Silent Orchids (The Age of Alandria: Book One) (3 page)

Kaeleigh loved fall in Missoula, Montana. The colors were all so vivid and beautiful. The crisp, cool air was refreshing as she walked down the sidewalk. There always seemed to be something going on. Being able to see the different mountain ranges leading up to Glacier National Park was inspiring to say the least. They made her smile every day. Since her friend Chel had started attending the college, they didn’t get to hike as often as they liked. 

Chel—like the sea “shell”—Marzén had been her bestie since junior high and her roommate for the last six months, since they’d graduated from high school. Chel, however, had recently moved out of their quaint “girl apartment” into her boyfriend Samuel’s “man-pad” against her parents’ and Kaeleigh’s better judgment. He seemed like a good guy, but there was just something about him Kaeleigh couldn’t put her finger on that made her uneasy. And it had happened so fast. She didn’t want to lose her friend over it so she tolerated him... for now. At least it was just a couple buildings down the street from her.  

Her other friend—her only other friend—Finnlan “Finn” Talaín, she had only known the last few years but seemed like she’d known him her entire life. He was a loyal, caring person and he had always been there for her when she needed him. He lived right across the street above the little bakery they loved to frequent, and she could see his window from her little balcony that opened to a fire escape.

Where Chel could be spontaneous and artistic, Finn was punctual and moody. Kaeleigh couldn’t even remember how the three of them ended up together. They’d been the only family she’d known. Grateful for them both, she smiled as she headed to Antonia’s. On more occasions than this one, she thought she should tell them about her “flashes,” but they already thought her obsession with the orchids was weird. Telling them she thought these flashes were from “the great beyond” trying to tell her something would probably put her on the crazy list. So for now, she would keep it to herself.  

Chapter Three

The slam of his fist against the marble wall echoed as he marched down the hall leading to where High Court was being held. Daegan didn’t even register the pain in his hand until seconds later. 

Summoned!? I am
family
! Can they not simply request my presence?  

Clenching his fist then shaking it out to relieve the pain that was now throbbing, he grumbled under his breath, “I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I guess it doesn’t really matter, though, does it?” He would comply no matter the request. He always did, even when it went against his better judgment.

Daegan Waethní, nephew to the Paladin and third in line to the throne, resigned himself to his current fate as he strode angrily toward the chamber. He had been trained by the Ferrishyn elite guard—the Ferrishyn being the warrior race of the Faeries. As the most skilled warrior with the addition of his “gifts,” he was invaluable as both protector of the family and executioner of their dark justice.

The only slight differences between him and the Faeries of the earth were his larger build that was able to hold the form of a warrior, his more dominant nature (earth Faeries were more of a peaceful race), and his slightly darker skin. The Ferrishyn were bred to fight and to protect, whereas the Faeries were made to grow and cultivate the earth. Daegan, with his raven black-blue hair that fell to his ears, sharp facial features, and chiseled jaw, exuded dominance and an energy that when unrestrained often made bystanders cower where they stood. Thick, dark eyebrows punctuated the dark-chocolate color of his eyes. Eyes that were deep set and held an intensity that could see into the depths of the most guarded. Eyes that had seen too much despair and not enough hope. His strength and confidence came not only from years of training as a warrior but also from the center of who he was as a Ferrishyn.

Daegan was very young when his parents had fled with him from Feraánmar to the outlying lands. It wasn’t long after that they had died. In fact, he hardly remembered them at all. Wren and Maleina, the current guardians of Feraánmar—called the Paladin, had found him. He was their great-nephew or great-great nephew; he couldn’t remember. When they had found him, he had been in fairly bad shape, having had survived for over a year by himself roaming like a nomad and hiding in caves or whatever shelter he could find—or create—at the ripe age of seven or eight. He couldn’t remember many of the details now, and in any case, they were unimportant to him. A long many years had passed since then.

He had been orphaned by the devastation and tragedies of the Uprising that began many years ago. The Paladin were now his only family. His anger and bitterness at having lost his parents when he was young had colored how he viewed everything growing up. He chose the path that brought him to his current station with not many other choices that he could foresee. He had dedicated himself to become the best warrior possible and he had succeeded. He was a warrior... the finest. And everybody knew it. 

The Paladin were the guardian rulers of Feraánmar, the dominion of the Faeries. It consisted of only two—Wren and Maleina Endíl. They had stepped in after the last great battle when the king and queen, along with the princess of Feraánmar, were killed, leaving no heir to the throne. The Paladin had grown in power in the years since. This power gave them life, and they always craved more of it. However, as leaders they were weak. Wren had lost much of his younger ambition.

Many would say Wren and Maleina should be dethroned, but no one had yet tried—maybe because of Daegan himself, because he stood in the way whether he wanted to or not. Change was coming, however. It was a time for planning and seeking opportunity... for what, he could not yet say. It was just a feeling, but he would be waiting.

✾✾✾

High Court was held in the throne room of the kingdom in Elnye, the capital city of Feraánmar. The surrounding walls were a beautiful ivory marble with veins of red threaded throughout from floor to ceiling. Eight giant marble pillars, four on either side of the room, escorted Daegan to the opposite end of the room. He had barged in, not waiting for the servant to “announce” him. He felt a bit bad thinking of the poor Faerie trying to keep up with him enough to make an official announcement.

Two oversized high-back ornate thrones set up on a stage covered in the most lavishly expensive burgundy fabric stood ominously before him, mocking him or anyone that would wish for anything different than what the Paladin would so “generously” offer. Two plush, brilliant-blue velvet pillows lay on the floor at the base of the stage for those entreating with the court to kneel. It gave a false sense of casual openness, as if one’s petition might actually be heard, which, unless it benefitted Wren and Maleina—well, mostly Maleina—it wouldn’t be. 

Lush greenery surrounded the hall. Crawling vines with small white and purple blooms ate their way throughout the room. Thin-trunked trees with perfectly shaped leaves of all shades of green with roots that grew from underneath the marble floor were landscaped behind the thrones. Wren and Maleina were earth Faeries with a natural-born connection to the land. Not so much presently but in the past, earth Faeries had felt a responsibility to cultivate and nourish anything that grew in Alandria. Unfortunately, Maleina felt their magic was better used within their domain. As a result, everything beyond the borders of Feraánmar suffered. Alandria was dying and not just from a lack of magic. Inside High Court, however, there was something sinister lying within its natural beauty. Something in the trees made them feel dangerous. 

Daegan was announced, albeit a bit weakly, by the breathless Faerie that had followed him in.

I have been summoned. But I don’t play these games. Let us talk and be done with it.
 

He strode in with strength and confidence straight toward them. He saw the briefest flash of shock in Maleina’s eyes as she adjusted her posture, choosing to ignore his insolence. Daegan’s attitude belied his belief that he was not their inferior—their position had not been granted, but taken. He usually hid it better. Not today.

Wren, a Faerie and one of the Ferrishyn, still looked to be in his fifties compared to a human’s standards of age. The only physical evidence of his aging were the few streaks of silver highlighting his dark hair on the sides and a little spattering throughout the crown. Still handsome, he had kept himself in the shape a seasoned warrior should be. He was tall and carried the ghost of someone used to commanding, but over time he had let it slip away. His flat gray eyes spoke defeat, as disconnect was the only means of getting through the next event he was dragged to, dressed in fine linens and attending the most important events and meeting with the leaders of other tribes. At first glance, Wren appeared to be wise beyond his years, ruling in splendor and glory, but instead he was diminished to the shadow of his wife.

Wren greeted Daegan with a slight nod. Deep down Daegan believed he actually cared about the people, but he hadn’t stood up to her for them. That was where Daegan lost respect for him... and for himself.

Maleina was ever smooth, manipulative, and enticing, but her authority was absolute. Wren now deferred to her ambitions and all Feraánmar feared her. She was beautiful, with long red hair that was always adorned in jewels. Her dresses were flowing and colorful, always revealing just enough to turn heads. She could seduce with false humility and charm but at her core, she was exceedingly arrogant and vengeful. There was a fire in her eyes ready to consume anything that got in her way, and it often did.

Daegan sensed her time was coming to end. Her reign?... Her life?... He wasn’t sure, nor did he care. Watching her grow more paranoid and more restless as the days went on, he had to believe she could sense it too.  

Their son, Halister, not much younger than Daegan, was lighthearted and sanguine; a show-off just trying to be seen and heard by his parents. Their daughter, Rheina, second in line after Halister to the throne, had a bit of an attitude. She was about to come of age and felt she was entitled. Rheina could be loud and spirited one moment, then grow moody and sulk to the shadows in another. What not many saw, however, was her quietly good heart.     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✾✾✾

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

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