"Flames of Eternity" Chapter One By EmmaLee

Bertagnole & S.C. Lang

I resembled a god.
My massive warhorse, Blaze, layered in glistening gold-plated
armor and appropriate war paint, resembled a beast fit for a god.
I wore no war-helmet upon my head, opting instead to let the stiff
breeze blowing off the Eastern Sea to race through my jet-black hair
but every other inch of me was covered in armor polished and gleaming
in the brilliant late-afternoon sun. My number one War-General,
Lansing kept his tongue still over me not donning my helmet, but threw
me disapproving looks all the same. Lansing rode beside me a full pace
in front of the standard bearer who, in turn was followed by the rest
of the legion. Our banner, a black phoenix emblazoned on a field of
blood red, whipped proudly in the wind, displaying for all Ravencrest
to see that I had been victorious were so many others had met defeat.
War was over.
After seven grueling winters I, King Zyphran of Barrington, had
prevailed against the mighty forces of King Drakor of Carygrove.
Victory was mine, and it was complete. Now, my proud army of five
thousand cavalry, traveling in two disciplined columns, was en route
to the capitol city of Randor with its imposing, magic-laced Black
Fortress and fabled elite guards to present the head of the defeated
Drakor and to claim my hard-won prize; all the lands west of the Great
Mountain Divide, and the title of Lordship Zyphran, second-in-command
of all Ravencrest behind Overlord Ammen himself.
My reward was of epic proportions and it filled my chest with
great pride to have them bestowed upon me. I would be graced with
freedoms and privileges no other man besides the great Overlord had
ever known, all of which I planned on enjoying to the fullest extent.
I would want for nothing; no woman would be forbidden to me, no vice
denied me, and I would have my choice of owning any magic power I
chose. However, as splendid as all my gifts were, they were not
what I truly sought in Randor. My true reward, what I sought above
everything else, what I was willing to risk my kingdom and life for,
were the magical amulets known as Flames of Eternity.
The amulets were two fist-sized golden stones that were joined
together by a very powerful and ancient magic. Magic, it was whispered
by the warlocks of the realm, forged from the very Elders themselves.
It was well-known that whomever owned the amulets owned an eternal
life of invincibility and unimaginable power. These golden stone
amulets, these fabled Flames of Eternity was my ultimate prize. With
the stones in my possession I would be even mightier than Overlord
Ammen, I would be the supreme power in Ravencrest. The world, and
everything in it, would be my playthings.
The stones would not be so easily won, I knew. Legend told of
the stones great and powerful protector, the sorceress Regyna. No
living man had ever laid eyes upon the witch, though stories about her
flowed throughout the land like the eight waterfalls spilling into
the Eastern Sea. She was claimed to be beautiful beyond measure, with
eyes that could entrap your soul to do her bidding with a single look.
Her hair was said to be the color of the mid-day sunshine and flowed
around her like a graceful golden pond.
Every living creature, even a beautiful and powerful sorceress,
has its weakness. Regyna’s was love. Bards in every inn throughout the
land sang of how the lonely protector of the amulets just wanted a
man to love her for who she was and not for what she did. Immediately
after making love, the story went, the sorceress would fall into
a deep slumber, and her magic spell protecting the amulets would
dissolve until she awoke, leaving them free for the taking. Love. The
word almost turned black in my mouth. Such an emotion was surely a
sign of true and utter weakness. No man should be lead around by his
prick over any lass, sorceress or not.
Still, love was the name of Regyna’s game and I would be forced
to abide by her rules. I had heard the giggled whisperings of the
wenches back in my kingdom and knew that I was an attractive man in my
own right. My piercing ocean-blue eyes, high cheekbones and rugged
features hardly ever found my bedchambers devoid of willing female
companionship. I would seduce the witch, using all of my charm, wit
and influence wait her to tumble into the waiting arms of slumber.
Then I would run my blade through her black, magic-corroded heart
just to be extra sure her wicked spell was removed, then the Flames
of Eternity, and all the power and glory that came with them would be
mine. The thought caused a sly grin to spread across my face, and I
ran my hand through my thick black beard.
Lansing, ever the observant one, raised an eyebrow and gave me a
quizzical look. “Entertaining thoughts, My Lord?”
“Of the most exquisite kind,” I replied, unable to keep the
laughter out of my voice. Lansing opened his mouth for a retort but
quickly changed his mind. Lately, he his tongue had become looser with
me and it was not a habit I cared for very much. A true ruler should
never be questioned by his lessers; even by such a beloved and trusted
friend like my dear Lansing. And never in front of his men who saw and
judged everything with raptor-like eyes and suspicious minds.
Finally, Lansing did speak. “We should be well within sight of
Randor’s mighty towers by now. Yet, they send no escort out to greet
us? This is insolence, My Lord.”
I held up my hand to silence my most trusted friend. “Put it away,
Lansing. The day is ours. Let nothing spoil it. Randor will send the
escorts. Patience be upon you.”
Lansing turned his head away from me and spat on the ground. I
couldn’t see the anger burning behind his cold, gray eyes, but I
knew it was there just the same. Lansing was a warrior through-and-
through and the thought of peace didn’t sit well in his stomach. To
him, strength and respect was gained on a battlefield with a blade,
not with fancy words and great festivals. He knew nothing of my plans
to win the amulets, and supreme power over Ravencrest, and I dared not
tell him. Best to let the fighter stew in his own juices then to take
any unnecessary chances.
“Do you think the Sorceress of the Stones really exists?” asked
Lansing out of nowhere. I immediately tensed in my leather saddle.
His voice, however, was inquisitive, not prodding. I realized he was
merely curious. He was a man of flesh-and-blood after all, the idea of
such a divine magical creature must be just as enticing to him as it
was to me. Though, I suspected, for very different reasons.
I let another smile play across my lips. “Aye,” I said with a
nod. “I’m counting on it.”

I could feel the army before I could see them, the gentle
vibration of the ground caused in the wake of thousands of hooves
beating against the earth as they carried the army towards us. I was
alone in my awareness of what was coming; others unable to feel the
vibrations went about their lives, visiting the small inns and vendors
who lined the dusty streets of Randor.
Glancing at the towers above, the large black pillars standing high
over the city, meant to alert of potential dangers but though I could
tell the guards were on alert I knew they had not yet sent word to the
city officials that such a large group approached.
Tucking my shawl around my shoulders, I turn and make my way to
the city’s edge, my straight black hair hanging loosely over my face,
covering my pale blue eyes as if I was hiding myself from others. Not
that many paid much attention to me, with my pale ivory skin and thin
sickly frame most just passed me by, those who did take time to notice
me, just gave a sympathetic smile before going on their way.
In a city this large it was easy to blend, not draw attention to
yourself, I was a loner, wandering the city, taking in what new goods
the merchants had created or on rare occasion received in the few
shipments that found their way to the city. I was accepted for my
coin, and willingness to spend it. If not for that, I am sure they
would have tried to cast me out.
 I smiled at the thought of them casting me away, never knowing my
true identity or true appearance. If they only knew who I was and what
power I possessed I was sure to have been treated different.
To most, my true identity was nothing more than a fable, a
fairytale passed down through generation to generation. I had to laugh
as I thought about the variations of the tale that had reached my ears
through the years. Some said I was an enchantress, others a sorceress,
some claimed I was a witch. I guess you could call me a combination of
all the above, yet more. With the Flames of Eternity in my possession,
I had powers and gifts that most men could not even conjure in their
wildest imaginations.
I stop at one of the last vendors lining the entrance to the city,
the smell of fresh baked bread too tempting to pass. Exchanging
several coins with the young girl selling the bread I move to the side
of her shack to watch the oncoming cloud of dust heading for town.
I was amused by the ignorance of the people around me, ignoring the
coming danger, the change that is riding in upon us.
Lifting my hand to shield my eyes from the glare of the hot
afternoon sun, I watch as small black forms start to take hold in the
dust as the army nears. The dark specs become larger and slowly I can
make out the horses and then the men that ride upon them. As I see
the flag carried by the guard I stand taller, knowing what this means.
The rumors were untrue; King Zyphran had won the war, not King Drakor
as was thought.
I turn, glancing back over the city I can only wonder at what this
will mean for the people of Randor. They had suffered under the greed
of Overlord Ammen and now as the army neared, even I did not have the
power to see what the future would bring. Would King Zyphran have the
power to unseat the Overlord or would he be just another minion to the
mighty lord, doing his bidding?
“Selena?”
I jump as a hand touches lightly to my shoulder and I turn to see
my best friend Lilly looking worried as she watches the cloud of dust
grow closer. Her slightly crooked front teeth biting down upon her lip
nervously as she twists at her long auburn hair with her finger.
“Lilly, you scared me.” I smile at her gently. “Yes, it is King
Zyphran; I can just make out the flag.” As I speak horses speed past
us as a group of the elite guard rush to greet the incoming visitors.
“King Zyphran, but I thought . . .” Lilly bites down on her lip
even harder as worry feels her eyes.
Placing a hand on her arm, I pull her closer to the shacks wall as
we try to avoid the dust from the horses. “Fear not Lilly, I am sure
it is nothing. We have no need to worry, I have heard stories of King
Zyphran and though he is powerful and conquers many, he is not known
for his bloodlust. I am sure he is just come to claim his prize and be
on his way.”
“Selena, we must go, they are almost here.” Lilly pulled at my
arm, trying to pull me back through the town with her away from the
approaching army.
Shaking her off I laughed, “Oh calm yourself, they are not going
to harm us. They come in peace, not in war. Our guard is escorting
them in. Stay with me Lilly, perhaps your future husband rides amongst
them.” I teased knowing her yearning to find a male and raise a
family.
Immediately her demeanor changed, her eyes turning hopeful. “Do
your really think so?” Her eyes searched over the mass of men upon
horseback that were now visible just a few hundred feet from the city
gates. “There are a lot of them aren’t there.” She was biting at her
lip again, this time not in fear but curiosity and anticipation.
I laughed. “Yes Lilly, I would guess several thousand, come now,
let us watch as they enter.” I pulled her once again to the side of
the shack and ignored the squeeze of her hand nervously on my arm.
A cloud of heavy dust and the odor of sweat and beast filled the
air as we stood side by side. Randor’s elite guard approached the
gates first,in full armor sitting high as they led the masses into the
city. A gasp went though the crowd as they realized who was being
led.
King Zyphran sat proudly on his steed flanked by his men as they
walked through the gate, his eyes scanning over the crowd as if
searching for danger or threats. As his gaze met mine I knew I was
wrong. He had not come just to seek his reward, he had come seeking
me.

Lansing leaned close to me, “I’ll enter first, my lord. If there

is an ambush waiting for us, I’d wish not to have you walk into it.”
I thought my number one War-General was overreacting, yet I
reigned in my eagerness and came to a dead stop while Lansing waved a
few of his men forward. Behind me I heard the jangling choir of armor
ringing out as thousands of troops came to a halt.
The guards of Randor had finally come to greet us and escort my
army into the capitol city. Lansing had looked bitter when I had
pointed them out on the horizon; there was nothing the blond warrior
loved better than a good battle, and finding insult with another
kingdom was the best fodder possible to start a war. Even now his body
was tense and his eyes hard and alert. I wondered if the man ever
fully relaxed. Somehow, I doubted it.
The head guard of Randor, a beefy looking man with a barrel chest
and dark eyes, approached us with extreme caution. I was sure that
Lansing’s reputation for being a fierce and ruthless warrior had
preceded us here; like an ill wind it preceded him wherever he went,
and the guard wasn’t looking to start a fight.
He bowed respectfully in front of me. “King Zyphran, we are most
honored to have you and your men among us as our guests. Overlord
Ammen is looking forward to receiving you in his grand hall, and
a formal dinner shall be held for all the kingdom tonight in your
honor.”
The last thing in the world I wanted to do was suffer through
a long and tedious formal dinner, even though I understood it was
custom and therefore necessary. If Overlord Ammen had not held such a
banquet, that could just be the kind of insult Lansing would need to
draw his sword and declare war. Best not to mess with the beast.
I nodded my head in a respectful acknowledgment of the guard. “On
behalf of all my men, we thank you for your hospitality and we’re
honored by your Overlord’s kind gesture. I look forward to meeting
him in his grand hall, and am even more eager to partake of the fine
meal. The quality of food in Randor is legendary throughout all of
Ravencrest. Why, my mouth is watering already.”
Lansing snorted and I gave him a stern look to let him know such
behavior would not be tolerated; seven years of war was quite enough.
I had no desire to start another one before the corpses of the last
one had even cooled. We were going to Randor so I could receive my
prize and nothing more. I didn’t wish for our visit to be under the
roof of hostility. Until I had my lands and title, all I had was a
promise from a very fickle man. Overlord Ammen had been known to
change his mind before and too much was to be won to take the chance
on making the man reconsider his vow to me.
“Please, my lord, if you’ll follow me. I’ll escort you through
our city and to the Overlord. I must warn you, however, our streets
are lined with citizens eager to get a look at the king that defeated
Carygrove.”
“Duly noted,” I said.
Lansing’s eyes became even harder, if such were possible. I
understood the reason for his stormy expression completely. He was
tasked with the daunting duty of keeping me alive; the news that the
streets were going to be lined with commoners just made his job that
much more daunting. A part of my heart felt for him, while another
part enjoyed watching him squirm.
We traveled the short distance to the gates of Randor in silence,
though I’m sure all five thousand of my troops could feel the tension
and anger pouring out of Lansing. As could the small escorting party
from the capitol city. I tried to keep my smile at bay, which was
by no means an easy task. An uncomfortable War-General was a very
beneficial thing. It had kept me alive on more than one occasion. I
trusted it to do so now.
 I could hear the din from the people long before I could see
them. It sounded like thousands of hooves upon sword-steel; not an
altogether unpleasant sound, but not one you could stand to listen
to for very long either. The noise assaulted us like angry insects,
and with every step we took, Lansing fell a little deeper into his
bloodlust.
As we crossed the threshold proper, the music started as the
musicians lining the avenues strummed their guitars and blew into
their fancy-looking horns. The green flags of Randor were everywhere,
hanging down from tall windows, and held aloft by young children
dashing in front of us like jackals.
None of my men had ever been this close to a city as large and
splendid as Randor, and they gawked at everything with wide eyes and
open mouths. All except Lansing that was. He scanned the throng of
onlookers with a trained eye and a warrior’s heart, one hand on the
pommel of his sword, the other in a tight fist. The deeper we went
into the massive city, however, we saw our own flags mixed in with the
green of Randor’s banners, and curiosity turned to cheers of welcome
from the people dotting the streets and hanging out of windows. It
was a true hero’s welcome.
A mile or so into the city, we were met by Randor’s Grand
Noblemen, who stood apart from the escorting party by their crisp
green tunics and snow white gloves. All of them were bearded and bore
serious looks.
The official welcoming was about to commence. This is where the
fun of the whole ordeal would be stripped away for me. I had no
patience to deal with pomp and circumstance. I’d much rather just be
brought to Overlord Ammen, be granted my title and land, and be done
with the whole thing. Anything that delayed that from happening was
just a maddening waste of time in my eyes.
That’s when I saw her.
She was a thin, dark-haired girl no older than twenty, but with
knowing blue eyes that seemed to be much older than the rest of her.
She was huddled off to one side along with another girl who was biting
her lip and looking as uncomfortable as Lansing. I could care less
about the lip-biter, she was utterly unimportant. The dark-haired one
had so completely captured my attention that I found it impossible not
to stare.
“My lord,” Lansing said in his usual harsh tone. “Is there a
problem? Do you detect a threat?”
My eyes locked onto the dark-haired angel’s as I slowly shook my
head. “No. I detect no threat, Lansing. You can stand down.”
“Might I inquire then why you have decided to ignore the official
greeting of the Noblemen? They do seem rather annoyed with being made
to wait.”
 “Do you see her, Lansing?”
“Who, my lord? I see many hers. Which one in specific has
caught your eye?”
“The dark-haired one, in the gray and white dress. The one next
to the sow biting her lip.” I pointed and Lansing’s eyes followed my
direction; he was clearly not pleased by what he saw, as evidenced by
his snort of disdain.
“Surely my lord does not mean the -- the dark-haired one? My
lord, are your eyes serving you correctly? I see no dark-haired
female.”
“Are you blind, man?” I said in clear annoyance. I turned to face
my War-General who still had his gaze locked in the direction I had
pointed. “Right there, you bloody fool. Next to the ugly one biting
her lip. By the cart. Oh, for the love of all that’s holy, Lansing.
How can you miss her?”
The blond warrior took some time before he answered me. He never
removed his gaze, and I knew for a fact that he had found my dark-
haired beauty. A strange expression overtook his ruggedly handsome
features, and I watched the change in him the way a child might watch
an approaching storm. There was a definite softening to his eyes,
and his mouth, which was always set in a hard thin line, seemed to
relax. In fact, the man came dangerously close to smiling. It was
the oddest thing I’d ever seen. “My lord,” he said at last. I could
tell just by his tone that he was choosing his words carefully, “I
see the wench biting her lip by the cart clear enough. However, the
girl standing next to her isn’t dark-haired, but rather has locks the
color of sunshine on the most perfect summer day, and eyes blue enough
to rival the Eastern Sea. She is, quite literally, the most exquisite
creature I have ever laid eyes upon.”
I looked again thinking perhaps I might’ve been mistaken in
my assessment before. Lansing sounded so sure in his description
that the cocky bastard had me doubting myself. Perhaps the sun was
reflecting in an odd manner and I got her hair-color wrong. Yet, when
I turned my head back to the girls standing by the cart, I knew I had
made no mistake; she had dark hair, was thin as the reeds along the
lagoon that faced the southern wall of my castle, and had the palest
complexion I’ve ever seen, almost as if she was made of milk.
Lansing was correct in one thing however, she was the most
beautiful girl I had ever seen. I knew not her name, nor her story,
but I knew as surely as I was standing there that I was in love with
her.
With a mighty tug on my shoulders, Lansing pried me away from my
view of the dark-haired angel, and dragged me in front of Randor’s
Noblemen. Ceremony might be a grand waste of time, but it must be
observed, no matter my feelings for it. Yet, as the first Nobleman
blathered on about great honor and deep respect and brave warriors, I
stole another glance at the cart where the angel in the gray and white
dress had been standing. All I needed to get me through this boring
bit of statesmanship was one more look at her. Yet, my eyes could not
find her. I scanned all over the area, knowing that she couldn’t have
gone too far, but was unable to locate her before my duties as king
forced me to turn my attention back to the ancient lot before me and
mutter my very cordial, and completely fabricated, responses.
I had seen her but only briefly, yet her image was forever burned
into my memory. I would make it my mission to discover who she was
before we left Randor. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Lansing
stealing his own long look in the direction of where my angel had
been standing. His eyes were hard as stone again, and his mouth had
returned to its normal thin line. Apparently, he couldn’t locate the
mysterious blonde-haired woman he had spotted before either. Perhaps,
I thought with a morbid and unexplainable panic, the ground here in
Randor was filled with trapdoors leading to cold and gray dungeons,
and my new love had tragically fallen prisoner to Overlord Ammen. With
a shake of my head, I banished such foolishness. My angel was safe
and sound, and couldn’t be very far from me.
That would just have to satisfy me until I could discover who she
was and have her brought to me. I would gladly give up my quest to
win the fabled Flames of Eternity if it meant I could own the love of
my dark-haired angel.

The moment our eyes met, I grabbed Lilly’s hand. “We must go now
Lilly, before the crowds become too large and we are unable to move
through the streets. Your father will worry if you are late, even with
all the excitement throughout the city.”
I could not let her see my worry, and using her overprotective
father was the perfect excuse to get her moving. With a final glance
back towards the King, I watch as he points me out to his guard, two
sets of heated eyes taking me in, both men ignoring the celebration
around them as they watch Lilly and I.
Throwing a cloak of invisibility over us, I start to move. I know
that it will only take us a moment to get lost in the throngs of
people who are still coming forth to greet the King as news of his
arrival spread through the city.
“But Selena, I want to watch, I have time yet. Father will
understand this one time.” Lilly’s voice pleaded as she tugged back on
my arm to stop me from moving. Her brown eyes beseeching as she looked
back over the incoming army.
Reaching a hand out I grab Lilly’s chin and turn her to look at
me. “You know your father will not understand, he will listen to no
excuses. Come we must go now.”
With a exaggerated sigh and a final glance back at the armored men
who were starting to pass us by she nodded and we took off, weaving
and dodging our way towards the center of the city.
As we ran down the street, I tried to understand the warning I
had felt at this man’s gaze. Many had come in hopes of finding the
legendary Flames of Eternity but it had been years since any posed a
threat to the stones or me. Something about this King was different;
somehow he would be the one to challenge me.
As we neared the center of the city, we slowed to a walk, the
crowds had thinned and we moved freely down the dirt roadway. I lifted
the invisibility cover from us as we neared Lilly’s home. Vendors and
merchants, smiled and waved at us as we passed, their eyes hopeful
that we might stop and buy something. Politely waving back, I wanted
nothing more than to see Lilly to safety and return to the stones to
insure their protection.
“Did you see them all? Do you really think that one of them could
be my fated husband?” Lilly asked dreamily.
I could not help but laugh. “There is a good chance, but you must
be careful. Many of those men have been out in battle for a long time,
they will be seeking female companionship, and you do not want to be
used by them just for a night or two. Promise me you will stay away
from them unless I am with you, Lilly. You must not trust them.”
She nodded and I was not sure she even understood what I was
speaking about. Lilly had always been shy, and her father protective
of his only child. I knew that she had few life experiences that would
have prepared her for the desires I knew many of these men had.
When I had found Lilly, she was a young girl of maybe sixteen.
She was hiding behind some barrels of ale behind her father’s Inn,
her nose bleeding and dress torn. I had taken her to my home on the
city’s edge and cleaned her up. Giving her a cup of hot cider, she had
finally told me that she had angered her father by showing up late to
help in the kitchen. My rage at her father’s actions was instant and I
had to hold myself back from taking the man’s life myself at what he
had done to his own child. From that day on, I had made sure to stop
by the Inn and visit with Lily, to make sure she was safe and when
needed use my magic to keep her safe from her father, be it changing
his memories of events, or even simply causing him to stumble to give
Lilly time to run.
I knew the day was coming when I would have her move into my home
and help her learn how to be on her own, make a life for herself. Even
I could not help but be hopeful that one of the many men who had just
rode into town, might be the one to rescue her from her personal hell.
Show her the love that she deserved to find.
As we approached the backside of the inn, I used my powers to reach
out and find her father; he was in one of the bedrooms with a serving
maid. Shaking my head, I hugged Lilly. “Go inside, you will be safe.
I will come by tonight and we can go for a stroll as the sun sets. By
then things around the streets should have calmed.”
She nodded apprehensively and opened the door. “Thank you, Selena.
Thank you for being my friend.” Turning she ran inside leaving me
alone.
I smiled as I thought about how alike we were, both yearning for
more; to run away from the lives we were given, for freedom to live.
Lilly had no idea of my true identity, no one did. It was a risk I
could not take, no matter how close the friend, how trusted they were.
For the stones to get into the wrong hands would be too big a risk for
me to take. I would forgo the simplest dreams and pleasures to keep
them safe, even my one greatest desire. Love.
Moving into the shadows, I will myself to the caves that sat high
above the city to the West. Though I had a house within the city,
this was my home, the one place I could be myself without the cover
of illusion. As I step deeper into the cave, I drop the spell and my
true form comes forth, long blonde hair flowing behind me in waves as
I walk, my skin taking on its natural gentle glow almost illuminating
the path as I walk.
Heading towards the deepest cavern in the cave to where I keep the
stones, I can feel their energy before I can see them. I know they
are safe. The cave protected by spells that even the most profound
sorcerer would have trouble sensing, the entrance not visible to any
human eye. The glow from the stones almost pulsing from around them
as if they were alive. I was still in awe every time I saw them; even
centuries after having them passed into my care, I still felt the same
excitement as that first day.
Walking a few steps, I stand over them as they sit upon a large
pillar of ivory. Two beautiful diamond stones, golden in color, the
strong points at the end of each connected to the other with magic.
Nothing surrounds them, they are open to touch if one dared; protected
by my spells and powers. Death would be instant to anyone who dared
try to touch them while I was awake, and I was always awake. I had
never slept, the only time I would sleep is after taking a lover, and
I had yet to find one that I could trust to do so.
As the glow warms my skin I remember back, I was a young girl of
fourteen, my mother stood beside me. I could hear her words still as
clear as the day she had spoke them. “The time has come, Selena for me
to pass these on to you, it is now up to you to protect the World from
the dangers that this could bring. Your life is not your own anymore,
you now are protector and keeper of the Flames of Eternity. They must
always be your first priority, nothing must come before them. You
sacrifice much to save many.”
 In the next few hours she had told me everything I needed to know
about them, how to use them, the power they possessed and the evil
they could cause in the wrong hands. I listened and forced every word
to my memory. Overwhelmed and in awe, I stared at the glow for hours,
never taking my eyes from the stones as we talked. It was as if they
were feeding me my power, I felt myself grow stronger, the magic
burning inside me.
“How will I know mother, how will I know when the time comes to
use them, or to pass them on?” Unblinking the light from the stones
illuminated my eyes. I desired what they gave me, needed to be fed by
their power.
“Someday love will find you, when you give your heart to a man and
your body, in the way a woman does, you will sleep a long slumber.
While you sleep, the powers protecting the stones is dropped and you
and the stones will be vulnerable. If he who you love is true, the
stones and you will be safe. From this joining a child will be born,
a daughter. You will pass the stones on to her at her fourteenth
birthday as I have done to you. If his heart is not true, he may kill
you, steal the stones. I do not want to tell you what would happen to
the world if this should happen. You must not fail.”
Turning away from the stones, I wander back to the cave entrance
willing myself invisible again I look down the high cliff walls over
the city below. The procession is still going on. I use my superior
eyesight to watch the King. He looks bored but plays along with the
dignitaries as he must. I can’t help but feel drawn to him, he is
handsome and strong. The stories of his fearless conquests spread
through cities and towns.
With a shake of my head, I push thoughts of his attractiveness from
my mind. I cannot be distracted. I had prepared many years to protect
the stones and the time had finally come to do so. As I watched King
Zyphran from above, I can’t help but wonder if I am ready.
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