6.

  Faelwen

  The tunnel emerged high above the sprawling, ancient city. From this vantage point, I could see its entirety, though only parts of it were lit.

  Shadows shrouded much of the city, but the glow of torches cast just enough light to make out details in the darkness below.

  The city was carved from grey stone, with the familiar white carvings lining the walls. The same intricate patterns we’d encountered in the tunnels.

  Everywhere, the architecture had a flowing, organic beauty, with lanterns and buildings designed in fluid, winding forms. Streets paved in silvery stones hinted at a forgotten magic, shimmering faintly even in the dimness.

  In this place without sunlight, no greenery thrived, only patches of luminescent blue mushrooms clung to walls and grew on the ground, casting a spectral glow.

  “These mushrooms are poisonous,” the young man warned, his voice low. I still didn’t know his name.

  Far to the north, a massive structure loomed. The castle, where I guessed the city’s lord and lady had once lived. Time and the earthquake had taken their toll. Cracked walls and broken stones scattered the streets and buildings, obstructing pathways. Overhead, elven-built pillars held up a low, worn ceiling of grey and red stone, supported by plain stones and rough cement.

  I thought about the miles of dirt and then houses of stone above our heads. If that would fall upon us… don’t think about it. These people lived here and they wouldn’t live here if it wasn’t safe.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” the young man commented, his voice carrying softly as he passed me, heading downhill into the heart of the city. I followed in silence, Artemis padding at my side.

  What do you think this city was like in its prime? I asked Artemis.

  It was surely the pride of the Ancestral Region, he replied.

  To my surprise, the streets were clean, and the inhabitants—men, women and children—looked healthy and well. My eyes widened. They’re actually people living here? I had not expected that. My eyes found Spook and when he noticed my surprise he grinned.

  “You think we don’t take wives and have children? Our families are allowed to live here instead of up there in houses of poor conditions or if you’re less lucky living on the streets,” he explained. What he said made sense. These houses looked far studier and better than the ones in the poor district above ground. My gaze wandered back to the inhabitants.

  They moved about, dressed in dark clothes that blended easily with the shadows. Fires burned inside homes, yet no smoke hung in the air, making me wonder how the air here stayed fresh.

  The city was quiet, with only the soft murmur of voices drifting through the streets. Every person we passed had a penetrating, wary look, even the children. Their sharp eyes reminded me to keep my head down.

  “They aren’t fond of newcomers,” the young man whispered. “Keep your gaze down. Don’t make eye contact.”

  I obeyed, but curiosity tugged at me. Closing my eyes, I separated my awareness, slipping into Artemis’s senses, my body continuing to follow the young man in a trance.

  Through Artemis’s sharp vision and keen sense of smell, I felt the city more acutely, the vibration of life above us, the scent of decay from distant, dead creatures mingled with the sweet odour of mushrooms, and a faint, lingering freshness from the outside world.

  High above, narrow grates opened to the surface, through which I could glimpse the starry sky and hear the occasional rumble of footsteps. People walked over the grates and now and then a cart drove by. I saw the young man slow his pace through Artemis’s eyes.

  Pulling my awareness back to myself, I whispered to the young man, “Doesn’t anyone above smell the smoke or hear the noise down here? And what if it rains?”

  “There are enough scents above to mask ours,” he replied without looking back. “And the rain? That’s what the ditches are for.”

  He pointed to a small river flowing down the city’s centre, fed by carefully engineered drains. The water ran down into the lower tunnels.

  Finally, he stopped in front of the castle and turned to me, gripping my shoulders tightly.

  “The man we’re about to meet knows all. Speak only when asked, don’t ask questions, and keep your head down. Understand?”

  I nodded, and he released me, pushing open the castle’s heavy doors. We stepped into a grand hall, its worn stone echoing with the crackle of two large fires.

  Two men leaned against the walls, dressed similarly to my guide.

  “What brings you here, Spook?” one of the men sneered. So, his name was Spook. Or at least, that was what they called him.

  “I brought a gift,” Spook replied smoothly, locking eyes with the man. “Beware to whom you speak, the walls have ears, my friend, the doors have eyes. Trees have voices, beasts tell lies. Beware the rain, beware the snow…”

  “Beware the man, you think you know,” another man responded, a soft whisper that sent a chill down my spine. A figure in a dark cloak stepped forward from the shadows by the fire. He wasn’t tall, but his presence filled the room. Dressed in black, with leather straps across his chest and a hood that shrouded his face, he wore two swords crossed on his back.

  When he pulled back his hood the face of a middle aged man appeared. I noticed his nose had been broken several times, and his jaw was firm and unforgiving. His dark hair was wild, and his piercing gaze looked at me with chilling intensity. Spook pulled me forward, bowing slightly.

  “I brought you someone, sir,” he said. The man’s stare bore into me, making me shiver. Even Artemis shrank back.

  “Why bring me such a disappointing prize again, boy?” he asked, his voice harsh. “You know what happens when you keep disappointing me.” Spook kept his gaze on me, his jaw tightened.

  “This girl is no ordinary traveller,” he responded, his voice trembling slightly. “She’s being hunted by the Silver Soldiers and has evaded them. She possesses… abilities. I overheard a conversation where the soldiers were talking about her and saying she needed to be eliminated. Anyone bringing her in would earn a great deal of gold.”

  Eliminated? The word struck me. I had to get out of here. The man’s cold eyes lingered on me, filled with an anger and despair that seemed bottomless. I met his gaze, feeling a wave of hostility that made my pulse quicken. He looked at Spook, raising an eyebrow.

  “You think this girl is valuable?”

  “Yes, sir. Or she could be useful to us. Her kind of magic is unlike anything I’ve seen.”

  I glared at him. Angry at him revealing my magical abilities and angry at myself for secretly believing he would keep it a secret. He promised a safe place, but now… A plan began to form in my mind.

  Artemis, look for a way out. I commanded him. I kept my voice steady as I addressed the man.

  “I don’t want trouble. I only need a way out of this city.”

  The man laughed, a low, cold sound.

  “Do you know who I am, girl?” he leaned closer, and his tone dropped to a hiss.

  “No one leavesss or enters my city without my leave. I am the ssshadow here, the ssservant of death. I am the Basilisssk, one of the three masters of the Thieves’ Guild.”

  Swallowing my fear, I straightened. “Then perhaps we can come to an arrangement. Spook here promised me shelter for the storm.”

  He arched an eyebrow, clearly amused by my defiance and looked from Spook back to me.

  “Bold. And what could you possibly offer me?”

  “Well, Spook was talking about a favour?” I countered. The Basilisk smirked.

  “A favour… I might consider granting you ssshelter, in exchange for one sssmall task. Bring me the child of High king Edmund, and I’ll guarantee your protection in this city.”

  My blood went cold. Kidnapping the king’s child would give this man unimaginable power, possibly even the throne. The idea horrified me. I’d be giving him a weapon to rule through fear and cruelty, even worse than the tyrant who ruled this city before. I hesitated too long, and his eyes narrowed.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. “Talking to that wolf of yours?”

  I shot a warning glance to Artemis, but it was too late. The Basilisk lunged, his knife pressed to my throat.

  “What are you?” he hissed, his dark eyes searching my face.

  “Just… a traveller,” I stammered, but Spook intervened.

  “She’s more than that, sir. Watch this.” He grabbed my wrist and pressed my hand against the wall.

  Light flared from my fingertips, racing through the city, illuminating everything in a soft, silver glow.

  Outside, the entire city came alive in pale light, and through the windows, I saw people stepping out of their homes, bewildered. The name of the city resounded in my head together with the words: ? suilad, gilthoniel, hína’ Eyela. Translated it meant: Welcome, lady of stars, child of Eyela.This city knew me.

  Artemis, this city knows who I am.

  It’s elven magic. They recognize their own kin, Artemis explained.

  Why call me a lady of stars? I asked in return.

  All elves are made from the stars, it’s their way to say you are kin to the elves.

  Before I could respond, the Basilisk seized me by the throat.

  “Who are you?” he demanded again, but I couldn’t speak, his grip too tight.

  “Fae..,” I gasped. He loosened his grip and I spoke: “I’m Faelwen.”

  He released me with a shove, drawing his sword as he muttered, “I do not trust pointy-eared devils who speak with animals. Perhaps I should kill you instead.”

  “I’m not a devil!” I yelled at him in fear.

  “Ssshut your mouth, servant of the Fiend,” he sneered back at me.

  Artemis leapt to defend me.

  “No!”

  But it was too late. He jumped at the Basilisk who struck him aside, then advanced, sword drawn. I managed to grab my short-sword and our swords crossed each other just in time, making a high sneering, metal sound as they slid past each other.

  I rolled aside as his sword landed on the ground. The Basilisk snapped his fingers and within seconds three of his men surrounded me. They were swift. Dancing around me with their sharp knives. I tried to block every one of them, using my knowledge from the lessons from Thalor.

  Look at their body language, Faelwen. Fighting is like a dance. He would always say.

  I watched their every move and copied their dance, avoiding their blows. I tried to hit them, but they were too fast. Disappearing and suddenly striking you from behind.

  Suddenly a sharp pain shot through my side. Blood ran down my leg. I grunted, dropped my sword and grabbed my bow. More confident with that weapon I hoped it could save me. I saw movement in the right corner of my eye, and shot an arrow in that direction.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  I heard a man yell in pain. But then the Basilisk joined the combat. I tried to aim an arrow at him, but the Basilisk was faster, closing the distance and slashing my weapon from my grip.

  He pushed me down on the ground. Within seconds, his men bound me and stripped me of my other weapons. I heard Artemis yelped when he was caught.

  “Spook! Tell him the truth. We just want a way out!” I pleaded, desperate. But Spook turned away, anxiety written on his face.

  I turned my attention back to the Basilisk.

  “Please believe me. I’m not a devil. I’m a mage, an elf mage or part human, I don’t know. But I’m not a devil!”

  The Basilisk ignored my pleas and so did Spook. Following his master as we were taken to the dungeons. I was thrown into a dark cell and collapsed on the cold floor. Despair overwhelmed me.

  I’m sorry, Artemis.

  We’ll find a way out, Wen, he replied softly from the adjacent cell. But as the darkness closed in, my hope faded.

  Suddenly, a voice whispered in my mind. Q?va, nín hína. Wake up, my dear child.

  “Mom?” I whispered.

  Yes, little one. In a heartbeat I was no longer in the cell. I found myself in a garden, bathed in warm sunlight. The smell of flowers and grass danced through the air.

  The sun burned my skin and I sat up, rubbing my eyes. I looked around me and realised I was in my own garden from when I was little. Flowers bloomed around me, and my mother sat beneath an apricot tree, a book in her lap.

  She had the same dark brown hair as me, the same eyes, the same ears. My mother looked sad as usual. Her dark green eyes stared dreamily towards a place only she could see. Yet she smiled at me as I ran to embrace her, feeling the icy coolness of her skin.

  “I miss you so much,” I cried.

  Hush my child. Don’t let fear grip your heart

  Her lips didn’t move when she spoke.

  “What is this place, mother? Where are you?”

  You tell me, little one. It is your world here where we are.

  “Are you saying this is all a dream? It’s all in my head?” I answered.

  Of course, it is in your head.

  “How? But… how can I talk to you, when you are not here, with me? When you died so long ago?”

  Tears sprang up in my eyes.

  You must be very powerful to call for me in your dreams. To travel through time itself, open portals to other realms and connect with those who passed away.

  I remembered the magic in the demon's lair, the walls lighting up in the tunnels and Barnabas’ voice telling me there was something that prevented my magical abilities from fully appearing.

  “You’re right, but there is something blocking my magic and I don’t know what.”

  Your magic is a part of you, my child. But the Weave is the river that feeds it. Something has dammed the access to that river for you. You still have magic, but you can’t draw from the Weave itself. If you use your magic now, it will be more difficult. You have to extract magic from your own body.

  “How can I do that?”

  You already did it once.

  A flicker of a memory appeared in my mind. The surge of energy I felt in the demon’s lair.

  But it’s dangerous. My mother continued. Your body has only a limited amount of magic inside of you, because of your fey ancestry. Your elf blood is stronger than your human blood. It’s what I’d hoped for. They will help you.

  “Who are they, Mom?”

  The memories of our ancestors. I need to go now.

  She started to fade together with her surroundings. The warmth of the sun disappeared, and coldness overtook me again.

  “No! Wait! I’ve got so many more questions!”

  Do not fear, my child, help is on the way. Trust those who keep their light close to their hearts.

  Her voice fell away from me.

  “Mom!” I called out to her, but she was gone.

  Something startled me awake. I jerked upright, my cheeks wet with tears, which I quickly wiped away. The cell was engulfed in darkness, and it took a moment for my eyes to adjust. Then a sudden noise caught my attention, alerting my senses. Metal against metal.

  At the door of my cell, I heard a quiet struggle, a key working its way into the rusty elven lock. I held my breath as the lock finally clicked open.

  A figure, clad in black, slipped inside and motioned for me to stand. It was Spook.

  “Come on, little fox. They want to talk to you,” he said. They? Did he refer to the Basilisk and Hawkeye? If so, I might have a second chance of convincing them to let me go. Although the chance might be small, since I attacked them. Or rather… Artemis did. I sighed.

  Spook looked questioningly at me for a moment before he bent to help me up, and a silver necklace slipped out from under his collar. Before he tucked it away, I glimpsed its delicate design; a tiny figure holding a silver, starshaped jewel that gave off a faint glow.

  “That’s a beautiful necklace you’re wearing,” I whispered. Spook softly touched the necklace underneath his clothes.

  “My parents gave it to me before they left,” he answered, his voice tinged with sadness.

  My mother’s voice echoed in my mind, trusting those who keep their light close to their hearts.

  What do you mean, Wen? Artemis asked, confused, catching the thought I sent him.

  I mean there is more to Spook then we think, I replied in my mind. He keeps his light close to his heart. Hiding his true feelings.

  Artemis scratched his door softly, and Spook moved to free him. Once Artemis was out, Spook said, “Follow me.”

  He led us up the stairs and into a dark corridor. Shadows curled around him as if they welcomed him back into their embrace. But all that remained in my mind was that necklace and the words my mother said. Would there really be more to Spook than meets the eye? Could he be convinced to help me out of here? Only one way to find out.

  “I thought you said you could help me escape the city,” I said, reminding him of our conversation in the tavern. Spook turned his head to me.

  “The Basilisk is unpredictable. Many times have had to deal with his fickleness. I suggest you listen to what they have to say.” And with that silence returned between us. I quietly followed him through the hallways.

  We wove our way past torch-lit hallways until we reached the main hall. The doors stood open, and inside, a fire burned low. The Basilisk was pacing, deep in thought, while another man waited. Spook raised his hand, telling me to wait. He seemed to hesitate to enter. Meanwhile the conversation in the room continued.

  “What’s your decision, Basilisk? Are you going to follow up on my advice?” the man asked. “Or do you want to get rid of her? Hand her over?”

  The Basilisk stopped and shook his head.

  “No,” he said softly, and then louder, “No. You have a point. She is quick witted and nimble, with a knack for disappearing in plain sight. Barnabas trained her well. She’s fast and small, and I wager, a fast learner.”

  A shock pulsed through me. Were they talking about…me? I shook my head. Of course they were. The Basilisk fell silent, as if listening to the air itself. I held my breath, and I could sense Spook doing the same. The other man with whom he was talking didn't seem to notice.

  “Don’t linger in the ssshadows, boy. Bring her to usss,” he hissed. I noticed a shudder go through Spook’s body before he motioned for me to follow him. With feet heavy as lead, I followed him inside the room.

  “Faelwen, meet Hawkeye. Master thief and one of the leaders of the Black Hawks,” Spook said, giving a slight bow to the Basilisk and to Hawkeye. I looked at him.

  The man, named Hawkeye, had a face that felt eerily familiar. The way he moved, tilting his head and squinting his eyes. The resemblance was uncanny, lined with age and wisdom, and shockingly like Barnabas’s.

  A pang of grief hit me as I remembered Barnabas; his guidance, his warmth, his laughter, his patience. Tears formed in the corners of my eyes. And now he was gone. Forever gone, probably wandering among the stars of his ancestors, just like my parents and my sister.

  Hawkeye glanced in my direction and smiled. A sad smile.

  “We found Barnabas’ notebooks in your backpack,” he started. “He was on to something, wasn’t he? So determined to stop this war against magi. I never knew he took an apprentice. I hope he’s alright.”

  I swallowed hard not wanting to let him know I had no idea where he was and that he might as well be gone forever. The way Hawkeye spoke about Barnabas and the way his face lit up, told me he knew Barnabas well. And given his looks were so similar…

  “If I may give a suggestion. Let her go on Barnabas quest, Basilisk.” His voice broke through my thoughts.

  He turned to the Basilisk. “This girl is strong, stronger than she knows. And to us it would be useful if she continued Barnabas’ research.”

  His words struck deep. I didn’t feel strong at all. I felt lost, like a child stumbling through a world too big and unfamiliar. There was just one thing I hung on to and that was Barnabas quest. Find the elves and maybe Barnabas himself. And then what? I had no idea. And I felt that I couldn’t do it on my own.

  I shrank back, hiding my face. Spook seemed to notice and shifted closer to me.

  “Yes you're right. That would be the right thing to do. But you don’t have the aid of your dear teacher, do you? And you feel like you can’t do it alone,” he seemed to sense my thoughts, speaking them aloud. I stiffened and my jaw clenched, but I took a deep breath, forcing myself to answer.

  “I…I don’t know where he is and…” My words failed me, grief clung to me. Always that same feeling. Overwhelming in the most inconvenient moments. I pushed it away again. Artemis brushed his head against my leg, steadying my trembling body. My eyes swiftly brushed over Hawkeye whose eyes glazed over before he looked away, wiping away the moisture.

  “I need help,” I managed to say without my voice trembling, my gaze turning back to the Basilisk.

  “She’s right. At least help to get out of the city,” Hawkeye responded softly, worry tainting his words.

  “Yesss... I believe she’ll find what we cannot, for she is one of them. She will find a way to stop this war and turn the High Kings focus on the real threat. Underworld spawn. But she does need help to get out of the city,” he responded.

  “I could help her, master,” Spook answered, straightening his shoulders. The Basilisk pressed his lips into a thin line.

  “How do I know you will not fail me again?” he hissed. Spook stiffened next to me, shifting closer as if looking for comfort. Our shoulders touched slightly. So he failed his master before. That could lead to difficulties, I assumed.

  “I can do this, master. I know how to get her out of here without the Hunters or the Silver Soldiers noticing us. Give me one last chance, please,” he said again, his tone a little quieter as before. The Basilisk breathed out through his nose.

  “Fine,” he mumbled. Hawkeye smiled and clapped his hands.

  “Great! Spook will lead you out of the city so you can continue Barnabas’s quest. I hope you’ll find him. Good luck, child. I know he would have been proud of you. Don’t lose faith, we’ll be here waiting in the shadows,” Hawkeye said, his voice gentle.

  Fighting tears, I slipped off a bracelet Barnabas had once given me, with a seashell he’d found on a journey west. I handed it to Hawkeye. He took it gently and held it up in the light.

  “It’s the last thing I have of him. Our house is burned to the ground. You can have it, if you in return hand me my possessions.”

  He nodded, a warm smile spreading over his face as he placed the bracelet on his wrist.

  “Spook will help you return your possessions.”

  “Now leave. Don’t make me regret thisss decision,” The Basilisk said.

  Spook gave a quick nod, grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him back into the shadowy hall. The warmth of the room faded, replaced by the coldness of the grey stone walls.

  Spook and I continued our way through the hall. It was eerily quiet between us.

  Then Spook exhaled.

  “I’m glad he allowed you to leave.”

  A chill ran down my spine.

  “I’m glad I can leave too. I can’t imagine working for him. It must be...”

  “Horrendous? Yes it is,” he interrupted me. “I might leave this Gods awful place behind and go with you on your quest. It sounds more fun than staying here.”

  I gently touched his arm, squeezing softly.

  “And I would gladly take you with me.”

  Our eyes met in the dark for a moment, a silent exchange of warmth between them. Would this be the start of an alliance? A companion who could carry the heavy burden of this quest with me? Gods I hoped so.

  We continued making our way out of the castle, until we emerged into the city. It was hard to shake Hawkeye’s and the Basilisk’s words. Still echoing in my mind.

  They read the journals. And they knew about the demonic entities entering this world. I was sure they knew even more than they let on.

  Spook led us to a house nestled beside a stone-reinforced wall. He nudged the door open and motioned for us to follow.

  The voices of my ancestors told me there used to be a lake here. But that lake was long gone. The house was built the same way as the other houses in this underground city. Beautifully decorated with organic forms and silver drawings. Spook pushed against the door and went through it. I followed.

  We found ourselves in a big room. The room felt distinctly human; simple, with carpets on the walls and wooden furniture. We went into a study at the back.

  The study was small. High bookshelves decorated the walls and in the middle stood a large wooden desk. A painting of a woman stood on it. Grief gathered in the corners of the room like dust, quiet and patient.

  Spook rummaged through a pile and found my backpack. I checked it, but as expected, it was empty. I started looking for my stuff, but Spook stopped me. He pulled a bundle of journals from his own bag and handed them to me.

  “Here they are. There are some extra ones from Hawkeye too.” He paused before adding, “These were from before Hawkeye… became who he is now.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “I’m sure you recognized his features,” he replied, shoving the journals into my arms before heading to the door of the study. Yes I had. But Spook mentioning it again, convinced me of him being family to Barnabas.

  Spook closed the door, and pulled one of the books on the shelves. The bookcase shoved to the side and it revealed a portrait of a woman. The same woman on the desk. But this time she held hands with a man. A young man.

  “Hawkeye and Deathrose,” Spook murmured. “Did you know Barnabas introduced them?”

  Hawkeye and Deathrose were looking at each other in the picture, a smile on both their faces. Spook removed the painting and a smaller painting was hidden beneath it. This painting was more a sketch than a painting. A sketch of a graveyard. My heart skipped a beat.

  These paintings told a story. This room was a memorial. I looked around and could suddenly see small details I missed before. Dried roses hanging upside down behind the desk. Sketches of a woman, laughing. Small empty perfume bottles. She must have passed away.

  I heard a click and saw Spook open a hidden safe behind the graveyard painting. Inside it were my short-sword, dagger, bow and arrows and my maps. I took them, then paused, feeling the need to leave a comforting message. I knew what pain he must have felt, maybe still did. I pulled a scrap of paper from my journal and wrote something Artemis used to say to me:

  Someday, all the love you’ve given away,

  Will find its way back to you

  And it will stay.

  Don’t forget, death is but another path of life.

  I put the note in the safe. We returned everything to its place, and I left a final note for Hawkeye, something Barnabas used to say to me. I had a feeling Hawkeye would know since they were probably related. The note said:

  Someday you won’t remember this pain you thought would last forever.

  I hope we meet again. Thank you for making me see him one last time.

  When I finished, a wave of panic gripped me. Where was my mother’s music box? But Spook saw my worry and opened his cloak, revealing it hidden there.

  “I saw you fiddling with that key around your neck,” he explained, “And I assumed it went with this. I couldn’t let the Basilisk take it. Even thieves have hearts. I do have to apologize; parts of the journals are missing. You see we too are searching for something to end this war. The journals from you and Barnabas, changed our plans. That’s all you need to know for now. You’re lucky they’re letting you go like that.”

  I nodded and took the music box, cradling it in my hands. When I turned the key, the familiar lullaby began, bringing a rush of memories; my mother’s laugh, her warmth, the gentle days in the garden, Barnabas’s wisdom. I closed the music box before the grief overwhelmed me.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, though my voice choked with emotion. With a hand on my shoulder, Spook gave me a look of understanding. Not saying anything and yet saying so much. I looked up at him.

  He was taller and leaned in close to wipe a tear from the corner of my eyes. He smiled. Our eye contact lingered for a second before he nodded towards the door, I smiled at him and we left the house. Artemis brushed against me as we walked in silence toward one of the tunnels.

  Before entering, I glanced back at the city. The city had fallen silent and only the distant shuffling of people walking through the streets could be heard.

  I caught sight of Hawkeye high on top of the castle wall. He looked in our direction and nodded. I wondered if he actually saw us, or if he just had a feeling of where we would be by now. His resemblance to Barnabas ached, but I raised my hand, touching my heart, a final goodbye. Then, following Spook’s torchlight, I turned and disappeared into the shadows.