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8/14/2019 Demons of Irae
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8/14/2019 Demons of Irae
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Part 1
The Vaan War
Chapter One Kaidaspalegreenknee-lengthwoodlandrobetwirledaboutherkneesasherbrown
Keele-leatherbootspaddedthroughtheundergrowth,producingnodetectablesound.Long-
bowinhand,shewovenimblythroughthethicket.Highabove,athickcanopyofwhite
leaveshidherfromthesightofanyKeelespyingfromtheskies.AKhryllhowlednearby
andshestoppedtolisten,thecrispnightairstrokingherpale,blue-whitefeaturesandlifting
her deep green curls. Kaidas slender hand ew to the quiver slung between her translucentblue wings as a gure emerged from the brambles to her right.
ItsonlymeLadyInoue.Awomansteppedfromtheshadows,herelectricbluehair
tightly coiled in a braid, tting of war. Her slim body was clothed in a thick black leather war
suit,coatedwithJanduscalesandcarefullydrawnbattlerunes.Strappedtoherthighswere
sheaths containing buttery swords and at her waist hung a Katana blade. Her wings, which
wereconsiderablysmallerthanKaidas,wereprotectedbyathickmetalmesh,whichbent
enough for her still to be able to y but was strong enough to deter the metal-hating Minkies
andKrael.HereyesboreintoKaida,untilthefaerieforcedherselftolookaway.Stooping,
Kaida chose a smooth black stone and pulling out her own buttery sword scratched a runeintothesurface.
Catch. she snapped, icking the stone through the air. The newcomer caught it eas-
ily,glanceddownatitandsmiledfaintly.
NowthatyouveestablishedthatImnotashape-shiftingFaideimpersonatingmy-
self,canwegetdowntobusiness?Ineedtoaskyouafavor.Kaidaletherbowloosen,but
keptitraisedandaimedatAiko.
You shouldnt be here General Aurelia, murmured Kaida, her dark eyes ashing.
Call me Aiko, we have talked often enough to be on rst name terms.
YouretheonlyFaerieADAhasmanagedtorecruit,youreneededonthebattle-
eld.
Im Part Faerie Kaida winced at this, Thats why I need you to rally your people,
makethemagreetoADAsproposition,ontheirowntermsifithastobe.Aikokepther
eyesontheFaeriesbow,whichKaidakeptstubbornlyraised.
The brethren will never agree to war. We have kept the peace for a millenia, and there
islittlemorewecandonowbutpreventourownracefrombeingthreatened.Kaidaspaton
theearthatherfeet.Ishouldntevenbemeetingyou,yourfatherdisgracedtheFaeriesthe
dayheranoffwithahuman.
My father was a good man.
Hebroughtshametohispeoplewhenhemarriedyourmother,andfullydeservedthe
deathpenalty.
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IftheFaerieFyrehadntkilledhim,wedbelookingacrosspeace-fulplainsnotbarrenlandscapestaintedbytheVaanwar.Youknowfullwellthattheforests
aretheonlysafeplacesnow,andeventhenthereareKhryllineveryclearing.Eventheskies
arenolongersafe!
Betterwarbetweenracesandnotwarwithinarace.
There wont be any Faeries left when the days of reckoning arrive and Irae dies! And
thenwhatwillyoudo?Blamethehumans?YoushouldknowbetterKaida.Dont try to tell me what to think, Half-blood: Kaida icked the tip of the arrow
through the air, drawing out the shapes of a re rune, and a wave of blue-green ame shot
throughthethicket,blindinglybright.Aikolaunchedherselfintotheair,herhalf-sizewings
straining to hold her weight. She landed clumsily on the scorched earth. The thicket was
alive with ame, blazing brambles spat sparks into the dark and wildlife scattered from the
heat.
IseeyouarewellsuitedtoyournamelittledragonShemuttered,drawingthebut-
tery swords and moving into a battle stance.
You have spoken one too many insults General, and you shall be punished. Tell me,how old are you? Spat Kaida, slinging the bow into her quiver and unsheathing her own
buttery swords.
Seventeen, and the best ghter the army has seen. Aiko took a step forward.
Faeriesarenotpartofthearmy,andtheyreawarrace.YouaremerelyababyAure-
lia,itsashamethatachildsoyoungasyoushoulddiehereatthehandsofatrueFaerie.I
havewalkedIraefornearlytentimesasmanyyearsasyou,andhavespentacenturywitha
boworabladeinmyhand.KaidaleaptatAiko,bladesblurring.Aikojusthadtimetoraise
her own blades in defence, and then they were knocked from her hands and ung through the
air, slicing into a tree at the other side of the thicket. The Katana blade was out of its sheathin seconds and Aiko feinted to the right then leapt left, swiping at Kaidas side. The Faerie
raisedherbladestoblockit,thenparriedandspun,aimingfortheface,forcingAikossword
upwards,Aikopushedthemaside,thenslashedatthelegs,narrowlymissingheropponents
knees,herbladecaughtatKaidasskirts,andthentheKatanawasslungbackuptobarrthe
buttery swords entry to her own esh. Kaida fought like a dog, her blades ying through
theairinalldirections.SoonshehadAikoupagainstatree,theKatanatrappedbetween
them. Her sword ashed and caught Aikos skin, tearing a deep gash into her shoulder. With
a bloodcurdling scream, the general ung the Faerie from her. Kaidas smooth leather boots
slippedonthedampleaves,butbeforeshecouldfallhercrystalbluewingsunfoldedandshe
roseintotheair,outofreachofAikossword.
Ontheground,Kaidaswingsfoldedbehindherback,reachingfromherpronounced
shoulder blades to the backs of her slim calves. It was only in ight that their magnicence
couldbetrulyobserved.Eachdelicatewingstructurestretchedtooversixfootwideand
inshaperesembledthewingsofafruitbat.Semi-transparenttheyshonewithanethereal
gleam, each strong bone showing through the esh as pearly white. They were large enough
toholdKaidasfullweightandthatoftheblades,needingtobeatonlylightlytoremainair-
bourne.
Kaida sheathed her swords, and pulling out the forest bow, loosed an arrow. The rst
missed, thudding into the ground to Aikos left. Then a second sang through the chill air,
sinkingthroughtheleathercoatingAikosneckandpiercingthedelicateskinofherthroat.
The generals body convulsed and she sank to her knees, her murderer coming in to land
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gracefullyonthethickbranchofanearbytree,amilkycolouredbirdwhichlookedvaguely
likeakestrelperchedonhershoulder.AsAikoslippedintodeaththeFaerieslidtotheforest
oor and without looking back strode towards the edge of the clearing.
Darrak,shewhisperedtothebird,SendwordtothebrethrenthatIreturnfrommy
hunt.Asthebirdlauncheditselfintothecanopyofthetrees,Kaidamovedtowardswhere
Aikos buttery swords were embedded in the bark of a thick trunk and eased them out, slip-
pingthemintoaleatherbagslungaroundhertinywaist.
Chapter TwoAs Darrak ew at breakneck speed over the pearly white tree canopies of Gerad For-
est, further north in the mountain range named The Ridge, a battle raged. Large grey,
dragon-likeSkaelswoopedthroughsmoke-riddenskiesabovethebrokenwarplains.Below,
ADAs troops ung themselves into the mass of shadow-beings united against them. Blade
clashedwithbladeastheleftwingoftheattackingarmyrammedagainandagainintoADAs
right ank.
Ayoungwarrioronthedefensivesidethrustthebladeofhiskatanadownintothe
heart of the writhing Rei at his feet. With a shrill, heart-stopping shriek that revealed sharp,
pointedteeth,thelightfadedfromitsblackeyesanditsbodypulsatedbeforedissipating
into black green smoke. Felix shook his blond hair out of his face as the air lled with the ac-
ridscentofburningrubber.Coughingandwipingtearsfromhissmartinghazeleyes,heran
forward, catching a Faide (which had taken human form) in the armpit. The demon snarled
and became a metallic silver liquid, which rapidly reformed into the shape of a faerie, whos
purpleeyesgleamedasitlauncheditselfintotheair.Felixforcedhisbladeupwardsasthe
Faidesarmsmeltedintosharpmetalpoints,slashingtowardsthewarriorsthroat.Felixung himself to the ground, the tips of the Faides blades drawing two long gashes in the
esh of his back. With a roar, he pushed upwards, slashing at the Faides belly, his sword
caching at the pale skin. Then the creature became a Khryll -half man, half wolf- which leapt
at Felix, fangs bared. The warrior drove it back, forcing it into the midst of its own troops.
Switchingthekatanaintohislefthand,Felixpulledasmallrunestonefromhispocket.
Craftedoflimestone,withtheancientdemonrunefordeathcarvedintoitssurface,itwasthe
only known way of destroying a Faide. The demon danced closer, again a human, and Felix
slashed at its torso. The Faides limbs became buttery swords as it leapt into the air, propel-
lingitselftowardsFelix.ADAsprivateleantback,allowingtheFaidetogetclose,andthenhe thrust the stone between its jaws. The demon choked as the stone was thrown down its
throat, and then its eyes clouded over and it was ung backwards into the air, where it van-
ishedwithaburstofbrightlight.
Momentarily blinded, Felix staggered backwards towards his own battalion, slashing
wildlywithhissword.Asthetwoimprintedspotsbegantofadefromhisretina,heblinked,
slightlystunned.Everythingseemedtorevolvearoundhiminslowmotion,blanketedina
surreal silence. Then, from above, the silver-grey silhouette of a Skael swooped down from
theclouds,pickingoutthedefenselesswarriorbelow,itdippeditsleftwingsandarced
round,itslongspikedtailtwirlingtohelpbalanceit.Itswingsbeattheairasitpropelleditself towards Felix, its dragon-like face baring sharp yellowed fangs. Then the long, curved
talons sank into Felixs shoulders, lifting the esh from the bone. His knees buckled beneath
him,andhewasfree-fallingintoadarkabysswhereno-onewouldhearhimscream.
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*
Felixslippedinandoutofconsciousnessashisfellowwarriorscarriedhimoffthe
battleeld. His mind was taken by delirium and a fever set in as they headed towards a small
groupofgreycanvastentshuddledinaconcealedpatchofwoodlandbetweentwolarge
peaks of The Ridge. His hair stuck to his forehead with a cold sweat, and his screams and
ranting kept the Skael away, sending a shiver down the spine of everything that heard. The
mencarryinghimavertedtheireyesfromhiswoundsastheyrestrainedhisthrashinglimbsandtiedhimtoastretchercraftedfrombark,reedsandvines.
The party moved on in a mournful silence, to an outsider it would seem like a funeral
procession,astheywovethroughdensethicketsofbramblesandsprintedacrossbarrenopen
marshesandbloodstainedearth.Finally,thewarriorsreachedawoodenbarricade,guarded
byshardsofpotteryandmottledglass.
Felixs eyelids ickered while the warriors engaged in a hushed confrontation with the
guards on watch duty. Then they were allowed entry to the the camp. As they passed through,
oneoftheguardscaughtatthesleeveoftheleaderoftheparty.
Tent twelves your best bet tonight he whispered Dr. Satos on duty and theres afew empty beds waiting to be lled. He glanced at Felix, and quickly looked away again,
muttering a hurried prayer. The warriors murmured their thanks as they continued on into
the camp, thick black mud squelching under their boots. The procession moved past warri-
orswithbandagedheadsandmenwithmissinglimbs,theirstumpsboundwithbloodstained
gauze.Groansandscreamsemanatedfromthetentsastheypassed.Childrennoolderthan
eleven stood in regimented rows, swords in their belts, waiting to be lead to the battleeld,
unknowingofthebloodbathawaitingthem.
Eventually,thestretcherwascarriedintoalargerectangulartent,litbycandlesin
brass stands. Felix was set down on a small cast-iron bed in an isolated corner. The younggirlinthenextbed,whosefacewasbadlyburned,screameduncontrollablyatthesightof
Felixsinjuriesandthewarriorshurriedlypulledthecurtainstoconcealtheprivateasanurse
dispatchedherselffromchangingapatientsbandagesandrantofetchthedoctor.Dr.Sato
directedthewarriorstoabilletontheeasternedgeofthecamp,holdingbackonewhohad
obtained a deep wound to his chest which showed symptoms of gangrene. Tentatively, the
youngnurseapproachedFelixsmangledform.Sheremovedthestretcherfrombeneathhim
and cut the leather armor away from his shoulders, revealing torn and bloody esh that had
been cut down to the bone. The nurse was forced to sit down, her head reeling with the ef-
fects of sudden nausea. With tears in her eyes she hastily excused herself and hurried out ofthetent.
DoctorSatoremainedwithhisscaledbacktowardsthebodyofhispatient,carefully
selectingsuitabletoolsfromtheleathercaseonthedeskinfrontofhim.Choosingthead-
equate instruments he laid them to one side, then gathered up the remainder and cleared them
away.Finally,thedoctortookadeepbreath,andthencarefullypickedupascalpelbeforehe
turnedtowardsFelixandbegantheprocessthatthenursehadfailedtocomplete.
Felixcameroundinthehospitaltentataroundmiddayandwasinstantlyhitbythe
smellofcitrus,mintandthyme.Amaninwarriorsdress,hischestswathedinbandages,
snoredinachairbesidetheprivatesbedandanurseinahempuniformtendedtothegirl
inthenextone.FelixsmindreeledwiththememoriesoftheSkael,hopinghehadmerely
dreamt it. Then he remembered his squadron, and the seemingly endless battle they called the
Vaan War. He felt a strange urge to be back helping his friends on the battleeld. Abruptly, he
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satup,lookingfortheexit.Andthenthepainhit.Itcameinaconstantstreamofwaves,tear-
ing at his skin and crushing his skull. The private fell back onto his pillows, noticing for the
rst time the bandages which bound his arms and shoulders and encircled his torso. The left
halfofhisneckwasalsoboundwithgauzeandFelixclosedhiseyes,groaningathisown
ineptitude.
Somewhereinthedarkrecessesofthetentabellrang,startlingthewarriorinthechair
outofhisdreams.Hesatup,clutchinghischestandstaredroundbleary-eyed.Felixgroanedagainastheringingreverberatedinsidehisskulluntilhefeltasthoughhisheadwouldex-
plode with the pain. The mans attention was drawn by the sound and he blinked a few times
asthoughhecouldntbelieveFelixwasalive,beforehespoke.
Youreawake!heyawned.Felixnoddedhisheadfeebly,thengaspedatthepain,
reachingaburningarmuptofeelatthebandageswhichcoveredmostofhisneck,tightly
boundaroundhisshoulders.
Dontdothat.warnedthesoldier.ImgoingtogetDoctorSato.Heleveredhim-
selfoutofthechairandslopedofftowardstheotherendoftheward.Felixsighed.Although
hedidntyetknowthefullextentofhiswounds,heknewthattheSkaelhadtakenabigchunkofhimbeforehedlostconsciousness.Hewassurehednotbeoutofthehospitalin
the next few days. He could be unable to ght for months.
The warrior returned swiftly, a tall, dark skinned doctor shadowing him. He slumped
back into the chair, clutching his chest, his breath coming in short, painful gasps. The doctor
reachedforachippedmuganddippeditintothebowlofwaterwhichsatonalowoaktable
totherightofFelixsbed.AsheliftedthemugtoFelixslipswithsilverscaledhands,aten-
drilofthought,invisibletothenakedeye,wovethroughtheairtotouchhispatientsmind.
My name is Goro Sato, I was the Jandu on duty when you were brought here. I have
been assigned as your personal healer until your condition improves. Howbadisit?gaspedFelix.Histhroatrasped,dryandsore.
Drink, it will help.Felixgulpedtheclearwater,andfeltslightlybetter,thoughhis
throatwasstillroughandhisjawachedwhenhetriedtoframeasentence.
Speak with your thoughts, it is easier. The doctor told him.
How bad are my wounds? When will I be able to return to my squadron? How long
have I been out? Is the war still...? Felixs mind raced with all the questions he wanted to
ask.
Too many questions! The Jandu seemed amused. I can answer few.
Please!Felixbegged. Very well. Though I doubt youll be pleased with what I can tell. The doctor paused to
placethemugonthetable,thenhisgazereturnedtoFelix.Unfortunately, the war continues.
Yesterday, another child squadron was deployed. However, that is not my business. As for
your condition, your injuries were very severe, and as a result, your body has been protect-
ing itself through unconsciousness for many weeks, seventeen days, in fact. The muscles
and tendons in both your shoulders are badly damaged. Your back was also deeply gashed,
and although we managed to suture the wounds, I doubt they will ever fully heal. Both legs
sustained breaks when the Skael dropped you from a great height. Other than that, you do
not seem badly injured, except for bumps and bruises to most of your body and a few minor
cuts...
Felixsheartfell.Hisinjurieswereworsethanhedimagined,andreturningtohis
formerdutiesseemedunlikely.Gorosensedhisdistress.
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I will do everything in my power to get you out of this bed Felix Moore, whether you
can ght or not, it is a miracle that you are even alive for this conversation.Hewalkedtothe
emptybedoppositeandstoleoneofthechairsthatsatbesideit,placingittoFelixsrightand
perchingonitshardseat.
I know it is not easy to except, the fact you may never ght again, but at least you
will live to more than just 19! I have seen mere children dying in this hospital from wounds
inicted on that battleeld, and every one has hoped till the end that they will live to ghtagain. If that is all Irae is now, then perhaps we should let the shadows win and retreat to
Earth.Hesighed,glancingaroundtheroom.Seventeen days, you have been on the brink of
death. Now you wake and one of the rst things you ask is: When will I be able to return to
my squadron? Concentrate on getting better, then you can seek council with ADA and ask
them that. I am not learned in the ways of war. He moved to a small glass cabinet xed to the
wallandselectedrosemaryleaves,crushedmintanddrieddandelionheadsfromtheboxes
inside.Hethrewthemallintoapestleandmortarandgroundthemuntiltheywerenobigger
than grains of sand. Relling the chipped mug with water, he took a pinch of the powder and
let it run through his ngers into the mug. Then he whispered something under his breath andthesolutionsmoked,formingintoathickpaste.Gorocalledforanursewithhisthoughts
andassheremovedthestainedgauzebandagesfromFelixswoundshedippedhisleftindex
nger into the mixture.
This may sting a little.Hewarned,leaningoverFelix.
Itcantbemuchworsethanitalreadyis.Felixmurmured.
You underestimate the wide range of pain that a creature can experience. I have seen
men die of sheer pain during this treatment.
Ipridemyselfonbeinglesshumanthanothermen.
Do you also pride yourself at being better at handling pain than the faeries?Felixfellsilent.
I thought not.Goroleantforwardsandpaintedademonruneoneachwound.Felixlay
still, waiting for pain to come, but he remained surprisingly numb. The rest of the pain also
seemedtovanish,adizzinessconsuminghismindastheworldturnedblackforthesecond
time...
Felixseyelidsseemedtobegluedclosed,hismindstillfaintlyspinning.Hewas
vaguelyawareofamanhummingastrangetunetohimself,thoughhecouldnttellfrom
whichdirectionitcamefrom.
Sleep now. In the morning you will feel better, though you may discover some newaches. The doctors voice was calm, and Felix found himself obeying instantly, his mind
slippingintodreamstateashedriftedintoadeepslumber,onesuchashehadneverbefore
experienced.
Chapter 3 Kaidawadedintotheheartoftheriver,thecoolcurrentwashingthedriedbloodfrom
herskirts.Shivering,shedippedherhandsintothewater,cuppingitbetweenherpalms,
andliftingittoherlipstodrink.Ahead,shecouldseethepalelightofthemoonbreakingthroughthecanopiesofthetreeswheretheforestended.Herpacklayonthenorthernbank
beside her bow and quiver, concealed by Kaidas white silk cape, smeared with dirt.
Kaidahadtraversedoverthreehundredmilesinjustbelowaweekwithoutrest,paus-
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ing only to eat and drink. This was her rst proper rest, and she planned to make camp here
forafewdaysbeforecrossingtheborderintoKrien.
Convulsingfromthecold,Kaidadrewherselfoutoftheriverandslungonhercloak,
pullingtheheatrunesembroideredintothehemclosertoherskinforwarmth.Almostsi-
lently, she moved over to the pack and drew from it her buttery swords, tying the sheathes
to the plain strip of leather that encircled her waist. Slinging the bow and quiver across her
back, she sat down on the warm earth of the forest oor, leaning against the trunk of an oldwizenedtree.Sheclosedhereyesandrestedherheadonthedampbark,slowlyshuttingoff
eachofhersenses,concentratingonlisteningtoherimmediatesurroundings:thewindlift-
ing the pale leaves; insects scuttling across the forest oor; a white squirrel, cracking nuts
againstanearbyrock;thecoolwatersoftherapidshurtlingby.Kaidastretchedoutwards
with the tentative ngers of her mind, widening her search to a mile, listening intently for
anything that posed a threat. The forest remained calm, and uninterested in the faerie which
walked among it. Satised, she let a faint half-smile icker across her lips, before jumping to
herfeetandstridingbackintothedensewalloftrees,searchingforsuitablematerialstoset
upacamp.Geradforestsupplieditsoccupantswithavastrangeoffreshlyfallentrees,dryleaves, clay and vines, all easily retrieved. Kaida quickly collected what she needed, stacking
theminaneatpileatthefootoftwostrongtreessetalittlewaybackfromthewatersedge.
The trees had been carefully assessed by the faeries sharp eyesight. Both stood at over
onehundredfeet,failingtosproutbranchesuntilaboutathirdofthewayuptheirtrunks.
Eachwasdrapedwithlong,healthyvines,attachedtosturdybrancheshighupinthepearly
whiteuppercanopyoftheforest.Kaidahadchosenthemasthesupportsforhercamp.Now
shesteppedforward,testingthestrengthofoneofthevines,tugginghardontherope-like
plant.Onthesecondtug,itsnappedcleanintwo,whippingoutoftheairandlashingKaida
on the cheek as it fell. Cursing, she placed a long ngered hand over the shallow smartingwound, her ngers coming away coated in dark crimson blood. She wiped it away with the
back of her hand, then tested a second vine. Finding it of adequate strength she began to
build.
Ittookhermostoftheday,buteventuallytheshelterwascomplete.Asmallhut,slung
between the two trees, made up her camp. The hut was a round structure, built from carefully
cutbranches,boundtogetherbyvinesandcoatedinathicklayerofredclay.Boththebase
androofwerecraftedfromslatsslicedfromfallentreetrunks,strungtogetherandheldupby
morevines.Atinybalcony,toosmalltobeanythingbutalandingplatform,juttedoutfrom
thehutoutsideasmallholecutintothewall,coveredbyathickcurtainofwovenvines.Awoodenparapetprotrudedfromtheroofatasteepangle,preventingthebalconyfrombe-
ing boarded by anything from above with wings. There was no ladder. Kaida could easily y
thethirtyfourfeettotheplatform,anditwouldactasasimpledeterrentforbeingsdevoid
of ight. Pausing for a moment to admire her handiwork, she gathered her belongings and
spread her wings, propelling herself upwards. Within moments her feet came to rest on the
roughsurfaceofthebalconyandshepushedasidethecurtainofvinesandenteredthesmall
enclosedspace.Usingthepackasapillowandpullingthecloaktighterforherblanket,
Kaidafellintotheprecariousstateofdreaming.
*
Caerne rang with the high song of the pple ute as the faeries danced and sang,
dressed in all their nery. Children ran between the trees, towards the lake, towing parents
and siblings with strong ngers. Kaida recognized the tune that rode on the wind, emanating
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from the waters. It was Song of Joy, a festival song that was heard on the brink of each mil-
lennium, and at the weddings of the brethren.
Come, my love. Makoto was at Kaidas side, offering her his arm.
Of course, husband. Kaida bowed her head, then took the proffered arm. They be-
gan to walk with the crowd towards the lake.
How delectable you look. At his comment Kaida glanced down at what she was
wearing. It was a long, traditional faerie dress, white in colour, the upper half like a shirt,with bell sleeves, the bodice billowing out into a long trailing skirt. The waist was cinched
in by a thick brown leather belt, that covered from her hip to below her bust, fastened by
four large silver buckles. Her feet were bare, and a chain of daisies made up the wreath with
which she was crowned.
What is the cause for such celebration? she asked.
Why, it is a wedding of course.
But whose...?
Only you could forget your eldest daughters marital bonds are being exchanged to-
day! Makoto laughed. It is the naming day, where they will choose their true names, cast-ing out the baby name and nd what their inner self desires.
And where is Haruko and the others?
Haruko is baby-sitting.
Now that wont do, I wont have them missing their sisters naming day. Fetch them
at once! Makoto laughed again, his beautiful voice tinkling.
He is baby-sitting them by the lake while I fetch you! Now hurry, or we shall miss all
the fun! The couple ran together, hand in hand to the lake.
Mummy! The twins cried when they saw her.
Utas going to pick her name? Why cant we? Its not fair! We dont want to be Kimiand Emiko forever! Kimi complained, her wild brown locks ying about her face. Emiko
thumped her sister. I like my name, thank you very much. It means Im pretty mummy said
so!
Youll get your turn soon enough Kimi, when you are married.
Quiet girls! This was Haruko, her eldest son. In his arms was cradled Satu, weep-
ing copiously. Mama, he will not shut up! Haruko complained. He was eight. and looked
considerably bored. Papa, do I have to watch? I want to try out my new bow. He handed
Satu to Kaida, his eyes pleading his father to let him run home.
Of course you must stay Haruko, we must all sing and feast for your sister and hernew family to prosper. Makoto and Kaida sat on the reed matting that surrounded the wa-
ter, joining in with the songs and watching the lake, where two boats were being rowed to a
plinth in the center. Kaida recognized Uta in the bridal boat, her green hair (she was the only
child to have inherited Kaidas hair) piled upon her head, woven with red poppies, the blood-
red wedding cape billowing behind her in the breeze. In the other boat sat a tall dark haired
gure, clad all in gold, as was tradition. Kaida remembered him from the halls.
Who is the groom? Is he of the Blades? she asked, trying to remember when shed
seen him before.
Yes, it is your brothers son, Akio. He has grown since you last spoke on his birthing
day, has he not?
Ais son? Oh, yes, I remember him now. Haruko used to tail him everywhere.
Its a shame the two boys had such a large age gap. Akio is thirty-three now, a tting
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match for Utas eighteen years.
The two boats had reached the plinth and bride and groom stepped out, trailing the
ne cloaks across the rocks behind them. The songs stopped, and the couple began the bind-
ing chants.
The wedding was over almost as soon as it had started, unlike the weddings Kaida
remembered, and she wondered whether time passed differently in her dreams. Now the cou-
ple turned to the naming ceremony, Akio was eldest and so went rst, breathing in incense toreach towards his inner self and nd what name it desired.
Kaemon. His voice called, ringing clear as a bell through the stiff night air.
Akio of Blades, you choose the name Kaemon meaning joyful is this your true call-
ing?
As the blood of faeries runs in my veins, my heart tells me so.
Then it is passed. The faerie presiding over the ceremonies penned the name into
the Brethrens book, then handed Kaemon a silver goblet lled with water from the lake.
Kaemon drank, then poured the remainder of the water back into the lake. May my spirit
be encased in the white lake for all eternity. He recited, before stepping down so Uta couldchoose her name. Uta breathed deep the fumes from the incense sticks, a look of pure con-
centration on her face.
Koto. She called.
Uta of Blades, heir to the ladyship, you choose the name Koto meaning harp is this
your true calling?
As the blood of the faeries runs in my veins, my heart tells me no. The onlookers let
out a collective gasp.
No faerie has ever said that before. Murmured Makoto at Kaidas side.
Then what, maiden, is your true calling?Uta paused, and then her voice split the tension. Leiko.
NO! Kaida gasped.
Uta of Blades, heir to the ladyship, you choose the name Leiko meaning arrogant is
this your true calling?
As the blood of the faeries runs in my veins, my heart tells me so.
Then it is passed. The faerie wrote the name in the book, then lled the goblet and
passed it to Leiko. She drank quickly, then poured the water into the lake chanting;
May my spirit be incased in the black lake for all eternity. at her words, screams
and shouts of horror rose up among the crowds. Only faeries with dark intentions cast theirsouls into the keeping of the black lake. Leiko handed the goblet back to the shocked faerie,
then returned to her new husband, who looked at her as though worried she might throttle
him there and then.
Why does my daughter think so strangely of herself? Why is she cursed? Kaida
wept.
This is your doing! Makoto roared. She follows too closely in your footsteps,
dragon!
How dare you blame me? It takes two to raise a child!
Yet it seems it takes only one to corrupt it, leaving Caerne without permission! Mur-
der in cold blood! Kaida froze in shock, no-one knew! why was Makoto so well informed?!
I have never killed in cold blood! something tugged at her sleeve. She turned to
see Emiko looking up at her. Emiko was by far the most beautiful of all her offspring, with
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perfect features framed by obedient auburn ringlets. Her crimson lips opened as she spoke
revealing straight, pearly white teeth;
Dont you remember mummy? she asked, and as Kaida watched, her daughters
beautiful face contorted with pain, blood welled from where an arrow pierced her neck, her
eyes glazed over and her mouth opened in a terrible, silent scream.
Stop! STOP IT! Kaida shrieked, as Satu began to cry in her arms. She looked
down at the infant, and screamed uncontrollably, he was in the same state as Emiko. Kaidaglanced around desperately, but everyone was clutching at their throats where blood owed
endlessly from the arrows at their throats, running into the white waters of the lake and
staining its surface with deep blue faerie-blood.
HELP! Kaida screamed NO! SOMEBODY HEL- her voice was cut off abruptly
by something constricting her windpipe. She raised a hand to feel at her throat, and her n-
gers clasped an arrow-shaft...
*
Kaidawoke,sweatpouringfromherskin.Sheclawedfranticallyatherthroat,and
was relieved to nd the arrow had been a gment of her imagination. Her head had slippedoffherpackandherneckachedfromthepositionshehadsleptin.Sheshivereduncontrolla-
bly,thoughnotfromthecold.Itwasgettinglight,andthemorningwasunexpectedlywarm.
Pullingherselftoherfeet,shestaggeredontothebalconyandwasviolentlysickontothe
mossandlichenbelow.Pullingherselftogether,shewipedhermouthandturnedtofetchher
bow.
Morning! Kaidajumped,almostfallingfromtheplatform.
Darrak...shegrowled.
Strange, I dont normally catch you off guard. Is your carelessness to do with the large
amount of vomit that I nearly had an impromptu shower in? No,Itwasadream,thatisall.
What kind of dream makes you bring back your supper so violently? -Wait, let me an-
swer that one... It was a premonition wasnt it?
No,justadreamthatsall.Itwas...strange.Itcaughtmeoff-guard.
If you say so. Good to see you by the way. Makoto requests you hurry home.
Why?
Apparently the council is unhappy with you, it seems they noticed you had left Caerne
against their will... again. I might add, what exactly were you leaving Caerne for this time?
I wanted news on which side is winning the war. When the Council was unable toprovidemewithit,Isoughtitformyself.
In other words, you didnt want to attend the latest ball, and you thought being nosy
would be a good excuse for missing it.
YouknowmetoowellDarrak.Now,youmusttellmeofmyfamily.Comeinside,it
is comer, and it makes it harder for nosy people to eavesdrop. She grinned at the bird, then
heldasidethecurtainsohecouldenterthehut,beforefollowinghimthrough.
The days passed quicker with Darrak for company, and the pair soon destroyed the
shelter and slipped across the Inglend-Krien border into lands owned by the demons. They
trekkedthroughtheGreymountains,Kaidasavingherwingsforopenground,whenthey
would need to move as fast as possible. After over a month of on and off ying, they reached
thecoast.AheadlayagroupofIslandsthatlinkedKrienandCaerne,theSteppingStones.
Behind,theGalleDesertwasawideoppressiveexpanseofheatandloose,sandyrock.
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Faerieandbirdrestedonthecliffs,roostinginsmallcavesjustabovesealevel.Itwasonone
ofthesenightswhentheywerestayinginthecavesthatKaidaspottedthemerchantships.
Shewasreturningfromahunt,ayoungantelopeslungoverhershoulder,herbowinhand.
The dhows ew no colors to show their allegiance, but were moving at a leisurely pace, the
lightseabreezecatchinginthesinglecrimsonsailofeachboatandpropellingtheircargo
overthesmoothsurfaceoftheocean.
Kaida spread her wings and ew swiftly to the cave they had chosen that night, depos-iting her catch on the rough stone oor.
Darrak?Shewhispered.
Yes?Cametheanswer,rightbyherear.
Two dhows head this way. Find out what they carry, where they go, and whether they
arefriendorfoe.
Ill be right back. The bird spread his wings and swept out of the cave. He returned
minuteslater.Kaidahadskinnedtheantelopescarcassandhadbeguntocookitoverfaerie
fyre.
They are merchant ships. They carry fabrics, spices and liquor. They y no ag be-cause they owe allegiance to everyone and no-one. The crew are Jandu, and they travel to
a rich village in the white lands, where they can still sell silk and velvet. ADA only cares for
leather now, the Katana Isles have been emptied, Caerne is closed to merchants and Jebezzia
is too poor to do business with these traders.
Merchants? Kaida turned the meat, exposing the uncooked half of the esh to the
ames. Perhaps we should trade with them.
What do we have to trade with?
I have two extra blades that could be sold to ADA. Kaida said, Aikos buttery
bladesremainedinherpack.ShehadnotthoughtofthemsinceshetookthemfromtheclearinginGeradForest.
They are trading weapons for excessive amounts of gold...
Good.Dothedhowsplantosailalargedistancetonight?
The sails are loose, and they cruise through the water. The crew has hardly slept since
they sailed from Eiek a moon ago. My guess is theyll anchor at Gree, the port is three miles
from here, as I y, along the coast of Krien. They may be there for a few days, their supplies
are depleted so they will hunt to ll the stores.
That suits us ne. Go feed, Darrak. We shall feast well tonight, and rest our weary
limbs. Then, tomorrow we shall meet with the traders and procure some gifts for the chil-dren.IdobelieveIvemissedthetwinsfourthbirthingday.
Im sure the brats wont mind... much. Make sure you get them presents of the same
size this year. My head still hurts from the complaints last time. Kimi and Emiko dont half
have mouths on them.
DontspeakofmychildrenlikethatDarrak,unlessyouwantaheadacheandsinged
feathers!
I swear thats where the brats get it... ARG!Darrakspedoutofthecave,divinginto
the sea to extinguish the ames that had sprung up on his tail feathers. He returned to Kaidas
side,mutteringinsultsunderhisbreath.
Ididwarnyou.Kaidaremindedhimsolemnly.
Yes, but I didnt believe you. Ive been your loyal companion ever since your hun-
dredth birthing day when you grew your wings and we were bonded together with ancient
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faerie magyk.
Kaidadreamedagainthatnight.Shewokescreaming,andclampedahandoverher
mouthasitechoedaroundher.Ittookheramomenttorememberwhereshewas,andwhen
shedid,thetradersdhowssprangtomind.Lightstreamedinthroughthemouthofthecave,
andfromthepositionofthesunsheguesseditwasnearingnoon.
Darrak?Shewhispered.
Go away, Im trying to sleep. Which is particularly hard when your back end is peel-ing.
Iamsorry.
No youre not. Youre a faerie. You dont understand the concept of sorry.
Fine. Well, Im going to trade with the merchants. She extracted the buttery blades
fromherpackandslunghercloakoverhershoulders.
Im awake now, I might as well come. Darrak ew up and perched on her shoulder,
nippingheraffectionatelyontheear.
Good.FlyaheadandtellthemImeanthemnoharm,andIwishtoseetheirgoods.
Tell them I have valuable items I can trade. See you there! Darrak took ight, swooping out of the cave and into the azure sky.
Kaidapausedforamomenttogivehimtimetowarnthemerchantsofhercoming,thenshe
tooletherwingscarryherweightandleftthecave.
Chapter 4Felix sat in bed, propped up by pillows. The warrior who had helped carry him to the
campsatinthechairbesidehisbed.Duringhisrecovery,Felixhadlearntthattheyoung
mans name was Dexter, and he had acquired his wound from the blades of a Faide. UnlikeFelix, Dexter was happy to be away from the ghting, he was sixteen, and had been con-
scripted only recently from the Katana Isles. Most of his family had escaped on a pirate ship
headedforJebezzia,andDexterplannedtoslipawayandjointhemthere.Nowtheytalked
quietly to each other, careful not to wake sleeping patients.
Doyouthinkitwouldbepossibletoescapefromthiscamp?Dexterasked.
UnlessyouhaveagrantfromADA,oryouremarchingoutaspartofabattalion,the
guardswillcutyoudownifyoutryandleave.Felixanswered.HedidntunderstandDex-
ters plight. He wanted to help ADA and its people, he wanted glory on the battleeld.
Then Ill have to sign up. Dexter murmured, lost in thought. Shouts rose up outsidethe tent. The noise broke Dexter out of his reverie and he rose to his feet and strode to the
tent ap to see what was causing the commotion.
Oneofthecaptainshasreturned.HecalledtoFelix.
Oneminute!Felixcalledback,dragginghimselfoutofbedandpullingonhisboots.
Helimpedtotheentranceandpeeredout.Agroupofsoldiersonhorsebackhadarrived,
leadingalonglineoftiredpeople,dressedinciviliansclothesmadeofwoolandroughcot-
ton.Attheheadofthecolumnrodeatallmousy-hairedman.Hewasinhisearlytwenties,
withroughfeaturesscarredfromwar.Herodeinfullarmor,hishelmgrippedunderhisarm.
Hissteedwasabaystallionwhichtosseditsheadatthedistressingnoisesemanatingfromthetents.
CaptainAvisHuntoftheseventhbattalion.Felixwhispered.
Who is he? Dexter asked.
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Hesmybrother.Felixsmiled,beforeduckingbackintothetenttoretrievehiscloak
andsword.
When he emerged, the new arrivals were crowded in one of the mess tents, being
servedbreadandcheese.Hesearchedforhisbrothersface,buthecouldseeitnowhere.
Then Felix spotted one of his brothers Lieutenants pacing between the tables. He hurried
forwardandcaughthissleeve.
Alban, where is my brother? Where is the captain?He is reporting to the eld marshal. Youll nd him at the Marshals tents.
Isheinjured?
No,weonlyhadacoupleofinjuriesandyourbrotherwasntoneofthem.Ifyou
hurryyoumightcatchhimbeforeheretirestohistent.
Thankyou. Felix grabbed Dexters arm and hurried away, towing his friend behind
him.
The Marshals tents were in a quiet corner, a few feet from the eastern billets. Felix
foundhisbrothershorse,Ajax,tetheredtoapostoutsidethesmallestofthetents,andhe
stopped to stroke his nose and murmur comforting words to him before he burst into the eldmarshalstent.
Ah, Private Hunt. What brings you here? Faxon, the eld marshal asked kindly. He
wasseatedbehindaebonywritingdesk,anditwasapparenthehadbeenpenningAvissre-
portasthecaptainspoke.FelixsbrotherstoodafewmetersawayfromFaxon,abroadsmile
onhisface.
Goodmorninglittlebrother.Hechuckled,openinghisarms.Felixthrewhimself
intohisbrothersembrace.
Where have you been? He inquired.
Jebezzia. Weve had to conscript more men, were losing too many on the battle-eld. Felix glanced back at the tent ap where Dexter was waiting with Ajax. He wondered
whetheranyofhisfamilyhadbeenpickedup.
We can nish your report later Captain Hunt. Faxon smiled, Go and enjoy your
timetogether.
Thankyou sir. Felix and Avis left the tent together. Dexter had vanished, and Felix
wonderedifhehadoverheardtheconversationfromoutsidethetent.
Ride with me brother? Avis asked.
Ilithyaisinthenorthernstables.Felixhadbeendeployedasafootsoldier,andhad
not taken the mare with him to the battleeld. Ajaxcancarryusbothtothestables.YoucansaddleIlithyawhileIgetagrantfrom
ADA.Ifweclaimtobehuntingforsupplies,theyllgiveittous.
YoucanspeakwithADA?Felixasked,awestruck.
No, silly. I can speak to their secretary. He deals with grants. Only the eld marshals
can speak with ADA. Which reminds me, I asked Faxon about the three children that we owe
allegianceto,likeyouwanted.
Theyre children?
Younger than you. They are Korbin, Laraine and Marinel. Triplets, each with seven
years. They are the only surviving bloodline of Ave Clementine, and that is what gives them
therighttorule.
But,wecanttrusttheirjudgement,theyrechildren!Felixspluttered,ashepulled
himselfintoAjaxssaddlebehindAlexander.
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I agree, however, men are needed to ght. We have even started sending out women
and daughters. Everyone over ten is training or ghting, or patrolling our borders. Look at
thevillagersIconscriptedthispastmonth.Halfhaventseenenoughsummerstobecalled
anything more than a child, but ADA expects them to ght.
Fight,yes,butaretheyexpectedtomakedecisionswherethewrongonescouldcost
lives?
Laraine keeps her brothers in check. They want to send out every warrior to Krien todrivethedemonsout,butshereasonsagainstit.Allthreehavebeentaughtthewaysofwar
since they were naught but babes, but they make wrong decisions everyday. They still kill
faeriescaughtovertheborder,evenwhentherearepeacetreatiesbetweenthemandus,and
wearetryingtorecruitthem!
But faeries are treacherous, magyk folk. They cant be trusted, they would slay us in
ourbedsassoonashelpus!
Thats what you were told. But have you thought about it? Ive had time to think on
this long journey. Ive met General Aurelia, and her father was a faerie. They are no different
to us. They do not trust us because wedonottrustthem,theykillusbecausewekillthem.Allthislandwasoncetheirsbutwe took it. They had rituals to keep the demons at bay but
weletthemcome.ADAhastwistedourmindsagainstthem.Look,hereweare.Avisreined
Ajaxin,andthehorsecametoahaltattheentrancetothenorthernstables.Felixdismount-
ed,thenturnedandlookedupathisbrother.
Hurryback.
Iwill.Isthereanarmorynearhere?
Yes.
Fetch a pair of hunting bows and quivers, we might as well hunt while were out, if
thatswhatImtellingADA.HespunAjaxround,andcaptainandhorsedisappearedintothesmokethathungoverthecamplikeacloak.
Ilithya nickered in greeting when Felix entered the stables. The beautiful grey mare
stoodpatientlywhileheapproached,loweringherheadtolookhimintheeye.
Ilithya.Felixmurmured,raisingahandtostrokeherneck.Astableboyappearedat
hisside.Hewasyoung,noolderthannine,butFelixhadseenyoungerworkingthesesta-
bles, he himself had done it when he was too young to ght.
I need this horse saddled and ready to leave, quickly, Captain Avis Hunt is riding with
me, and he is not a patient man. The boy nodded, he had seen them arrive and rumors cir-
culatedthecampthatthecaptainswereshorttemperedandcruel.Hehurriedaway,glancingbackoverhisshoulderatFelix,whowatchedhimgo.
When Avis and Ajax returned, Felix was waiting with Ilithya. Slung across his back
was a quiver of thirteen arrows, a bow strung and clutched in his left hand, which also held
Ilithyas reins. His right held an identical bow and quiver, which he passed up to Avis before
swinginghimselfintoIlithyassaddle.
Lets go quickly, Ive been trapped in a tent for the past month, and I cant stand an-
othermomentinthisplace.FelixdughisheelsintoIlithyassides,pushingherintoacanter.
Ajaxstayedalongside,andthetwobrothersrodeawayfromthestables,towardsthegate.
Felixthrilledatthespeed,androdeinsilence,enjoyingthefeelofthehorserunningbeneath
him. They reached the hospital tents, and Felix was reminded of the Jandu that had nursed
himbacktohealth.
Wait! He shouted over the rush of air lling his ears. He drew in his reins, shifting
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hisbodyweightbackwards,andIlithyaslowedtoawalk.Heguidedhertoalineofposts
outsidetenttwelveanddismounted,tetheringhernexttoalargeblackstallion.Avisdrew
Ajaxupalongside.
What are we stopping for?
Wait here a minute. Felix pulled aside the tent ap and stepped into the gloomy inte-
rior of the tent he had been conned to during his recovery.
DoctorSato?!Hecalled,takingafewtentativestepsforward.Itfeltwrongtobere-turningherewhenhewashealed,andhehadtostophimselfturningandrunningfortheexit.
Goro?!Doctor?!
Hesnothere.Felixturnedtowardsthespeaker,whosatinachairwithhisbackto
the tent ap.
Dexter?Heasked.
I looked. They didnt catch them.
Catchwho?Oh,yourfamily.FelixwatchedasDexterstood,castingatallshadow
against the wall of the tent. Then and idea formed in his head.
Dexter, we can get you out, get you back to them. Today, now. How?Dexterasked,spinningtofacehim,excitementandhopelightinguphiseyes,
makingthemsparkle.
My brother has a grant to leave the camp hunting. Were leaving now. Come with us,
thenyoucanmakeabreakforit.Icankeepmybrotherfromfollowingyou.Youcanrideto
Jebezzia, nd your family. Dexter was silent. What do you think?
Idontknow.Itsrisky...ifIgotcaught...andyoudgetintroubleforlettingme
go...
Comeon,thisisyourdream,itsallyoueverthinkabout.Comewithus,livealit-
tle. Dexter paused for a moment, indecision plain in his expression. Then he picked up hissword, slung his cloak over his shoulders and strode towards the tent ap.
Letsdoit.
They passed out of the camp with no questions asked, Dexter riding his horse, Egan,
the black stallion which had been tethered at the entrance to the tent. The guards merely
glancedatthegrant,thethreediamondssignifyingcaptaincyonAvisshouldersspokefor
themselves,andtheprivatesonguarddutyknewnottobothertheirsuperiorsiftheywanted
to be promoted. They kept their mouths shut and waved them through the gate. The three
horsesgallopedacrosstheopenground,tailsstreamingbehindthem,bearingtheirriders
awayfromthebarracks.
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This is as far as it goes, youll have to buy the book to read the rest
(whenitgetspublished-whichmightneverhappen!)
Thanks for reading, please comment - I want to know!
Holly Marsh, author.
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