Henderbell- the Shadow of Saint Nicholas Read online

  She grasped the handles on the door and as she was about to pull them, she turned her attention to Ava and me. “Let me do all the talking when we’re inside. Ishmael has been on edge since our rulers went missing.”

  “Alright,” I said with a frown.

  “Is he like one of those soldiers back there?” Ava asked.

  “Not at all,” Doopar answered with a scowl. “But he can be a bit stubborn.

  CHAPTER 9

  I chose to seek solitude and silence in the Room of Secrets since the disappearance of King Nicholas and Queen Mary three days ago. Somehow, their captors had found a way into the castle, leaving a pouch made of elk skin on each of their thrones. Inside were locks of their hair and a note. Each piece of paper was sealed with a stamp shaped like a forbidden sigil: a skull with a crown of thorns.

  We thought the letters were an attempt to frighten us, until their absence lasted longer than usual. It was customary for them to leave Ghenthar to spend some time in the human realm of Albernaith around Christmas, but never without news.

  When their son, Bane Griffin, lived in the castle with me, we used to call this room our fortress. Though I had many fond memories in this place, the past few days exchanged them for fear and uncertainty.

  I spent the majority of my time sitting on the same chair, the table in front of me overflowing with books and maps. I read and looked at each one repeatedly, trying to find clues as to how the Shadow Spirits returned and where they could have taken our rulers.

  Next to me were the bags left in the throne room. I reached for them, the texture of the fur grazing the palm of my hands sent shivers down my body. I grabbed one of the letters and unrolled it on the table.

  The prophecy of the empty thrones will come to pass.

  The magic of time is no longer contained in royal blood.

  We ventured into the human realm and found them.

  The spirits you once cast away have now returned

  to avenge who they are.

  We’re not alone.

  Each letter was written in blood. I rolled the paper and put it back on the pouch. On the wall in front of me, hanging by the door was the map of Henderbell, its right edge missing. King Nicholas brought me into this room the day he ripped it. I asked him why he desecrated one of our ancient treasures. His response was that it was simply needed.

  I rotated my seat, my gaze shifting to the tall glass window behind me, the horizon painted in shades of purple and orange as the sun set behind the mountains. The people below were like ants walking the streets, oblivious to the fact their rulers were missing, and that an impending doom loomed over them. My face and clothes reflected over the glass, the sunlight causing a glare over the silver pin on my chest shaped like the Henderbellian sigil; my deep purple garments a reminder of how much the king trusted me— a gift given to me on the day he called me to be his advisor. He told me only his advisor wore this shade of purple in the castle as a tribute to their wisdom and faithfulness.

  My attention returned to the crowded table, the mess triggering frustration. My elbows rested on the wooden surface, my hands serving as support for my head. Another day gone. Another sunset without any clues on their location.

  A knock startled me.

  “Come in!” I shouted.

  My heart accelerated when he walked in with his silver armor, his purple eyes lighter once struck by the light of the setting sun, his silver hair tied into a tail, a scruff of beard on his face.

  “You look dreadful,” Loomstak said, sitting in front of me.

  “Any news from your elven men?” I asked, hopeful.

  “We’ve scouted the forests and the nearby villages.” His hands folded over the table. “I’ve had elves camped since the day of their disappearance near the river and the Tree of Hender. None have seen or heard anything. No Shadow Spirits were spotted anywhere.”

  My chest rose with a breath. “So even though I asked to be interrupted only when we had any news, you decided to barge in here for no reason at all.”

  He smirked. “I think I’m the only one allowed to do such a thing. Besides, I missed looking at those deep brown eyes of yours.”

  “Maybe Doopar should replace you as commander,” I said snidely. “I’m sure she would’ve found them by now.”

  He scoffed, clearly displeased at my remark. “I prefer to think that’s your exhaustion talking.”

  “Maybe it is.” I released a sigh.

  “Is age finally catching up with you?” he smirked.

  “I may be thirty-seven, but I bet I could still beat every single elven soldier in you army,” I said, finger pointed at him.

  He chuckled and touched my arm. “Have you been cooped up in here all day again?”

  “I’ve been going over old scriptures about the Shadow Spirits. Their first appearances, their defeat, trying to spot clues as to how they could’ve broken free from the Prison of Krishmar and found their way into Albernaith.”

  “Any luck?” Our eyes locked.

  “None.” I laid a hand over his. “I don’t know what to do anymore. The only logical explanation would be someone setting them free. But for that, they’d need to know magic—deep magic. At least that’s what they implied on the notes they left inside those pouches.” I pointed at the objects. “But who knows? Maybe they’re bluffing. Maybe they’re not.”

  “We’ll find them,” he said, our fingers lacing together. “But you overburdening yourself won’t bring them back.”

  “Where’s Doopar, by the way?” I asked. “Have you heard from her?”

  He released my hand. “I asked her to patrol the Tree of Hender. I haven’t heard from her yet. I’m sure she would’ve come to me if she had any news to share.”

  “Is she alone?” My right eyebrow turned into an arch.

  “I hate when you do that with your eyebrow.” He leaned back on the chair, running his hand across the top of his silver hair.

  “I know you’re giving me a half answer. You wanted her away from the rest of your elven men because she’s a woman.” I sighed. “Respect her. She didn’t join your army as a favor. She joined because of merit and honor.”

  He looked displeased at my words. “Maybe she joined because you’ve been friends for years.”

  “Don’t be jealous.”

  He let out a sigh of frustration. “Elven women stay home. They don’t fight. And during Christmastime, they don’t go wandering with the elven men. They cook and prepare meals. I sent her to the safest place she could be.”

  “Is that Henderbellian law for elven women?”

  He frowned. “No, but have you noticed how people stare at her? It’s like she’s a poisonous insect.”

  “Then elven women can do as they wish,” I affirmed. “And as far as the staring, I’m sure I can suggest a law of decapitation. People can’t stare without their heads.”

  “Of course.” Loomstak’s complexion grew rigid. “If only you had the courage to suggest a law that actually mattered, like one allowing the elves to love whomever our hearts longed for.” His glistening lavender eyes set my heart racing.

  “That’s different.” I buried my face in the palm of my hands. “And I don’t see how this is the best time to discuss such things.”

  “I don’t see the difference,” he retorted. “If elven women can now join armies, then my kind should also be allowed to be with human or elf.”

  “Please, don’t do this,” I begged. “Not now.”

  “Don’t take this the wrong way,” he continued. “I don’t mean to take the attention away from our secret crisis. I’m just confused.”

  “I wish I had all the answers, my love.” My gaze lowered to the books in front of me. I didn’t need to look at him to see the sorrow in his eyes.

  “I wish you’d fight harder,” he whispered. “I wish you’d trust more.”

  “I wish the same,” I added. “But sometimes, my hands are tied by powers much stronger than my abilities.”

  “And yet you wear the clothes of a king’s advisor. The only power above yours is the king’s.” Anger flooded every part of my body. “Remember what King Nicholas said before the entire court when he gave you that pin?” My attention lifted to him, eyes fuming. “Ishmael Bartowmell, you’re to be my advisor in times of war and despair. This pin is a reminder of your wisdom and your ability—”

  “To turn chaos into peace, ” I finished the sentence with an edge to my voice. “You don’t need to remind me. Those words haunt me every single day.” I jumped to my feet and walked to the window behind me. “How do you think I feel, Loomstak? Our rulers disappeared after leaving me in charge. The Shadow Spirits—the very enemy my parents died to destroy—have returned under my watch. I’m asking you to see this situation through my eyes for a minute.”

  My reflection displayed on the glass. My hair, once tied into a bun, was now chestnut wisps falling beside my ears.

  “I have!” he barked. “Many times in the past few years. All I’m asking is for you to fight for us as much as you fight for the king and queen.”

  “I owe them,” I whispered. “They saved me.”

  He pushed his chair away from the table, walked up to me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. “I may be unfair with my words, but there’s truth to them,” he whispered in my ear, the reflection of his eyes glistening on the window. “All I ask is that you fight for our love.” I watched the people on the streets as he spoke.

  “You see them?” My hand pressed on the glass. “Every single one may die if they aren’t on their thrones by Christmas. I think finding them is more important than a law allowing us to display our love in public.”

  He pulled away. “I guess that’s the difference between us.” I turned to face him. “The fact I
have to hide what I feel for you is the same as drinking a slow-killing poison.”

  “And if we don’t find our king and queen, we’ll all die a little faster,” I said, frustrated. “You know what I feel for you. I don’t need a law to express that.”

  “It’s true. I do know how you feel.” He curled his hands into fists.

  “Don’t lay this burden on me. Not now. What matters to me more than love at the moment is discovering how the Shadow Spirits found a way into Albernaith. They knew the exact time and location they were going to be at their house. They discovered how to navigate time between both worlds when supposedly such a secret was never shared outside the Griffin family. Who knows where these creatures are?”

  His chest raised with a breath. “What are your orders for the elves, my lord?” he asked in a contemptuous tone.

  “Don’t make this more difficult, please.”

  “Tell me how my men and I can be of further service,” he said, face rigid.

  “Search the Prison of Krishmar.”

  His head jerked back. “We’ve searched every corner we’re allowed to look. You know Henderbellian laws forbid elves to enter the prison.” Loomstak’s voice was flat. “We scouted the woods near the prison and saw nothing unusual. Send your human guards then.”

  “Human senses are not as sharp as yours,” I mentioned. “That’s where the Shadow Spirits were imprisoned. I believe that’s where they may be hiding.”

  “Seems a little convenient that they’d hide in the place that held them prisoners,” he mentioned.

  “Or it could be the cleverest of plans.” I folded my arms.

  “So what would you have me do?” His words carried confusion.

  “I’m giving you and your elven men permission to go inside the prison,” I said, aware of what was to follow my words.

  “So you’re overruling Henderbellian law based on need?”

  “Breaking this law could save this world and Albernaith. I’ll deal with our king and queen once they’re found.”

  “I really hope this is exhaustion talking. Again.” Loomstak lost his rigid posture.

  “No, it’s reason,” I said, my attention changing to the two pouches on the table. “I can’t fail them. I need you to understand that. My parents died at the hands of the Shadow Spirits. Now our rulers have been taken by them under my watch. I can’t fail, Loomstak, and I’ll do whatever I need to do.”

  “It isn’t your fault.” He looked at me with longing eyes, the same eyes that made me fall for him in the first place. “Their son, Bane, chose to leave with that girl, Evelyn. This was their responsibility. And you’re taking this burden upon yourself. I know you agreed to be his advisor, but there’s only so much a man from Lestee can do here.”

  “I may be from the land in the east, just like you, but I’m the closest thing King Nicholas and Queen Mary have to family in Henderbell.” I took his hands between my own. “I have to honor them in everything I do, including whom I love. Please understand that.”

  “None in this entire kingdom have proven to be more faithful than you,” he started. “You took upon your shoulders a burden that wasn’t yours to bear. You told me they have grandchildren in Albernaith too young and unskilled to rule—an offspring none in this kingdom know about. He has too many shadows behind him.” He held my face between his hands. “Even the most faithful can’t see inside a wicked heart. It’ll do you good to remember that.”

  “So please be faithful and enter the Prison of Krishmar.”

  His hands dropped to the side of his body.

  “I highly doubt the Shadow Spirits will have chosen to hide in there,” he said with a nod of disapproval. “But I’ll be faithful one more time.”

  “I’m doing everything I can to change the laws I find unfit for our kingdom.” I pulled him closer by his armored wrist.

  He made no effort to hide the sorrow on his face. He jerked his wrist away and rushed toward the door.

  “Loomstak, please…” He slammed the door shut before I could finish.

  I sat on the edge of the table, the map of Henderbell before me. The sight sparked fear that I would fail this world, fear that I’d fail those who took me as their own after the death of my parents when I was twelve.

  The memory of their faces haunted me every once in a while. My father’s hazel eyes, often surrounded by dark circles; my mother’s smile, always persistent regardless of our trials. My father lived as King Nicholas’ sorcerer, an honor much too great for my family since we came as settlers from Lestee. Death found him while protecting the castle from the Shadow Spirits twenty-five years ago. My mother lived as a prophetess who failed to see the coming of darkness. I watched her die when they attacked.

  A knock on the door startled me.

  “Come in!” I shouted, hoping Loomstak would enter the room, but my expectations were defeated when one of the human guards came into view.

  “Lord Ishmael, your presence is required in the throne room,” said the guard, his face hidden behind the silver helmet with an antler on each side. “Doopar is here with two children found near the Tree of Hender. She claims she needs to speak with you now.”

  A sinking feeling took my stomach. “Who are these children?”

  “She won’t say,” he replied. “She said she’ll answer to you and you alone. That stubborn elf.”

  My head turned toward the map on the wall. “Tell her I’ll be right there.”

  “At once.”

  His footsteps faded into silence after he closed the door. My eyes scanned the old map, following the sketches of mountains, rivers, hills, and valleys.

  “I won’t fail you,” I whispered.

  CHAPTER 10

  The hall leading to the Room of Secrets was one of my favorite spots when I was younger. Bane and I would wander these parts of the castle, fake swords in hand, pretending we were fighting wars and riding dragons.

  Old set of armors had crowded these halls for as long as I could remember. Queen Mary once explained these represented the different designs of Henderbellian armory since King Oden first conquered this side of the sea. On the walls were many weapons: swords, spears, bows and arrows, and above them all, oil paintings depicting Henderbellian wars.

  But my favorite spot was the massive stained-glass window shaped like the head of an elk. It pointed west so the last rays of the sun could shine through, filling the hall with a rainbow of colors. Today was no different. A spectacle colored the wall ahead, the scattered rays of light glistening like stars.

  I walked down the spiral staircase, greeting the two guards standing by the door leading to the main entrance of the throne room.

  The door creaked, revealing the wide hall upheld by white columns that ended on a ceiling covered in paintings depicting warriors in battle. The dark stone platform where both thrones stood was at the end, behind it the white marble statue of Kurah, the elk. Doopar stood at the foot of the platform, two children at her side, and two guards beside them.

  “Since when do guards have to follow me into this room?” Doopar asked, hands on her waist.

  “It’s nice to see you too,” I said. “I asked them to accompany anyone who comes into the throne room in the absence of our rulers.” I fixed the pin on my chest. “Nothing personal.”

  The two children watched me as if I were a rare dragon strolling through the forest. Their clothes were unlike anything I had ever seen before. The boy wore what seemed to be a black potato sack, while the girl’s pink coat looked like the feathers of a wild bird.

  “I think it’s best if they leave,” Doopar suggested.

  “You both may wait outside.” I waved both guards away.

  On the wall to my left was the swaying silver pendulum, as tall as the columns of this room. It was used to announce the arrival of Christmas in Henderbell. Whenever both worlds aligned, the pendulum stopped moving, standing still for twenty-four hours.

  “This place is beautiful,” said the young girl, eyes wide.

  “Are you going to introduce us, Doopar?” I asked, while the boy stared at me with his nose crinkled into a skeptical scowl.