Henderbell- the Shadow of Saint Nicholas Read online

“What’s wrong with our clothes?” Ava looked down and scanned her jacket.

  “No one dresses like that in Ghenthar or anywhere else in this world,” Doopar answered with a grin.

  The rays of the sun broke through the canopy of trees ahead, its light reflected on icicles hanging from a few of the branches. We walked past the vegetation, emerging in front of a cliff. A vast winter forest was on full display below, stretching up the mountains on the horizon, their peaks covered in a blanket of snow. Birds flew across the purple and orange sky, some releasing glowing particles as they flapped their wings. A river snaked through the valley, where it encircled a city protected by walls

  “Wow,” Ava said, eyes bulging out of their sockets.

  “What you see before you is the Forest of Nohein.” She pointed at the city. “And that is the city of Ghenthar.”

  “So what exactly is Henderbell?” I asked while absorbing the beauty of the landscape.

  “This is the country of Henderbell, made up of twelve kingdoms. Their rulers answer to our king and queen, who live in a castle in the city,” Doopar answered.

  “You have a king and a queen?” Ava’s words carried excitement.

  “Yes,” Doopar chuckled, “though at times I wish we didn’t.”

  A rustling sound came from the trees. Purple birds scattered from the trees. A frill of scarlet feathers surrounded their heads, their eyes white. Trails of light streaked behind them as they flew away.

  “This is unreal,” I mumbled. “It’s like I’m in a dream or something. I wish Billy and Cliff could see me now.”

  The valley and its beauty made me certain this was no dream. I could never make this up. Even in my wildest imaginings, I had never created something so majestic.

  “How do we get to the castle?” Ava asked. “Do we have to walk all the way?”

  Doopar shrugged while taking in a breath, her golden hair following a gentle breeze. “I’ve had enough walking for a day.” She stretched her hand. “Place both of your hands here.”

  Ava and I followed her command. My skin was covered in thin white lines, which spread out like spiderwebs. A cold chill wrapped my entire body as a layer of ice engulfed me. My body shattered in the air like glass, only instead of shards, the broken pieces were snowflakes. I could still see, but everything around me went quiet.

  We plunged down the cliff, making our way through the forest; my stomach—or whatever it was at that moment—rising to my throat. There were bears with horns, strange birds, squirrels with wings, and many other creatures that barely resembled anything I had ever seen.

  So this was it.

  This is what magic felt like.

  CHAPTER 8

  Doopar’s magic released me once we reached the edge of the forest. Ahead was a massive golden gate, its bars wrapped in vines laden with red roses. Beside the gate was a gray stone wall extending beyond sight.

  “That was great!” Ava squealed. “Can I be an ice princess?”

  Doopar smiled. “You can be anything you want, Ava.”

  “You’re incredible,” I said, instantly regretting my compliment.

  Doopar tilted her head. “That’s the wisest thing you’ve said ever since you got here.”

  My cheeks flushed as she walked out of the vegetation, heading in the direction of the gate.

  “Somebody has a crush,” Ava whispered, nudging me on the rib.

  “Can you blame me?” I scoffed.

  “Coming?” Doopar shouted, glancing over her shoulder.

  We followed her. Soldiers patrolled the wall walk, their armors glistening with their every move. Antlers clung to the side of their helmets, rising above their heads.

  “Are those the good guys?” Ava asked as we got closer.

  “That depends on whose side you’re on,” Doopar answered. “Since they know me, we should be alright.”

  “What kind of answer was that?” I asked, the snow crunching at my every step.

  “The truth.” Doopar frowned. “There’s no good or evil. Just perspective, Enzo. It’ll do you well to remember that.”

  We halted a few feet away from the gate.

  “Now what?” My eyes were locked on the guards patrolling the wall. They stood still, watching us as if we were rabid dogs.

  Doopar seemed nervous.

  “Is everything okay?” Ava asked.

  “Yes,” Doopar replied quickly. “Everything is fine.”

  Silence hovered for a few seconds, broken by Doopar’s sigh of relief. The vines slithered across the gate. Rose petals scattered in the air as the golden doors creaked open.

  “Well,” she said with a smile, “it gives me great pleasure to welcome you both to Ghenthar.” She gestured the way with her hand.

  “You looked worried for a second there,” I said as we walked through the gate.

  “I thought they were going to give us a hard time,” she mentioned.

  “Why?” I asked.

  “I may be a part of the elven guard, but women who fight are still not that well received in this world.” Her face grew rigid. “And some men who think they own reason like to be difficult.”

  The sudden sorrow that took her eyes was enough for me get a sense of the past lingering behind her greatness.

  “Who opened the gate?” I turned to the gate behind me, the vines covered in roses slithered across the iron surface.

  “It opened itself,” she replied. “Its magic recognizes friend from foe.”

  “So why do you need guards on the wall?”

  “Even magic can be tricked,” she answered.

  “Can you turn to snowflakes in here?” I asked, noticing the amount of people crowding the narrow cobblestone street.

  “No,” she replied, disappointed. “After the law that granted our freedom, we were prohibited to use our magic in the city.”

  Before me were half-timbered houses with roofs in shades of red, purple, and silver; smoke billowed from a few of the chimneys, the smell of bread in the air. Pines wrapped in golden lights laid scattered, their branches covered by layers of snow. Those strolling down the street laughed and chattered, wearing long dresses, boots, coats, and a few eccentric hats.

  “I can clearly see what you meant about people not dressing like us.” Ahead of me was a woman with a hat shaped like a winged cat. Her orange dress was round like a tea cup, her gloves covered half of her arms, their texture reminiscent of cat hair.

  “I already love this place.” Ava’s eyes were wide, her mouth parted open. “It’s so interesting.”

  “Everyone is getting ready for Christmas,” Doopar said. “Christmas is the most important celebration in Henderbell. Henderbellians celebrate their freedom and their god, Kurah.”

  There were tents where people sold bread, fruits, vegetables, and sweets. Carriages were pulled by blue horses, and with each movement the animals made, sparks of golden light lifted from their coats. I felt a rush when I spotted more elves in the crowd. One would think Doopar would receive honor from her kind, but they frowned and scowled. Some even ignored her outright. I noticed the sight bothered her.

  “Enzo!” Ava ran to one of the tents. “Look, look! It’s the ornament from the tree! They have one just like it.”

  I followed her, eyes on the scarlet fabric of the tent. It was bedazzled with gems and rhinestones of many colors, supported by long wooden sticks.

  “Look.” She pointed at the ornament shaped like an H with antlers. “Isn’t it cool?”

  “It is.” I leaned closer, my reflection displayed on its glass surface.

  “You like that one, huh?” asked the bald man inside the tent. He had a thick accent, and lounged on a wooden chair with a silver mug in hand. His buttoned-down shirt was covered in red and green stripes, his overalls brown with beige swirls on each suspender.

  “Is there a meaning behind it?” I asked as he took a sip from his drink. “I’ve seen this ornament before.”

  The man spit out whatever liquid was in his mouth, setting the m
ug on his merchandise table crowded with Christmas ornaments. “What do you mean? You don’t know what this symbol is?” He fixed the straps of his overalls over his shoulders, staring as if I had just committed the most heinous of crimes.

  Ava and I looked at each other, confused.

  “They aren’t from here, Barthemeus.” Doopar was behind us. “Do forgive them.”

  “What, don’t tell me they’re from Lestee? I’ve had it with those bloody Rainsakens folk. They cross the Crystal Sea and think they own the place. Telling you—”

  “Isn’t that where you’re from?” Doopar hissed.

  “I was born there, but do you see me living across the sea?” Barthemeus scoffed. “Even I know better.”

  “Who’s rain-sacking?” Ava asked.

  Barthemeus tittered. “Rainsakens,” he corrected. “What’s your name, little girl?”

  “Ava.”

  “That’s a pretty name. Alright, do you,” he grabbed the ornament, “know the story of King Oden?”

  “Not really,” she replied, coiling into herself.

  “Ah, I see,” he turned to me, “and you?”

  “I’m with her on this one.”

  “Where did you find these kids, Doopar?” He scoffed.

  She seemed uncomfortable by his question. “They were lost in the woods. I’m taking them to the castle to see if we can find a way to get them back to their parents.” Her brows pulled together.

  “Poor kids.” Barthemeus looked at us like we were two lost puppies. “Tell you what, do you want the ornament, Ava?”

  “No, it’s okay,” Ava said with a nod. “I don’t have any money.”

  “I insist, little Ava.” He picked up the object by its golden string, leaned over the table, and placed it in her hand.

  Ava giggled, curling her fingers around it.

  “Whenever you’re in trouble, hold it tight against your chest.” Barthemeus smiled. “Help always comes to those who believe”

  “Okay.” Ava’s cheeks flushed. “Thank you.”

  “Well, I hope you find your parents.” Barthemeus smiled. “Let it be in Henderbell as it is in your heart.”

  “Same to you,” said Doopar.

  Ava waved the man goodbye, holding the ornament.

  We continued walking through the crowded streets, everywhere something new to see. People sold jewels of all colors and shapes, merchants with tables full of fruits I had never tasted or seen. It was like being in a dream full of magic and wonder. But the sight of the elves frowning at Doopar shattered my temporary fantasy. The elves were regal, walking with their heads high and chests out. Most of them wore cloaks of dark colors that draped to their ankles. Though their hair differed between blond, silver, and white—every single one had purple eyes.

  “Why are they looking at you like that?” I asked, heat flushing through my body. “Has no one ever told them not to stare?”

  “When you become the first elven woman to join the elven army of Henderbell, you’re bound to make some heads turn.” Her words carried pride and sorrow. “Even after the elves were granted freedom, some traditions remained. In our culture, women are only meant to care for the house and the children. None have any perspective of adventure or courage. Let the men have exciting lives. Little elven girls aren’t encouraged to dream, only to live. Growing up, I’d always tell my dad that life wasn’t for me.”

  “I’m sorry to hear,” I said.

  “It all worked out in the end.” She smiled. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

  “Did you ever try to change to fit in with the rest of your kind?” Ava asked, fixing her beanie.

  “At some point you try to grow wings even if you’re meant to be a lion. And then life teaches you that you are who you are.”

  “Just like us,” Ava added with a smirk, apparently proud to find something in common with Doopar.

  My eyes met hers. “What do you mean, Ava?” I was surprised by her comment.

  “No one ever told us of this world,” she replied, looking at me as if the answer to my question was pretty logical. “But that didn’t stop life from catching up with us. Now here we are.”

  “Where’s my sister and what have you done with her?” I asked.

  We continued on, parading through the streets until coming to a tall brick wall with wooden spikes at the top. An iron gate was ahead, guarded by armored soldiers.

  “Doopar, shouldn’t you be cooking for your husband or something?” said one of the guards in a thick accent as he approached us, half of his face hidden behind a helmet shaped like an elk’s head. “Oh, wait, you don’t have one.” He leaned on his spear.

  “I don’t have time for this, Kormak,” she said as his companions laughed. “I need to see Ishmael. Just let me in.”

  “I bet she plays with all the men in the elven army,” said a soldier with a scar running from the tip of his nose to the corner of his right eye. “Will you play with us?” His tongue caressed his chapped lips.

  “Just let me in,” Doopar insisted, the veins on her neck visible.

  “Who are they?” The soldier with the scar insisted, pointing his spear at us. “Never seen their kind in these parts. Are they from Lestee?”

  “What’s your problem?” My hand curled into fist as I stepped forward.

  “Enzo, don’t.” Ava held me by my wrist.

  “What do we have here?” Kormak laughed. “He seems brave. A great fit to protect you, Doopar. Going for the younger type now?”

  “At least I know how to treat another human being,” I barked, my pulse pounding in my ears.

  “A human being?” Laughter erupted from the soldier with the scar. “You aren’t from here, are you?”

  My body tensed at the snide tone of his question.

  “Kid,” Kormak started. “Elves aren’t human beings. They are just beings. And to answer your question, our problem is an elf bringing two strangers into the castle. Not sure who you are, but I’ve never seen anyone dressed like you.” The stench of his breath traveled up my nose. “Never trusted elves. Still don’t. And you and the king’s advisor may be friendly toward one another, but we still don’t trust you.” His eyes met Doopar. “Especially now when we also think that Ishmael is sneaking around with an elven boy.”

  “That’s not my problem,” Doopar admonished. “Just let me in.”

  “Only if you play with me as well.” Kormak grabbed her arm and puckered his lips.

  She jerked away from his grasp, ensnared his other arm, twisted his wrist and pulled him closer, noses inches away from each other. “I was going to take the high road, but if you don’t let me in, I’ll tell your wife you’ve been sneaking around with that eighteen-year-old peasant boy. I’ll tell her you like to play a different game every once in a while—one that involves a boy as old as your own son.”

  The soldier’s chest rose with quick breaths as wrinkles carved on his forehead. He stared with parted lips, the muscles of his face trembling.

  “Do we have a deal?” she asked. The soldier cringed as she twisted his arm a little more. “It’s either a deal or a broken wrist.”

  “Yes, yes!” he shouted.

  One of the soldiers rushed our way, spear pointed at Doopar. “You little b—”

  “Let her be, Tennar!” begged Kormak as Doopar released him.

  Ava observed, face pale.

  “You call yourselves guards?” I snapped. “Is it a common thing for you to behave like that in front of a nine-year-old girl?”

  “If you ever go to war, boy, you’ll find your answer,” Kormak replied through gritted teeth while rubbing his wrist.

  In front of me was a moat over a lagoon. It led to a golden-brown door, the same color used for the shingles on the roof of the four main towers of the castle—which rose hundreds of feet into the air. Its structure was of bricks, their colors reminding me of chestnuts.

  Doopar walked ahead, Ava and I at her heels.

  After a while, Ava ran so she could walk besid
e Doopar. “Sorry those men were so mean to you.”

  “I’m used to it,” Doopar said.

  “You shouldn’t be!” I declared, rushing my pace. “It takes great courage to be the first to do anything new. People just don’t understand that sometimes.”

  Doopar halted at my words and turned her head to face me. Her lavender eyes met my gaze, sending shudders through my body. She gave me a half-hearted smile and said, “I appreciate your kind words, but they won’t change anything.”

  “Don’t let those bad men get you down.” Ava held her hand. “It’ll be okay. You’ll see.”

  “Thank you,” she said with a sigh.

  Her words earned a smile from Ava, but my sister’s attention was quickly stolen by a flying fish snapping at a few mosquitoes hovering over the water. The creature had wings like a fly, and a snout like a lizard. Soon, many of its kind followed, moving in the air like a well-rehearsed dance piece.

  “What are those?” Ava leaned over the wooden rail of the moat.

  “They’re called mosfish,” Doopar answered. “They’ve existed in Henderbell before any being with a developed conscience. Sometimes, I think they’re smarter than any who came to existence after them.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “Elves and humans are beings with a developed conscience, meaning they possess the ability to rule over land, water, fire, and earth. Their conscience puts them at the top of the survival chain while creatures like the mosfish remained the same throughout time.”

  “Incredible,” I whispered, observing the mosfish as they continued snapping at the mosquitoes. The orange and purple hues of the sunset reflected over the water, creating a spectacle of color. The snow-covered mountains peaked over the wall encircling the moat.

  We carried on, coming to the golden-brown door made of wood. Carved on its surface was an elk fighting a dragon with horns all over its snout. At the tip of the stone archway surrounding the door was a symbol shaped like the ornament Barthemeus gave Ava.

  “Look!” Ava squealed, removing the ornament from her pocket. “It looks just like it.”

  “What’s that symbol anyway?” I asked.

  “The sigil of Henderbell,” Doopar replied. “The antlers are a tribute to Kurah, the elk. It was created by King Oden after he defeated Claudius the Fallen.”