Shadaya: Out of Darkness (Gemstone Royals) Read online

  "I will think about it."

  Haddin shrugged, “it is not really a suggestion, it is an order Lady Quadin. When you are summoned by the court, your duty is to respond. You seemed to have forgotten that over the years. But now as Lady of the estate, you will have certain obligations here at court, when I am king, I will expect you to meet them.”

  Shadaya’s fists tightened at her sides, “apologies your majesty. I will… attend.”

  When she emerged from the meeting room and the door was closed behind her, she felt like she was finally breathing again.

  "Come," she said to her guard, "you will return in two days to get Reeva. I want you to go retrieve my carriage and find out about the man who just left the prince’s chambers blind."

  “They might not have left with him as yet,” her guard replied, though he was clearly confused at her request.

  “Good, find out where he lives, I would like to send him a gift.”

  They stepped out into the sunlight and Shadaya felt her body relax, she did not even realize she had been so tense.

  “Wait here for me,” her guard instructed.

  While Shadaya waited for her guard to retrieve the carriage, her mind wandered to the last time she stood at this very spot. Her eyes travelled the length of the court yard and in her mind’s eye she could still see him standing there.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Shadaya watched with dread as he approached her from the far end of the courtyard, hand on the top of his sword, eyes narrowed in recognition.

  “Well well well,” he said, once he was closer, in that gentle baritone that always seemed to match the warmth and strength in his sky eyes.

  “Are my eyes deceiving me, or is that really the Quadin heiress gracing our grounds once more?”

  Despite herself Shadaya returned his smile, “and what a sight to see the evasive crown prince here at all.”

  Drayton chuckled as he stopped before her and extended his hand. Shadaya placed her hand in his and he kissed the air above it as he bowed, lifting his eyes to hers. His eyes held so much in that moment. She knew he was remembering their time together when they were younger. Remembering the days when she frequented court and enjoyed Drayton’s company with youthful, careless candor. She could also tell that he was remembering their less than amicable parting; the cruel accusations that had left her lips. The heartbreak still lingered in those captivating pools as he straightened up and reluctantly released her hand. He was a good-looking lad when she had known him before, but now he was even more handsome. Holding himself with the confidence of a man who knew his place in the world; the next king of Dravia.

  He was filling out his tunic with broader shoulders, larger arms and a stronger chest. Drayton was handsome, naturally so. With curly golden hair, sun-kissed complexion, sturdy jaw line and heartwarming smile, he could easily command the attention of all the women in a room. If Shadaya did not make every effort to vividly remember why she had ended the progression of their relationship, she might have doubted her sanity at the time.

  “It is good to see you prince Drayton, you look well.”

  “As do you,” he replied, “what brings you to court?”

  Shadaya sighed, “I came to meet with the king… to finalize matters of my father’s estate.

  Drayton smiled, “are congratulations in order then?”

  She nodded, “you are looking at the Lady of Quadin Estate.”

  “Congratulations my lady,” Drayton said with a smile, revealing a single dimple in his left cheek. Instantly Shadaya felt a wave of nostalgia. Her gaze left his.

  Regaining her bearings, she lifted her eyes, eager to change the topic.

  “What’s going on Drayton, your brother is handling so much matters at court? Why is he being given so much freedom? Even with your father unwell, you are the crown prince.”

  “I am hardly ever here Shadaya.”

  “Of course, how could I forget?”

  She started to turn away when he tentatively reached out and touched her arm. Feeling his hand on her, reminded her again of the tenderness in her heart towards him. A tenderness she dared not give in to at this pivotal time in her life.

  “Shadaya, I am sorry for the way we left things. Should we forever leave that unfortunate parting hanging over our heads?”

  Shadaya sighed and turned around, earning her a grateful smile.

  “When I am king, I would love to restore a relationship with the Quadin estate and the crown… with you.”

  His eyes held longing and hope.

  “I do not think that is a good idea Drayton.”

  He moved closer to her and whispered, “I know you are still hurting over your father and still blaming us. But there was a time when you came to me for comfort, when regardless of your feelings towards my father, you let me be there for you in your grief. For the sake of your father’s estate and legacy, you really need to open your heart again to those of us who truly care for you.”

  Shadaya made the mistake of looking into his kind eyes. Immediately, she knew that she was going to give him a chance.

  She stepped back, “that is not as easy as you think.”

  “Just because it is hard, does not mean it is not worth it. Look, I have one more mission that will take me out of city, but not for very long. Once I return, I will be more settled here at court… preparing. Can you not give our friendship a chance... again?”

  Shadaya sighed in resignation, “I am having a small tea party with some of the other Pillar families, in celebration of my new title. You can drop by if you like. It might earn me some favor with the families to see you there.”

  The smirk on his face told her that he noticed the displeasure in her tone, “Are you sure you really want me there?”

  “Well I am inviting you.”

  An excited gleam danced in his eyes and his smile widened. Shadaya lifted a hand.

  “Just as a friend Dray. It has been a while since I have come to court. I do not think a sit down with nobles I have been avoiding for years will be the most comfortable experience for me.”

  “Not without pleasant company at your side,” he added.

  Shadaya smiled, “exactly.”

  “I will be there. After all this time, you know I still can’t say not to you.”

  Shadaya smiled politely as she took a step back, her invitation making him more willing to let her leave.

  “Good day Prince Drayton.”

  “Good day, Lady Shadaya.”

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Markus dropped a gold coin into a beggar's extended tin can as he made his way back to his horse with his most trusted guard and friend at his side.

  "Thanks, thanks, kind sire," the beggar exclaimed, his weakened voice barely carrying to Markus' ears.

  "Use it to build your strength for today, for tomorrow will take care of itself," Markus said with a wide smile.

  Cad scowled, "you have got to stop throwing away Master Cort's money like that. And saying those things that could tie you to the community."

  Markus turned to him with his smile still in place, choosing to ignore what he knew was Cad's way of reminding him of who he used to be.

  "ahh lighten up Cad how else will the people grow to respect and know me around these parts."

  "These aren't the people you want to respect and know you. Three of the seven families have already declined the invitation to your ball."

  Markus sighed, "all is well. Despite that, the prince has invited me to court.”

  "You know, you need to stop saying that in these parts."

  "You need to stop being so uptight," he said as he ran his hand along the side of his horse.

  “The prince may have invited you to his ball, but you don’t know what his motives are. The way the other nobles are responding could very well be an indicator of how he feels about you.”

  “There is only one way to find out Cad.”

  “Are you going to accept?” ‘

  “How can I not? If nobles
are refusing to come to me, the next best option is to go to them. Besides we knew this was coming, Haddin wants to know what his father and I have been discussing.”

  "It’s too risky, going to the city, to the castle where you will be surrounded by enemies of your uncle and now you. I don’t like it. "

  Markus mounted his horse and looked down at his guard with a grin, "do like the beggar and leave tomorrow's troubles for tomorrow."

  "Darn it Markus," Cad growled, but low enough to ensure that others would not hear him refer to his "master" so informally.

  Markus chuckled, "it is okay my fellow man, I have a plan. Now catch up already."

  He kicked the sides of his horse and it bolted down the streets of the square, leaving Cad staring after him with an annoyed scowl. Markus knew Cad would be at his side in no time. He was growing more and more certain that Cad didn't like Arduway very much. Unfortunately for him the Cort mansion overlooked it all, and Markus was right where he wanted to be.

  “May the light of El, shine forever in our hearts,” Markus replied as he lifted the silver goblet to his lips, just as Stiller did.

  Both men drank and returned their goblets to the table top, where they had just broken bread. It was a ritual of brotherhood, that the community used to symbolize unity and partnership among each other, a reminder that El’s light was no longer for a select few but for all who would come. It was first performed by the source of light, who sat down among men and women who had followed him and shared a simple meal that still meant so much.

  “Thank you for breaking bread with me,” Markus said, as he took his seat.

  Stiller nodded and pulled out the chair on the other side of the table, “You are one of us, how could I not?”

  “Yet you still have not invited me to your meeting place.”

  “A man of your stature in our section of the village would stir up too much attention. That is the last thing we need right now.”

  “That and you still do not trust me.”

  “Trust takes time Lord Cort.”

  “Exactly, and the longer you keep me away the harder it is for me to earn the trust of your community members. And please call me Markus.”

  Stiller sighed, “look Markus, the community in Armen is further from the reach of the court and closer to those lukewarm Ilks. You do not know the kind of persecution we face here in Arduway. The king has been trying to extinguish our presence here for as long as we have existed. We just lost a great potion of our numbers to the king of Aldor, we are pressured on every side.”

  Markus nodded, “you think because we do not have to hide to practice our faith or are not beheaded for it that we do not understand your struggles, nor care. Armen has come a long way Stiller, though we are small and are forest dwellers, who live away from the city, we know the sacrifice and risk of following the light, when everyone else around us does otherwise. If communities keep distinguishing themselves from each other, because our struggles are different, how can we ever truly make an impact on Saharia? Do you intend to forever live in the shadows, running for your life? Or do you not believe that El’s light is powerful enough to change this entire world.”

  Stiller looked at him for a moment and then a small smile cracked the armor of his face.

  “You are right… idealistically so, but right. I am sorry, but after living here and facing all the struggles we have, I am a bit cynical.”

  “That is not the way of the community.”

  Stiller nodded, “but it is our way to correct and uphold each other to right living. Thank you.”

  Markus smiled, feeling like he was finally making some headway with Stiller. It was not progressing as quickly as he would have liked but soon, he imagined he would find his way into the community at Arduway.

  “Alright then. Tell me what you know about the element.”

  Markus shrugged, “I have been chasing the idea of it for years. When I was of age my father brought me back to Ilksvard to start my scholarship. After living among common men for so long, I hated the idea of returning to my own emotionally detached people. But I admit their hunger for knowledge caught onto me, I guess I could not suppress the Ilk in me. I started reading extensively on the great war. The Ilks consider it a myth that centuries before our time, a cursed sorcerer revolted against the creator and men stood with him. There was war, between our God, El, and the dark lord Maldeev. Maldeev’s influence was great in Saharia, the dark fog had practically covered most of it, from the south to the north it rose. El wouldn’t have it of course. He rose up a great army to come against the men who stood with Maldeev and they were able to carve out a strong hold in the North, a kingdom…”

  “Aldor,” Stiller interrupted, “I know this story. But what does it have to do with the Element?”

  “Everything,” Markus replied, “El trapped Maldeev, bound him by his power but for some reason left him with a semblance of his power. His followers were loyal to him. There was a wizard, an apprentice to Maldeev. Just before Maldeev was bound, he managed to garner a portion of his power and sealed it up, into what we call the element. Dark lords call it the key. Many believe that the element holds the power to free Maldeev and restore his reign to Saharia. For years his loyal servants held that power and used it to terrorize nations all over Aldor, the result of its use however was damning. Men became monsters, dwellers of darkness, carriers of a curse so great it was eating away at Saharia like a virus. It was the one time the kings of Saharia came together, regardless of their differences and subdued this monstrous people. These creatures were bound to the Outlands a magic imbued border was set up, and the kingdoms took turns guarding the pass. The element was hidden away, and the men entrusted with the task, gave up their own lives so the secret of its location would die with them.”

  “I know about the border and the outlanders, I served at the pass as an Aldorian knight for some time. I never knew about the element though. I was just following orders, but then again there is a lot our kings do not tell us.”

  “It was a well-hidden secret. Not many fully know its origin or the dangers of it. After many years, rulers have come to covet its power. A lie spun over the ages have led men to believe that whoever can gain possession of it, will rule Saharia. But we know that it would only unleash horrible terrors on our land, one of which could be the enemy of light, Maldeev himself.”

  Stiller looked troubled, “in all your research did you read anything about how to find it?”

  Markus shook his head, “we know for sure that it has been moved. Many rulers know so too and are getting antsy, not because of the dangers of it, but because they fear another king will rule over them. We cannot have that kind of darkness unleashed in our world Stiller.”

  Stiller nodded, “I see. If that’s the case, then we need to find out if it is here and soon.”

  Markus nodded, “I have a way of tracking its energy trail. Since the king’s death though, the level of dark energy here has diminished. Which means that either the king got rid of it. Or the prince is using some cloaking spell to hide it.”

  “I will arrange a meeting with the community elders, you can explain to them your purpose for being here. I am sure they will be willing to help in any way they can.”

  Markus perked up, “really?”

  “Yes,” Stiller stood up, “I will send word to you with the details.”

  “Thank you.”

  “No thank you for your service to El. I know that the path you have chosen is not an easy one.”

  Markus nodded, “What may seem like a great cost for serving light, is often great gain in the greater scheme of things.”

  Chapter 9

  It was the day after Shadaya’s meeting with the prince and she decided to make another trip to the town of Arduway. What she had witnessed at Haddin’s chambers was etched into her mind. She could not stop thinking about the poor man, despite his crimes, he was a human being, a working man and father. His sight was key to his survival and whose presence surely saf
eguarded his family from being sold or advantaged.

  She had sent one of her men to inquire after him and had managed to send him the money to pay off his debts anonymously. Yet she still felt like there was more that she could do. In her work at Arduway she often came upon unfortunate situations such as this, but somehow this encounter disturbed her so much that she had tossed and turned all night. She wondered about his family, if he had daughters, or sons who would be able to care for his wife if the prince should not keep his word. Never had she been so disturbed over a stranger. So, with the help of the guard who had located and delivered her gift to the peasant thief, she found his dwelling house. She hoped that seeking him out and seeing him well, after having paid his debts would put her worries to rest.

  She arrived at the man’s dwelling, which according to her guard was a closed-up section built around the pillars of a relatives dwelling. Most of the lower caste dwellings were built on pillars, leaving space beneath it which those who could afford it often used for their trade, or would give the space to the poor to live. Such was the man’s dwelling, a loaned-out space beneath the dwelling of a merciful family member.

  It was unpleasant to look upon, with its misshapen logs and a door hanging lopsidedly by its hinges. As she contemplated going in at all, her eyes found a familiar face scurrying towards the house. She leapt out of her carriage and bounded towards the house. When she met Stacia at the door she froze at the sight of her.

  “Mi lady, what brings you by these parts?” Stacia looked preoccupied as she held out a basin of water in her hands.

  “I…came to visit the people who live here. Do you know them?”

  Stacia looked about her uneasily, not only was Arduway crowded with villagers going to and from their work, but the dwelling seemed to have an unusual number of visitors.

  “Yes, Stiller and I… we are close to the wife.”

  “Is this the same man who stole from the prince and lost his sight? I am worried I may be in the wrong place,” she turned to look at her guard who was standing uncomfortably behind her.