Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Harper
T ús Nua is walled with pale-gray stone that seems to have no beginning or end and makes me wonder if the entire thing was carved out of a slab of marble. The city glows white in the sunshine. A horn sounds from the ramparts above the gate. A bright blue flag flies high. In the center is a gold crown with three jewels beneath: one blue, one green, and one yellow. It flaps in the breeze while another flag rises to its right. This flag is also blue, but the circle in the center is a simple gold crown with only one palisade at the front. It rides above an elaborate R, also stitched in gold.
The gates are open, making me wonder when they close them. Will I be trapped inside once we cross the threshold?
It’s impossible to look anything but astonished as thousands of elves crowd the street to get a glimpse of us. I can’t decide if they’re happy to see Aaran or me, then someone calls out Aaran’s name and a great cheer rises. Somehow, that makes me less nervous. They don’t care about me, and that suits me.
Pride swells inside Aaran, and he waves at the crowd, which parts for the horses. The castle has three white towers, and the largest rises from the center of an enormous building.
“I can see that you have been raised very simply.” I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. Perhaps something grander than the houses at Clandunna, but not a castle nearly as big as the blackened tower where I was held.
At the bottom of a white marble staircase, Aaran slides from Goafar’s back and reaches up to help me to my feet. He takes my hand, and we climb up stairs that seem to never end. Every twenty or so there’s a stretch of flat marble and then the steps again.
Bert and Nainsi are behind us. Bert says, “I guess there are no elevators in this place.”
Nainsi chuckles.
“What in the blazes is an elev iator?” Fancor falls in step beside me. “Hang on, lass. You’re nearly there.”
“Yes, but where is there?” I command my legs to stop shaking and squeeze Aaran’s hand.
After twelve rises of steps, we reach the last, which is steeper and twice as high. At least any shaking is from my muscles and ass about to seize up rather than fear. At the top, we stand at the front of a courtyard at least two hundred feet wide and a hundred feet deep, and my breath catches.
The front of the castle is pure white, with the three towers resembling a crown. Below the crown, scenes of battle and triumph are carved into the stone. Beneath that are six pillars, and at the center, an enormous arched door with three diamonds carved over the top. Soldiers dressed in blue and gold livery flank the door.
In the center of the courtyard stand a man and woman dressed in the same blue as the flag. The woman is Elspeth Riordan. Her bright blond hair catches the breeze, and her smile is warm and welcoming. The man doesn’t smile. His hair is tinged with red, and his eyes are the brightest blue I have ever seen.
When we’re a few feet away, Aaran releases my hand and bows before rushing into his mother’s arms. “It’s good to see you.” He hugs his father, then steps back. “Mother, Father, this is Harper Craig. She has been through a great deal on our behalf. I bid you welcome her to our home.”
He’s so formal I barely recognize him.
Elspeth stares at me.
I have no idea how to curtsy, so I lower my head as some sign of respect. “Thank you for helping me when I needed you…” I don’t know how to address her, so the sentence hangs in want of a name.
Widening her grin, Elspeth pulls me into a hug. “I’m so relieved you are here and well. It is a great gift that you also brought with you so many who need our help.”
My heart sinks. “Some, but not all.”
She brushes my hair from my face in a way that reminds me of my mother. “You have much to tell us, and we want to hear everything. First, you need food and rest. May I introduce my husband, Brion? You needn’t look for titles. They are rarely used in these times. Elspeth and Brion will suffice.”
Well, that’s not happening. I shake Brion’s hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
Lips twitching with the hint of a smile, he bows his head. “I’m relieved you have come, as are all who suffer under Venora.” He turns to Fancor. “You travel with a dwarf.”
Fancor makes a deep bow. “My Lady and Lord Riordan. I am Fancor, son of Fan. I offer myself to the cause. To be honest, I have no intention of leaving until either Harper is safely home or the witch queen is vanquished.”
Even if I didn’t already adore the man, it would be impossible not to like him. I don’t know why he’s accepted me as his to protect, but I’m touched by his devotion.
Brion gives Fancor a long look. “Then you will stay as our honored guest.”
Fancor pulls his shoulders back and lifts his chin. “My thanks.”
“Nainsi.” Brion pulls her into a hug, then shakes Bert’s hand. “It’s good you see you both. When we heard you had come through with the prophesied and Aaran, I was not at all surprised and a good deal pleased.”
Elspeth hugs Nainsi and beams with pride. She shakes Bert’s hand. “Bertram Donaldson, the years have been kind to you. I can see you have made our girl very happy.”
“It is she who has made my life worth living, Elspeth. It’s good to see you again.” Bert keeps Nainsi’s hand in his as he makes his greeting.
Once the hugging is finished, we are escorted through the arched door.
Aaran stops to speak to one of the guards who stands at attention at the entrance.
Elspeth says, “This is Lila. She will see to your comfort while you are here.”
I spare Lila a distracted smile but focus on Aaran’s mother. “Where are the elves and children we traveled with?”
Eyes widening a fraction, Elspeth studies me with her lips pulled into a line. “Many of them are ill, and all need to be treated for the loss of magic. We’ve set up a hospital room in the east ballroom. I can assure you they are comfortable.”
“I would like to see them before I go to my…room.” I nearly say cell but stop myself. I don’t know why I feel trapped suddenly.
Halfway up the steps rounding in the other direction, Fancor stops. “Ay. I would rest easier if I saw them as well.” Ignoring the surprise on the valet’s face, he jogs down the steps and stands beside me.
A grinning Aaran joins us. It’s clear he’s happy to be home. “What’s happening?”
“Harper wishes to see the guests who arrived earlier today.” His mother’s tone is sharp. I think she’s used to everyone agreeing with her at all times.
That’s too bad.
Smiling even wider, Aaran takes my hand. “That is a good idea. I’d like to see them as well. Where is Jax?”
Brion scans the situation backlogging the foyer. He stares at his wife a moment, then his expression softens. “Jax is with his wife and sons. They have rooms on the second floor. We expect Jax and Selina to join us for a family dinner this evening.”
Lila breaks the awkward silence. “Why don’t I go and ready the room for Miss Craig? Aaran can show them the way to the east ballroom so they can visit with their friends. Then perhaps he will show them to the guest quarters?”
“Perfect.” Aaran seems oblivious to everyone’s emotions and demeanor. He takes my hand, and we stride from the foyer down a wide hallway with elaborate trim that shines golden.
Two guards follow us.
I whisper, “Why are we followed?”
“It’s just a precaution.” Aaran walks so fast that Fancor and I have to jog to keep up.
Several guards stand in front of an open double door. Inside are rows of beds, some filled with sleeping elves. Four cots are grouped in the corner, but the children lie on the floor between them.
Fort yells, “Harp,” and dashes toward me.
A guard steps between me and the boy.
“No.” I round the guard and intercept Fort, lifting him into my arms. “He is not a danger to anyone,” I scold. My heart breaks even more for Gnal, Bor, and Tal who are not present.
The guard backs up a step.
Tor and Lem hang on my legs, hugging me.
Aaran picks them up. “You look fine. Clean and in new clothes.”
The soldier Aaran spoke to at the front door steps forward and whispers in his ear.
Smile faltering, Aaran shakes his head. “If that’s so, Mother will see it. It’s unlikely. There was no time.”
“Time for what?” I demand, as if I have a right to know. I should remember that I’m in a fortress, and I have no idea how to behave.
“I’d like to know as well.” Fancor ruffles Fort’s hair.
When the soldier with dark eyes and hair pulls his lips tight and steps back, Aaran says, “Elspeth Riordan has declared a watch on those who were under the witch queen's control. She fears one or more of them might be passing information to Venora.”
“Are you telling me that they are all prisoners?” I’m half a second from going and finding Elspeth and getting very Jersey Girl with her.
Aaran puts a hand on my shoulder. “They need attention and care. They are only under a watch. Tomorrow, they will each be evaluated, and they’ll be free to stay or go as they please. In the meantime, they are fed and have water for washing as well as clean clothes and beds.” As hard as he’s trying to sound optimistic, it’s not working.
I go over to the children’s’ corner and put Fort down. I push the cots together and place the five-year-old on one. “Sleep now. You’re tired.”
The other three climb in, and all four curl with arms and legs overlapping like cats. Without Tal they’ll need each other even more.
I close my eyes for a moment and repeat Nainsi’s words in my head. We’ll get them back.
Spotting Cara and Dorian near the tall windows that face east, I rush to them and hug each of them. “Are you well? Have they taken good care of you?”
Cara cups my cheek and Dorian says, “We’re fine. Everyone has been kind. It’s not surprising they worry we’re spies. No one has heard from us since Venora cleared our town and dragged us to the castle.”
I don’t suppose it would do much good to rage against this. I didn’t get to know each and every freed elf personally. It’s possible one or more could be dangerous. Not wanting it to be true doesn’t work as a defense. “I will be back tomorrow.”
Beran steps into the group. “We’ll be safe. You gave us hope. That’s more than anyone else has done for us in many years.”
Reluctantly, I agree to leave them in the ballroom with the guards.
Fancor grumbles the whole way down the hall. “Why are they a threat, but not me?”
“You weren’t held captive by Venora,” Aaran suggests.
“I was.” My anger rises. “Why not put me under guard?”
When Aaran doesn’t answer, Fancor says, “We need you, lass. Elspeth needs you, as do all the people of Domhan. If you’re compromised, all is lost. Besides, I would venture to guess that our hostess did a quick scan when she hugged you on the terrace.”
“What?” I snap a sharp look at Aaran.
“He’s probably right.” Taking my hand, he kisses my fingers. “She’s being cautious. We’ve been a land at war for over thirty suns.”
I suppose that’s a decent excuse.
Aaran takes me to a door that looks like every other wooden door in the second-floor hallway. He tells me he’ll see me at dinner. When he leaves, he shuts me inside a very opulent room. Cream and pale pink cover the enormous bed that boasts gold curtains hanging from the ceiling at the head. They flow to the floor like a canopy for the mound of pillows. A plush cream rug covers the marble floors, and a stone fireplace is dark, but I imagine it’s very cozy when the weather is cooler.
A small vanity with an ornate mirror atop and pink upholstered chair sits near one of two windows that look out to a view of mountains as tall as the Rockies. It’s midafternoon, and sunlight streaks across the floor.
My clothes are too dirty to sit on anything, so I stand near the window and admire the view. It’s strange being without Aaran. He’s probably with his parents, catching up on all that has happened.
I’d like to go explore rather than stand alone in a room far too grand for me. The door bursts open, three elven women walk in, and startled, I squeak.
Lila is carrying an armful of clothes. Her light-brown hair is pulled into a tight bun at the back. Tall and thin, like most of the elves, she smiles, but then frowns. “I am Lila. I thought you might benefit from a long hot bath. I’m guessing it’s been quite the journey. I brought you some clothes, something to wear to dinner. It won’t be formal tonight, so just a simple dress. Then I have a few leggings and tunics that should fit you.” She puts them all on the bed.
The other two go through a door, and the sound of water running fills me with joy. I never thought I would cry over running water, but I’m close to tears. “Thank you.” The dress is burnt-orange velvet. It’s soft and beautiful and will go nicely with my hair. It’s easily the nicest thing I will have ever worn. The rest looks comfortable. Black or brown leggings and white tunics. Another maid rushes in with several pairs of shoes and boots, which she places on the floor at the bottom of the bed before rushing out.
Lila’s eyes grow wide as she stares at my tears. “If these don’t please you, I’m sure we can find something else.”
Swallowing the emotions, I draw a breath and shake my head. “No. These are perfect. Thank you.”
Once the tub is full, Lila hurries the other maids from the room. “Whatever we’ve done to offend you, miss, it was not intended.”
“It’s been so long since I had clean clothes and a hot bath, that I wasn’t sure such things existed anymore.” I wipe my tears. I think I’ve cried more since coming to Domhan than in the ten previous years combined. Maybe if I’d cried more over my father and mother, I’d be tougher now.
With a warm smile, Lila nods. “Do you need help washing?”
“No. I’ll be fine. Thank you.” The bathroom is awash with cream tiles with dark veining and gold fixtures gleaming in the sun shining through the high windows. The tub is carved into the floor, and rose-scented steam rises from the milky water. Under the window is a washbasin with a dragon painted inside the bowl. Through a door at the far end is a toilet not much different than those I’ve seen in historical renderings.
I strip out of my clothes and drop them on the floor before sinking into the luxury of a tub big enough for three or four people. One end has a cushioned headrest and a soft seat as well. Two white towels wait on a chair, and beneath the chair are soap and shampoo. I should have brushed the knots. I let the water soothe my aches and pains while I unwind my braid.
Once my hair is washed, I float in the water until my skin grows pruned. With a sigh, I find the plug and pull it, letting the water drain as I stand and wrap myself in the softest towel I’ve ever held. I swaddle my hair with the other and stare into the foggy mirror.
Whoever the woman looking back is, I barely recognize her. She’s too thin, and her eyes are larger than I remember. The cut of my biceps and triceps has me turning to take a better look.
I stumble into the bedroom and flop on the soft mattress. I’m damp, but at least I’m clean. I moan over how soft and fluffy the bed is. “I may never get up.”
Lila must have put all the clothes away. The only evidence is the dress that hangs on an armoire across the room. Unable to decide if I’m curious about the city and my surroundings or too tired to care, I close my eyes and the decision is made.
A chill in the room stirs me awake. There’s a noise and I sit up, grabbing my towel.
One of the maids is building a fire. “Sorry to disturb you, miss. I saw you were sleeping an hour ago and thought I’d come back so you could rest. The nights get cool here. I didn’t want you to catch a chill.”
I blink and rise. “Thank you. My name is Harper.”
She smiles and uses her forearm to brush her curly blond hair from her face. “I’m Mari. Lila will be in shortly to help you dress and do your hair. Dinner will be at eight.”
The sun is low, almost touching the mountains. “What time is it now?” Suddenly, I miss my phone.
“Nearly six.” Once the fire catches, she makes a little curtsy and rushes from the room, carrying a metal bucket.
I sit at the vanity and pull the towel from my hair.
“Oh dear!” Lila shouts from the doorway. She comes over. You should have called me to brush your hair before you napped. She takes a brush from a drawer in the vanity and works the soft bristles gently through my wild hair.
“We can just pull it into a ponytail. There’s no need to fuss,” I say, but having someone brush my hair is a luxury I can’t turn down, so I sit and let her brush to her heart’s content, while I close my eyes and enjoy.
“We can do better than that.” She opens and closes the drawers a few more times. “The rumor going around the city is that you and the future king are lovers.”
I snap out of my relaxed state and open my eyes. “I don’t know what that means here. Are you asking me if I’m having sex with Aaran? Is Aaran to be king? Is Elspeth queen, or has she been deposed by Venora?”
Pausing from her work, she meets my gaze in the mirror. “Elspeth Riordon is our queen. Venora is a pretender who would destroy this world. Riordon is the royal name, and Aaran is the eldest child. I wouldn’t presume to ask you about your sexual encounters.” She returns to brushing.
“The royal name. I didn’t know. I mean, I knew she ruled. I suppose I knew Aaran’s part as the eldest son, but he always seems so down to earth. I guess I don’t see him as a prince.” Aaran would make a fine king. He’s kind and smart. I, on the other hand, have no business dating or screwing, or whatever we’re doing, the future ruler of a people. “Venora tortured me and left evil behind that nearly killed me. I wasn’t venerating her. I only want to know the status of things.”
She twists and pins my hair before taking it all down. “I think it’s beautiful down around your shoulders.” She holds up a finger as if a thought has come to her. Pulling a shiny comb from the desk, she slips it into the right side of my hair, letting my ear show. “So no one forgets who you are.”
“I’m no one,” I remind myself as Lila goes to the closet and brings the dress back.
“You are our only hope.” She helps me into the dress and buttons the back. With two straps to hold it up, and not much else, it leaves my arms bare. The soft fabric slips along my skin and shows every curve. We both look at me in the mirror. She says, “I think you’ll do fine.” With a smile and a nod, she bustles out of the room.
I slide on a pair of little shoes that are the same color as the dress. They fit my feet as if they were made just for me. Outside, the last of the day’s light slides away. Summer is nearly over back home. I wonder if Mom went to the Jersey Shore and had some fun. She used to love a frozen drink on the boardwalk with her friends. I hope she’s happy. Missing my mother is perfectly normal, and nothing to cry over. Shaking it off, I leave the confines of the room and step into a long hallway.
Left or right? I have no idea. I decide on the left and follow it to a set of stairs that go straight down, not curved like the ones that brought me to my room. At the bottom, I hear voices to the right and follow them, but soon realize I’m heading into a large group of soldiers.
I spin on my heel, rush back the other way and through a set of doors that open into a long hall with portraits on the walls and a piano in the corner. A violin rests on a stand, and several chairs are lined up against the wall.
Maybe it’s a gallery or a music room. Posed paintings of blond-haired men and women cover the walls at even intervals. At the far end is Elspeth’s portrait. She looks off past the artist to some pleasant scene.
“Should you be here?” A gruff masculine voice startles me.
I gasp and turn. “I didn’t know the room was restricted.”
He works his jaw from side to side. His dark-brown eyes stare at me as if he can see through me. He’s handsome and fierce at the same time. In my experience, a deadly combination. “I am Rían Redmond, Captain of the Guard. The room is not forbidden, but if I’m not mistaken, you’re expected at the family dinner.”
This is the man who Aaran stopped to speak to when we arrived. I can’t decide if he can be trusted. “I’ll make my way there now.” I head for the door closest with no idea where I am or how to reach the dining room.
The sharp clip of Rían’s boots hitting the marble floor follows me. How had he been so silent when he entered the gallery?
I call over my shoulder, “Are you chasing me?”
“No. I’m seeing you safely to your destination.” He pauses. “Which it is clear you have no idea how to reach,” he says with laughter in his voice.
I still don’t trust him, but I stop. I can’t run in this dress and little slipper shoes. Turning toward him, I force a smile. “Captain Redmond, would you be so kind as to show me the way to the dinner I’m in peril of missing?”
“Peril indeed.” He nods and gestures for me to return through the gallery and down a hall that is tucked under the stairs. I hadn’t noticed it before. Soon he opens a door, and we step into a larger hall.
A loud metal bang sounds from somewhere in the castle, and I jump.
“You’ve nothing to fear here, human. The witch queen cannot touch us.” His chin is high and proud.
“Forgive me, Captain, but I’ve heard that before. The witch queen can’t wield her magic on the western continent, and then a volcano erupted, and a two-hundred-foot fire serpent tried to drown us. We made it to the shore, and a sea monster nearly killed Aaran. We reached your marshland, and portals sucked away eight of my friends including three children. I think you have no idea what Venora can do.” I rein my anger, and take several deep breaths.
He studies me for an uncomfortably long time. “We will do all in our power to keep you safe. A squad is already being assembled to rescue those taken from your party.” It sounds like a pledge. He points to the right. When we reach a double door, he rushes to open it for me.
“Thank you.” As I pass, I ask, “Will you be leading that rescue, Captain?” It’s a much smaller dining room than I expected. The table could seat perhaps eight and is set for seven.
Brion strides over. “Are you joining us for dinner, Captain?”
“I have already eaten, thank you. Miss Craig was turned around on the west side of the castle. I offered my assistance.”
Aaran rushes over and kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful.” He looks at Rían. “Stay. Hear the full story of our journey. I wouldn’t mind hearing your thoughts.”
“I would like to hear more, if you’re certain I’m not intruding.” He looks at me. “I’ve decided, at Miss Craig’s urging, that I should lead the rescue party.”
Elspeth’s eyes widen before she smiles. “Then you’ll want to be here to ask all your inciteful questions, Rían. Do join us. Harper, you look extremely well in that color. Were you able to rest?” She takes my hand and leads me to a chair to her left. She’s draped in a blue gown, and a gold feather pendant shines in the magic lighting.
Flames shimmer and give off a lovely crackle and light woodsmoke odor in a fireplace with a thick wooden mantel. It spans the length of the table. At the far end of the room is a sitting area. Servants are filling glasses with wine and water. The walls are dark wood panels and the ceiling is painted with scenes of elves frolicking and happy.
“Thank you. I had a bath and a nap. Everyone has been very kind.”
Fancor gives me a warm nod of approval before sitting across from me.
With Aaran on my other side and Brion at the head, we are five for dinner plus Rían, with two empty place settings. “Where are Nainsi and Bert?”
“Gone to see her family. It’s been ten years or more. We’ll see them tomorrow.” Aaran lets his gentle thoughts float into mine. He’s at ease, and it helps me calm a degree or two.
Selina and Jax rush in. “I’m sorry to be late,” she says, her cheeks flushed. Seeing me, she rushes around the table and pulls me from my chair into a warm hug. “It is a great relief that you are here and safe. I will never forget what you did for the people of Clandunna.”
She is so happy to see me, I don’t let go. I wait for her to break the hug first. “I’m happy to see you as well.”
She holds me as if she fears I might disappear. Finally, she releases me. “Are you well?”
“I’m fine.” True or not, it is clearly what Selina needs to hear. “I’m sorry about Avon and Lare.” Especially Lare.
“I’ll not give up hope for Avon’s safe return.” Pulling her shoulders back, she takes her seat across the table.
The first course is served, and Aaran begins our story from the moment he stopped time while I was waiting for my driver’s license.
I listen, dreading my part of the tale.