicious smelling food.”
“Oh, I would sooner stick my hand in boiling water. The jumbos would chase me away with a broom and I’d surely die of shame.”
Layala patted Tif’s head gently. “I would never allow that. You’re my lady’s maid now. You’re important.”
Her little heart-shaped face lit up. “I got the job?”
“I prefer you over Reina and Pearl honestly. They’re so pushy. Nice but pushy.”
“I am honored, Lady. And I do like your hair down like that,” Tif added. “Even if they don’t. You’re most beautiful. Like a flower.”
“Thank you.”
“But I still can’t go.” Her shoulders sagged and she leaned against the glass. “I’ll sneak some food from the kitchen.”
“One day you will be brave enough to show yourself. Brave enough to be free.”
“I hope so.” She was quiet for a moment. “You’ll take me with you, won’t you? If you go to the mountains. Although, I think you should stay.”
Nibbling on her bottom lip, Layala wanted to say no. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, and it would be very dangerous.”
“I don’t care. I would brave the mountains with you. You are my friend.”
“But not a few jumbos?” Layala gestured toward the outside festival.
“That is different. Plus, there are thousands, not a few down there.”
A knock startled her. She quickly shoved the bag under the bed. Tif climbed out of sight, and Layala met Sunshine and Fennan at her door. She hoped it would be Thane. There were things she needed to say, starting with an apology.
“If you want to see the festivities, Thane asked that we take you,” Fennan said, with an overly dramatic bow.
Layala snickered at his gesture but couldn’t help her disappointment. “Oh, where is he? And where is Piper? She’s usually out here.”
Sunshine folded his arms and leaned against the door frame. “She is with Thane. He had meetings and correspondence all morning.”
A small part of her was bothered that they were together, but she shoved that away. He was only her mate through a spell. “Have there been attacks?”
Thane’s crushing words the night before still hurt. She knew that with power like hers, she could save so many elven lives. She might turn the war in their favor if she fought. But all her life she hid. And she still had no desire to fight pale ones in a war. She killed them when they came for her or to Briar Hollow, but she didn’t want to seek out the confrontation, the risk. It terrified her to think of being surrounded by them, especially when they might not just kill her. They wanted to capture her and use her for their dark purposes.
“There are attacks regularly in the south,” Fennan said. “But today has been bad, yes. Although, nothing we can’t handle, don’t worry.”
She nodded slowly, a pit growing in her gut. She needed to choose her focus. Would she head to the mountains or stay? “I would enjoy going to the festival. Thank you.” She stepped into the hallway and started for the stairs. The males walked on either side of her.
“Do you like sweets?” Fennan asked. He wore a light blue tunic with beige pants. He put effort into his appearance for the festival, when usually he looked like he’d come off a week on the road. His black hair was cut shorter, and he didn’t even have a spec of dirt on his hands or face.
Layala smiled. “Doesn’t everyone?”
“You must try the brambleberry cream pie. It’s the best thing you’ll ever eat,” he bragged and licked his lips. “It’s sweet and the purple berries are plump. Oh, and the creaminess. Not to mention the energy kick that comes with the berries is a bonus… Mmmm, I wait all year for it.”
“It is rather good,” Sunshine agreed. “But I prefer the chocolate-dipped pastries. You’ll have to try both and tell us which you like best.”
“Fennan did a better job at selling the pie, but I’d be more than happy to try both and give you my thoughts.” She imagined for a moment that Ren and Forrest were beside her instead. They’d love a big festival like this. They’d drink and feast and dance with as many pretty maidens as they could find. She missed them.
When they stepped outside into the sunlight, light music drifted on the air, drums and wind instruments. It was somehow wild with the thrumming beats, and yet calming. Tents of many colors were erected nearby. Strings of tiny faerie lights hovered above stretching from flowering trees and the tops of booths, and would look marvelous at night. The aroma of sweet and savory food lingered heavier in the air now that she was closer.
Most of the elves they passed were locked in conversation with one another, too busy to notice her between her tall guards, but soon eyes began to drift. They watched her as if they could sense she was different from them. She checked to make sure her birthmark was covered with the sleeve, and it was.
She spotted Leif and his gang of tattooed friends. They waved and carried on. Fennan and Sunshine laughed at a male who fell into a barrel of wine and then hit the ground. The drink soaked his face before he rolled over and burped. “Is he drunk?” Layala asked. She’d seen many drunkards, but it was early in the day and for some reason, she expected more from the elves, especially from a race who called themselves “high”.
“For certain,” Sunshine said, then went over and dragged the elf to his feet. “Best go find a spot to sit for a while.”
The elf chortled and swayed on his way to a bench.
“How long have you two known Thane?” Layala asked. If she was going to try, if she was even considering staying, she had to give the elves a chance and get to know those closest to her.
A little girl ran up and handed her a bright red wildflower. “Thank you,” she said with a smile. The girl giggled and darted into the crowd.
“I was under his command at Zendora six years ago,” Sunshine answered. “He saved my life, chopped off the head of a pale one right before it could take a bite out of my arm. I insisted on thanking him since I owed him my life and made him a pledge to be at his side. And here we are.”
Layala shuddered at the thought of getting bit by a pale one. “I don’t understand how you can fight so close to them and not—turn.”
“We’ve found that if you’re bitten you’re certain to turn but otherwise, you won’t. Some fear being close to them still, but those of us who have fought them in the war know that catching it like a sickness is a false belief.” His dark blue eyes stayed on hers a few beats. “The other way is if a spell isn’t completed.”
“I’m all too aware,” Layala mumbled. She turned to Fennan. “And you?”
“We’ve known each other since we were children. My father is a high-ranking general who worked closely with King Tenebris for years.”
“Yes, Osric, Fennan and Thane were quite the trio, or so I hear,” Sunshine added. “Menaces, if you ask their nursemaids. Always running amuck and getting into trouble.”
Layala smiled. “Who is Osric? I haven’t met him yet.” Fennan and Sunshine went suddenly quiet. “What’s the matter?”
“He’s dead.” Fennan cleared his throat. “He turned after a battle, and well, that was not long ago.”
“Oh.” She couldn’t fathom watching a friend turn. She wondered if Talon knew and still mocked her brother. Even Layala wouldn’t do that to him. “I can’t imagine how much that must hurt you all. I’m sorry.”
Neither of them responded. She didn’t blame them for not wanting to talk about it. She didn’t want to talk about the loss of Novak even still and he died two years ago. Osric’s death was fresh, a wound that would send shocking tendrils of pain if prodded. “Will you two dance at sunset?”
“We must,” Sunshine said as if the question shocked him. “The blessings from the Maker help us through the year. Didn’t you celebrate in Svenarum?”
“Not like this.” Layala twirled the flower’s stem between her fingers. Goodness radiated from the flora. She wasn’t sure what it was or what mystical properties it possessed but that little girl meant to give her a favor of some kind. “I’m afraid I don’t know how to dance the Kenatara.”
“We must teach you then,” Sunshine said with a huge grin.
“After she tries some of the food. I can’t teach when hungry.” Fennan hooked his arm around hers and dragged her presumably toward the brambleberry cream pie booth.
For the next hour they tried food from every vendor. The brambleberry cream pie was as delectable and rich as Fennan described, and the chocolate-dipped pastries were a close second. They ate exotic fruit tarts and cheeses, breads with flavors from buttery garlic, to cookies mixed with cinnamon and topped with vanilla frosting. After the final bite of a pixie-sweet red apple, she was so full she couldn’t eat any more and couldn’t fathom how her two companions wanted more. Her stomach was already stretched beyond its usual capacity.
After they dragged her to listen and watch the music performers, and then visit the different flora booths, she found herself looking for Thane. Shouldn’t he be here? Was their fight the night before his last straw? Maybe he was done with her. After how horrible she was, she didn’t blame him.
“Come on, we need to show you the Kenatara,” Sunshine said, nodding toward an open area, thankfully with a few luminor trees for cover. Layala didn’t want everyone watching her try to learn a dance that she should already know. On their way over, the princess, with a group of four friends, walked toward them in a line, forcing others to move out of their way like they were a stampede. Layala immediately stepped closer to Fennan who might be enough to block her. She could only imagine Talon would be more bold with her gaggle of females.
“Oh, look, it’s my soon-to-be sister!” Talon cooed; she took the hands of the friends beside her and pulled them ahead. One of them was Vyra, who wore a wicked grin. Passersby gave Layala long looks. If the princess was announcing a soon-to-be sister, then they knew what that meant. Layala had never wanted to be able to turn invisible more than that moment. She could already see elves talking behind their hands, watching her with distinct curiosity, more so than before.
“Maker, why me?” Layala moaned.
Sunshine and Fennan both stiffened at her sides, as if preparing for a crowd that might get unruly. “I told you she was difficult,” Fennan murmured even as he stopped and greeted Talon with a bow. Sunshine dipped his head and winked. Talon’s smile grew tenfold.
“Hello, Fennan.” She said his name with deliberate affection. “Aldrich.” Her stern gaze fell to Layala. “And my dear, sweet sister. Can I call you that?”
“I’d prefer Layala.”
“Layala Lightbringer,” Vyra said unnecessarily loudly and clutched at her chest. “The long-lost mage.” She and the others giggled but like the rest of the ever-gathering elves around them, watched her with a sort of fearful reverence. She was the lost magical child after all. “Are you enjoying your time?”
“I am,” Layala answered, nervous at the circle growing around them.
“Blessed, are you truly she?” The male elf practically charged her until Fennan stuck his arm out bringing the elf to a jerking halt.
“You will not touch her or come any closer.” Fennan gave him a light shove back and the elf adjusted his tunic, but his eyes fixed on Layala like he might risk a second try.
That made the chatter louder. “It’s truly her.”
“Look at how beautiful she is. Absolutely stunning.”
“I want to see her magic.”
“We’re saved! She is here to save us all from the pale ones!”
“I don’t have to send my son to the war now!”
“How do we know it’s her for certain?”
“If this is the High King’s mate, where is the High King?”
“Should we bow to her?”
Someone ran off yelling that Layala Lightbringer had been found and was here.
Layala wished she could sink into the ground and cover herself with dirt. No wonder Thane said he wanted to keep who she was quiet. Her eyes darted around, searching for a way to escape but the circle only grew tighter, more compact. The buzzing and whispering and questions grew louder. The bright sun even seemed to get hotter, burning her skin.
Talon smirked as if this was her plan all along. “I hope you have a wonderful evening, but I must be off with my friends.” Talon strode straight at the crowd which parted for her without hesitation.
Layala noticed the queen nearby surrounded by a group of ladies, with a terrible grin. She lifted her glass at Layala then turned away. Did she send Talon over to do this?
Sunshine and Fennan’s shoulders pressed against hers. “We need to get you inside,” Sunshine took hold of her arm and waved his other hand. “Make way!”
“But we want to hear from her! Is she going to save us?” a female yelled.
“Yes, we’ve waited almost twenty-five years! Let her speak!”
Layala’s heart slammed into her chest. This wasn’t a situation she could fight her way out of; she couldn’t hurt them for only wanting to see her. But she had to get away, had to break through into the open. She needed to run but that would scare them, and would they chase her? She’d never seen this many gathered in one place, let alone surrounding her. More questions were hurled at her. The bright orange and yellow gowns began to hurt her eyes as they melded together. The drumming music and the loud chatter, the distant laughter of children rang in her ears, threatening to overwhelm.
Her throat seized up. She made speeches in Briar Hollow at town meetings when she prepared for them, but none where they expected her to be a savior.
She stared up at Fennan, silently pleading with him to get her out of there. He gave a curt nod. “Layala will not be speaking as of now,” Fennan shouted. “Now please, give us some room before we have to call the castle guard.”
Not a single elf moved. They pushed to draw closer. Arguments started. A male shoved a female; she yelped, and a fight broke out. First it was two males then a whole group because someone bumped into a wife, or another got hit by accident. Fists flew, screams echoed, curses and groans erupted.
Leif hollered, “Get out of here! With haste!” He and his tug-of-war team joined the fighting, only adding to the chaos.
“We have to get inside!” Fennan snarled at Sunshine. “Damn Talon, damn her. She did this on purpose.”
In the chaos, elves grabbed at Layala, pawing her hair. A few even tore out some strands, holding them high like it was a prize. Others tugged at her skirt, or caressed her arms. Anger and fear and disgust ripped at her as she shoved hands away, “Don’t touch me!” she shouted with venom. She wanted to scream to scare them like Tif had her birds. A male grabbed her hand and jerked her closer, dragging his tongue across her wrist. Tears of rage and revulsion burned her eyes. She wrenched herself free and punched him hard in the nose. “How dare you!”
Fennan shoved the assailant back until he tumbled into the crowd.
But they kept coming. Kept pawing her and begging. “Blessed, please help us!” a female in yellow said, wrapping her hand around Layala’s other wrist. In reaction, Layala jerked away and shoved her down. Another tripped over the lady and she cried out in pain.
“Where is the guard? This is out of control!” Fennan shouted. He and Sunshine tried to form a barrier around her, but many reached around them as if touching Layala would make them blessed. The fighting group fell into them, Sunshine caught an elbow to the jaw, and he growled, shoving his foot into the back of an elf. Layala’s magic began to trickle through her veins, warm and cool at once. Let me out, it seemed to say. I will free you from this… No no no no. She shoved it down, down until it was in the depths of some deep darkness, locking it in a cage. If it exploded here, they’d demand her death surely.
“STOP!” a deep voice boomed, laced with power, the kind only the High Elf King possessed.
