The Lightning Stone

 

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Chapter 1

A cold wind tumbled down the dark, littered alleyway, blowing waste away from its path as it went. It brought with it the stench of rotting meat, to fill the nose and absorb into the clothes of Belece. As hard as she tried, she could not outrun the wind. It brought with it the grim promise of her eventual fate, as it finally dawned on her that she would never escape.

The tears that streamed down Belece’s face left clear tracks through the dirt that caked it. The wind continued to rush around her, sweeping her hair forwards into her face. Belece screamed her rage and her pain, not caring who heard. Except that no one would ever hear her – they were already dead.

“Why?” Belece screamed at the large, stone wall in front of her. “Why me? Why am I the only one left? What did I do wrong to deserve this?”

Belece knew her questions would never be answered, but she didn’t care. It felt good to get it out in the open. At least the wind would know her pain.

A loud crack echoed through the air, light flashing as a bolt of lightning struck the ground near her feet. Belece raised her hands to protect her face from the shower of cobblestones, her hand grasping onto a shard of rock that struck it. She lowered her hand, and was amazed to see that she held a clear crystal that somehow had caught the lightning within it. Belece stared at the crystal with awe, knowing that she must be dreaming, when a loud voice boomed from above.

“You made the curse. Keep the token.”

She blacked out.

 

The coughing wracked her chest as Belece struggled for breath, trying to fight her way out of the darkness that surrounded her. She shivered from the cold and her arms felt weighed down by her clothing. Belece struggled once more to draw in air, her lungs feeling as though they were full of fluid. She felt like she was drowning.

Belece felt a rising panic within her as she realised what was happening. It had finally come. The plague that she had thought herself immune to had come to take her too. How did she not feel the symptoms coming on before now? Was her vision of the lightning stone just the beginning of the delirium that heralded its arrival? She struggled to lift her head and open her eyes, but the ground beneath her seemed to give way against her touch.

Good, she thought.

If the plague had come on this fast, mayhaps it would take her just as quick. She thought of her mother and her sister, and could only be glad that she would be joining them soon.

Belece felt a tug across her waist, and was suddenly being dragged along the ground. Pieces of grit that were caught between the cobblestones dug into her face. She was surprised by how many there were. There was a grunt, and suddenly Belece was lying on her back, staring up into a pair of startling blue eyes.

The eyes belonged to a boy… a man, really, of about sixteen or seventeen. His locks of damp golden hair were just starting to curl again, hanging in ringlets down to his earlobes. Patches of his skin were almost visible as his damp, white shirt stuck to his chest. Even crouching, he was obviously tall, but not in a gangly way. His body was lean and muscled, his skin tanned from too much time in the sun. From the paleness of his forearms where he had rolled up his sleeves, it was obvious that this was a recent thing.

Belece pulled herself up to get a better look at him, and was surprised to find that she could. She looked down at her hands, and found them to be resting in sand. Now that her eyes had adjusted to the light, she looked past her rescuer to see the sea.

How on earth did I get here? She wondered. Perhaps this was her fever dream.

“Are you okay?” the man demanded. His hands rested on his knees, and he continued to puff with exertion.

“What?” she asked, a bit dazed.

“Are you okay?” he repeated.

He looked up to meet her eyes, and once again, Belece was startled by what a shocking shade of blue they were. They were the same colour as the waters of the Eastern Ocean, where she had grown up – although no one there had eyes of that colour. There they had varied between shades of brown that matched their brown to black hair. Even after her years at the Temple, she was still not used to the variety of coloured eyes these Southerners had.

“I… I am fine,” she stuttered. She lifted her hand to her mouth and coughed again. “Where am I?”

“Sauderland’s beach,” he replied. “I saw you…” He puffed, lifting a hand to point to the sea. “…face down in the ocean.” He ran a hand through his damp curls. “What in the name of the Goddess of Light were you doing out there?”

Belece looked around her rescuer towards the ocean again. She watched as the waves lipped the shore, barely meters from where they were.

“I… I d-do not know.”

Belece couldn’t believe that her childhood stutter had returned. She could see he mother now, turning in her grave. Not that her mother had a grave…

Suddenly Belece was home in her mother’s room. She ran towards her mother, wanting the comfort only she could provide. She had been out looking for more medicine, but like always, there had been none. The only people on the street had been those who pulled the death carts. Belece had passed one, only to find the body of her friend, Abbey, amongst the pile.

“Mama! Mama!” she cried, as she leapt onto the bed and hugged her mother. She would never hug her back. It was a moment before Belece realised that terrible truth – that her mother was dead.

Belece shrieked when she realised she held a corpse. She flung herself backwards, her back impacting against the wall when the tears finally came. Her mother was dead. She was the last person that Belece cared about, or who cared for her, that would die. Now Belece was truly alone, in what was fast becoming the city of the dead…

Belece was brought back to reality when the man said something.

“You don’t know how you ended up in the ocean?” he questioned. By now he was pressing a hand into his side, like he had a stitch. He didn’t look very comfortable. “Where were you? Visiting the seaside with friends, or…”

“I was not anywhere near the ocean,” she interrupted. “At least, not anywhere I could reach it from. I was in Blackthorn Temple.”

Belece watched as her rescuer paled. She felt her stomach twist as he ever so slightly shuffled back from her. It was obvious that he had heard, then, of the plague. Of the island Temple that had closed its gates to stop the sickness from escaping there.

She watched the fear cross the man’s eyes, before he settled again. His voice was cautious when he asked, “Do you carry the plague?”

It was a fair enough question, and up until a few moments ago, she might have thought she had. But now that the sun beat down on her from the sky and she could feel the itch of damp sand clinging to her body, now she wasn’t so sure. It all felt too real to be a waking dream. Besides, shouldn’t she dream of something more pleasant than almost drowning and being forced to talk to a stranger about the plague that had wiped out her family?

“No,” Belece eventually replied. “No, I don’t. Although my family did.”

Belece averted her eyes, trying not to let her rescuer see the tears that had started to slide down her cheeks. She could taste their saltiness mixed in with the seawater that was now drying. She was surprised when she felt something warm placed on her knee, and turned to find the man’s hand resting on it. His blue eyes met her own and held them.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice dripping with sincerity. Belece just nodded, and brushed her tears away with her thumb as her guest removed his hand. “And I’m sorry that I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself. My name is Liam.”

“Belece,” she replied. “Lady Belece Chikami.”

Liam lifted an eyebrow.

“A lady?” he asked. He looked surprised.

She nodded.

“Who else could afford to study at Blackthorn?”

“So you’re a mage, then?” he asked.

“No!” she exclaimed. Liam leant back suddenly, shocked by her outburst. Belece tried to regain some control before replying. “No. My mother was. My sister, Kaura, was studying to be a mage. But I am no mage.”

“Oh,” he replied. Liam looked up at the sky for a moment. The sun was almost at its apex, and beat down on their skins that were starting to glow a faint red. “I think it’s about time we get out of the sun, Lady Chikami.”

“Please, Belece,” she said.

Liam stood, brushing the sand from his pants before nodding.

“Belece, then.”

He offered a hand towards her, which she took.

Belece and Liam walked over to where his cart stood on the side of the road. It was an old wooden thing, but it looked reliable. A canvas sheet had been drawn over its limited cargo. The red paint that had once adorned the cart had long since worn back to wood, and the wheels showed obvious signs of having been mended multiple times. Now that Belece had a chance to look at Liam, she noted that he was wearing a white shirt that tied at the front, like many of the villagers across the ocean from Blackthorn had worn. She was not sure how clean it had been prior to its dunk in the ocean, but she could not see any obvious stains or patches where it had been repaired. His brown pants were much the same. His calf high boots were well worn, but also seemed to be of some quality.

The only reason why Belece took any notice of this was because of how much it contrasted with the horse that was currently tied to Liam’s wagon. A finer beast she had never seen, and she had grown up admiring the imperial horses of her cousin. As black as the night with eyes of the same, he was seventeen hands if he was an inch. His coat glistened like silk in the midday sun.

As beautiful as a horse he was, he had Belece worried. Why did a young man of what appeared to be limited means have such a stallion? Was her rescuer actually a thief?

Belece watched as Liam retrieved a rug from his cart and spread it on the ground. He then retrieved a pack of what seemed to be food. Liam smiled a wide, white smile at her, before indicating to the rug.

“We would not want a lady to sit on the ground, now would we?” he teased, and flashed that blinding smile at her again. His brows twitched together when Belece remained where she stood, staring at his mount. “I see you have an eye for horseflesh,” Liam commented. “His name is Nightblood. And he is not stolen.”

Belece flustered.

“Oh, no. I was not suggesting…”

“Don’t.” Liam held his hand up. “You are not the first to suppose such. His bill of sale is in my cart somewhere, although I may struggle to find it some. I have been travelling for quite a while and I’m not as organised as I should be.”

Belece walked over and took a seat on the rug, and Liam joined her.

“I did not think you had stolen your mount,” she insisted.

“Of course not. A true lady never would,” he replied, digging in his pack and handing her a bread roll. “And yet here you sit, when before you were reluctant.”

Belece did not know if Liam was teasing her or not, but she did not care for it either way. Her nobility dictated that she refuse the bread roll Liam offered her in light of his comments, but it had been so long since Belece had had any fresh food that not even honour could stop her from accepting it. She grabbed on to the bread roll and started breaking it in to pieces with her fingers and eating it. She did not care that it did not have any spreads or anything to have it with. It was still the most delicious thing she had tasted in her entire life.

Liam just sat there and watched her eat the bread. When she was finished, he handed her a flask of water to drink from, which she guzzled just as hungrily.

“How did you end up in the ocean?” Liam eventually asked. “I had thought the Temple masters had sealed the island off?”

Belece’s brown eyes snapped up to meet Liam’s.

“I… I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “Th-the last thing I remember w-was b-being in Blackthorn…” Belece shut her eyes and swallowed hard for a moment, hoping to calm her nerves and her stuttering. “There was this flash of light and this booming voice and everything went dark. Next thing I know, you were pulling me out of the ocean.”

Liam looked concerned.

“And you don’t remember anything else?” he questioned.

“No,” she replied. It was only then that Belece realised one of her hands remained clenched in a tight fist. Her fingers ached as she forced them to relax, only to find the lightning stone sitting in the palm of her hand. Liam leaned in and watched the lightning bounce around the inside of the crystal for a moment, before leaning back and drawing a prayer above his heart.

“Blessed be. Where did you get that token from?” he eventually asked.

Belece looked down at the lightning stone for a moment, before wrapping her hand around it again.

“I don’t know. It was a gift.”

“Well a gift like that you should keep to yourself,” Liam said. “On the road, there are many people that search out curiosities such as that. It would be worth more than your life should you show the wrong people it.”

Belece felt her fingers tighten around the stone and she clutched her hand to her chest. She nodded.

“Here.” Liam scrabbled in his pack for a moment, before passing Belece a small bag which she could put the lightning stone in. Belece gratefully took it and placed the lightning stone inside. She was pleasantly surprised to find that the cord was long enough that she could hang it around her neck and hide the stone inside her dress.

Liam stood and offered Belece a hand.

“Now, my Lady,” he said. “I think it is about time we got moving. “Tulbuton is not but a two hours walk from here, and there is a wayhouse we can stay the night. Tomorrow we can find the Provost and see to getting you back to your relatives.”

Belece withdrew her hand from Liam’s, and looked up at him with wide brown eyes. She could feel her heart beating within her chest. Belece had never thought that she would escape Blackthorn Temple, so had never thought to imagine where she would end up. The death of her mother and sister had left her with only extended relatives. Her mother’s marriage to a Bilanese had led to her exile from her Tremallan relatives, and Belece did not want to return to Bilan.

“What’s the matter?” Liam asked. His voice sounded vaguely irritated, but his eyes were concerned as he leant down next to where Belece was seated.

“Liam, I do not think I am ready to return to my family just yet,” Belece said.

“Why?” he asked.

“The only family I have left is Bilanese, and they have very specific ideas of what women should and should not do. My mother fled from Bilan after the death of my father so Kaura and I could be educated. If I were to return, I would be married off to some noble within days and never able to follow my own path again. After my mother fought so hard for my independence, I do not think I was saved from the plague only to become some noble’s wife. Did you not ever wish to escape from your life?” Belece pleaded. “I am sorry to put such a burden on you, but can I remain with you on your journey for now, just until I decide what path I want to take?”

Liam just stared at Belece. This was the longest speech she had given since she had come spluttering out of the ocean. Liam took the site of the half-drowned orphan in. Her waist-length brownish black hair had dried with slight waves in it. Her hooded brown eyes from her Bilanese ancestry stared wide-eyed at him, pleading. Her slight mouth was gently parted, waiting for his response. Even though she was probably only a few years younger than he was, in this state she appeared almost childlike.

Liam took his time to think this over. Belece had no idea how close to home she had hit when she had asked him if he had ever wanted to escape from his life. Any other girl Liam had met on his travels he would have refused such a request. He would never want them to get caught up in court games. But Belece? She had probably been playing such games her entire life, and would be more than able to look after herself should they ever arise. Besides, after the large upheaval in her life – surviving a plague but losing her entire family in the process – she needed some stability in her life right now. Liam didn’t know if Belece could afford to have another person leave her just yet.

Belece was starting to get impatient, but she knew she could not push the issue. So she just sat there, giving Liam the time he needed to make his decision.

“You don’t even know what I’m doing yet,” Liam finally said.

“I do not care,” she replied instantly. “As long as you do not do anything illegal, at the moment I feel like I would follow you anywhere.”

Liam’s mouth twitched.

“Then fine. You can come.”

In a very unladylike fashion, Belece flung herself at Liam and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tight. She quickly regained her composure and pulled away. She blushed as she averted her eyes from his.

“I… I am so sorry for my outburst…”

Belece’s apologies were interrupted by Liam’s bellowing laughter. He pulled himself to his feet, before offering her his hand again. This time she took it, and he pulled her to her feet.

“Come, my lady. I want to be at the wayhouse by nightfall.”

 

Comment Log in or Join Tablo to comment on this chapter...
Jennifer Peters

I'll look more into this when I have some time, but interesting start so far :)

Caitie-Maree Clarke

Thanks for the input! I know there's a lot of trimming that has to happen, but that's kind of what second drafts are for. Just a shame it's taking me so long to get there!

Chelle Rhys

Close POVs are certainly more popular today, which is why you see a lot more 1st person, and a lot less omniscient. :)
I like what you have here. Very nice writing, and easy to read. I think it could use some trimming, when you get to that point - for instance, in the second paragraph, you tell us that she screams, and in the third, she actually does scream.

Caitie-Maree Clarke

Thanks! :-) Is having a close POV a good thing? These days I mostly write in first person, but I started writing this book as a teenager before I did. I didn't really want to change the POV when I resurrected writing it 12 years later, but I really like writing inside of people's heads. I'm trying for the best of both worlds here.

Chapter 2

Belece was woken the next morning by a knocking on the door. She groaned as she rolled over, rousing from her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and was greeted by an unfamiliar room. Lime-washed walls contrasted against the dark wooden pillars overhead. Light streamed in from a small window in such a way that Belece thought she might not be on the ground floor. The room was sparse apart from the bed that she lay on, and a wooden screen in the corner to change behind. A chamberpot sat next to her bed, and Belece couldn’t help but stare at it with dislike. Living in a place filled with scholars and mages, they had long since found a way of dealing with their waste that did not involve carting it around in pots. Instead they had a complex system of piping that had brought the waste out to the ocean. All you had to do was pour some water down the bowl to chase the waste away and you no longer had your house scented by such nastiness. Belece remembered how her sister Kaura had disliked the water box. She had always said that she would never go swimming in the waters around Blackthorn, being too afraid to encounter some of the nastiness poured in to it! Mind you, it was not possible to go swimming around Blackthorn. The harsh ocean currents and the rocky cliffs surrounding it made sure of that.

Belece felt her stomach twist when she thought of her sister, and she forced herself to breathe in and out quietly for a moment to calm herself. Her thoughts were interrupted once more by knocking.

“Belece? Are you awake?”

Belece recognised Liam’s voice through the door, but her nobility made her get out of bed to open the door instead of crudely yelling her response back. When Belece pulled her sheets back, she saw that she still wore the clothing that she had been pulled out of the ocean in the day before. Belece sighed as she looked at the state of her clothing, but politeness overruled her modesty. She walked over to the door and opened it for Liam.

Belece had only intended opening the door wide enough to talk to Liam until she had the chance to make herself decent, but Liam had other ideas. As soon as the door was open a crack, he came walking in to her room, carrying a bundle of items in his arms, which he deposited on her bed. He undid the twine holding the bundle together and pulled back the waterproof wrapping to reveal a small stack of dresses and a bag of food. Throughout it all, he kept his back to Belece.

“Don’t mind me. I understand how modest ladies can be. I promise not to even glance at you until you are properly dressed,” Liam announced.

Belece raised an eyebrow at him as he went and stood in the corner, arms folded behind his back. She knew that until a few moments ago that she didn’t want Liam to see her in her current state of dress, but somehow Liam’s current behaviour made that all seem a little bit ridiculous. By the Goddess, he had saved her life yesterday!

“Liam, you don’t have to stand in the corner like some numpty,” Belece said, walking over to her bed and browsing through the clothing. Liam had been surprisingly thorough with his purchases, with there being three dressing along with undergarments to choose from. Belece selected the blue dress and collected the undergarments before walking behind the dressing screen. If she had chosen the blue dress because it matched the shade of Liam’s eyes, she was choosing to ignore it. “I am behind the screen, Liam. If you do not peek, I have no problem with you sitting on the bed.”

The bed gave a reassuringly wooden creak which confirmed that Liam had done as he was told.

“I would not dream of peeking,” he teased. “It’s not just ladies that have a sense of honour.”

“The only sense you have is of madness, more like,” she returned his jest. “There.”

Belece stepped out from behind the screen, and Liam was shocked at what he saw. Belece stood there in the blue dress. Even though it was slightly too large for her, the dress’ neckline dipped in such a way it gave the illusion of Belece having much more than she actually did. The waistline came in nicely to give her an hourglass figure. Belece’s dark hair came tumbling around her face, which only served to highlight the darkness of her warm and exotic eyes. In that moment, she was the most beautiful girl Liam had ever seen.

Belece blushed when she realised what Liam was staring at, and tried to change the subject.

“Come help me with my hair.”

“By the Goddess, you’re pretty,” Liam managed to gasp.

“Stop being silly and help me with my hair, Liam,” Belece demanded. She turned away from Liam and brushed her hair behind her neck, partly to encourage him to do as she’d ask, but mostly to hide her blush.

Liam came over and did as she requested. Belece shuddered when Liam’s hands brushed against the skin of her neck, but she tried to ignore that. After much hassle and trouble, Liam managed to get Belece’s hair into a bun – with a lot of help and directions from Belece.

“With all the time and the trouble, you would think you had never done a bun before,” Belece said after Liam had inserted the last pin.

“I haven’t,” Liam replied, spinning Belece around to admire his handiwork. “I never had a sister to practice on.”

Belece’s stomach twisted slightly on the mention of sisters, so she distracted herself again.

“Well, you’ll have plenty of time to practice on this trip,” she announced. “Now, what’s for breakfast?”

Belece walked over to the bed where the parcel of food waited, and opened it to reveal two apples and a couple of pastries.

“I know it’s not much,” Liam said as he went and sat on the bed, “but having to fund two of us, finances are going to be a bit tight for the moment.”

“I’m sorry,” Belece said instantly.

Liam smiled.

“Don’t be. I’m sure you’ll be earning your keep soon enough,” he replied.

Belece was taken aback slightly.

“And what’s that meant to mean?”

Liam smiled as he picked up a bread roll and broke it into pieces with his fingers.

“Do not be alarmed, my lady,” he teased. “But we work whilst on the road. I often take odd jobs to earn some copper. I am sure when you’re more settled you can do the same.” He placed a piece of bread in his mouth and chewed for a moment before continuing. “I am sure you can launder or sew or some small job that can help provide for the both of us.”

Belece grimaced, but didn’t complain. She knew Liam was putting himself to a lot of trouble allowing her to remain with him instead of delivering her to one of her relatives. Besides which, apart from one comment about her being pretty, he was acting the complete gentleman. She was fairly certain that had she encountered any other traveller that it might not be the case. She was now fifteen and as close to a woman as it counted. Girls of her age were frequently married off – noble and common alike. They were also considered just as appealing.

“I am sure I will find some way to contribute,” Belece replied diplomatically, before taking a bite from her apple. Liam smiled. “You have not said yet where we are going.”

“Does a journey need a destination?” Liam’s smile grew wider, and Belece was sure he was teasing her.

“Not always,” she ceded, “But a bit of direction is always nice.”

Liam rubbed his chin with a moment, almost as though he was contemplating something, before replying.

“We’re heading towards Harmona,” he replied, and leant back, waiting for Belece’s response.

Harmona is a large town on the crossroads of the Midland Highway and the Eastern Route. It was a popular rest point for travellers and had all the industries that one might expect in such a town. That included the less than savoury delights that people only enjoy whilst they’re away from home and prying eyes. Belece had only ever been to Harmona once before when she was ten, whilst she and her family were headed to Blackthorn Temple. She did not remember much of the town, apart from the fact that her mother and maidservant kept her and Kaura hidden in their room at the inn with their door locked. Kaura, who was almost thirteen at this point, had wanted to go out and investigate the markets on the outskirts of town. Their mother had refused and had said that she would not risk her daughter going out and not coming home. To this day Belece had not worked out what had scared her mother so, but she found she was less than inclined to find out.

“Why are we going to Harmona?” she asked, even though she knew it was less than polite to question her host.

“Because it is a big town and there is a chance that I can find some work there,” he replied. “My uncle makes his residence there, and I think he could possibly help me.”

“I thought you said you just took odd jobs to earn your keep,” she questioned.

“I take odd jobs to help me get by day-to-day,” he replied. “But winter is coming, and money is always scarce when the snow comes. Surely you’ve spent enough time in Tremal to know we don’t have your warm stormy winters like in Bilan. I would like to have my pockets well lined before that happens, and you don’t get that from odd jobs.”

“So will you be settling in Harmona?” Belece asked.

“I do not settle anywhere,” Liam replied. “Harmona will just be a means to an end, just as everywhere else I travel to. I dare say we will not be there more than a few months, weather permitting. Speaking of weather permitting, I think we best be headed out.”

Belece nodded and did as she was told. She neatly packed up what Liam had bought her, and followed him out to the stables where Nightblood had spent the night. She was surprised to see the steed had already been brushed down once that morning. Even in the poor amount of light that entered the stables, his coat shone like silk. While Liam was packing away their belongings, she couldn’t help but admire the horse once more. It seemed a shame that such a beast was being used as no more than a pack animal.

Belece was surprised when Liam pulled something out of the cart. Liam had an old but well-loved saddle in his grasp. Even though it appeared worn it appeared to be of some quality and well-kept. The leather surface appeared as though it had been freshly oiled. Once again Belece found herself wondering about her new travelling companion, but she said nothing. She watched as Liam expertly saddled Nightblood, before coming over to where she stood and appraising her for a moment. She was surprised when Liam walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her for a moment before depositing her back on the ground.

“I think you’re probably light enough,” he concluded. “Normally I just walk beside Nightblood, but considering the distance to the next wayhouse, riding is probably going to be the best option. You’re small enough that we can share the saddle and I think he can probably handle your extra weight.”

Liam mounted Nightblood easily, before leaning down to offer Belece a hand.

“I’m sorry, my Lady, but there is not enough room for you to side-saddle,” he said with a cheeky grin on his face.

“For your information,” she replied, offering a hand to Liam, “I have never ridden side-saddle in my life.” I have also never ridden at all, she thought, but she kept that to herself.

 

Belece could only be thankful when Liam announced that they would be stopping for lunch a few hours later. She had never realised how difficult riding a horse was before now. With a leg cast on either side, she felt as though she had a mountain wedged between her legs. It was only made worse by her dress, which had been hitched up to her knees to allow her to ride at all. Liam had given her a blanket to spread across her lap to provide her with some dignity, but she had still felt exposed the entire trip. Belece had noticed that Liam had kept a protective arm around her waist as he guided Nightblood one-handed with the other. Fortunately, Liam hadn’t noticed that she spent the entire ride clutching at the saddle horn and squeaking at every bump they went over. Or at least he hadn’t mentioned that he had.

Belece was vaguely envious of Liam as he gracefully dismounted Nightblood. It was only now that she was sitting alone on his back that Belece began to wonder how on earth she was going to get down.

“Would you like some help, my lady?” Liam asked in that voice of his that made Belece unsure whether or not he was teasing her.

Belece just stared down at Liam for a moment before replying for some reason with, “No. I’ll be fine.”

Liam nodded slightly at her before walking off back to the cart to retrieve their lunch, leaving Belece sitting in the saddle wondering how to get down now that she had discarded Liam’s help. She was unsure why exactly why she had done that, but it was fairly safe to say her noble pride had something to do with it. Belece carefully removed the blanket from her lap, before she began her attempt at dismounting Nightblood. She struggled to get her leg over his back, and eventually fell off into a muddy puddle below.

When Liam heard her cursing, he walked over and held out his hand to her.

“I didn’t know ladies talked like that,” he joked.

“I suppose you find this very funny,” she grumbled, before taking the proffered hand and being pulled from the ground. She looked down at her dress, which was now covered by splashes of mud.

“Oh look. Your dress is ruined,” Liam said with false pity.

Belece just glared at him. She was about to head for the cart to find something fresh to change in to when Liam grabbed her hand.

“I’m sorry,” he apologised. “This is all my fault. It’s the dress. It makes riding awkward, and I should have thought of that. I just didn’t think a lady would want to be riding in breeches.” Belece was surprised when Liam swept his hand over her skirt, leaving a shower of blue light in his wake. When the light cleared, her dress was clean again. “There,” Liam announced proudly. “All better.”

Liam was surprised when Belece slapped him and stormed off.

“My lady…” Liam called, but Belece ignored him. “…Belece… wait.”

Belece watched from the corner of the room as the Healer ran her hands over Kaura. Belece had no idea what strings her mother had to pull, or how much she had to spend to have gotten a Healer here when the need was so great, but she was glad she had. Kaura had just been getting worse and worse over the intervening days. It seemed like all her sister could do these days is lie there and gasp, as though she was struggling for air. Kaura’s skin had long since discoloured to the purple shade that was the hallmark of this disease. Her skin seemed to boil with the fever, with boils rising up like bubbling flesh before bursting. Belece couldn’t help but notice that the Healer went to great lengths to avoid touching her sister’s skin. Belece couldn’t blame her. Whenever she and her mother applied the poultice to Kaura’s skin, it took all Belece’s self-control to stop herself from gagging. As it was, she frequently failed.

Belece watched the gentle mint glow that descended from the Healer’s hands and over her sister’s body. She was alarmed when the Healer started to gasp and fell backwards onto the floor. Belece and her mother rushed over to the Healer and helped her to a chair. Her skin was damp with sweat and her body shook. The Healer looked over to her mother, before shaking her head.

“I am sorry, Aniki, but there is nought I can do,” the Healer whispered. “This disease is not God-made, and my magic is powerless to help.”

“What does that mean?” Belece demanded. She did not care that she was being rude. All that she cared about in that moment was her sister.

The Healer turned her face to face Belece. Belece was shocked when she saw the gentle purple blush beginning to rise on her cheek. She quickly released the Healer’s hand and took a step back.

“It means that someone with a far stronger Gift than I conjured this plague,” she replied, before standing. “May the Dark God’s light guide us.”

Liam grabbed Belece’s hand and spun her to face him, bringing her back from her memory. This time he was ready when Belece raised her hand to strike him again.

“Don’t you ever use magic on me without my permission again!” she yelled. “Who gave you the right to bewitch me?”

“I was only trying to help,” Liam insisted. Belece shook her wrist, but Liam’s grip remained tight. “Belece, what has gotten in to you?”

“You,” she snapped. “For all your commentary about ‘working odd jobs to earn copper’ and your travelling nomad routine, beneath it all you’re just another mage who thinks he has the right to magic all his problems away.” Liam released her wrist, and Belece stumbled back a few steps. This time Liam made no motion to help her. “Magic kills, Liam. It’s not a toy to be played with.”

By now, tears were rolling down Belece’s cheeks. She knew she was overreacting, but she did not care. Liam just stood there, dumbfounded. He’d never seen such a visceral reaction from Belece before, and he knew it must have been provoked by something more than him cleaning her dress. Still, he didn’t want to question her just yet. His face was still smarting from where Belece’s hand had caught him unawares.

“Belece, I’m sorry,” Liam said calmly, almost as though he was trying not to frighten a scared horse. He carefully inched his way towards Belece. “I should have asked, or at least told you, before using any magic. I promise I will not use magic in the future.”

Belece just stood there, arms folded across her chest as she bit her bottom lip and tried to make the tears stop. Liam finally reached her side and stretched out a hand to place on her shoulder. He was surprised when Belece threw herself into his arms and began to sob. Liam just wrapped his arms around Belece’s shoulders and waited for the tears to stop.

“I’m sorry,” Liam whispered again, before pulling away to look Belece in the eyes. “Now, I think it’s about time we sat down and had some lunch.”

Belece just nodded, and followed Liam back towards Nightblood. She sat on a nearby rock and watched as Liam stoked a fire and began to make them tea with water he had retrieved from the nearby stream. While the water was boiling, he dug some more bread out of his pack and handed Belece a roll. He then proceeded to cut a couple of wedges of cheese before moving on to a ham. All this time, he did not make eye contact with Belece, almost as though he was trying not to spook her.

Belece herself just sat on her rock in silence, breaking apart her cheese and bread and eating it. Liam poured out a cup of tea and passed it to her. She wrapped her hands around the comfortingly warm vessel and took a few sips. By now, she was beginning to feel a bit silly for her outburst earlier.

“The plague that killed my family was sorcerer-made.”

Belece’s comment took Liam off-guard. He was almost unsure he had heard her right. His eyes flicked up to meet hers, but she continued to stare into her cup of tea.

“Someone deliberately killed a thousand people, for no more reason than having the power to be able to do it,” she continued. “They didn’t even remain to watch the destruction they wreaked. They allowed their victims to die a slow and painful death while locked in a prison out on the ocean that they had previously called their home.”

“I’m sorry,” Liam replied. It was ridiculous how inadequate that sentiment felt when he expressed it, but he could think of no other words to reply with. It certainly explained Belece’s earlier overreaction to his cleaning spell. He couldn’t even imagine what it must have been like watching all those people die and being the only one to have lived. And to know that someone had deliberately sent such a plague? Liam could not understand the reasoning behind such actions.

Finally Belece lifted her head to meet Liam’s eyes. The smile that graced her face was mildly rueful.

“I’m sorry for slapping you, Liam,” she said. “I know you were only trying to help. I was just a bit surprised. I had no idea you had the Gift.”

“I am sorry for not mentioning it,” he replied. “It has always been part of my life, so I sometimes forget about it myself. I promise I will not magic you in the future without your express permission.”

I promise not to use any magic at all, Liam thought. His actions with the dress before had been stupid on more than one account. Liam knew that it was possible for people to track him when he used his Gift, so he avoided it as much as he could. He had just felt that such a small amount of magic for such a brief time would have been safe. He hadn’t considered there would be other repercussions through its use.

“Thank-you,” Belece replied. “I dare say we should keep no more secrets from one another,” she continued. “In light of that, I think I better inform you that I am more than just a Bilanese Lady. I am Emperor Dian’s cousin.”

Liam blanched. Emperor Dian was the ruler of Bilan, the great northern nation above Tremal that ruled over the thousand tropical islands surrounding it. He had no siblings, so being his cousin placed Belece as close to Bilanese royalty as it was possible.

Liam opened his mouth, but Belece responded before he had a chance to reply.

“You must remember that everyone in Bilan thinks I am dead,” she pointed out. “You yourself did not believe that anyone in Blackthorn Temple had survived the plague until you found me. Unless we encounter anyone who is aware of my identity, they will continue to presume that I am dead.”

“But you are royalty,” he protested.

“I am not,” she protested. “My cousin is, and as soon as he has children of his own, I will become but a footnote of that lineage. If only my Uncle Tibit did not prefer the company of men, then even now I would be. Judge me instead by my Tremellan lineage. My mother was Aniki of Anderran.” Belece lifted her hand to point at Liam. “Look – even one as common as you laughs at that supposedly noble house! Everyone has heard that Lord Albos of Anderran has as many wives as there are days in the week and a child for each full and new moon. My mother was given to my supposedly royal father in payment of a bet. That, my friend, is how you should evaluate my nobility.”

Liam was floored, and on more than one account. Belece had just laid bare some of the most personal gossip of the most noble families without ceremony – Bilanese and Tremellan alike. Everyone of the southern landmass had heard rumours of Prince Tibit’s appetites, but they were treated as just that – rumours. And despite being one of the oldest noble houses in Tremal, everyone had expressed some opinion on how Lord Albos ran his house. But the thought that he had given one of his children to a Bilanese prince in payment of a bet galled Liam. Belece’s sudden pronouncement also told Liam exactly who her father was, and all the history that went with him, without her actually having to say his name. Given that she was Emperor Dian’s cousin, that meant that her father had to have been Prince Loki. Before his death half a decade ago, he was known to be a violent drunk. Liam had never even heard that he had taken a wife, or that he had offspring. He could not even begin to imagine what it must have been like being raised in such a house.

“Liam, please say something,” Belece begged after Liam remained silent. Liam sat forward and placed his head in his hands. He sighed as he slowly rubbed his face before looking up at Belece.

“Please tell me that’s the last of the secrets you have for me,” he said.

Belece remained wide-eyed, but nodded slowly.

“Good,” he replied.

Liam pulled himself to his feet and stretched. He felt about ten years older than when he sat down. He turned to face Belece, who remained where she sat, feet tucked neatly beneath her and hands folded on her lap.

“What?” he asked irately as she continued to stare at him.

“Am I still allowed to remain with you?” Belece asked coyly.

Liam sighed.

“Of course you are,” he replied. “I can hardly be leaving you in the woods, now, can I?”

“But once we get to the wayhouse…”

“We shall get you a room and leave the following morn,” Liam asserted. “My lady, I promised you that you can accompany me on my journey. Whatever revelations about your lineage has not changed that.” He extended a hand to her. “Now, can we be going?”

A smile broke across Belece’s face, as she reached out and took Liam’s hand. He pulled her to her feet, before appraising her for a moment.

“I wonder, given your trouble riding this morning, if mayhaps we shouldn’t dress you in some breeches,” Liam pondered.

Belece balked.

“You would have more luck turning me into a cat, mage.”

Liam smiled and brushed the bracken from his pants.

“Fine, then. Have it your way.”

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Chapter 3

It took three days further travel to reach the gates of Harmona. In spite of her earlier protestations, Belece was wearing breeches. She had made too many tumbles from Nightblood’s back – of which only some were rescued by Liam – to do otherwise.

Harmona was a town set on the crossroads of Midland Highway and Eastern Route, nestled around the banks of the River Jodurh in Fief Hamden. Belece had forgotten how beautiful the town was until they crested the rise surrounding the valley. She couldn’t help but gasp as her eyes took in the River Jodurh, winding its way tortuously through the valley, a multitude of rivulets branching off it. A number of waterwheels were located across its length, and even at this distance Belece could hear the gentle creaking of the machinery they ran and the rush of water turning them. The town itself was a collection of local sandstone buildings that splayed out in concentration in to the surrounding countryside much like the fireworks of her people. She could see a large bell tower in the centre of town, that Liam informed her was part of the residence that the Lord of Hamden kept in town – that was also their destination.

The closer they got to Harmona, the more people Liam and Belece came across on the road, which made Belece uncomfortable. Having come from a less frequented route, it had been days since they had encountered another person. In the short space that she had known him, Belece had become surprisingly comfortable around Liam. But now that other people were present, suddenly she felt very aware that she was wearing men’s clothes, and every time her eyes caught that of a fellow traveller, she felt that they were judging her for it.

Liam felt Belece’s tension, and brought Nightblood to a halt.

“Belece, what is the matter?” he asked.

Belece turned to face him, her brown eyes wide.

“Nothing. Why would you think something is wrong?” she asked far too innocently.

“Because you’re muscles are wound tighter than a bow string. I thought you had given that up whilst riding Nightblood.”

She sighed.

“It’s just, we’re nearly in town, and I am still wearing…”

Liam laughed.

“This is because you are wearing breeches?” he asked. “My lady, all you had to do was ask.”

Liam expertly dismounted Nightblood, and offered a hand to Belece. She took it, and he assisted her off the stallion’s back. She slipped slightly on her dismount, and fell into Liam’s arms. He laughed.

“I guess your nobility is like your clumsiness – we will never break you of the habit.”

Once Belece had regained her balance, if not her dignity, Liam walked over to his cart and rummaged inside until he pulled out a dress. He offered it to Belece like some rag.

“Just put it on over your breeches. You may change once we get to my Lord’s house.”

Belece struggled into her dress. Even though it felt strange to be wearing two layers of clothing, she felt better for it.

“Are you going to be able to ride like that?” Liam asked when she was finished. He sighed when he got no response. “Fine. We’ll walk from here.”

Belece strode to catch up with Liam.

“You never did say who we were going to meet once we got to your Lord’s house,” Belece pointed out.

“His name is Finnian,” he replied. “I am hoping that he still holds enough good will towards me to provide us with work and shelter for the winter.”

“Of course… work…”

Belece found herself grimacing at the thought. Noble born, she had never so much as cleaned her own room before, let alone to something that could be labelled a chore. She never had the need to. As a child, it was always expected that as the emperor’s cousin that she would marry well, and as such have servants to deal with such things. After her family fled to Blackthorn, she was expected to study and have no focus other than her education. Even there they had a small contingent of staff to care for their home and well-being. Belece knew that Liam had warned her of this when they had started this journey, but at the time she was just so scared about being left on her own that it had not sunk in on that occasion. She was not entirely sure that she would do well as a servant, and she couldn’t help but wonder what Liam would do with her then. Would he be disappointed in her, or worse, abandon her? She looked up at Liam, while he expertly led Nightblood into town. He looked as calm as always, evidently comfortable with the layout of the town. She couldn’t imagine that he would leave her, but at the same time she did not want to be a burden. She would just have to do her best in this endeavour.

“We’re here.”

Belece was surprised when she looked up that they stood in front of a large stone building in the centre of a bustling town. It had large double-tall windows on both stories, and had a bell tower directly above the main entrance. There was a large gate to the left of the building which appeared to lead into a courtyard, but other than that the building was contiguous with its neighbours. Belece wondered for a moment if they would be taking the gate to find the servant’s quarters, but Liam surprised Belece by walking up to the door and knocking on it.

It was a few moments before the door opened, to reveal a tall man with greying hair.

“Could you inform Master Finnian that Liam is here?” he asked the man, who nodded before re-entering the building.

Belece did not have the time to inquire about who Master Finnian was before the door swung open. A man came bounding out to wrap his arms around Liam and pull him into a hug.

For Belece, it was almost like looking at a mirror when looking at the two men embracing in front of her. Both were tall and built on slightly muscular lines, and both had those insanely blue eyes that seemed to penetrate into your soul. The only difference was the hair colour. Where Liam’s hair was golden, his friend wore a crown of strawberry curls.

“Liam, you little bastard!” his companion announced, pulling away to look at Liam. “What in the Dark God’s shade are you doing in Harmona?”

Liam stepped out of his cousin’s grasp, before indicating towards Belece.

“Finnian, this is Lady Belece Chikami – my travelling companion. I was wondering if I was able to talk to you in private about some matters.”

“Of course!” Finnian replied. “Far be it from me to refuse a request from my darling cousin – especially when he keeps such company.”

Finnian walked up and grasped Belece’s hand, before lifting it to his lips and kissing it.

“My lady, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”

“And yours,” she replied, her noble politeness too ingrained to be dissuaded by her shock. No one had ever greeted her by kissing her hand before. It was far too forward a gesture at an introduction!

“Come! Come on in!” Finnian gestured towards his house. “I will have Walter bring tea for you and your lovely lady in the sitting room…”

“…Actually,” Liam interrupted, “I was hoping that I may speak to you in private.”

Finnian’s eyes caught Liam’s. Now that she was closer, she realised that Finnian’s eyes had a slightly green tinge as opposed to Liam’s pure blue.

“I suppose you do have some explaining to do,” Finnian agreed. His voice had lost all of its frivolity from moments ago. “Walter – please bring the lady to the sitting room. My cousin and I will be in my father’s study.”

Liam and Finnian left Belece in the corridor with Finnian’s butler, and made their way to the Lord’s study. It did not escape Belece’s notice that Liam had no need for directions as he made his way there. In fact, he seemed to be slightly faster paced than the man who had claimed to be his cousin. It was only once the door was safely closed behind them that Finnian continued to speak.

“Six months, Liam.”

Liam remained silent.

“You have been absent for six months, and you turn up on my doorstep with some… companion?”

“Do not say it like that,” Liam replied. “There is nothing improper going on between Belece and I…”

“Do you truly believe I care what company you keep? You are a young man – we all have our indiscretions,” Finnian snapped. The joyful mask that had begun to slip before had truly disappeared by now. It was impossible to mistake the undertone of rage in Finnian’s voice. “Liam – you disappeared. Your father announces your succession and you suddenly disappear? No one knew if you had run away or had been kidnapped! And through it all, I stand by your name. My cousin is no coward – I say. Someone must have taken him. And yet here you stand before me, unharmed and in the company of some Bilanese woman…”

“It is not like that!” Liam protested. “You know nothing of what drove me away – and none of this has to do with Belece!”

“Then please explain!” Finnian shouted. “Do you realise the effect your disappearance has had on Tremal? Every Lord between here and the Eastern Ocean has been sent to look for you. And your father… you do realise the man is dying?”

“That man only ever wants to be my father when it suits him,” Liam spat. “For fifteen years, he called me a bastard, and then he has the gall to name me the crown prince?” Liam stood from his seat, and walked over to the fireplace. “My mother – your aunt – died on the word of that man. He cares not for me but wishes to use me, like he did my mother. I refuse to be his pawn.”

“That man wants to give you the crown…”

“That man does not want to be the last of his line,” Liam corrected. “He never managed to produce a legitimate heir, so names me as one instead.”

“So why turn up here now?” Finnian asked.

“Finn, you have always been my closest friend and ally,” Liam said, walking up to place his hands on his shoulders. “You are my cousin, and the only blood that I care to share.”

“You flatter me, cousin, but you’re yet to answer my question.”

Liam sighed.

“Finn, you are one of the greatest sorcerers of the southern lands…”

“Yet more flattery,” Finn interrupted, “albeit accurate.”

“You have seen the company that I now keep. Had it been just me, I would not have come to you for help. But winters are harsh here, and I need to keep Belece safe.”

“You really do care for this woman, don’t you?” Finn asked.

“I barely know her,” Liam replied. “Finn, Belece has just lost her entire family. She is alone and afraid, and just the type of person that people would take advantage of. Somehow I have ended up her protector, but I need help in doing that. I need your help.”

Finn sighed.

“Liam, in the sixteen years that I have known you, never once have you ever asked me for help.”

“I am aware.”

“What is so special about this girl?” he asked.

Liam sighed.

“She is the cousin of the emperor of Bilan. Like me, she does not want to return home. I am trying to assist her in that endeavour.”

“You are asking me to hide the first in line for the Bilanese throne, along with the first in line for our own?” Finn asked, bemused.

“Oddly enough, I have noticed the irony,” Liam grumbled. “All I am asking is for work and shelter through the winter, and that you do not turn me in to my father’s men.”

“All you are asking for is tantamount to treason in two of the most powerful countries in all the lands,” Finn stated.

“I am aware.”

“Good.” Finn smiled. “As long as you are aware.” He turned and strode towards the door. “I will arrange accommodation for you and your lady in the servants quarters.”

“There is just one more thing…” Finn turned towards Liam. “Belece is unaware that I am the crown prince of Tremal. I wish for it to stay that way.”

“I am far more discreet than you give me credit for, cousin,” Finn replied. “Although I dare say that you will come to regret this decision in times to come.”

“Unlikely,” Liam said dismissively.

“But that does beg the question of how we stop others from noticing you are the crown prince. The staff here do know you, Liam, and whilst I would never think of turning you in, they may do so.” Finn took a step back and looked contemplative for a moment. He waved a hand in front of Liam’s face. “There. That’s better.”

Liam’s brows furrowed, before he strode over towards a mirror. The man who stared back at him was unfamiliar. Short brown hair stood up at all angles, set over an elongated face with rich hazel eyes. Liam watched as the man turned to face Finn.

“No.”

“Oh come on! I think I did a brilliant job,” Finn said, turning Liam back towards the mirror. “The staff will not recognise you like this, so won’t report your whereabouts to your father. And if they don’t know who you are, they won’t be able to tell your lady, either.”

“Let us ignore for the moment that Belece is scared of magic,” Liam said calmly. “Did you not think that she might ask why my face had to be changed?”

“Give me some credit, cousin,” Finn said, mimicking an affronted tone. “My mirage is only visible to those that I choose. When Belece looks at you, you shall appear as you always do.”

Liam examined his new visage in the mirror again. He had to admit, his cousin had a point. This way his identity could remain secret without Belece becoming suspicious. And at least his cousin did not make him look ugly.

“Okay, then,” Liam agreed. Finn clapped him on the shoulders.

“Great.” A wide smile spread across his face. “Now, what do you mean that Belece is scared of magic?”

Liam sighed, and turned to face his cousin.

“Belece’s family died in the plague at Blackthorn Temple. It turns out that plague was mage-sent,” he explained. “Understandably, she’s a bit sensitive about the use of magic right now.”

“Darkness deep,” Finn whispered. “Well, we best be getting back to your lady friend.”

“Indeed,” Liam agreed.

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