Chapter 6 （Erendriel）Puppet
Chapter 6 (Erendriel)
Puppet
T he pain was so great that tears flowed despite myself. Sometimes, I wondered if she intended to kill me. I screamed as another wave of pain was unleashed. Nausea overcame me, and I spat bile onto the floor, mingling with my tears. Her methods were ruthless, and I was clueless about why she was doing this to me.
“What do you want from me?” I gritted.
“What makes you think I want anything from you?” she replied, sending another magical jolt down my back. I hissed, clenching my fists, waiting for the pain to lessen.
I explained, “When you torture someone, you usually want something from them. There’s a purpose.”
She scoffed. “Oh, you haven’t seen anything if you think this is torture.”
The tone she used sent shivers down my back. “Well, it does feel like it,” I spat back.
“Stop complaining,” she shouted, annoyed. I immediately regretted my words.
Her foot struck my face, making my head turn. Her footsteps echoed around me. I touched my jaw, checking to see if it was still in place. Blood trickled from my cheek, and I could feel the open flesh. I’d never felt so helpless. I’d already tried to defy her and quickly regretted it. Her force was such that it was better to keep quiet and endure.
Her footsteps drew closer, and I clenched my teeth, knowing what was coming. The pain was searing, and I refrained from screaming in fear that she’d hit me again. I could tell the exact spot where the magic discharge was being applied to my back. My muscles spasmed under the magic, and I could only wait for her to be done. Warm liquid oozed down my back when she finally stopped, and I knew it was my blood.
“Enough!” I shouted to the wicked queen.
Her crystalline laughter rang out, and to my surprise, she abruptly let go of me. I braced my hands on the floor to keep my face from crashing into it.
She took a few steps before me, her gray wings outstretched. “Um, yes. You’re right, Erendriel. You’re strong enough now. ”
I gasped for breath, my muscles still aching. My head spun as I tried to stand up, and I fell to my knees, dark blood mingling with the dirt.
Had I heard right? She said I was strong enough now.
“Wha . . . What have you done to me?” I asked, unsure if I really wanted the answer.
The woman’s footsteps echoed as she approached me again, and I backed away, afraid that she might decide to start her treatment again.
We were alone in this desolate place. I wasn’t sure what this place was called, but I knew it was a dark realm between reality and dream. I had already agreed to do her bidding and wage war on the dwarves as she asked. I thought it would have been enough to please her. I thought she’d leave me in peace. Yet, I was transported here every night. I hardly ever slept, dreading when I would find myself here again. Sometimes, I dozed off during the day when I was usually diligent in my royal duties. I wondered whether the voices I heard during the day were real or a figment of my imagination.
“Don’t be afraid,” she said. She leaned toward me, lifting my chin with her fingertips and forcing me to hold her gaze. I gritted my teeth, staring into the eyes of the woman who terrified me. I was shocked that they were silver and shone with a mischievous gleam. It looked like she had permanent blood tears on her cheeks. Her skin looked like she was made of clay. Two little horns adorned her head with her long gray hair.
“Can’t you feel it? I gave you some of my magic. Just a little, just enough.”
I took a moment to concentrate on myself. I could indeed feel a foreign power within me. Mixing with my elven magic was something dark . . . very dark. It flowed through me, and I could feel it seeping into every fiber of my being. I clenched my fists and muscles to stop myself from shaking.
The question haunted me for weeks, and I finally found the courage to ask, “Who are you?”
The woman laughed again, and her lip curled up. “I wondered when you’d ask yourself that question, poor mortal.”
She released my chin and took a few steps, her wings moving to the rhythm of her hips. I struggled to my feet, finding the strength to stand on my legs.
“I am Aeris, goddess of deception and betrayal.” She turned at these words, staring at me coldly. A shiver of fear ran down my back in response. If she wanted me dead, all she had to do was flick her wrist. No wonder I was defenseless against her.
“You, Erendriel, are my puppet.”
“I am a king,” I challenged.
She snorted. “Are you?”
I wanted to wipe the smug smile off her lips. There were so many things I wanted to say, but I feared her godly strength. She didn’t wait for an answer and kept talking. “I don’t ask much of you, but what I command, you will do.” Her tone did not allow for negotiation, and I nodded nervously, unsure of what she would do if I refused.
“Good, now go. I’m tired of looking at you.”
“Go where?”I asked, looking around me in this nightmare world. “There’s nothing here but desolation. Where would you want me to go? ”
Her eyes flickered with annoyance. “Get back to the living world and rage war on the dwarves. That is all I’m asking.”
She said it as if going to war was nothing. I wanted to reply that it wouldn’t be her putting her life on the line. To say that it was my soldiers’ blood and sweat that would stain the ground, but the words got stuck in my throat. I was too afraid to reply. I swallowed. She turned and stared at me, and I wondered if she could hear my thoughts.
“Don’t you dare lose the war,” she threatened. If giving me her power was so hurtful, I didn’t dare imagine what she would do if I lost the war. My legs felt weak at the very thought. She didn’t give me time to answer and motioned with her hand. As usual, I woke up in sweat in my bed, my body in pain.
I breathed a sigh of relief. I was alive and back in my room. My fingers instinctively touched my jaw, and I could feel the torn skin where she kicked me—that would leave a scar.
My thoughts wandered to the events of the last few weeks. I thought about everything that had happened, including the failed assassination of the Cursed King. Bitterness swept over me at the thought of Nathan. The Oracle had predicted that he would destroy our world if he awakened his full potential.
The Oracle never lied.
He was a risk to everyone’s survival. From my discussions with Dreven, I had to exploit his emotional side to make him act irrationally. I had no idea how to do this until I heard the rumors circulating among my people. People said they’d seen two hybrids desperately searching for a woman with green eyes and brown hair. When I realized she was Nathan’s vassal, I realized what I needed to do to bring him down.
Yet, the whereabouts of the young woman remained a mystery. And with the impending war with the dwarves, I couldn’t look for her, which was unfortunate. Even if the prophecy was more important from my point of view, I had to obey Aeris. So, I concentrated on the war.
It would help if I were able to sleep more. I would be able to think straight. A tiny flicker of hope filled my mind. The goddess said it was enough, that I was strong enough. Could I avoid this torture the next night? I only hoped so. Then maybe I could finally rest.
The hot water from the shower wasn’t enough to ease the pain in my muscles, but I enjoyed the moment all the same. A bit later, I was seated at the royal table in the dining room, with my faithful chancellor, Mathias, standing beside me. I always found it ironic to have a table that could accommodate twenty guests but to be sitting there alone.
The table was always set, including plates, candlesticks, and utensils. Servants ensured the table was set and cleared at every meal, as I instructed it. It was a habit I cherished, reminding me of a time when I was a child. The previous king, Alluin, invited us all to his table. He and Queen Solandra liked to have noblemen to keep them company at meals. As my father had become close friends with the royal couple, we spent our time here. The room seemed less empty with the laughter that filled it then.
Nostalgia took hold of me, making me doubt my convictions. I’d always enjoyed solitude. Where had this sudden urge for companionship come from? Was it the sleep deprivation of the past few weeks? Whatever it was, perhaps I should invite nobles to a royal meal more often. But that could wait until after the war.
In front of me was a plate of roasted avocado and fresh bread, with a glass of fresh water enhanced by a hint of lime. This was my favorite meal, and I sighed as I took a bite of the warm, soft breadcrumbs.
When I’d eaten my fill, Mathias brought me the documents I’d asked for. “Here is the detailed map of our city and Mumbur, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you.” Just as my chancellor was leaving, I called, “Mathias.”
The elf turned back to face me. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Please visit the inn, ask around, find bards and travelers. I would like to know the whereabouts of a human girl with green eyes and brown hair—Nathan’s vassal.” The fact that I needed to concentrate on the war didn’t mean I couldn’t gather intel.
My chancellor nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
I studied the map. The dwarf town lay not far to the east of Mytvathyr. We could reach it in a day’s walk—our cities had been built close for commercial exchange, so we could use the dwarves’ port since we didn’t have one. Over the centuries, our cities’ closeness has been proven to be both an advantage and a disadvantage since it was easier to wage war on one another.
I needed to win the war, the warning of the goddess echoing in my mind. I would typically trust the battle to my commander, but too much rested on this victory. I would be the one paying the price if they failed. I also thought that since the goddess had given me her powers, I might as well go and see what I was capable of. I’d wanted to prove myself in battle for a while. I wanted to show to my soldiers and people that I was worthy of their loyalty.
I had a good feeling overall about this upcoming war. My archers and soldiers were agile and masters at blending in. I had several mages I could take to war with me. I would leave here only my Grand Wizard and a few of my best mages. It was safer to leave the town defended in case of goblins attacks.
I would normally leave the queen in charge of the throne, but I didn’t have one. Mathias was a good chancellor, but the Grand Wizard was of higher authority. Therefore, Elaine would be filling in while I was away. I’d heard she woke up in the morning and was back to normal. I had been so worried when she fell unconscious. She was my best asset, and no other mage came to her heel regarding magical strength. I couldn’t afford to lose her.
“She’s too powerful ,” Aeris whispered in my mind, but I shrugged it off. Even if she broke through the throne room while I was with Dreven, I trusted Elaine and her devotion to me and the kingdom. I knew she had done so to protect me, even if I didn’t find any threats. I wouldn’t let one mistake ruin years of trust. She had proven herself worthy on more than one occasion.
Back at the map, the elven forest around our city quickly gave way to a rocky plain to the east. It would be difficult for my troops to hide from Mumbur’s troops. That’s why I wanted to leave at nightfall. We’d camp halfway across, far enough from the city walls that they wouldn’t be able to see us. I knew these rocky plains well, and they contained a few large rock formations high enough to hide us. We’d find one of these places and sleep during the day. We’d make the rest of the way at nightfall, allowing us to reach the dwarf city well into the night, when most of the people and soldiers would be asleep, giving us the advantage of surprise.
It seemed like a foolproof plan, and I’d only get one chance. Once war was declared, there was a possibility that the other members of the United Races Committee would turn against me for treason. That’s why I had to conquer the dwarf city as quickly as possible to prepare myself to defend against reprisals .
A servant entered the room, and I realized I’d been in the dining room for some time, absorbed in my thoughts.
“Your Majesty,”he said respectfully, curtseying.
“What is it?”
“Someone requested an audience.”
I frowned. “Who?”
The elf raised his head slightly. “An emissary of the vampire queen, Your Majesty.”
I was surprised and wondered what the queen wanted. I had only allied with her to eliminate Nathan, and even that plan had failed.That alliance had proven to be disappointing, and it left a sour taste in my mouth.
I rose to my feet. “I will see him. Mathias, see that the documents are put away,”I ordered before heading to the throne room. It was the only proper place to have an audience, really. Once comfortably ensconced in my throne, I motioned to the guards to let the emissary in.
I was surprised to see a tall woman with tan skin entering the room. She wore leather armor, and her golden eyes looked like gems. She walked at a decisive pace, looking like a powerful fighter. She stopped short of the stairs that led to the throne, bending a knee to the ground.
“Your Majesty.”Her voice was rich when she spoke, her black braided hair falling over her shoulders when she bowed .
“Rise.”
She did as I asked and waited for me to speak. I loved women with good manners. Still, I wanted to get straight to the point and return to my war preparations.
“State your name and your reason for requesting an audience.”
“I am Amber, a trusted friend of the queen. She sent me upon hearing of your intentions to wage war against the dwarven people.”
I clenched my fists. My breaths quickened as I fought with the panic seeping into me. How could the queen hear of my war preparations? I kept everything to the utmost secret. If she heard of it, maybe others have too, which could mean disaster. I kept a straight face so my emotions wouldn’t show and lied. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
But Amber continued, “Please. Her Majesty has heard your intentions directly from Alastor. Our god wouldn’t lie to us.”
“Another damn god ,” I cursed to myself. Since when did they meddle in our affairs? First Aeris, then Alastor. I’ve never dealt with a god in all the centuries I’ve lived. It was unheard of. Gods were usually above everything and didn’t meddle in petty problems. What was so important that they would show up? Didn’t they have more important things to do than to spoil secrets to mortals? What if they warned the dwarves? I didn’t even want to think about this eventuality.
“Get to the point,”I said through clenched teeth.
“Her Majesty wishes to reaffirm her support in this war. She will stand by your side if you need her help.”
I let out a breath of relief. Releasing my fists, I realized I’d been holding them so tightly my nails had dug into my skin, blood beading on my skin. This alliance with the vampires might prove useful after all. When the United Races Committee hears about our war with the dwarves, having someone on my side would be useful.
Amber continued, “In exchange, she’d like you to subdue the dwarf prince and bring him back to her alive.”
I raised an eyebrow. It was a rather curious request. “Is that so? And what does she want with the dwarf prince?”
The vampiress shrugged. “I don’t know, and with all due respect, it’s none of your concern, Your Majesty. Just know the vampire nation supports your decision to wage war against the dwarves.”
I didn’t like her tone. What did the queen want with the prince? Did she intend to marry him? A dwarf and a vampire would make quite an odd couple. Perhaps I should kill the prince. The vampire queen felt powerful enough as it was. If she got too strong, she’d become an unstoppable threat. I couldn’t let that happen. If the dwarf prince were of any value to the queen, it would be better for me to kill him than for her to use him as she pleased.
“YOU WON’T!” Aeris’s voice raged in my mind so loudly that I grabbed my head with both hands, struck by sudden pain, wondering if my skull would split open. So much for being the king and making decisions. I was now the slave of a goddess.
“Correction, you’re a puppet. Now do as I say,” taunted the Aeris.
A few seconds must have passed without me moving. Two soldiers had almost reached the throne, their eyes filled with concern at my sudden ailment. I didn’t want them to know about Aeris. If they knew I could hear a goddess giving me orders. If they knew that I felt her dark magic coursing through my veins . . . Even if it were true that elves believed in gods and goddesses, everyone knew that gods had better things to do than talk to mortals. They’d think I was either crazy or possessed. In either case, I risked losing my throne or life. It was better they didn’t know.
I took a few breaths, sweat beading on my forehead.
“Are you all right?”Amber asked, worried when I came to my senses.
I cleared my throat, gesturing for the guards to return to their posts. “It’s nothing.”
Amber looked relieved. I continued, “Tell the queen that I accept her offer.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”Amber bowed and took her leave.
I sat back on my throne, waiting to see if I’d recovered or if I’d feel unwell again. Since I’d accepted the goddess’s order, I suspected I’d be fine but remained cautious. I didn’t trust the gods. They were only out for their own personal needs. I considered myself lucky that Aeris’s order—conquering the dwarven city—was to my advantage. I would never be able to negotiate with a goddess if I didn’t want to do as told.
When I was sure I was okay, I got up and headed for the castle courtyard. My army had been training for days in preparation for war. I’d doubled training hours. It was a necessary sacrifice, and the soldiers knew it.
The courtyard was buzzing with activity as my army prepared for war. From the top of the wall, it looked like a dance where soldiers moved in organized chaos. Archers fired at targets lined up against the wall. The metallic clang of weapons filled the air as the swordsmen fought together. A few mages stood a little apart, and some warriors practiced with halberds or threw axes. Although these were less popular weapons, they were still very lethal, and I was glad to have them in my army.
I descended a large stone staircase, the wind blowing through my hair. The fighters stopped sparring as I passed, showing their respect for my presence. They were arranged in a disciplinary formation.
All stared at me, from respected warriors to agile archers.
I swept my eyes over the soldiers, holding their gaze. A feeling of duty and pride came over me—the weight of their destiny on my shoulders. One wrong decision on my part would mean their deaths. But if I led the war masterfully, as a king knew how to do it, we would emerge victorious. The battle against the dwarves would reconnect us with our race’s heritage and raison d’être.
I spoke forcefully, “Over time, our ancestors have faced many challenges. We have been at peace for many centuries, but today, the shadows of war loom on the horizon. We will face it with strength and unity.”
I stopped speaking, waiting for my army’s applause to die. The sun was low in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard. With a wave of my arm, I asked for silence. The commotion died down, and all eyes turned back to me.
“Tonight, go home. Spend the evening with your loved ones. Cherish these moments with them, but don’t let doubt and sadness invade your hearts. This won’t be the last time you see them. Tomorrow night, we leave to face our destiny.”
A collective cry rang out as they chanted, “Glory to the King. Long live Erendriel! ”
I looked at the soldiers one last time before returning to the throne room. I still had a lot to do before we left.