73. Chapter 73
CHAPTER 73
Dynalya
C ome morning, Eldred arrived on their floor to escort them to the meeting the King of Greenwood at last called forth. Dyna took her place beside Cassiel as they walked together with the Valkyrie close behind. He didn’t attempt to speak to her, but she felt his gaze on her hair. Last night, she had cut it to her shoulders.
Out with the old and in with the new.
Eldred brought them before a set of tall doors. “It is not everyday outsiders are invited to the king’s council meetings,” he murmured. “Please do not interject unless addressed.”
Dyna nodded.
The Royal Guards opened the doors, and they followed Eldred inside. Golden sunlight streamed through the tall open windows, gleaming on the polished surface of the long stone table in the center of the room. Many elves were already seated. Their soft-spoken voice floated in the room as they waited to begin. Then conversations halted, and all eyes were on them.
King Leif was seated at the head of the table, Lady Aerina on his left. Her eyes were shadowed by exhaustion and swollen from crying. Raiden sat in the chair beside her, expressionless. The others at the table we either advisors or warriors by the view of their armor.
Camsen was also present. He and the Elite Rangers stood silently against the north wall behind their liege lord.
“Welcome,” King Leif called to them. “Please take your seats.”
Cassiel came forward and chose the seat on the opposite end of the table that was already set with two chairs. The Valkyrie took their posts at his back.
Sowmya met her gaze and nodded for her to sit with him.
Dyna kept her shoulders straight as she strode forward with her Guardians, and they took the empty seats beside Cassiel. Position of invited to the table, but not exactly part a part of it.
King Leif cleared his throat. “Now that we have all gathered, we can at last discuss a dire matter. First, allow me to properly introduce King Cassiel and Queen Dynalya of Hilos, and their companions. They are acquaintances of Rawn Norrlen, who he met while on his mission for the crown. They came all the way here to bring us the news of his capture. He is very fortunate to have such great friends.”
He paused a moment, letting that sink into the room. No one reacted to the news, telling Dyna that everyone already knew about them and Rawn’s situation.
“The call of a soldier is not without its risks,” Leif continued. “They fight for their country and at times, the battle ends with their lives. I value all who serve, but Rawn has earned our respect in his many great deeds for his people. When I learned of his capture by Red Highland, I, of course petitioned King Altham for his life. After much negotiation, I am pleased to announce we have settled on a peaceful trade. A delegation is to be dispatched to Red Highland and retrieve Rawn.”
Aerina covered her mouth, stifling a soft whimper of relief. Raiden wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
An elf in deep blue robes cleared his throat. “A trade, sire? Since when has Greenwood capitulated with Red Highland?”
“When elves are initiated into the army, the one thing they learn is to never be captured by the enemy, for they are considered lost,” another counselor said. “Any intervention could start another war in the Vale.”
The elves murmured in agreement, but the warriors glared.
Dyna didn’t like how they were speaking. She exchanged concerned looks with her cousins. Was this what it meant to be a soldier of Greenwood?
“Sire.” An elf with ruddy hair pulled back in a braid stepped forward. He clanked a fist over his heart, the light catching on his green armor veined in silver. “Send me and my men. Our general fought with us. He bled with us. We will stake our lives to release him and bring down the keep as we do.”
The warriors agreed with vivacious calls.
King Leif lifted his hand, silencing the room. “I admire your courage, Lieutenant Handuril. We have been at war with Red Highland for an age. I do not wish to start another.”
“They hold a vital member of your army,” Eldred stated thoughtfully. “Rawn has slain many red elves, and he is wed to the princess they once tried to abduct. Yet King Altham is willing to return him to us? I have never known him to be reasonable.”
“What does he want in exchange for him?” Aerina asked.
“Altham searches for a key,” Leif announced, and Dyna stiffened in her seat. “Well, the second half of a key.”
She felt the shock of her friends, but her mind was racing. Here it was, the thing Leoake sent her for. If the red king searched for the second half, that confirmed he had the first.
“A key? A key to what?” a counselor asked.
“I know not what it opens, only that Altham wants it. He believes Rawn found it while he was in Xián Jīng, but I have not received any news of it in his quarterly reports. Whether it be true, it appears he holds no memory of it.”
“For this to hold Red Highland’s interest, then this key is no ordinary key,” Eldred said. “It must open something dire, an imaginable power to behold.”
Dyna’s mind flashed with the night she had jumped through Leoake’s enchanted Door.
Azulo told her there was another door on Mount Ida. Many dire treasures were hidden inside of it … and it can open other gateways. The Gods wish to remain hidden.
Then she recalled the glowing rhyme that had appeared on the key’s scroll when she had held it to the fire.
Seek a key and make your claim but beware the door untamed.
Cross into realms of old, in the loom its secrets unfold.
Once a bridge of finder’s luck, now a curse to madness struck.
Dyna’s pulse drummed, her ears ringing.
Lief studied his sister and nephew. “Has Rawn mentioned anything to you about this?” They shook their heads, and he exhaled a breath. “This is important. I need to know about this key and what it opens.”
“It opens a door…” All eyes turned to Dyna, and she realized she had said it out loud.
Leif’s eyes narrowed. “What door?”
“A door to the In Between, the realm between worlds.” As she said the words, Dyna knew they were true. “I think the dragon blades are there.”
Stark silence. Raiden’s eyes locked on hers.
“Where is the door?” Leif asked.
“Mount Ida.”
Voices of alarm, shock, and awe swarmed the room. And she saw the glint in Leif’s gaze as he leaned back in his chair.
“We need to get this key, sire,” the counselor said. “It will at last assure our victory against Red Highland. They will never be able to challenge us again.”
“Yes, but only until we can acquire both pieces. To discover where the second one is, Rawn must be returned to me. A trade is inevitable.”
“Wait…” Aerina softly spoke up. “Altham wants the missing piece of this key, but you have no piece to trade. What have you agreed upon then for Rawn’s release?”
King Leif paused as he met his sister’s gaze. “To broker peace, I proposed an alliance. He would trade your husband for a Greenwood Prince to wed a Red Highland Princess.”
Stark silence filled the room.
Aerina’s brow furrowed with disbelief. “Leif … there was a time when you never would have contemplated that. You couldn’t possibly consider giving up your firstborn son.”
“I am not.” He stared at her and Dyna felt her body chill with cold realization.
Aerina’s chest heaved with shallow breaths as she glanced between Raiden and him. “What are you saying?”
“I told you once sister, those of royal blood must marry to serve the crown.”
What he implied hit all of them at the sometime.
Aerina’s face went white. “No...”
“I am sorry it has come to this.”
“You cannot ask me to give them my son!” Aerina cried, leaping to her feet. “He is my son, Leif. Our only son. If you send him there he will be a prisoner within their walls. My husband has served you loyally for years. Is this his reward?”
Dyna’s chest tightened with emotion at her broken voice. Raiden stared at the king, motionless. Too stunned to do anything else. His teacher who helped raised him was equally appalled, proving Eldred had no idea about this.
King Leif was indifferent to their reactions. “His reward was you.”
Aerina’s eyes welled, and she shook her head. “That was not a reward but a leash. Rawn is a noble elf which you have exploited. He served your every whim to regain his honor. It is due to him that the curse upon our family was undone, and for that very reason you are blessed with many children. After twenty years he has served you loyally and it is time that you show him the value of that allegiance.”
“What do you expect me to do? Send more men to war?”
“I expect you to act like a king!” Aerina slammed her hand on the table, making Dyna jump. Leif stared at her, taken back by her outspoken behavior but Aerina no longer cared what the court thought. “Lieutenant Handuril and the others who served under him are willing to fight. Why not you?”
Leif’s straightened and his expression hardened. “Some conflicts cannot be settled with a sword.”
Aerina’s eyes shone with tears and anger. “Some cannot be settled without one.”
The siblings stared at each other, but Leif reminded himself he was king. “It is already decided. Raiden is to be crowned a prince today.”
“You cannot do this to me!”
“I know this seems unjust, but how am I leave Greenwood without a future?”
“What about my son’s future?” she cried. “When Raiden was born, we hid him away so the birth of your first born could be declared first. You shunned us to the country for fear his existence would threaten your throne. I went willingly to prove to you Raiden would never be a hindrance. I endured you taking my standing and then you took my husband. How much more can you demand of me?”
“Aerina,” Leif said tightly. “You forget yourself.”
“Mother…” Raiden at last spoke. His voice was tired and resolved. “That’s enough.” He stood from his seat and met his uncle’s gaze. “Is this your command?”
“It is.”
“Then I will go,” Raiden said, prompting Aerina’s face to crumble. “May it be the only time you acknowledge that my existence holds any value to you, even if it is to use me as chattel.” He bowed. “Sire.” Then Raiden swiftly strode out of the room without looking back.
Aerina’s hands shook, and she turned to her brother, her marred face now stone. “I take your deeds as inaction and your caution for cowardice. I have never been more ashamed to share blood with you.”
Leif blinked at her, his face flushing.
Her mouth pursed tightly. “You cannot have him.”
“Aerina—”
“You cannot!” she screamed, breaking into a sob. “Find another way to bring my husband home.”
Then she ran out after Raiden, leaving a dead silence behind.
King Leif sighed heavily and removed his crown as he rubbed his temples. No one moved or spoke as they awaited his next response.
“I must do what I can for the sake of Greenwood, and I do so with a heavy heart,” he said tiredly. “We will conduct the trade at the Blood Keep tomorrow at high noon and there Raiden the red princess will be wed. The conditions of our exchange have already been settled by oath.”
Dyna’s heart sank into her stomach, and she closed her eyes. Even if Leif wanted to rescind Raiden’s engagement, he couldn’t.
“Green elves have not crossed onto Red Highland’s sands since the last war,” Leif continued. “Therefore, this exchange is to happen under careful standings. Altham has agreed that I may arrive escorted with seventy of my Royal Guard and my nephew.”
“Sire, you cannot possibly consider going yourself!” A counselor exclaimed. “With such little numbers. This could be a trap and the perfect opportunity to eliminate you.”
Voices swarmed as the elves again argued.
“I am going,” Leif said, silencing them again. “This exchange will happen between king to king with our Royal Guard in company. No Elite Rangers.” His gaze flicked to Dyna and Cassiel. “No outsiders. Altham will keep the same number of his own Royal Guard in the Blood Keep. That was our oath, and it must be followed to the exact terms agreed upon.”
Dyna clenched her jaw.
“Does that mean we cannot go?” Keena whispered from where she sat on Lucenna’s shoulder.
Zev’s eyes glowed yellow when he met Dyna’s gaze. They silently agreed that would not apply to them. They didn’t come all this way to remain here.
Cassiel was quiet beside her, and for once she couldn’t read him through their bond. It had been silent since last night. Sowmya and Yelrakel stood motionless like sentinels behind his chair.
“Sire,” Camsen came forward and bowed. “I will step down as a ranger as will my men. We will join your seventy.”
Lieutenant Handuril stood with the other warriors. “As will we.”
King Leif nodded. “I expected nothing less. I am sure Altham is also searching for ways around our terms. See that your men are ready.” Then he glanced to the old Magi Master. “Eldred.”
Eldred stood. “Sire?”
“We will cross tonight when the moon is high. Prepare what you need for the Gateway Circle. Enough to reach the Covenant Pass.”
“Yes, sire.”
“Thank you, that is all. I will now speak to our guests.” At Leif’s dismissal, the elves bowed and began filing out of the room. Only Eldred and Camsen remained. Once it was empty, Leif linked his hands. “I am sure you have many questions.”
“We do,” Cassiel at last spoke and his gaze fell to her. He was giving her the floor first.
Dyna straightened in her seat. Whatever their standing, in this moment, she felt they saw eye to eye on what mattered. “My first question, Your Majesty, is due to my curiosity. What is a Gateway Circle?”
“It is magic of Greenwood,” Camsen replied warily. As in something they do not readily share.
“It is all right,” Leif nodded. “Hilos is no stranger to secrecy.”
“A Gateway Circle is a large portal, and it works similar to a courier portal, but it can transport people,” Eldred told them. “They only open within what some would call a fairy door or rather … an Elder Tree.”
Dyna inhaled a shallow breath. Gods, why didn’t she realize it when they arrived yesterday. The strange round tree outside was an Elder Tree. There had been runes carved into the stone surrounding it and one of them had been Raido.
The rune for journey.
“Fae that hold great power can open gateways in Elder Trees at whim,” Camsen continued, and Keena nodded in agreement, “The rest of us rely on crystals.”
Eldred placed two small stones on the table, one pale blue and the other white.
“Moonstone and Tanzanite,” Lucenna murmured, her wide lilac eyes fixed on the stones. The white stone was no bigger than a pebble. It was not big enough to fit her medallion, but it was fascinating all the same.
“Highly rare to find, yet they are the only crystals that can activate the Elder Tree. Tanzanite can be used at any time of day, though its range is limited and their magic lasts only once. The best are Moonstones. They can be used an unlimited number of times, and its range is substantial.”
“How far can it take you?” Klyde asked.
“If we wait until the moon is at the highest point in the sky, far enough to reach East Wall. It’s our barricade that lies fifty miles west, within the gorge of our western borders.”
Of course, that made sense. Moonstones were very powerful stones. Most had been lost or destroyed in the First Age, but something else tugged at the back of Dyna’s mind. Something this reminded of her of.
“Only elves and fairies can activate Elder Trees?” Lucenna asked.
“Whomever wields Essence could,” Eldred said, leveling her with sage gaze. “However, it requires the power level of a Magi Master or a Grand Magus. Should any one weaker attempt it, the force of creating a gateway would tear them apart.”
Dyna’s stomach flipped at that.
Von crossed his arms, his brow furrowed as he studied the elves. “I take it you have a contact on the inside,” he said. “Such endorsements beyond enemy lines require special planning and I can only assume it would not be wise to leave anything to chance.”
King Leif linked his fingers together, a small smile playing on his lips. “You are correct. I do have a contact, two in fact. One of them is imprisoned with Rawn. They were captured together in Dwarf Shoe. A red elf named Elon.”
Von straightened, shock settling on his face.
Dyna was surprised to hear that too. Elon wasn’t the type to be subdued.
“We were separated during the skirmish.” Zev’s low rumbling voice pulled her from her thoughts. He peered at Von. “I assumed he had escaped.”
“I am not leaving him to rot,” he said under his breath.
“As for my second question.” Dyna met King Leif’s gaze. “This rescue for Rawn, is it because you care for him or because you want information on the missing key?” The question drew tension back into the room. “I know Rawn well, and how much he loves his family. I am curious as to what you expect his reaction will be once he learns his son was forfeited for his sake.”
The rest of them stayed silent because they agreed Rawn would never abide by this.
“In peace sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.” Leif looked to the window. “I am no fool. Altham will find another way to instigate conflict.”
“Yet you send Raiden to become a political hostage knowing it may be for nothing?”
“The most difficult part of being a king is sacrificing the few to save the most. Even if the few include those most precious to us.” He looked at Cassiel. “You understand don’t you?”
Cassiel leaned back in his chair. He ranked his long black hair back, his cool gray eyes studying Leif. “The one thing I have been made to understand in the game of thrones, it is kings who plan the fighting and the soldiers who do the dying. You were clear that outsiders would not be included in this excursion, yet you invited us to this meeting. So let us discuss what you have truly planned.”
A cunning smile edged the king’s mouth. Camsen reached into his cloak and brought out a scroll with the Greenwood seal. Yelrakel stepped forward to take it, then brought it Cassiel.
They fell quiet as he opened it, and he read the page. A muscle jumped in his jaw. He placed the scroll flat on the table for her to see.
“It says here, you will reaffirm the Accords with Hilos under the condition we form an official alliance,” Cassiel said. “Except I have problem with that, Leif, seeing as the Vale is constantly at war.”
“Red Highland will always seek ways to gain more power against Greenwood, and we must do the same. With his half of the key, Altham is one step closer to collecting the Dragon Blades. I need a weapon of my own.”
Like Seraph fire.
Dyna ground her teeth. Eldred had borne witness to Cassiel’s power when the Shades came for her.
“You cannot involve yourself in this matter any further without instigating Hilos into our age-old war, Cassiel. However, if you wish me to sign the Accords, that is exactly you will do.”
Dyna clenched her fists under the table. Leif brought them here to use them.
“Does that not negate your oath?” Keena asked.
“No, for you are not included in the seventy.”
Then him mentioning outsiders were not to be involved was intentional. He expected them to disobey.
“You want to assure Rawn is released and I need to assure my people that their king will return alive.” Leif held Cassiel’s glowing gaze. “I may call upon your Valkyrie to aid us in the future, but we will assure that the secrecy of the Celestial Realms, like Nazar , are protected.”
Cassiel let the silence linger a moment as he rolled up the scroll. His face was unreadable, but she could feel the heat of his anger in the bond. “Thank you, King Leif, for taking the time to consider the Accords. Some years ago, your father proposed the same thing when my father ruled Hilos. I will give you the same answer he once did.” Lifting the scroll in his fist, Seraph fire flared out and it instantly dissolved away, ash falling to the table. “Celestials will never again spill Celestial blood for the gain of others. But we will gladly spill yours to protect ours.”
A shiver rolled down Dyna’s spine. Yet in that moment, she felt proud.
The aghast expressions on Camsen, Eldred, and Leif’s faces was almost comical.
“Do you threaten war against Greenwood?” Leif demanded.
She narrowed her eyes. “We came here in good faith. It is you who has broken it.”
“If you have forgotten,” Cassiel added. “The Accords protect our secrecy, and no monarchy who has signed it, past or presently, can act against it with impunity. I assure you, should any threat be brought against Hilos and the Realms, we will respond — as we have done so before.”
The reminder of Gamor’s destruction and the occurrence in the Port of Azure was still fresh in Dyna’s mind. And in King Leif’s by the caution rising too his face.
His mouth thinned. “I see. Unfortunately, our pleasantries end here. I do not give you leave to interfere in this matter any further. When the delegation leaves tonight, you will remain here.”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty.” Dyna stood with her Guardians. “I am a Queen. I do not take orders. I give them.”