Silent Orchids (The Age of Alandria: Book One) Read online

  Daegan refused to kneel on the floor pillow before them. Maleina bristled at his boldness, but he waited for Maleina to speak first. Hands clenched at his sides, he lowered his eyes in a show of subtle submission, enough to ease her infuriation in order to procure answers. It worked.

  “Daegan, my dear boy,” Maleina said in her most unnatural maternal tone as she rose from her throne and walked behind it pretending to admire a purple flower on the vines. “Tomorrow is your scouting day in Anise, is it not?” she asked. Her back was now to Daegan but she turned her head to the side just enough to see him nod in confirmation. “While you are there, I want you to listen for whispers of a new power—the Sol-lumieth. I have heard rumors circling about. Have you heard of it?”

  “I have. Do you believe it is something we should fear?” he asked, knowing full well the answer.

  “Of course we do not need to fear this new power, whatever it may be. However, we should not be ignorant. Since no one will oblige us with the information we seek, we must search it out for ourselves.”

  Though her words were defiant, in her eyes he could see the fear of a potential threat as she spoke, and he wondered what that could be about. Daegan was not going to tell her that not only had he overheard the people whispering amongst themselves in a hushed frenzy, but he too had sensed something unknown stirring.

  “I will see what there is to be learned in Anise. My visit may require a couple of days. May I request Halister to accompany me to cover more ground?” Of course, Daegan didn’t need him to assist, but he enjoyed his company and he knew Hal liked to get out and explore the frivolity in other cities.

  “That is a splendid idea!” Wren said, speaking for the first time. His enthusiasm was a contradiction to the subdued persona he had been giving off. Maleina shot daggers at him with her eyes. Wren acknowledged her irritation but leaned forward anyway, declaring with a grin, “It’s a shame I have so many boring duties to attend. I’m half tempted to go along with you boys.” He sat back, giving Daegan a wink.

  Maleina spoke with assertiveness. “Yes, that seems like a good enough idea. I will inform Halister that you will be departing at first light and to meet you in the stables.” Despising that her statement had to follow Wren’s comment, she gathered up the abundance of fabric from her dress and turned to leave. Turning back to look at Wren, she demanded with her eyes that he depart with her. Daegan offered a nod and smile that didn’t quite touch his eyes to the only father figure he knew. Wren stood, nodded his appreciation, and left the room, a broken man in the wake of a tumultuous woman.

  ✾✾✾

  At first light, Daegan was in the stables across the field from the main house, which resembled a small medieval castle that he had seen in the mortal realm. With his horse almost prepared to leave, he heard Halister practically running down the pathway humming a familiar lighthearted tune. Daegan looked up sighing, his equivalent of an eye roll. It was another of his rare and secretive gifts—finely attuned hearing, which was why he was being sent into Anise. The family, however, knew of his gift and used it for their own gain. Halister sauntered in while Daegan finished tightening the saddle on his beautiful stallion, Mayfair.

  Hal, a few inches taller than Daegan, had a similar build: warrior style with defined, chiseled muscles all over. Daegan’s shoulders were wider, allowing for the bit more bulk that he carried. Hal’s ropy blond hair had confused many into lumping him in with the “riffraff” until they realized who he was and instantly showed respect. His hazel eyes were everything eyes should be; clear, bright, and inviting with warmth. Rumors tended to label him a philanderer and that may be, but he wasn’t a bad guy, a little immature with an attitude of entitlement once in a while, but for being brought up by Maleina and Wren he had a pretty decent head on his shoulders. Hal had been a pretty fair “brother.” He had a good nature and was one of the few that Daegan could easily be around. Hal could possibly be a contender to take over leadership, assuming he would take it from his parents. He was also Daegan’s closest friend and trusted warrior.

  “You ready to go?” Daegan asked him as Hal walked in the stable doors.

  “Well, good morning to you too, Daegan. Yes, I’m ready, just got to make sure Dolly’s ready. I had Fritz shoe her last night.” Sighing, Halister ran his hand down the back of his head. “I’m glad to be getting out of here for a couple days. I owe you one, brother.” Hal smiled at Daegan as he saddled up Dolly, his beautiful chestnut-colored Arabian, then gave the horse a kiss on the nose and stroked her shiny black mane as she whinnied her own greeting.

  With a simple nod Daegan led Mayfair out of the stables. Halister followed shortly on Dolly. Daegan gathered the reins, grabbed the horn of the saddle, and mounted his own horse with the practiced ease of a seasoned rider. Turning their backs to their home, and the rising sun as their companion, they headed toward Anise. Riding swiftly and fluidly together, they didn’t stop to rest until they reached the entrance to the Forest of Lumei.

  Within the borders of this world, there was a succession of forests one after another threaded together by open fields and rolling hills and woven by the common bond that was the land, strong and alive. Along the vast edges of the realm, there were as well treacherous mountain ranges, some peaks capped with blankets of snow and others shrouded with shadows of mystery. The Forest of Lumei gave respectable definition to the borders of Anise just outside the center city of the Elven territory called Adettlyn and its surrounding cities and villages. It was always a bit of a risk traveling through the forest as there were many rogues—those who stood in opposition to the current rule—in these lands. Fortunately, Daegan had many “friends” and had never had any issues traveling through Lumei.

  Except that one time.

  Hal was mostly liked by those within their tribe and even outside of their tribe, but he was also the son of the most disrespected, yet feared, leaders in all of Alandria. If the Paladin had offended or angered any of its inhabitants lately, they were likely to take it out on Halister for the sake of convenience and revenge. For that, they would need to take extra caution.

  ✾✾✾

  The Forest of Lumei was the oldest and most aware of who or what crossed its border. It had friends. It had foes. Lucky not to have been ensnared, as many times as Daegan had passed through, he considered himself a friend. Those found to be enemies had not passed through to the other side.

  A thick ground cover of moist, green moss blanketed the forest floor. It even climbed the trees covering their branches, making the earth and the growth a seamless transition to the trees. The trees were thick and strong, ominously towering over and protecting all they chose to within their bounds. Younger, smaller trees of all kinds, including many that bloomed, thrived in their care. Lumei had a mystical, enchanting energy. The tangible wisdom that permeated this forest was centuries old. Some... were among the Ancients.

  The ground was not only covered by growth but by roots that had emerged from below like creatures from the depths of the earth clawing their way to the surface for air. Daegan and Hal had to lead their horses on foot to navigate them through the barely visible path that had been worn over time.

  Taking a deep breath, Daegan reveled in the crisp, clean air provided by the life-giving cedars, able to almost taste the sweet aroma of the aged forest. Always on alert, he scanned their surroundings, but seemed to find only peace. Daegan always had found deep beauty in the mysteries that lay within this forest. A faint mist rose from the ground. Rays of sun pierced through the canopy of trees, colliding with the rising mist. It was mystical. Quiet. Daegan’s sensitive hearing allowed him to hear more than the gurgling of the small creek running nearby. He could hear the creaking of old wood as it swayed gently in the breeze. It sounded alive. Even with the peace, Daegan picked up on Hal’s uneasiness. Hoping to help alleviate his brother’s discomfort, he picked up speed. They had been quiet ever since arriving at the borders of Lumei.

  Chapter Four

  Before total n
ightfall, they passed into the borders of Lumei, the territory of the Elves. Anise was a small village just outside the capital city of Adettlyn. Daegan took a grateful breath of relief, as he was very aware they had been watched. He did not want to have to spend the night in the forest.

  Lortunna, the night house in which they stayed when in town, was a welcome sight. Lortunna housed less than an average inn, having only ten rooms. The beautiful, narrow, three-story stone home suited with white shutters on each of the front windows was beginning to be swallowed by climbing ivy between each of the windows. The lights in each of the rooms softened behind sheer curtains gave the house a warm glow as night drew close.

  Daegan, but especially Hal, relaxed as they were invited in by the night clerk, who happened to be an acquaintance from previous stays. Even though they were Ferrishyn, she greeted them warmly as if old friends reuniting with hugs and cheek kisses on either side, which was customary for the city dwellers. Daegan instantly stiffened, uncomfortable with displays of affection even as innocent as this. Hal patted him on the back as he stepped around him to get inside.

  “Hello, boys,” Gabriella welcomed as she released Daegan. “Oh relax, Daegan, you are to stay in this comfortable home free from worries of whether you will be welcome here or not.” She laughed good-naturedly. Even though there had not been peace in Adettlyn for quite some time, there were still a few living in Anise that seemed to live with hope for a better future for Alandria.

  Giving her a small but genuine smile and a gracious nod, he acknowledged the truth of what she said. Not everyone would be so welcoming of two elite Ferrishyn staying at their inn.

  Halister was much more comfortable with this type of affectionate greeting. Releasing his pent-up energy from the journey, he lifted her up and swung her around.

  “Hal, put me down,” she squealed.

  “Hello, Gabby!” he said enthusiastically. He gave her a peck on the cheek as he put her down and sent her one of his notorious grins that could melt the heart of almost any female regardless of their race.

  Daegan shook his head. Their greeting gave him the impression they were possibly more than acquaintances. He knew Hal had been seeing a girl in the city on and off. Daegan’s look turned contemplative and then concerned. Wouldn’t Maleina love that if she knew.

  Apparently, he and Hal were sharing a room this time due to full occupancy. The two twin beds in the very small cramped room indicated it belonged to the youngest children of the residence. Knowing who Daegan and Hal were—or with whom they were associated—the keepers of this night house made room for them. It wouldn’t be the first time this had happened to either one of them; sometimes it was a perk and other times a hindrance, as it tended to interfere with anonymity. Both full of pent-up traveling energy, they decided to go out. It would be a good opportunity to listen for any interesting news regarding the Sol-lumieth, but also to burn off some steam.

  The Drunken Boar, their favorite establishment to eat while in Anise, was a welcome sight after a long day of travel. As they opened the creaky door, casual chatter escaped into the night, a beam of light chasing behind it to the street. Inside, however, the low light from oil-burning lanterns made for soothing ambiance as it cast shadows of the patrons onto the walls. An eruption of gruff laughter echoed from the dark corner as several Elves enjoyed their evening meal. Most of the company here kept to themselves. A shady-looking character sat at the bar appearing to mind his own business, but Daegan could tell he had ulterior motives: he subtly paid too much attention to one Elf in particular though attempting to mask his interest. In the other corner sat a small ensemble consisting of two Faeries and an Elf playing quiet music that set a peaceful atmospheric tone. Several of the waitresses knew them, waved a hello, then went to ready their drinks. Making their way to what had become known as “the observation post”—the back corner booth where they could see all that was going on, who came in and who went out—they eyed all the patrons. Paranoid? Perhaps, but there were those who looked for trouble with the Ferrishyn, especially those aligned with self-proclaimed “royalty.”

  Hal waved at the three waitresses—two Elves and one Faerie—who were huddled behind the counter together whispering amongst themselves, not knowing that Daegan could hear every word they said about them. They pretended to be shy in that flirtatious way that girls think is a turn-on but really wasn’t. Does that ever really work? Daegan wanted to roll his eyes.

  “What are they saying about us?” Hal whispered.

  Staring down at his drink he told him under his breath, “They think you are cute, they think I look mean, and the Faerie with the brown twiggy hair wants to try to get you to ask her out... they now have a bet going.” Hal laughed as Daegan slid him a sideways look. “She didn’t know who you were, then the other girls told her but she still doesn’t care,” he added. “She’s pretty ballsy... for an earth Faerie.”

  “Let’s see what she’s got. I like ballsy,” Halister said with a smirk on his face, sitting back with his hands laced behind his head.

  “Well, here she comes,” Daegan said as he crossed his arms over his chest, purposefully trying to look intimidating—as if he needed to try—even though he was amused to see the outcome.

  “Hello, gentlemen,” the waitress said, looking only at Hal with a hand on her waist that was popped out flirtatiously to the side. It wasn’t unusual for Faeries to live or work in the Elven territory of Lumari, especially in Anise as the village bordered the territories. Daegan openly and blatantly studied her as she paid him no attention. Tall and slender, a pretty average build for most Faerie women, most of whom had long legs that looked disproportionate to their bodies. Her dark brown hair mingled with twigs—not unusual for earth Faeries—was tied up on top of her head, keeping it out of her extremely pale but not unattractive face. “Flirtatious and seeking attention” was how Daegan would describe her. Hal was definitely giving her the attention she was looking for, but this particular flavor of his flirting was all an act. He had seen Hal play this game many times. Hal hadn’t had many relationships; more often he just had fun.

  “I am going to walk,” Daegan huffed as he got up, throwing a coin on the table to cover his drink. Although most places didn’t charge them out of fear of the Paladin, Daegan always paid his bill.

  “See ya back at the room in a bit,” Hal said, not taking what Daegan said personally, which was one reason they got along so well. The Faerie—Janel she had said her name was—seemed offended for a moment, but without another thought slid into the booth Daegan had just vacated. Daegan eyed her suspiciously but trusted Hal. He gave him a nod then headed out into the dark night.

  Nights in Anise were getting colder. Breath escaped from Daegan’s mouth in an opaque cloud. Rubbing his hands together, he walked up the hill. It was cold, but it didn’t affect him too much even with the simple cloak he wore. Not knowing what he might encounter, he clenched the hilt of his knife strapped at his upper thigh. The street was lined with little shops all closed for the night. The buildings were either extremely close together or physically connected. Everything was constructed out of various stone. There was a bakery, a currency exchange, a clothery, a mercantile, restaurants, and cafés, but the only life tonight came from the pubs.

  Just past the shops, the street headed toward the forest. The land became more wooded and the buildings became more sparse. There was very little light this time of night closer to the trees. Tonight not even the stars or the moon shone through the clouded sky. A somberness that hinted of loneliness and fear slithered on the air. The only ones out this far were a few stragglers walking off their brew before headed home or those with intent to cause trouble.

  A bird took flight, causing the rustling of a tree, and small nocturnal creatures sang their songs, but it was the hushed words whispered on the wind that caught his attention, putting him instantly on guard. Instinctively, he kept his knife drawn but low at his side. Slowly he crept down the alley next to a tall brick building that
not only stood in the darkness but created it. A rodent made the mistake of crossing his path. Though any other time Daegan would have kicked the creature off to the side without thought, instead he waited for it to pass so as not to give any indication of his position. Stealthily he continued toward the voices.

  He hugged the shadows that clung to the building at the end of the alley where it revealed a simple stone building in disrepair with a steeple at the top, and adjacent to it, a small but very old place of burial and final rest. There was an old altar set at the base of an ancient oak that appeared dark unto itself, perhaps even sickly or broken. The altar was cracked into itself on the top. It was a place of solidarity where you could come and release your inner evil, which may have accounted for the deteriorating health of the tree along with the surrounding death of the place.

  Daegan snuck in as close as he could without being seen. Not sure what he had stumbled on, he focused on the whispered words.

  “What are we going to do?” whisperer number one said in hushed tones.

  “What can we do?” whisperer number two replied, sliding the cloaked man to his right a pointed look. He was leaning against one of the other trees and was also cloaked and fidgeting nervously.

  “Once it is found out by the Ferrishyn that we knew, we could be killed... or worse,” whisperer number one said, pacing back and forth within a short distance.

  What? Crouching low, Daegan was able to view them through some branches of the bush he was behind. As they continued to talk he could see a greenish color laced through the fog of their breath. With an inaudible intake of breath he realized that these men were Elders but was unsure which tribe they represented. Elders had been very rare since the last battle. He didn’t even know how to find one if he had wanted to. Realization also dawned on him that they were cloaked with a magic that would camouflage them with their surroundings and muffle their voices to an almost inaudible level. How do I know that? More intrigued by who they were, he focused his gift with all he had so as not to miss anything. Sweat began to bead at his brow but he couldn’t relax yet. He couldn’t miss anything they said.