Incarnation of Shadows

Drip. Drip. Drip.

It was cold. The stone floor beneath her bare feet sent a chill down her spine. Was it damp? Or was she just that cold? Was she imagining the feeling in her toes? Or had she lost it from the cold of the room? The metal chair that she was placed upon – that was colder than the floor. She was sure of that. Her ankles were fixed to the front of it by metal shackles...her wrists bound to the arms. She struggled against it’s hold. She called to her magic. Nothing.

There was a thick rough cloth over her eyes, it compressed against her skin as her head leaned against the icy metal of the chair. Every sound became heightened. Footsteps. Muffled words. Laughter.

You’re a Fae The dark cackle of the man in her ear as he pressed his body against her back haunted her.

The grind of metal against metal as a lock was slipped from it’s place echoed into the room. Every muscle of Juliana’s body tensed. She couldn’t breathe. The grip of the corset still held her frame. Footsteps carried into the room, an amused laugh came to her first. Then the blindfold was roughly ripped from her eyes. She stared blankly forward for her ocean hues to meet that of the dark eyes of the man whom had attacked her. He had a wicked grin upon his face that held black stubble. “Good you’re awake. Apologies for the knock over the head, General. You were less than cooperative.” He snickered.

Juliana braced against the shackles that held her wrists in place, she grit her teeth. “I won’t tell you anything.” She spoke, her voice strong. Her head felt as though it would split into two. Was that from the drinks? Or was it from an injury? She couldn’t tell. Though she had a deep bruise along her cheekbone from the harsh blow that the man had given her within the streets of Malreos.

The man cackled as he stepped over to a table that was pushed against the wall. “Hm, I don’t need words from you, as it turns out.” He spoke as he looked through the instruments. “You’re worth quite a lot more than words could have ever given you. We don’t need you to tell us your king’s plans.” He turned around with a syringe in hand. “But there is something you can offer, General.” His dark eyes looked to the way that the needle glistened in the dim light of the room. Juliana grit her teeth, her eyes glowed slightly as she fought against the bars. Though she felt a heat around her neck, then her chest tightened. She gasped for air as she squeezed her eyes shut. The sinister laugh of the man filled her ears once again. “Don’t worry, Juliana. Can I call you Juliana?” He stepped closer to her once again. “I’ve placed a nice trinket around your neck. As much as you might try to use that magic of yours...well...” He clicked his tongue. “You’ll just offer more to my King that way. So have at it.” He gripped onto her arm. “Little pinch.” He spoke in far to bright of a tone.

Juliana struggled against him which only caused her more pain. He shoved his arm against her chest to hold her still in the chair until he stepped back with a syringe that held her dark purplish blood. “Interesting.” He spoke as he tilted his head. “Fae blood...is usually blue...” His eyes looked to her once again, he smirked slightly. “I’m sure my king will find this quite interesting as well.” He grinned before he slipped the blindfold back over her eyes. “Get some sleep General.” He spoke and then there was the sound of swift movement. Something hard collided with the side of her head...her body loosened as her head lulled to the side.

**

Valon gazed to the mage as his brows furrowed. “You don’t have to put on a strong front.” He replied to her softly just before his sister came down the hallway. As they moved to the sitting room the prince leaned against the mantle of the fireplace, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He watched silently as Vinelle brought the sigil to life within the air.

Jaenyra gazed to the sigil her lips pressed together. She moved around behind Vinelle as she drew it upon the page. She studied the lines as they were formed, she looked to the projection within the air, then back to the page. She took the page and stared to it, “This...” She sucked in a breath. Her eyes lifted as Vinelle began to speak. Her brows raised slightly. More than just her knowledge of the kingdom? Her heart sank, her skin grew pale as she came to the realization. Vinelle didn’t even need to speak it. She glanced to her brother then.

Valon watched as Vinelle locked the door, his brow raised slightly. “More than her intelligence?” He questioned and then scoffed. “General Baylar will not aid the enemy in any way. I can promise you that. She has more integrity than many of the knight on the King’s Guard. She is honorable.” He stuck up for the general as if he expected Vinelle to speak that Juliana would turn on them. Though he straightened slightly when Vinelle spoke once again and stopped a moment as if she was nervous to speak the words. Fae. His lips parted as Vinelle spoke of the wings.

The princess gasped slightly, “They saw her wings?” She questioned, she bit at the inside of her cheek and then pressed her lips together.

Valon gazed to his sister. “That’s your question?” He blurted out. “You’re not going to ask how a Fae was secretly within the castle? Is Commander Baylar a Fae as well?” He questioned quickly.

“No. He isn’t her father.” Jaenyra spoke quickly. She watched Vinelle carefully, the way the woman bit at her lip. The beautiful dress that she wore. The moments that she’d spent with Juliana played over in her mind. Just give me this, Juliana. Let me help you…is it a date? the moment replayed in her mind as she’d grinned to Juliana. “He took her in. Valon that isn’t what matters now. Is it? She matters. The fact that our enemy has a known Fae in their grasp matters.” She spoke quickly. The princess gazed back to Vinelle as the woman used her magic to unlace her corset. Her expression fell slightly as she watched the dress fall from the broken woman, the dark lines on her face. The tattered beautiful dress lay in a pile upon the floor.

“Jae how did you know this?” Valon questioned, his brows tugged together.

“That doesn’t matter.” Jaenyra spoke as she looked to her brother a long moment. She pulled a handkerchief from a small wooden box. It was a velvety blue material with the family seal embroidered upon the corner of it. She set the drawing of the sigil down on the couch next to Vinelle before she knelt before the woman. She reached forward with the soft cloth and brushed away her tears and the streams of dark smudges. “I will figure out where the sigil leads to.” She whispered. “I promise, Lady Vinelle.” She placed the handkerchief in Vinelle’s hand and closed her fingers around it gently.

“I’m going to see if the guard has found any stragglers. Perhaps someone that saw something.”

Jaenyra swiftly stood and blocked his exit. Her crystal hues started to him intently. “You’ll say nothing to father. Nothing to anyone about Juliana. Got it?” She spoke as she stood her ground.

Valon stared to his sister, his jaw tightened slightly. “Father should know.”

“No. There is no reason to worry him further. He will make a rash decision and with the damage done to our fleet we are already at a disadvantage.” She spoke as she watched him carefully.

“What will they do to her?” He questioned.

“Nothing good.” Jaenyra spoke and glanced around the prince to Vinelle upon the couch. She looked back to her brother. “Do you remember the studies of the Crimson War?” She questioned softly. “200 years ago?” She searched his eyes as he shook his head. A sigh came over her lips. “Humans trapped the Fae. They bled them for magic. It is a dark violent magic. But it caused so many deaths...so many Fae suffered for humans to have the magic that they have.” She shook her head slightly. “We have to stop them before they….” She bit her lip slightly. She knew no matter how quietly she spoke Vinelle would hear her. “Drain her...” She muttered the words. “Go. I hope you find something brother. Please.” She grasped his arm. “Be careful.” She stepped from his path then and allowed him to exit the room.

The door opened and closed and the princess drew in a long breath. “We need to go to my tower, Vinelle.” She spoke as she walked around the couch to the woman. She knelt before her and took her hand, her crystal hues were soft as she gazed to her. “I will find her...and she will be just fine. We can use the fade to find her. Hm?” She grasped the paper and gazed to the sigil. “Come on.” She still held Vinelle’s hand. “I’ll make you a tea.” She glanced to the tattered dress and a sigh came over her lips.

The princess led Vinelle from the room and into the halls of the castle. It was eerily silent. Few guards roamed the halls. Soon enough the princess led Vinelle up the stairs of the tower all the way to the top. She opened the door and closed it behind them. She released Vinelle’s hand and stepped over to a wardrobe. “Here.” She pulled a silky blue robe from it. “Wear this before you get cold.” She helped slip the robe upon Vinelle before she placed a gentle hand upon her back and led her over to the couch. She snapped her fingers and a fire roared to life within the fireplace. The princess drew in a breath then as she looked to the sigil. “I’m going to get her back for you, Vinelle.” She spoke and gave a weak smile to the woman.

She moved about the room, she climbed the wooden ladder to reach books at the highest reaches of the bookshelves. Jaenyra had a pile of books around her upon the floor as she sat before the fireplace. She had a journal that she was writing notes into. Even as the hours of the night drew late, she didn’t stop. Before long the princess had several books open, she’d drawn the sigil within her book and places notes all over each curve and point of the sigil. She stood and moved to the center of the room and grasped a piece of charcoal. She began to draw her own sigil. It flowed and curved elegantly. Her brows pulled together as she concentrated. “Okay...” She spoke as she stood and looked it over.

“This sigil that was used...is very old magic. Dark magic that is forbidden. I have read very little on it...but I’ve gathered that the user has bound his blood in a permanent sigil on the other side. That is how it works so swiftly.” Jaenyra bit her lip slightly, “This...” She looked to the sigil she’d drawn. “This will take us into the fade...in an area of the fade that I hope is close enough to reach Juliana’s unconscious...if we can reach her...then we can know if she is okay...if she is alive….um...” Her heart beat rapidly within her chest now. “She will be okay. I promise we will find her, Vinelle.” She spoke the words again, her voice quivered slightly now. “This sigil just needs our blood.” She swallowed. She remembered how upset Juliana was with her when she’d performed blood magic before. But this was life or death, she needed to do it to find the General.

Jaenyra grasped a dagger and sliced into her own palm – the princess winced as she squeezed her blood over the sigil. She began to speak the words of the spell. She waited for Vinelle and then clasped hands with her. “Don’t let go.” She whispered as a wind whipped up around them. The princess’ eyes glowed bright like the flames of a bonfire. The world around them contorted and spun into a warmth just as it had before when Jaenyra took Vinelle to the fade.

They appeared within a foggy village. The princess gazed around as she got her bearings. “Brightfall...” She spoke as she looked to a hotel sign that read ‘Brightfall Inn’. “This is where the Raven Claw Clan resides...the majority of them at least...from what I have gathered.” She stepped forward through the hazy world. Her eyes still glowed brightly. She felt a tug on her mind and she squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “This way.” She glanced to Vinelle. The world around them morphed and changed as they walked along. Darkness crept in like oozing blood. “Stay with me.” The princess’ voice trembled. She was frightened. They walked into a thick forest of dead black trees that they had to weave around. Jaenyra breathed a bit more heavily at this point. The further into the fade they went – the more taxing it was on her body.

“Just a little bit further.” She spoke as she walked along, her feet had grown heavy, as though she wore cement blocks upon them. Her grip upon Vinelle’s hand tightened as they made their way forward. They came to a cave that beckoned to the princess. She nodded to Vinelle, “This is the way...” Her grip trembled now. Her skin was pale, her eyes still burned like that of the surface of the sun. They walked deep into the darkness of the cavern until a dim blue glow could be seen ahead of them.

As they rounded the corner to a domed room – the blue glow was revealed to be that of Juliana’s wings. She hung by her outstretched wings, her toes barely on the ground, her head was slumped forward. Gasps came from the fae as she sobbed. Chains were wrapped around her beautiful glowing wings that held her suspended as she was. Her wrists were bound by a glowing black rope that swarmed with shadows that crept over her body.

Another stood before her – a beautiful Fae with blonde hair and beautiful white wings. “You can fight them, Jules.” the woman spoke as she cupped Juliana’s cheek. “You can fight the darkness that they bring upon you.” She spoke softly. It was the Goddess of Light. As the two drew closer the Goddess turned her warm hues upon them. “You’ve come.” She spoke as she slipped her hand away from Juliana. She drew in a breath as she gazed to the princess whom was struggling to keep herself together. She placed a hand upon the princess’ shoulder. The tremble in Jaenyra’s muscles melted away – the pained look on her face softened. Even the pale tone of her skin flashed back to the sun kissed color that it had once been before. “You.” She looked to Vinelle. “Only you can save her.”

The princess gazed to the mage, a soft smile upon her lips. “She is our friend.” She replied, her voice soft. She watched as the woman had downed the vial of bright blue blood. “I never thought that Juliana would be the one that needed saving.” She whispered as she looked over the books before her, a sigh escaped her lips. When Vinelle disappeared once again the princess looked to the place upon the couch that she had been. She then returned her attention to the task at hand.

**

Jaelyx drew in a breath as he stared to the mage, his brows tugged together. He gazed to the exchanged glances between his Commander and the mage. He drew in a breath as Vinelle vanished as quickly as she came. “We should have seen this coming.” He spoke, his hand balled into a fist. “We should have known of this attack before it happened.”

Commander Baylar straightened slightly, “How could we?” He questioned. “It was well orchestrated, my king…it must have been months of planning.”

“Do you believe that taking the General was in their plans?” The king eyed the Commander carefully.

“No.” He replied simply. “I do not. But what matters now is that we get her back before more damage is done.”

The king pressed his lips together. “What are you not telling me Commander?”

William eyed the king as he drew in a breath, “Now is not the time to doubt me, your grace. Now is the time for us to fall together as one and stop the threat that is at hand.” The Commander spoke with a strong voice, “They’ve turned up one man that seems to be involved…I will be questioning him when he wakes.” He spoke before he left the war room.

**

The princess bit her lip slightly and shook her head. “Certain magics were forbidden for a reason, Lady Vinelle.” She whispered as she held the dagger in her hand, both of her hands shook. When she felt the warmth of the woman’s hand upon her shoulder her crystal hues locked on Vinelle. She merely nodded in response before she took her place and sliced into her palm.

Within the fade the princess’ breath shuddered. “I’m okay…” She replied to Vinelle as the woman steadied her. “We have to find her.” She whispered as her voice quaked. It took everything that she had to keep moving, to keep the spell active as they drove deeper into the reaches of the fade.

The goddess peered to Vinelle, a soft smile upon her lips. It held a sadness to it somehow, like that of a soft violin played within the dark shadows of night. “You can reach her.” The Goddess replied, “You share something with her that I do not.” The woman searched the eyes of the mage. She stepped to the princess and steadied her as the fade began to drain her energy swiftly this time. “Breathe.” She spoke as she allowed her energy to flow into the princess. The bright color of her beautiful wings dimmed as she aided the princess in keeping them in the fade.

Jaenyra took in a shaken breath as she gazed to Juliana whom was strung up on display before them. “Vinelle. Be careful.” She whispered softly. She couldn’t move. Her feet felt as though they were frozen to the cold stone of the cavern. Her muscles ached. Her eyes turned to the goddess whom bowed her head slightly.

Juliana’s skin was ice cold to the touch of Vinelle. Her eyes fluttered to the touch. The words washed over her like that of a steaming hot bath. As Vinelle pressed her hand to the Fae’s chest and her power seeped into her, Juliana’s hues opened. The beautiful ocean colored hues of the General gazed to the woman. “Vinelle.” Her voice cracked as she was pulled into the fade from reality. Her chest rose and fell quickly as she tugged against the bonds at her wrists, tears quickly swelled in her eyes. “No.” The chains that held her wings rattled loudly within the cavern.

The Goddess turned her warm hues upon the Fae as fear swarmed her. “The light will guide you child.” She spoke, her voice soft. “You will not become lost.”

Juliana let out a whimper of pain, “Vinelle.” She groaned as her eyes locked on the woman once again her breath shuddered as Vinelle was pulled into her own vision. Her ocean hues turned black as the night sky as darkness seeped like a fog from her eyes toward the mage.

**

The room was cold. Her muscles ached. Her ocean hues lulled to a thick line that led from her arm to a bag that filled with her dark blood. Her mouth was dry, as though she’d eaten a handful of hot sand on a summer day. She gazed to her other arm as her breath within her chest shuddered. Another similar line. She head leaned back against the cool metal of the chair as her eyes fluttered.


Before her a man stepped into her vision. He had a dark grin upon his lips, a crown upon his head. The crown was made of a glistening silver that held jagged sharp spikes upon it and the shape of a raven upon the front with black eyes. He wore armor that held stains of blood. His face was clean shaven, his eyes held a sinister presence. “You’re awake?” He questioned as he grasped her chin, a chuckle came over his lips. He held up a vial and wiggled it back and forth. “Your blood, little Fae, is quite astonishing.” He tilted his head to the side and then grinned. “Just a few drops was all it took to give my soldier unimaginable power.” He snickered. “Imagine what more can do.” He gripped her forearms as he leaned over her, his face close to hers. “Just imagine the look of your king when you are the one to kill him.”

“I…won’t…h-help you…” Juliana’s voice was weak, she didn’t fight against his grip.

The man licked his lips as he watched her carefully. “Oh? Is that so?” He questioned and then laughed as he leaned forward. She could feel his breath upon her ear. “I didn’t plan on giving you a choice, General.” He whispered before he released his grip upon her and straightened slightly. “This.” He wiggled something about her neck. “Will ensure that.” He grinned to her as her eyes fluttered.

“My King Alabaster.” A man entered the room. The one from before, her original captor. “We must be careful not to drain her dry like the last Fae.” He spoke as he stepped over and clamped off the lines as Juliana’s eyes followed him. “Especially this one. She is something more than Fae…” He commented as he sealed the bags of blood and handed them to the king.

“You’re right, Alec.” The king spoke as he looked to the man. “We’ve been far too…reckless with the other Fae. Though this one – I agree is special.” He chuckled as he looked back to Juliana a moment before he stepped from the room.

Juliana’s breath shuddered then as Vinelle’s words filtered into her ears. She pressed her head back and clenched her fists. Her eyes took on a deep blue glow, so dark that it was almost black like the ink of a quill. Alec turned his eyes to her, “What are you doing?” He questioned and then chuckled. “You’ll hurt yourself, General.” He raised a brow slightly.

Juliana grit her teeth, “I won’t let…you…do this…” She spoke, her voice sounded as though it was miles away to her. The world around her sounded as though it was under water. The burning pain from the choker around her neck only seemed to cause her to focus harder on her magic. To embrace all that she was. The echo of the metal as it shattered filled her ears. It was as loud as an explosion. She rose from the chair swiftly. Her wings appeared in an instant and she thrust forward. She slammed against the man. Shadows swarmed within the room with a blue glow that glistened within them.

Alec reached forward and gripped his hand around her neck, his teeth grit. “How did you do that?!” He snapped as he turned the tables on her and slammed her back against the wall. Her head bounced off of the stone from the force. Though, that didn’t seem to faze the General. Juliana slammed her arm into the top of the man’s elbow and snaked her arm to his throat. She gripped tightly and her leg kicked the back of his knee. This sent him to his back upon the ground with ease. The General brought her fist up and slammed it harshly into the side of his head with a blast of darkness.

“Vinelle…” She collapsed to her side as her chest heaved. Her wings disappeared as she swallowed hard. Deep burns spread from the choker that was positioned around her neck. Black lines spread across her skin from it. She gripped onto the metal that held glowing red runes. Her eyes fluttered and slipped shut then.

**

The princess staggered and gripped onto Vinelle’s wrist, the Goddess was no where to be found. The princess’ skin was pale as a ghost once again. Juliana reached forward with her bound hands and gripped onto the front of Vinelle’s robes, tears ran down her cheeks. “I’m sorry.” She breathed just before the world around them collapsed into darkness.

Jaenyra’s eyes opened within the tower of the castle, her chest rose and fell quickly as she held her hand to her head. She stared to the sigil upon the floor that glowed a bright red. Fire swarmed in her eyes for several moments before it began to die down. “Vinelle.” She spoke as she shakily stood and offered her hand forward. Her head was throbbing. “Please…tell me you saw something that can help us…” She staggered slightly, a bit of blood dripped from her nose. She brushed it away with the back of her hand and stared to the crimson liquid as her lips parted slightly.

The princess gazed to Vinelle, her breath trembled with each inhale. Her crystal hues locked upon the mage as the woman gave her orders. A nod came from Jaenyra as she grasped onto Vinelle’s hand, thankful for the help. She brushed another drop of blood away. “Are you sure you can get to her alone? Vinelle...what if the fade was not clear enough?” She questioned nervously. “Vinelle wait!” She cried and rushed forward as the mage opened the the large window of the tower. The wind that pushed into the room kicked up several of the papers upon the princess’ desk, it turned the pages of the books that sat upon the floor circling around where she had studied the sigil.

She grasped onto the windowsill as Vinelle leapt from the window of the tower. It was at least 200 feet in the air, a deadly fall. Let me bring her back now. The last words of the mage before she’d wildy dove out of the window of the tower as if water lay below to catch her. Jaenyra watched with parted lips as the woman stretched her arms out as if she’d accepted the fate that would come to her. Vinelle looked so calm. So peaceful. Her knuckles turned white as her grip tightened, the sound of rustling papers behind her seemed to melt away as she awaited the death of the mage. But that was not what happened. Jaenyra watched in awe as black smoke surrounded Vinelle and ashes rained down behind her. The gorgeous dragon’s wings flapped within the smoke and soon enough – she was gone into the clouds above.

You found her – show him your capabilities... The words replayed in her mind. Her grip was still tight, so much so that the muscles within her forearms ached. She gazed down to her hands a moment before she released her grip. The princess grasped the windows and pulled them closed, she slipped the latch into place, her hand stayed upon the latch a moment as she stared to where Vinelle had morphed into the form of the dragon. She nodded as if in response to someone’s words. Vinelle’s words truthfully.

Jaenyra turned and rushed from the tower, her heels clicked upon the spiraling stairs as she climbed downward swiftly, she held the front of her dress up as she sprinted through the hallways. She burst into the war room to find her brother and her father, as well as a few other council members. The king lifted his gaze to his daughter, “Jae.” He spoke as he stepped forward swiftly, he brushed a bit of blood from beneath her nose. “Are you hurt? What’s happened?” He asked as he cupped her cheek, his eyes full of worry. “Where…?” He looked up to the space behind her, he expected to see Vinelle. “What is Lady Vinelle?”

The princess looked up to her father as her chest rose and fell quickly, “I’m not hurt.” She spoke breathlessly. “You need to send men to Brightfall, now.” She spoke as she watched him. “Lady Vinelle has already gone. We found General Baylar. She will get her to safety and she will signal for help.” She spoke quickly, her voice full of worry. “The mage that the Raven Claw are using...their magic is blood magic, father. It is dangerous. There was no time to allow to be wasted. General Baylar is in great danger.”

The king’s gentle hand upon his daughter’s cheek remained. He searched her crystal eyes and a soft smile curved up his lips. His lips parted to speak then, but it was Valon who spoke first. “I’ll gather a group of men. Brightfall you said right, Jae?” He asked as he stepped to the two.

The princess merely nodded to her brother. Jaelyx nodded as well, “Be sure to take Commander Baylar.” He ordered.

“Of course father.” Valon spoke as he turned and rushed from the room.

The king searched his daughter’s eyes a long moment before he pulled her into an embrace. Jaenyra buried her face into the soft material of his tunic, her breath shook. “You did well, Jae.” The king spoke after several long moments of silence. He pulled back and gazed to her, a soft sigh came over his lips. “I’ve been selfish.” He admitted as he released her from his grasp. “I’ve sheltered you and kept you from harms way. Yet you find it at each turn. You’re determined, just as your mother was.” He turned to the war table and moved a marker over the city of Brightfall. His eyes gazed over the map. “This must not be their main stronghold.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “There is no way that House Raven Claw would be this close to Malreos.”

“It didn’t feel permanent.” Jaenyra spoke as she gazed to the map. “They were in a cavern outside of town..that is where they hold the General now.” She pressed her lips together. “I imagine they set up this camp for the sole purpose of the attack on the harbor.” She looked to the beautiful depiction of the kingdom, of the capitol. “How many of our fleet were lost?”

“39.” The king replied, he sucked in a breath. “We only have 11 ships that remain, if they survived without damages. The morning sun will reveal the rest. There were many casualties. There was a festival tonight on the docks.” He grit his teeth. “The people were celebrating with music and ale. They danced in the streets as we allowed the Raven Claw to waltz into our home and destroy what has kept us strong for centuries.” Jaelyx huffed and shook his head. “We lost many of our King’s Guard...they knew exactly what they were doing.”

Jaenyra nodded slowly as she gazed to the map. “Send word to Ravine of the attack, ask Lord Highland for support in this war that is looming. This will not be the last attack father and he has the ground support to lend us a hand.” Her crystal hues watched him carefully. “Do you still have connections with the people of Valex across the sea?”

The king gazed to the princess, surprise in his expression. Even without her involvement in the war council. She knew the connections that the crown had. She knew more than even some of the council members. “Lord Highland will not give us all of his soldiers, just at our request...” He searched her eyes. “There must always be a deal to be made.”

Jaenyra smirked slightly to her father, “Does he not have a daughter?” She questioned. “If she were to marry Valon – I’m certain Lord Highland would give us all of his men in order to protect what is at stake.” She knew how to play the games of the nobles, she’d played them her entire life. Though the princess did not know the happenings of the city, she knew how to be a princess quite well. She knew how to operate within that realm of things.

Jaelyx watched his daughter a chuckle came from his lips. “Your brother will be displeased with that.” He remarked.

“I hear that Lady Highland is quite beautiful.” The princess responded as her eyes stared to the map. “What of Valex?” She questioned then as her crystal hues locked upon her father. She pointed to the continent across the great sea. “They have ships, father.”

The king swallowed as he looked to the map and then his eyes settled in on his daughter. “We trade with them openly. They are an ally. I will see what their terms are for them to offer part of their fleet to aid us.” He nodded as he looked back to the map. “I will reach out to Lord Sunderland as well...perhaps he will be of assistance...he may know of the rumblings of Raven Claw.” He moved a marker over a town that was at the most southern tip of the continent. “He has always been a reliable ally to our family when times grow dark.” The king gazed to his daughter a long moment before he stepped from the war table to write up the letters to be sent to the various allies of the crown.

**

“My king! My king!” A scraggly man rushed through the caverns. “She broke free!” He called – his voice echoed off of the stony cold walls.

King Alabaster turned, his dark hues fell upon the man. A chuckle came from his lips. “Hm, did she kill Alec?” He questioned. “Is she still alive?”

“No. No she didn’t kill him, my king...she….she is very much alive.” His eyes stared to the king’s feet, his hands trembled.

“Good. We will move her to a more suitable room once we have returned home. We will leave now. Get our commander to take care of Alec and the General. Hm?” The king spoke as he took a sip from a metal goblet. He licked his lips and chuckled as his eyes glowed with power. “I’ll see you back at the castle dear friend.” He disappeared in an instant – without the use of runes or any spoken spell.

**



The warmth of the sun kissed against Juliana’s icy skin. A gentle breeze caused the vibrant green blades of grass to dance about upon the hillside. Juliana’s hues cracked open as a long breath escaped her. She sat up as her hand reached up to search for the collar upon her neck. The metal choker with runes inscribed upon it was gone...the burns had disappeared. Laughter of a child in the distance caught her attention. Juliana stood slowly as she gazed around the land. Within the forests the fauna glowed different colors, the trees seemed to reach toward the sun as their leaves flickered in the breeze. Laughter again. Her ocean hues turned toward the sound. A dirt pathway led down the hillside into the forest. She could see a plume of smoke as it rose into the air.

Juliana walked forward – she felt compelled to uncover what this laughter was. What was this place? She gazed to the mountains that jutted up into the skyline with snow atop. Yet the air around her was hot like that of a summer day, but comfortable. It felt familiar – yet it felt like a distant land she’d never seen. She made her way forward and into the lush forest, her fingertips trailed against the purple glowing pedals of a giant flower, and then the glowing blue leaves of another plant. She could feel the magic in the air of this place. Almost as if it filled her lungs with each breath.

As she drew closer she could see a small hovel within the side of the hill. It held various plants in front of it and had flowers that grew atop. She could hear the light humming of a melody. Her brows tugged together – she knew this melody. Juliana turned her hues as she heard the laughter once again – a young silvery haired child rushed about – gorgeous vibrant blue wings glowed upon her back. She thrust into the air and giggled as she grasped a fruit from a nearby tree and landed with ease.

“Jules.” A voice called as the humming melody stopped. Juliana’s lips parted as she watched a woman with silvery hair and bright green hues step from the hovel. “Juliana – what have I told you about eating Calder Fruit right before dinner?” The woman stepped forward and took the fruit from the young girl with a smile upon her lips. “Come dear...and...hide your wings. Remember you must practice this. Tomorrow we will fly to Malreos. You cannot let them see your wings, Jules.” The woman took a bite of the juicy fruit and then grinned to her daughter.

“Why do you get to eat it if I don’t?” The young child questioned. “Do they have Calder fruit in Malreos?” She questioned curiously as she looked up to the tree, her glowing wings were slack against her back.

Juliana...

Juliana heard the voice of Vinelle. She stared to the memory that played before her eyes. The skies that were a vibrant blue began to darken then. She gasped as she felt the weight of the collar upon her neck and the pain of the burns. “No...” She breathed as she stumbled back.

“Juliana?” Her mother questioned – her eyes locked upon her. She stepped forward and cupped her cheek, a broken smile. “My sweet Jules.” She whispered. “How you’ve grown.”

**

Juliana’s eyes opened she fought to breathe as pain coursed through her body. “Vinelle...” She reached and grasped onto the woman’s arm. “Vinelle...” Her eyes fluttered, a weak smile turned up her lips. “You came.” She breathed.

She gazed up to the purple magic as it crackled within the skies above them. Her ocean hues reflected the colors of the gentle explosions of magic. “Thank you...” She breathed as her eyes fluttered slightly. She let out a breath as she fought to remain conscious. Her jaw tightened from the pain that rushed through her veins. She lifted her other hand and gripped onto the collar that was about her neck – as if that would do her any good. The runes upon it glowed still – though the glow was not nearly as bright as when she’d used her magic. “I...I’m sorry...Vinelle...” Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry I led you into danger...I...this is...I...” Her chest quaked as she gazed to the woman.

She sat up slowly and grasped both of Vinelle’s hands. The Fae gazed into the woman’s eyes as her own eyes glowed slightly from the surge of her emotions. The runes upon the collar around her neck took on a fiery red glow as her wings appeared upon her back. Her breath shook as her wings relaxed behind her. She leaned forward and pressed her forehead into the crook of Vinelle’s neck as her breath escaped her. Her skin was ice cold and pale.

Her muscles loosened slightly as her wings faded away. “I heard you.” She breathed. “I saw you in the darkness.” Her face remained in the nape of Vinelle’s neck. Her body trembled as she kept her weak hold of Vinelle’s hands.

The thunder over hoofbeats upon the soft earth rumbled toward them. “There they are!” A recruit called out. The banners of Malreos could be seen upon the skirts of the horses.

The group of 10 knights approached. The prince leapt from the back of his horse. “Lady Crane.” He rushed forward. “General Baylar.” His armor clanked as he ran to their side. “Is she alright?” He questioned.

“Does she look alright, your highness?” Commander Baylar slipped from the back of his horse. He walked forward and knelt next to the two. His hand rest upon Vinelle’s shoulder. “Thank you.” He spoke with a warm smile. He looked to his daughter and pressed his lips together. “We need to return to the castle. Before the Raven Claw realize that we are here.” He looked to Vinelle and nodded to her, “I will take her now. You’ve done your part, now allow me to get her home safely.” He gave a gentle smile as he stood and scooped Juliana into his arms. Her head lulled against his shoulder weakly as he carried her to his horse. It was a sight to see as the Commander lifted Juliana onto the horse. She fought to sit up, her body slumped slightly to the side before her father climbed onto the horse behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Juliana’s head leaned back against him as he positioned her, her eyes slipped shut once again.

“Lady Crane.” Prince Valon offered his hand down to her. “Let me get you home.” He smiled gently as he helped her to her feet. He walked her to his horse and helped her upon the back of the steed before he climbed on behind her just as he had before. His arms wrapped around her waist and they were off. He glanced over his shoulder to Brightfall that was just down the hill. The city appeared to be slumbering. Though he knew that the Raven Claw clan had to be stirring within the city after the General was taken. He could only imagine how many soldiers Vinelle slaughtered in order to free the Fae.

**

The ride back to the castle was uneventful. The silvery moonlight painted the valley with its bright light for their travel home. Once they arrived in the courtyard of the castle the Commander climbed from his horseback. He pulled Juliana into his arms once again, though her body was limp now. He gazed to Vinelle as the prince helped her from the back of the horse. “Lady Vinelle...the king will want to speak with you on what you found.” He climbed the stairs into the castle then.

Prince Valon gave a nod as his horse was led away. “He is in the war room no doubt.” He spoke as he followed after the Commander into the castle. The prince glanced to Vinelle and then ahead of them as Commander Baylar carried the limp body of Juliana.

“Juliana!” The princess’ voice carried over the marble floors. She gasped as she rushed forward to the Commander. Her crystal hues found Vinelle, she drew in a breath and gave a weak smile. “You found her.” She spoke softly. She then looked to the burns upon the General’s neck, the black lines from the damage. She swallowed as she gazed over the runes.

“Princess. If I may.” The Commander spoke, “I would like to get her to Dr. Stone.”

“No.” Jaenyra spoke, “Commander, take her to my study. She will be comfortable there. I need to...” She touched the collar upon the neck of the General. “I will help her heal...Dr. Stone is overwhelmed with the injured from the attacks.” She gave a soft smile. “Come on.” She gazed to Vinelle and gave a nod to the woman before she led the Commander away.

Prince Valon led Vinelle to the war room where the king stood among the council. The room grew silent as the two entered. Their steps echoed off of the floor. “My king.” the prince spoke as he stepped to his father’s side. “Lady Crane found General Baylar and we brought them both back to safety.” He informed him.

Jaelyx lifted his eyes to gaze to Vinelle. He gave a soft smile. “Thank you, Lady Crane.” He pulled a chair out for her. “Please. Sit. Tell us what you discovered. What are we up against?” He questioned. The rest of the table looked to her with curious eyes. They all seemed to fear what the Raven Claw would do next.

**

Jaenyra moved about her study and gathered herbs together for a tea. Commander Baylar watched her as she moved back and forth, his arms crossed over his chest as his hues fell upon Juliana. “What is that collar around her neck?” He questioned the princess.

“I can’t be certain until I study it. But I believe it is controlling her magic.” She spoke as she tossed leaves from one container into a metal ball. She did this with several different containers. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I know what she is.” The princess spoke as she grasped a kettle and held her hand beneath it. Her eyes swirled with an amber color for a moment until the kettle whistled and steam rose from its spout. She dipped the metal ball into the kettle and set it upon the coffee table.

Commander Baylar pressed his lips together before he gazed to Juliana once again. “We are lucky...that Lady Vinelle was able to save her...the Raven Claw were known years ago for their dabbling in Fae blood...I can’t imagine what they would have done to her.” His voice was a whisper.

The princess looked over the arms of the General and a sigh escaped her lips. “Well...with how weak she is, and these bruises...I think they already drained her of some of her blood...we can only hope that it wasn’t much.” Jaenyra grasped a piece of paper and she began to sketch the sigils onto it as the Commander watched over her shoulder curiously.

“It doesn’t take much Fae blood to cause damage...” Commander Baylar replied softly. “Even just a few drops can give some powers – it is impossible to know what it will do until one takes it. But the addiction that it causes...it is worse than any drug on this planet...”

Jaenyra gazed to him a moment as a sigh escaped her lips. “If we strike soon. Raven Claw will not have a chance to prepare for us. They will expect us to lay low and lick our wounds. That is something that we cannot afford to do. They will mount another attack if we do not act first.” She returned her attention to the sigils. “Get some rest Commander. I will take care of Juliana.” She spoke as she set the page down and offered a gentle smile to the man. The Commander nodded and bowed before he stepped from the room. The princess gently shook Juliana’s shoulder. “Juliana. I need you to drink an elixir.” She spoke softly.

Juliana’s ocean hues fluttered open. “Princess...” She breathed. “Vinelle...” She sat up swiftly. “Where is Vinelle?” She went to push herself up but fell back onto the couch as darkness clouded her vision.

“She’s fine. She will be here soon. Breathe.” Jaenyra spoke as she squeezed the General’s shoulder. “Here, drink this.” She poured the elixir into a mug and spoke a spell. “It will help you regain strength.” The liquid within the mug glowed a beautiful orange color.

Juliana shakily held the mug, “Thank you.” She spoke before she took a sip of the mixture. She gazed about the princess’ study as she leaned against the back of the cough. She hugged the mug against her sternum. With each sip her muscles relaxed. The burning pain that she felt from her neck subsided by the time she reached the bottom of the mug.

The princess smiled slightly as she looked up from a book. “There is more. Drink up.” She spoke as she marked the spot upon the page with her finger. “That whole kettle is yours to drink. You need the strength, Juliana.”

General Baylar nodded as she shakily poured another mug. She leaned back and let out a breath. Her mind raced through the events that happened. The sinister cackle of the mage, the dark look in their so-called king’s eyes. Then the sweet voice of Vinelle. She sipped upon the hot elixir and closed her eyes as she listened to the princess’ quill drag over the page.

Juliana had leaned her cheek into Vinelle’s warm touch, a breath shuddered from her lips. The embrace was something that she melted into, nearly every muscle in her body relaxed. “It’s cold...” She spoke against the nape of Vinelle’s neck as her fingers curled into the silky texture of the robe. “I’m so tired, Vinelle.” She muttered just moments before the Prince and the King’s Guard approached.

Once they returned to the castle the Prince stood in the war room with Vinelle among the council members. He took his seat across the table from her, his crystal hues upon the woman. He nodded to her, slightly, as if that would get her to speak as the silence settled over the room. Valon’s hues moved to the men that stood around the table. The door opened and Commander Baylar walked into the room. He took his seat and gave a soft smile to Vinelle. It was then, as they all seemed to hold their breath in anticipation that Vinelle began to speak.

The king’s brows rose to the name, Tyvar Alabaster. His jaw tightened slightly. A man that had always tried to stir up a rebellion against the kingdom – he had no mercy. He knew no laws. The Commander straightened slightly to the mentioning of the name. The next bit of information though had the Commander’s heart racing. A mage that dealt in Fae blood. He held his breath – fear gripped the Commander that the mage would reveal Juliana’s secret to the king. His eyes moved about the table of the council as the other members listened with fear in their own eyes.

The king drew in a breath, “Only 50 soldiers.” He spoke and nodded. “Tyvar Alabaster has been a thorn in my side since as long as I can remember. He has poisoned foods, burned fields of crop.” He shook his head then, “To hear that he is leading the House Raven Claw is something to worry about. He is willing to do anything for power. You are right. He will not play by the rules. If he gets his hands on a Fae...” He shook his head once again. “Luckily the Fae have retreated to the Isles of Tiear. So his chances of gaining access to Fae blood are slim.” He assured Vinelle with confidence. “Their island is protected by a great magical storm...the years that their people were hunted for their blood or even the magic of their wings. It caused them to retreat to their island.”

Valon sucked in a breath as he looked to Vinelle from across the table. “General Baylar is one of the most honorable King’s Guard that we have. I doubt that they were able to gather any useful information from her.” He spoke and offered a weak smile. He knew they’d done something to the General, he feared they had her blood. “Did she speak to you of why they took her?” He questioned. He was determined for the fact that Juliana was a Fae to be revealed it seemed.

“General Baylar was quite exhausted from the torture that she endured. She could barely hold her head up, let alone speak, Prince Valon. Perhaps once she is recovered we can ask her ourselves.” Commander Baylar spoke up in defense of his daughter, his eyes had narrowed slightly. He wouldn’t be allowing the prince to press Vinelle for information. He would protect Juliana until his last breath.

The King cleared his throat and looked to Vinelle as she made her suggestion. “Commander, why don’t you organize this scouting troop. Send them within the next hour. I do not want to miss Alabaster’s men leaving Brightwall.” He gazed to Vinelle a moment, “Council is dismissed.” He stood. The others around the table stood and began to file out. “Lady Vinelle.” The king spoke to stop her. “Wait a moment would you?” He waited until everyone had filed from the room. His eyes watched the woman carefully for a long moment. “You have done quite well and I have yet to officially announce that you are our council mage.” He gave a smile to her. “Thank you for the bravery that you showed, the loyalty to our kingdom. You quite possibly have aided us in this looming war. I hope that General Baylar can offer us more answers as to why they took her and what information they did manage to get out of her…”

Jaelyx drew in a breath. “I trust your judgement on this, Lady Vinelle. I hope that my trust is not misguided.” He spoke before he stepped from the room without another word.

**

Juliana shakily set the mug down, “Princess...” She breathed. “Can you loosen the corset?” Her body ached from the tight hold that the piece of fabric held around her body.

Jaenyra looked up from the book that she was nose deep in. “Oh...of course...” She placed her journal on top of the book and stood from her desk. She walked over to Juliana and moved behind her. “I’ll get you something more comfortable.” She spoke as she tugged at the strings. Juliana drew in a breath as the corset loosened swiftly. She relaxed against the back of the couch. The princess moved to another room and returned moments later. She had a pair of warm fleece pants and a black tunic for the General. “Let me help you, General.” She spoke as she looked over the woman.

General Baylar stood shakily. “Princess. This is beneath you.” She spoke as she wobbled slightly.

“Juliana you are my friend.” Jaenyra assured her as she steadied the woman. “I want to help you.” She moved and helped slip the woman from her clothing. Juliana’s body held bruising from her time within the hold of the enemy. The Princess winced slightly as she looked to the deep marks along Juliana’s skin. She helped her change into the clothing and then offered a blanket to her which she wrapped around her shoulders. “There you are.” She gave a weak smile. “Now...” She grasped the mug and held it forward. “Drink the elixir, hm?” She grabbed her journal and her book and sat down at her desk once again. Her quill went back to work moments later.

General Baylar took a long drink from the mug. Her eyes lulled as sleep threatened to steal her away. She relaxed against the crook of the couch with the empty mug in her hands. Her breaths became deeper as she fought to stay awake. Her skin near the collar around her neck still held black lines but the redness had dulled. The pain was numbed away now. When the door opened Jaenyra lifted her eyes from the book, “Lady Vinelle.” She smiled, she watched as Vinelle rushed across the room to Juliana.

Juliana’s hues turned to Vinelle she moved ever so slightly and grasped onto Vinelle’s hand as the woman reached for her and gave a squeeze. “Vinelle.” She shifted and pressed against the couch to stand. Her muscles shuddered and she gasped slightly in pain. She leaned her head against the back of the couch, “I would...rather it not have ended in such a way.” She gave a weak chuckle as she smiled up to Vinelle, her fingers intertwined with the mage’s. “I can think of many other ways for the date to end...that would not have been like this...” She closed her eyes a moment. “They have my blood, Vinelle...” She whispered, her lip quivered to this statement.

“General you should rest.” The princess spoke. “You’ve been through a lot.” She set her quill in the ink pot and a sigh came over her lips. Jaenyra shook her head to Vinelle’s question. “It is magic that I have not seen.” She looked back to her book. “Bits and pieces...make sense. But then there are lines within the sigils that I’ve never seen used before...they don’t line up...but it is clearly powerful magic...”

Juliana reached forward and filled her mug with the last of the elixir. She sipped upon it while her other hand still held onto Vinelle. “It blocks my magic, does that help?” She spoke in a soft voice.

The princess drew in a breath as she looked to the General. “Perhaps.” She stood and walked across her study to a bookcase. She climbed a small ladder and pulled a book that looked to be ancient – as its binder was falling to pieces. She set the huge book down and began to flip through it as she stood over her desk. Her brows tugged together, a heavy breath came from her lips. “You are bound.” She spoke as she lifted her crystal hues. “This has the spell….well...parts of it.” She carried the book over and leaned to look at the collar around the general’s neck. She looked back to the book and then to the collar several times. “The mage that created this spell...he knew what he was doing.” She touched the collar and moved it about the General’s neck. There was no visible clasp. “We need the mage.” She looked to Vinelle. “The spell is a binding spell between him and Juliana...he used his own blood and her blood in the formation of this device...” She scoffed slightly and shook her head. “We need him if we are to get it off of her.”

General Baylar gazed to the book that the princess held, her brows tugged together. “My magic...and Vinelle’s magic...it is stronger than most magic...perhaps...there is another way?” She questioned curiously. Her eyes looked to Vinelle then. The odds of them getting to the mage were slim – they would have to locate him first and to get him...he would need to be alive from the sounds of it. Getting the mage alive would be troublesome. Especially if Alabaster knew the predicament that Juliana was in. Which, she imagined he knew exactly what his mage did to her. Her eyes widened slightly. “They let me go on purpose.” She gazed to the princess. “Alabaster.” She stood swiftly and wobbled slightly. She stumbled and gripped onto Vinelle as she gasped. “He said...he would use me to kill the King.” Her voice trembled as her heart raced within her chest. Her eyes glowed slightly as her magic surged within her from her emotions. The General's beautiful wings came into view once again. Her breathing quickened as she gripped onto Vinelle. Her magic seemed to be fighting against the collar. Though as her wings appeared - the sigil's on the collar began to glow a bright amber color that pulsed. Juliana groaned as pain began to spread through her body. Her wings moved slightly before her eyes fluttered and she collapsed forward against Vinelle.

The princess had dropped the book on the ground, her lips parted. She helped set Juliana back on the couch. She gazed to the woman as her chest rose and fell quickly. The black lines spread from the collar more now. "We have to find the mage, Vinelle." She spoke in a soft tone. She glanced to Juliana once again. "If she is right..." She bit her lip slightly. "Then Alabaster will use that collar to control her...it can be done...it is dark magic...but...it's possible."