Twenty-three
The next morning I woke first. We stayed up late last night talking with Finley. He had agreed to help me with everything. The biggest difference between now and then is I had a piece of his soul inside me. I could feel what he was feeling, and right now he is tired of living centuries in guilt. He did find his flame. I told him that I will have her brought to the castle in the morning, because he was no longer allowed to leave. I don't trust worms and Finley, my “savior,” is a worm.
I had pulled myself out of Garrik's arms and ended up in the sitting room in my nightgown, with my sword in hand. I had brought my old human phone from Tindril. I turned on some music and put the headphones in. I tucked the phone into the hair band on my head. It took about four tries to feel secure. The music started to flow slowly it's Eminem, “Till I Collapse”. I felt my body going through the motions of drilling. The sword flowed through the air, my body tensing, moving, reveling in the sword play. The words then hit as I picked up pace.
“'Cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak,
And when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up,
But you gotta search within you,
And gotta find that inner strength,
And just pull that shit out of you
And get that motivation to not give up,
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna.”
Sweat has begun to pour off my skin as I move with the music. I will not fall on my face and collapse. My eyes were closed, this was every bit as good as running. My mind was clear and I was taking control. I will no longer let anyone lead my life but me. I brought my sword down and felt it cling against another sword. It reverberate through my arm. Opening my eyes there stood Echo. Wearing his tan leather pants but nothing else. Broad shoulders and giant muscles displayed in full glory. He tipped his head and got into stance then we sparred. Music still pounding in my ears as I met him swing for swing.
There was no circling of each other instead we moved in at the same time to attack with real swords. This deadly game was sexy. Everything about Echo battling me oozed sex. I wasn't weak and I wasn't going to let any man make choices for me. We needed more room I tossed a chair out of the way as Echo put his foot into the table pushing it over then we began again. I attacked. No longer was I going to be the one that waits for the move every time. I moved in on him feeling taller and larger than I was. I jumped to bring my sword down on his shoulder he side stepped me with ease. My attack didn't falter as I sprang from my crouched position on the floor. His sword hit mine hit for hit, I spun out and under his blade behind him and brought my sword back up. His sword arm reached behind him before he even fully turned. His other hand reached up grabbing my wrist. When I attempted to twist out of it he tightened his grip. His eyes were darkening in lust.
It was hot so hot. Instead of trying to pull away again I launched myself up his big sweaty strong body. My sword still in my hand as I wrapped my arms around his neck kissing him. The song changed. Eminem is now playing “Lose yourself in the moment." I reached up and pulled the music from my ears to hear what Echo pulled away to say
“Incredible. Last night you were a dream come true to me. This morning I pray my dream will never end,” He buried his head into my neck kissing me.
“Ahem,” I rolled my eyes into the back of my head with the interruption.
“Go away!” Echo bellowed from my neck as he pushed me into the wall.
“You have a pretty big audience,” Tomilson, that was Tomilson's voice. I pushed Echo off of me as I slid to the floor with my sword. Looking around the room I saw all the chairs knocked over and the table moved. I also noticed two of our guards standing in the doorway looking uncomfortable. Garrik was next to Tomilson giving me another disapproving glare.
“I was practicing and Echo joined in," I stuttered as I tried to straighten my nightgown. I turned to start picking up chairs. The guards by the door let out an audible gasp. Fuck. My night gown would show my scars on my back. I looked up at them and they turned bright red.
“It is okay. I expect that response. We are fine here you can wait outside.” They both nodded and fought for who could get through the door quicker. Sarah wouldn't have had that reaction. I spoke up to say as much as I straightened the room and my men continued to stare.
“I want Sarah to be my number one. She will sit with me when I am outside of my private quarters.” Garrik nodded and Tomilson added, “Good choice.”
“So, is this what you will be doing instead of going for a run?” Garrik motioned to the room that was slowly coming back together.
“It is all I could do right now. I don't know my way around Castle Bluff to run anywhere and you all would have lost your mind if I up and left while you slept.”
“Wake one of us next time. We will take you to train somewhere safe that won't result in you destroying our sitting room.”
I felt so powerful and alive fifteen minutes ago and now I am back to feeling like a little girl. The only part true about that statement was the little part. I was in no way just a girl. I told myself that as I moved on to the other topic that needed to be discussed.
“I want to be there for all war planning. This is my war I need to be an active part in it, oh Finley will need to be in the meetings as well.” I finished trying to look as tall as I could.
“Finley isn't trustworthy,” Tomilson said. Tom Tom wished he was the one who found me practicing in the sitting room so he could have been where Echo was. It was written all over his face. Tom Tom wanted me. I sent him an awkward but fun wink.
“I know, but I set guards on his room last night and his flame will not be rooming with him. We did put him in a room without any secret doors right? Another benefit of me having a small part of his soul is I can tell if he lies.”
A knock came at the door. Echo answered, and soon there were trays of food being delivered to our room. Donuts. I have been here months and this is the first elf version of the donut I had seen. I made sure my back was not visible to the staff who brought the food. As soon as they were out the door I was in my chair stuffing my face. Unfortunately there was not any coffee in Castle Bluff, but donut's were the next best thing. I knew this had to be Garrik's doing. I looked up at him with my mouth full of doughy sugary goodness and said “Thank you.” He smiled. It was obvious he was not going to stay long. Garrik sat with me while the other two Elf-men went to get dressed.
“Things are going to change now. You will not get to stay in Median for ever.” I nodded knowing this, but I also knew I would be there often. My power of teleporting myself around the world guaranteed that.
“I will be able to be with you frequently, Garrik. You are my husband after all, and while you are currently Prince and not King you will get to come on my travels with me. If you ever need to return I bring you back with a thought.” It all seemed to work out with ease in my head.
“Did you know you have your own Castle? It is in Europe.” He said.
“I remember being crowned in the Ireland area. So, yes I imagined I had one although the memory is fuzzy.”
“We will have to travel there. You will also have to visit every kingdom's summer and winter castle's. That way in times of trouble you will be able to go to any of them as needed.” I nodded at him again.
“Garrik, I haven't given a lot of thought to that yet. Right now my sole concern is fixing the kingdoms and righting the wrongs that were done against me. After that I will travel, and I will find a more conducive way to communicating than me traveling. You have taken indoor plumbing from the humans I am not sure why we can not also take some form of long distance communication as well? We may be able to find a way to get those dormant crystals working too. Something can be done,” I said with all seriousness.
“Humans took indoor plumbing from us and the Fae. Castle Bluff has a crystal room as does Tindril. They have always been there, but I never knew how they were used or if they could be used without you to use them.” Garrik continued, “Let me get you dressed and we will have Finley brought to the war room. Which is directly below us, so you won't be traveling far.” He led me into our bedroom where we had a session of slow morning sex.
I finally pulled myself out of our bed naked and went to put on clothing. In my wardrobe I had dark green wool pants and a white tunic that was long in the back and short in the front. The green pants fit like a glove. I put on a light undershirt that I tucked in before slipping into my white tunic. I put my belt around my hips with my sword. I loved it. The tunic was long and felt more like a dress at the same time giving me free access to my sword. It felt rather perfect for me. Garrik was watching me while dressing myself.
“I would love some more outfits like these to be made. It is perfect Garrik. Thank you.” He shrugged.
“I wish I could take credit for that one, but it is of Echo's design. He said that you would appreciate the look of a dress, but functionality for sword.” I love that Garrik was honest.
We headed out into the sitting room where both Sir Tomilson and Echo were waiting with Sarah. They did exactly as I had asked and brought her to me.
“Sarah! I am so glad they brought you. I want you to be my personal guard. In addition to my men that is.”
She gave me a deep bow and said “It is my honor, my Queen.” I loved her. She is how I pictured myself had I not been born under the circumstances that I was.
I nodded to her as Garrik went to the fireplace and pulled a lever. A super small hidden door turned inward. The men and Sarah had to duck to enter it. I barely was able to walk through without ducking and hitting my head. I figured we would be going down one story, it ended up more like six stories. I dreaded walking back up that many stairs when we were done, but then I guess I didn't HAVE to make the walk if I didn't want to.
We entered a small room that opened into the Castle Bluff war room. It is almost identical to the one in Tindril, albeit at least twice the size. In the back corner there was an arched doorway that opened to another room. In it was a very large uncut crystal sitting on a small round table surrounded by a moat of water.
“The crystal room?” I sent to Garrik he returned a nod and then began greeting everyone who was in attendance. Rose, two scouts I had never seen before, and Finley.
“Thank you all for coming here to discuss what is going on. I know birds were sent out to spread the message of my arrival. How do you think King Talon will respond?”
“My Queen, my name is Ayer, I am the head scout of the Valley. If the prisoners we apprehended the other night are to be believed there is an army poised to enter Median at the Little Rock gate.” I nodded thanks then looked at Garrik.
“Do you think it is true?”
“Yes. I believe we can expect an army in the valley within three weeks time regardless of winter. We have sent for scouts to be sent from Tindril.”
“Finley, is there a way I can send a message to all of the kingdoms. I know many are too far away to help at this time, but they should know prior to birds arriving that I am back.” I was hoping he would tell me how the crystal rooms worked.
“Yes my Queen, you can do that with the Crystals. Many of the monarchs are old enough that they will know the sound of a message when it goes through.”
“Will the message be sent to all of each kingdoms crystal rooms ? Like Median has one at every castle and palace.”
“Yes, my Queen. I will show you.” He knew exactly what I wanted. Finley led me into the crystal room and pointed for me to cross the small bridge over the little moat.
“The true Queen is the only one who can awaken the crystals. Once awake the monarchs will have a limited amount of time after hearing your message to respond.” I nodded at him to continue, “It is simple, you place your hands upon the crystal. Say your message and then say send to all. In the future you can specify who you want a message sent to.” Easy peasy.
I placed my hands upon the crystal causing the crystal to glow a purple almost the same color as Tomilson's eyes.
“I am High Queen Vera of Elmora. I have returned after being killed in the Human Realm. I was reborn and brought back to Elmora. I am currently in the Kingdom of Median. King Talon is headed our way with troops to attack. It is a threat I am ready to face. We need to restore balance to Elmora and to do so King Talon must be defeated” I paused, “send to all kingdoms.” After I removed my hands the crystal pulsed. Then went dark.
“How long do you think I will have to wait for a reply?” I asked everyone staring at me.
“I suspect you should get one any moment,” As soon as Finley answered the crystal pulsed blue and released a “ding”. I chuckled hoping it would say, 'You got mail.' Garrik laughed out loud behind me. He had heard my thoughts and being the only other realm walker here is is the only one who would get the joke. Finley might have if he weren't so old.
I touched the blue crystal and heard King Rew's voice. “I am proud of you my daughter, High Queen Vera. I am sending one hundred scouts south tomorrow. I have also doubled the watch on the two gates near Tindril and the gate near Chicago. Prince Garrik I love you be safe and guard Queen Vera with your life.” I had tears in my eyes. I loved King Rew so much for his words and acceptance of me. It did not take long before the crystal pulsed blue again.
“The Easterly Kingdom stands with you High Queen Vera, I will be sending two hundred scouts by bus through the Human Realm to the Little Rock gate. They will arrive at Castle Bluff in three days time.” Relief poured through me. I need to message Easterly to send the troops to the Saint Louis gate due to King Talon's troops at Little Rock. I placed my hands upon the crystal. “Thank you Kingdom of Easterly. Please send troops to the Saint Louis Gate. King Talon already has troops outside Little Rock. Send to Kingdom of Easterly”
As soon as I finished the stone pulsed blue again. “The Kingdom of Yanu stands with you High Queen Vera, We are too far to help, but know we are on your side.”
“That is a Dark Elf Kingdom full of islands in the pacific. It is a small kingdom, but due to location a good ally to have if any war moves to the sea.” I smiled my thanks to Echo for bringing us knowledge of the Dark Elves although I suspect Finley knows all the kingdoms as well.
The crystal went blue again. “The Kingdom of Tog stands with you High Queen Vera. We will arrive at Castle Bluff within two weeks with three hundred warriors pledged to stand with you against King Talon.” I responded to give my thanks and then turned to Garrik before answering the next reply.
“Do we have food, space, and supplies to support that number of troops in the valley ?” Garrik nodded.
“If anymore pledge after Tog then they can go and help Tindril or guard the other gates. We could also use more guards at the Saint Paul and New Orleans gates. Although I don't see King Talon willing to enter gates so far away. It would do him no good to give us the time we would have to prepare with his entrance. In fact your message may speed his attack. We should go on high alert.”
I touched the the pulsing blue crystal again and again. The next three to vow allegiance and support were all Dark Elf kingdom's Congo, Mim, and Mali. Following those were some more Light Elf Kingdoms. The Kingdom of Britainia according to Finley, is the one closest to my isle which is Ireland. Ireland in Elmora is neutral land of the High Queen and also the home to the Elven Council when I am not there to rule. So, for centuries the man who betrayed me had lived in my home. It made me sick to my stomach.
“King Talon can not over power that many kingdoms supporting me, right?”
“He wouldn't have to. All he needs to do is take Median and kill you.” Prince Echo was the one to answer.
“Don't you think that the other kingdoms will seek retribution?” I was taken aback that all of the kingdoms who are loyal would not want to seek retribution for my death.
“They haven't even seen you yet, and if it is done like last time it will be more like you vanished. Most kingdoms value the health and safety of their elven kind above all other. They will retreat to their land and strengthen their walls to secure their safety.” I nodded. I did not like hearing that, but it is valid. I turn to Finley, “How many are alive that were involved in my torture?”
“Four, you have recently met one of them. Langly. The other two are advisers for King Talon. Langly knows who you are so you can expect he has already convinced the rest. As far as I know they are still in possession of the Amulet. It will limit the gifts of anyone within it's range even the person holding it. Therefore if you find yourself in that situation you will need to rely on hand to hand combat and numbers around you.” Finley was hitting me with full honesty. I could feel it. His aged face standing out among the rest of the elves. I may be getting a soft spot for this weak man, as long as he keeps advising me with honesty.
“What do you suggest I do?” I asked.
“When battle comes enter the field surrounded. Don't leave anyone in your group. Train. You think your magic is limited to your own gifts and that of your flames, but it isn't. I am certain you are the most powerful incarnation yet. The most raw as well. You need to go train, I am confident that you will find you have elemental magic. Don't ask me how, because I do not know. It is just when I look down the string of my soul that is tied to you I can see so much more hidden.”
I shook my head. “I do not have time to focus on any more secrets. I will try to train in other areas of magic today. Also, if you can look into me along our connection how did you “lose” me?”
“I lost you until you were in a body. I knew the moment you were reborn.”
“Why didn't you find me?”
Finley fidgeted in his seat, “If anyone suspected who you were you would have been dead all over again. I had to flee to Median right after Langly had met you. They all know I was the one to save you now. My life is in danger every bit as yours.”
“You will go into battle at my side. I give you a chance to earn my forgiveness. You can help me train. If you fail me and I survive then you will be stripped of everything and banished to the Human Realm as I was.” It felt harsh but fair.
Finley nodded his agreement. “Now that these crystals are in use can anyone use them?” Finley nodded again.
I turned to Sarah, “I need you to set shifts of eleven scouts to guard the crystal. Only allow Garrik, Echo, Tomilson, or myself to use it. All others must be turned away. There should be two guarding it at all times. If a message arrives please send for us immediately.”
“Okay, now that I did my part it is Ayer's turn to take over. I am ready to go train magics. Tomilson, Finley, Sarah? Would you like to show me where the place to do that is?”
“Tomilson, the lower hall might be the best place. Some of the extra stores and supplies have spilled over into it, but the majority of the space is still open and you will have the most privacy. I will join you all shortly” Garrik said.