Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
T he longer Mauricio refused to elaborate on the reason for their mysterious excursion, the more irritated Fallon grew. The winter winds of late February blew wet snow in his face. There was no question of where he’d rather be—lying in his bed with Novi and Lucia nestled safe in his arms.
He said nothing to Mauricio as they rode over the cobblestone streets, not wanting to attract any attention. He’d had plenty over the last couple of days. The last thing he wanted was to be cornered and mobbed for a mere touch of his blessed, sacred hands.
Luckily, most of the city was indoors and out of the cold…most likely preparing their dinner. The people in the streets were either cleaning up debris, rushing home from work, or stumbling around drunk from celebrating Lucia’s birth. After all the activity following the chimeras’ destructive escape, two more officials on horseback weren’t going to require a second look.
They stopped near the remains of the Temple of the Chimera, where a metal fence topped with razor wire had been erected.
“I’m glad to see the army took my orders so seriously,” Fallon observed as he swung down from his saddle.
“Of course they did. Some of the most valuable texts and relics are buried in this mess. There were soldiers in place before the dust had even settled,” Mauricio said as he dismounted.
Two guards were posted at the metal gate, letting them pass through with a nod of acknowledgment. Another soldier approached, offering to take their horses.
With Mauricio at his side, Fallon took his time walking through the field of ruins, taking note of the partial walls that divided the different spaces. He could see the outlines of hallways and what looked like a kitchen. They must’ve been standing in what used to be a dining hall, judging by the number of broken tables and the stacks of splintered chairs.
As they ventured further into the temple remains, a small group of soldiers was doing nothing but gathering loose papers into boxes, while others packed up small items into crates and loaded them onto a nearby wagon.
“What are you doing?” Fallon asked one of the soldiers, who was carrying a box of papers.
“Gathering the books and the pages that were torn out of them, Your Highness,” she said with a stiff bow. Then she motioned to the partial walls around them, and the huge boulders that had crushed the floor “We’re standing in what used to be the library. We can’t let civilians in to deal with the archives and books until we move the wreckage and secure the building. But we don’t want to destroy any ancient scriptures or records in the process, either. It’s a complete sh—um…it’s a very… delicate situation.”
Fallon lifted a brow in amusement.
“That’s one way to put it.”
He turned around in a slow circle, only now realizing that the rubble wasn’t just made of crumbled stone. There were tens of thousands of ancient texts strewn about among the ruins. If a winter storm rolled in off the sea and soaked the ground in rain, much of Sinaryan history would be lost forever. Even with a weather shield.
“Carry on,” he told the soldier. “You’re doing the work of the gods. I’ll be sure to send mages to help once they’ve completed their more urgent duties.”
“Seven blessings to you, sire.”
As the woman bowed and resumed her work, Fallon turned to Mauricio with a frown of concern.
“I didn’t realize the library was affected so badly.”
“We’re fortunate the books are only buried under stone,” Mauricio said as they continued walking through the remains. “A fire would’ve been catastrophic. I pity the ones who have to sort through that many books and take a full inventory of them. It’ll be years before it gets properly organized.”
“We should consult with our best librarians and get that project underway,” Fallon said, sighing heavily. “Otherwise all that history and knowledge is as good as lost to us.”
Mauricio gave him a dry smile.
“I’ll add it to my ever-growing list of things that need to be done.”
They walked through what was left of the temple and headed towards the remains of the chimera enclosure. They stopped at a temporary shelter and another gate—this one more heavily guarded than the first one. Fallon was given a torch, then they both ventured into the darkness.
The torch did almost nothing to illuminate the vastness of the space. Although the ceiling was in broken pieces all over the ground, no city lights or stars were able to be seen.
“Why is it so dark? Did you have another weather shield put in?” Fallon lifted his torch as high as he could while looking up at the inky nothingness above them.
“Yes. I asked Loric to do it himself,” Mauricio replied, stepping carefully along the narrow path made in the jagged, broken stones. “And before you ask me why I requested him specifically, I’ll tell you that it’s because we can’t have anyone else see what we’ve discovered. Not yet.”
Fallon took a puzzled look at the dull gray rock that surrounded him. Littered all over the floor were bits of carved trees, sections of rivers, chimeras, unicorns, centaurs, and other mythological beasts.
“All I see are fragments of the map of Erit?hti that was carved into the ceiling,” he observed, bringing the torch close for a better look. He walked up to a familiar piece the size of a small pony. It was the replica of Blackwood Castle, lying on its side. The tallest spires had been snapped off. “I’m surprised how large it is now that I’m standing this close to it.”
“The map had to be big enough to see from the ground,” said Mauricio, coming to a round stone sigil of the chimera. It was the size of a cottage, and perfectly intact. “As I’m sure you’re well aware, it was always believed that the chimeras kept in here occasionally killed one of their own. They devoured everything, not leaving a trace of feather or fur. That’s why we’ve always kept them so well fed.”
“A testament to their ruthlessness,” Fallon agreed with a nod.
“Yes, well, Loric and I have decided this may not have been the case after all. We no longer believe they were eating each other. We think they were escaping through here.”
“Through where?”
“ Here ,” Mauricio repeated. He pointed his only index finger at the giant stone sigil propped against the mountain rock. “Now I realize you’re the Crown Prince, but seeing as how I only have one hand, bring the torch over here, would you?”
His brow furrowing in confusion, Fallon didn’t ask questions. Instead, he joined his secretary, who was waiting for him in front of that giant round carving.
“Right then,” Mauricio said, giving him an uncharacteristically gleeful grin. “Follow me.”
To Fallon’s astonishment, Mauricio walked into the flat stone seal…and promptly disappeared.
His jaw fell, but it didn’t stop him from stepping up to the stone chimera and sticking a foot through the middle of it. He watched as the toe of his boot vanished. Then his ankle disappeared. Then his calf. He nearly dropped the torch when Mauricio poked his head through, laughing at his excess caution.
“No need for all that,” he said with the biggest, widest grin he’d worn in years. “As long as you take small steps you’ll be fine. Now come on and see the miracle that’s fallen into your back garden.”
Two steps later, and Fallon was standing in a snow-covered forest of tall black pines that stretched as far as he could see. A blanket of snow covered the forest floor, while faint traces of fog were starting to gather near the lower areas. The night air was fresh and crisp, and an owl hooted from high above.
“It’s one of the lost portals that Loric was speaking about,” Mauricio explained. “And it’s right in the center of our city.”
Unable to form words, Fallon could only acknowledge him with a faint nod. He couldn’t have spoken even if he wanted to—there was a lump in his throat that threatened to shatter the serene moment with an ugly sob if he even made a sound.
The stars began to wobble and dance around in the sky…an illusion caused by the tears of wonder in his eyes. He brought his hand up to cover his parted lips, clinging to the torch as if it were a reminder of his home...and his history.
Mauricio was right—this discovery was so much bigger than the birth of a royal bastard. It was bigger than the birth of any future king or queen. This connection to Earth would change everything. Not only for a handful of elite nobles, the people of Sinarya, or even the Kingdom of Sinaryos.
It would change everything for the entire Ellunian Empire.
Holding the torch out in front of him, Fallon examined the large, distinctly-shaped, snow-covered stones that enclosed the space where he stood. His next words were tangled in emotion, but he forced them out in a broken whisper.
“Are we...are we standing on…are these ancient ruins?”
“They are. Loric said these ruins might’ve once been a shrine to your ancestors,” Mauricio replied while Fallon examined the crumbled arches and weathered steps. “Since Daiyana was a full fire demon, she would’ve been able to fly through the portal in the temple ceiling any time she wanted. Loric said she might’ve brought her Kallo elf husband here to live with her. It would certainly explain all the legends of enchanted castles, or wheels that spin straw into gold, or beasts who can talk.”
“What legends are you referring to?”
“Why, faerie tales from Earth,” Mauricio beamed. “Your Highness…this is the Black Forest. Your first ancestors most likely lived here to be free of the ridicule they experienced, seeing as how their marriage was forbidden. They sought refuge in the Schwarzwald…the Black Forest…”
“The black woods…” Fallon murmured. He walked down the remains of the stone steps and turned in another slow circle. “I’m standing in the middle of my family’s namesake…”
Fallon scrubbed his hand down his face, staring at the runes, at the trees, at the stars shining above in Earth’s night sky. The cold air made his breath come out in pale puffs of steam. He let out a laugh, immediately knowing the reason for his secretary’s giddy smile.
“Mauricio…”
“Yes, sire?”
“Think of all this means to our kingdom…to our entire empire ! The Estellians have no idea of this portal’s existence. Between this and our manufactured portals, there will be no reason to ever go to war with them again! We’d have free and easy access to as many humans from Earth who’d want to come here to live and help us rebuild our population.”
“Oh, I’m very well aware,” Mauricio said, unable to stop grinning. “Loric is probably the only mage in Sinaryos who’s not busy repairing the city’s infrastructure. He’s already working on a plan for how to protect this portal. Not just on our side, but here as well.”
Mauricio motioned to the vast forest that surrounded them. “We’ll build something around this portal, but it will have to be glamoured to keep it out of view.”
Sill in awe of the staggering discovery, Fallon ran his hand through his hair with his free hand. He sat down and took it all in, letting his demon heat melt enough snow to reveal the moss covering the stones.
Concern suddenly filled his eyes as he turned to his secretary.
“Do we have enough guards stationed around where we came in? Surely we need more deterrents than razor wire and a locked gate.”
Mauricio nodded.
“I thought about that, but if we go overboard with protective measures, it’s almost worse than having none at all. People will wonder what’s so precious. I’d prefer that they keep thinking all we’re protecting are ancient artifacts, books, and holy relics. At least for now.”
“Good point,” Fallon agreed. His stare of wonder and disbelief hadn’t budged since stepping between the two worlds.
“We could relocate the temple and build an embassy around the portal like they do in the Estellian Empire,” Mauricio suggested. “Or we could move the seal to a different location. Your army understands the need for keeping sensitive information secret, so you have plenty of time to make decisions.”
A soft, yet derisive laugh came tumbling out of Fallon’s chest.
“You speak as if I have any say in what happens here. I’d love nothing more than to build an embassy in the heart of the city, but we both know at some point, I’ll have to reveal this discovery to the Royal Council. They’ll probably dismiss the idea simply because it came from me.”
A sly grin spread across Mauricio’s face.
“All the more reason to be prepared to guide them in the right direction. If you want to know your options, it might help to speak to someone from the Architect’s Guild.”
Fallon brightened up at the thought.
“I just met with one of their top structural engineers. Her contact information is buried somewhere in my office.”
“Would you like me to find it and arrange a meeting with her?”
Fallon shook his head, then got up from the rock he’d been sitting on.
“I’ll take care of it. I need to stop by my office and gather some things anyway. Now that Lucia is here, I’ll be working from my chambers as much as I can. At least…until Novi recovers.”
As much as he wanted to stay there and explore the land, it would have to wait. He had work to do. He gave the ruins and the forest one last lingering look before turning to leave.
It was like turning his back on the sea…
Or on his dreams.
“What an auspicious day this has been,” Mauricio said as they stepped through the stone and arrived back in the ruins of the chimera enclosure. After being surrounded by snow and fresh alpine wilderness, the air tasted dusty and mineral as Fallon breathed it in.
“An auspicious day?” Fallon teased. “Or has it been an auspicious week ? Or fortnight? Perhaps it’s been an auspicious year? How far back do we need to go?”
Mauricio rested a hand on his shoulder, partially for support as they climbed over the fallen rocks, but mostly out of affectionate solidarity.
“I really couldn’t say, Your Highness. That’s for the history books to decide.”
Fallon scarcely remembered the ride back to the castle. He handed his horse to a groom and bid goodnight to his secretary in a dreamlike daze, with an agreement to meet again in the morning. Even though it was well after dinnertime, the halls were still bustling with activity from the additional work of restoring the chimera-ravaged city and planning the royal wedding.
Turning the corner, Fallon noticed two stationary figures slumped against the wall opposite from his office doors. He stifled a groan, not wanting to take another meeting. All he wanted to do was find the contact information for the brilliant engineer at the Architect’s Guild, then tell Novi the good news.
Adopting his obligatory patient, but firm expression as he arrived at his office doors, his gaze drifted over to the people waiting to speak to him. His heart soared when he recognized the man’s scruffy blond beard, and the woman’s tight black curls.
“Halen! Aisha! You’ve returned!”
Fallon’s mind was swimming with all the possibilities that they were about to bestow upon him. The burdens that had oppressed him for so long seemed to evaporate, replaced by a buoyant hope that lifted his spirits to dizzying heights.
He ushered them into his office without another word. He could already imagine Dillon's familiar face, perhaps a bit weathered from his ordeal but alive and whole, waiting just beyond the doors. The very thought sent a thrill of excitement coursing through his veins.
As he motioned for Halen and Aisha to sit down, Fallon's mind raced with visions of the future—a future that now seemed within reach. He saw himself standing proudly beside Novi on the deck of a ship, their hands intertwined as they watched little Lucia take her first steps across the deck. The dread of his impending marriage to Jennae faded like morning mist, replaced by the warm glow of impending freedom.
The pieces were falling into place with such perfection that Fallon felt giddy, almost lightheaded with joy, as he took his place on the other side of his desk.
One look.
That’s all it took.
One careful study of Halen’s grim expression told him everything he needed to know. Aisha’s face merely confirmed it.
Their mission had not been successful.
In an instant, Fallon’s world shattered.
The euphoria that had buoyed him moments ago evaporated, leaving a void that quickly filled with despair.
Halen and Aisha’s report of their expedition to Bleakmoor Island was reduced to a jumble of words filtered through the heartbeat thundering in Fallon’s ears.
“Equipment didn’t work…patrol boats were waiting…Talvi turned on us…attacked me…I shot him…it was a trap…”
A tremor ran through Fallon’s body, starting in his chest and radiating outward to every nerve, every last cell. The air in the room grew heavy, charged with the crackling energy of his barely contained rage.
Visions of a brighter future—one where Dillon returned safely, where Fallon could escape his loveless arranged marriage and be with Novi—crumbled like sand castles beneath a rising tide. In their place, nightmarish scenarios bloomed. Talvi rotting on the infamous black sands of Bleakmoor Island…perhaps in the same place where Dillon had died. Jennae standing beside Fallon at their wedding, her polite, yet forced smile a mockery of true love. War ships on the horizon, bearing down on Sinarya's shores. Bodies floating in the harbor, turning the blue water red with blood.
A primal roar clawed its way out of Fallon's throat, furious and raw. His hands connected with side of his solid wood desk, sending it flying across the room and into the wall, splintering wood and scattering papers. The pain barely registered as he upended the massive piece of furniture, sending it crashing to the floor.
Fearing for their prince’s safety, redcloaks charged into the office, ready to defend him. All they saw were Halen and Aisha standing silent, their eyes downcast, unable to meet Fallon’s smoldering glare. One look at him, then the desk, was all they needed to know. They quietly backed out of the room, shutting the door on the chaos within it.
Fallon's chest heaved as he stared at the pathetic remains of his desk. His hands trembled with barely contained rage. The room seemed to pulse with the intensity of his fury, the very air crackling with untamed energy. He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, realizing he’d been a fool to believe Talvi’s lies.
He’d been a fool to believe that Annika and her magic were sent by the gods.
He’d been a fool to believe his wildest dreams might actually come true.
Without another word, he dismissed Halen and Aisha with a motion of his hand. His hopes for the future, once so vibrant and full of promise, now lay shattered like the disaster that lay at his feet.