Insignitis destiny, p.39
Insignitis: Destiny, page 39
“I’ll see you in the Assembly Hall.”
“I’ll walk with you. I’ll transport back to Neon before I reach the gate.”
“Don’t forget to shield yourself. It’s the only way you can leave Cerna.”
“Sure.”
The light of sunrise crossed over the weeping willow tree, and filtered through the cover of branches and leaves covering Saphira and Reilly. It warmed the tent created by the tree, but they didn’t stir. Yesterday had exhausted them in ways they hadn’t realised. Their bodies ached, and minds were too tired to absorb anything else, inducing headaches.
The sound of birdsong began, and gentle pitter-patter of footsteps of animals running through the forest and undergrowth created small echoes. As a breeze formed, the sound of small waves in the pond, and swaying trees, were added to the sound. It was all calming, sensual, but steadily reached their ears, causing them to stir.
Reilly was first to awake, and saw a sea of jet-black hair on his chest - Saphira was still asleep. Once again, she hadn’t moved, unlike the other night when she slept alone. It was when he drew the picture, which she still hadn’t seen. It still surprised him - he never drew such suggestive art, especially from life. He usually drew landscapes and portraits. But he was just so captivated by her beauty as she slept that he seized the opportunity.
Reilly listened to her breathing - it was steady, but he could still feel pain emitting from her. He knew when she awoke, she would still have a headache. They both seemed to suffer them, which was another thing he couldn’t understand.
“I can hear your mind racing,” Saphira whispered, still mostly asleep.
“Sorry, just go back to sleep. It’s just after sunrise.”
“Okay.”
Reilly knew she had went back to sleep within moments. Still, he kissed her head, and began to twist a locket of her hair around his fingers. It had become a habit almost absent-mindedly, but it felt like silk. He just hoped it would remain one after the prophecy came to fruition. It bestowed unwanted fear in him. He was finally happy, and so was Saphira, but everything could be taken away by a Nymph’s desire to reverse a curse, and resurrect her son. He knew the risks better than anyone, and if he failed to fulfil his promise, the gods could easily decide to take Petra’s place.
Reilly looked at the bracelet he donned, and smiled, but it didn’t last. He was beyond happy that his future wife had her head resting on his chest with a peaceful expression on her face. But would their wedding even occur? However, the knowledge Elder Delimaira revealed was another point of confusion. He knew the stories involving Damanta, and none were good - they roamed a world humans would think as the Underworld. Maybe they were right considering damned spirits crossed a river before meeting their true end. But rather than a god ruling it, Damanta did.
If this gift originated from those creatures, who roamed such a dark world, wasn’t something to fear, and detest having, then how was he supposed to feel about it? It was magic everyone would consider dark. Still, it seemed to harm Petra, and cause a lot of pain. But why didn’t it show itself when she nearly took his life? Maybe Saphira was right, and everything was a mess, which was soon to be made worse.
“Reilly, where are you?” Serrae said.
“The botanical garden. Saphira needed fresh air. Why?”
“The announcement is about to be made.”
“Mother, is it really necessary for us to join you? Saphira is still asleep. Last night basically made her ill.”
“I’ll try to explain this to everyone. But some may not agree.”
“Meaning your father.”
“Not just him. Elder Vianola won’t, neither.”
“They are still here? I thought they would have returned to the chapel.”
“They can’t until the Reapers have been dealt with. But like I said, I’ll try.”
“I’ll let her rest until you contact me with the decision.”
“Of course.”
Reilly and Saphira stood in the market square, along with the Royal Families, Councillors, and Elders. Most of Cerna were present, along with guards. As they stood, staring in confusion, Reilly was trying to hide his anger. Saphira was still exhausted, and being so close to the Elders, again, she felt ill. He could feel her hand trembling within his as she tried not to vomit.
“Citizens of Cerna, we have called you all here because you need to know. Cerna is under threat from a creature that is incredibly difficult to defeat. A Nymph named Petra has created six Reapers. Now, I know not many of you know what they are. They are creatures that have been harmed then flooded with a deadly venom. Petra used Barghest venom, along with her son’s,” Aubree began. “These Reapers are Elven, but they no longer look Elven. Their veins and lips are black, and their teeth are venomous as are their lips. Their eyes glow like melted iron, and their blood is as deadly as they are. These Reapers will have different weaknesses thus are hard to kill.”
“We have erected a shield, which the Elders, Royal Families, Councillors, and guards, filled with enchanted fire. This was Saphira’s idea, as were the crystals you are going to be provided. However, in the next hour, an evacuation is scheduled. But only bonded Elven who have families will be evacuated. I hope I don’t need to explain why,” Elbereth said - murmurs broke out when the category was revealed. “The Elders will remain to aid in the defence of Cerna, and Prince Reilly and Saphira shall be evacuated.”
Everyone watched Reilly look at Elbereth with a shocked, confused, and angry expression on his face. Clearly he wasn’t made aware of this. The citizens, however, were not surprised - Saphira was still learning how to use her gifts. Everyone knew she was once stuck in the Human world, and had no training or guidance so they understood the reason. But the look on Reilly’s face made a few question Saphira’s ability - was she now skilled enough to provide aid? Even if she were, she was now, technically, royalty, and was expected to provide Reilly with an heir whenever they chose.
“The Elders will remain in the market square, and help to maintain the enchanted shield. It should give everyone enough time to prepare whatever they need. I also advise that you eat and drink because we don’t know how long this battle will last,” Aubree said. “Citizens of Cerna, I wish you all luck.”
“May I speak?” someone said.
“Of course, Fenris,” Elbereth said.
“Forgive me for prying, but I saw the way Prince Reilly reacted. Clearly, he believes his chosen, Saphira, is skilled enough to remain. It was her plan to protect the town the way it has been. How advanced is she, Queen Elbereth?” Fenris said, gently.
“You may answer him, Elbereth,” Saphira said.
“She has learned elemental transformation, and rune writing and translation, but is struggling with casting enchantments.”
“Then, Prince Reilly, Saphira, should evacuate. Reapers are difficult to defeat, and enchantments are the best way to defeat them.”
“Fenris, that was too blunt,” Reilly said.
“Reilly, don’t berate him. You know it’s true. Fenris, forgive him. He tends to become like this when tired.”
“Of course, my love. I apologise, Fenris.”
“It’s not a problem, Prince Reilly. I hope you like the capital, Saphira. The botanical garden is wonderful.”
“I’ll see it, no doubt.”
“I think we ought to begin the evacuation. The crystals will be delivered by guards shortly,” Elbereth said. “Prince Reilly, Saphira, Taeral wishes to see you in his office. Afterward, you’ll be transported to Maiorum. There will be food and clothing provided for you, Saphira.”
“Thank you, Elbereth.”
The market square seemed to empty instantly, leaving them standing near the fountain. No-one spoke, but Reilly glared toward Elbereth and Aubree.
“Reilly, your eyes are orange. Calm yourself,” Saphira whispered.
“You can see that?” Aubree said, confused.
“I’ve always been able to. Why?”
“It’s rare, that’s all.”
“Saphira, we better head to Taeral’s office. I don’t want to upset anyone by losing control.”
“Sure.”
Taeral sat at his desk with three large books open on the desk, and with a long strip of parchment in front of him. The books were records since Elven started recording history. The parchment in front of him, where a quill hovered above, was to be added to the books. But he had no idea where to start. Did he start at Saphira’s arrival in Síscéal? Did he start at the destruction of Imbla? Or did he simply start at the point where Saphira revealed what she witnessed in the clearing?
Taeral sighed tiredly and started at Saphira’s arrival. He had to be descriptive, but he knew he couldn’t reveal parts that may cause problems for Reilly and Saphira. However, if anyone was like him, they would be able to read in-between the lines. If they did, they would spot the inconsistencies in the text.
However, when he got to the part involving Imbla, he added a sketch of the necklace and runes Petra had carved in wood. He still didn’t know the significance of the unknown runes. Whatever they translated to, and how they worked, he doubted anyone but Petra could explain.
A knock on the door made him jump, and swiftly come out of his thoughts. But he knew who was on the other side.
“Enter.”
Reilly and Saphira entered, both looked tired, and in dire need of a full night’s sleep. But it was Saphira who looked the worst - her cheeks had no colour, and her eyes were glazed over. It reminded him of Reilly - she had a headache, and a bad one.
Taeral watched Saphira’s eyes dart toward what lay on his desk. Her eyes travelled over the books, then the parchment. A look of confusion spread across her face.
“Taeral, where did you see that?”
“A guard found a necklace on a Barghest. He met his death in Imbla, but was wearing a basic necklace with these runes displayed.”
“Do you have the necklace?”
“Yes, it’s in a chest in the vault in this building. Why?”
“Those runes, I’ve seen them before.”
“Where?”
“There is a description in one of the books I took.”
“Do you know the translation?”
“They are old, and used to disguise someone, and what they are. That’s the rune that resembles a triangular spiral. The other rune that resembles a dagger, that’s used to enter enchanted gates, and the one that surrounds those, connects the two.”
“Are you telling me that this necklace enabled Barghests to hide their auras?”
“Considering Petra made them, the magic in those necklaces is hers, and she naturally masks her aura. It’s probably why she has been able to sneak up on everyone. She’s did it to us multiple times, and inflicted pain. She tried to sever Reilly’s bond with me.”
“When?”
“When I was ambushed by Owen and her. I thought you were aware of this?” Reilly said.
“Sorry, I must have forgotten. So much has happened recently.”
“Taeral, you should destroy that necklace.”
“Why?”
“She created them, so she can summon them back.”
“It would help her bypass the shield, would it not?”
“It would only weaken a small area, but large enough to enter.”
“How do I destroy such an item?”
“Freeze it then throw it into a furnace, or something similar.”
“I’ll go to a blacksmith once I finish these records.”
“I can see my name, Taeral.”
“Well, you now live in Síscéal, and many things have happened since then. Congratulations, by the way.”
“Thank you, Taeral,” Reilly said.
“You’ll be happy, both of you, regardless of everything,” Taeral said. “Reilly, I think it’s time for you to evacuate with Saphira. Maybe you could take her to the library. You both enjoy reading.”
“I am planning to take her there.”
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door, and when Taeral granted permission for entry, tension instantly filled the room. Nailo walked in, but froze when he noticed Reilly and Saphira. The moment his and Reilly’s eyes met, they changed to orange.
“Reilly, calm yourself.”
“No…” Reilly said through gritted teeth as he breathed deeply.
“Reilly, look at me, my love…look…at…me.”
Reilly had to force his head to turn to look at Saphira. He knew he was beginning to transform for he felt his nails beginning to elongate. His eyes were orange with slanted pupils, and his canine teeth were lengthening (teeth that, somehow, intensified the pleasure Reilly gave her).
“Whatever is in that head of yours, Nailo, get it out!” Saphira said, fleetingly glaring at him. “Reilly, just keep looking at me.”
Everyone saw how violently Reilly was shaking as he tried to calm himself. His breathing was laboured, his nails were still transforming into claws. His eyes were turning black. Taeral and Nailo watched her place her hands on Reilly’s cheeks, close her eyes, and vanish. They did not know where.
“What in Goddess Solas and Mactire’s name were you thinking to cause Reilly to lose control like that?” Taeral snapped, standing up and glaring.
“Nothing of consequence,” Nailo said, pathetically.
“Nothing of consequence? Reilly has never been unable to stop transformation like that! Now, what were you thinking? Or do I have to call on Aestra? I’ve heard rumours she plans on locking you up.”
“That girl is not worthy of my grandson, she is weak, and I know how intimate she’s been. I’ve seen it in her head.”
“Excuse me? You entered her memories without her permission? That’s illegal! You had no right to do that, especially seeing intimate memories.”
“She’s been bitten, Taeral.”
“So? Reilly’s entitled to. She’s his chosen, and future wife.”
“You know the rules, Taeral! He’s claimed her outwith marriage!”
“That matters not, and you know it. You truly need to stay away from them, especially Reilly, and you know why. I’m required to report this, Nailo.”
“Do whatever you like, Taeral, but this marriage will not occur!”
“Yes, it will. Reilly may be family, but he’s the future king of the Maiorum Kingdom. So whatever he does falls under the ruling of that kingdom, not yours. If Reilly has bitten Saphira, it was within his right to do so,” Taeral snapped. “Now, you truly should stay away from them because Saphira will not always be there to calm him.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, it is a warning. Leave them alone, and don’t you ever invade either of their minds again!”
Rather than wait for Nailo to leave, Taeral swiftly closed the books, and left his office. On entering the street, he saw Reilly and Saphira at the fountain. Reilly was no longer transforming, but was kissing Saphira lovingly. From where he stood, it looked like he was apologising for their foreheads soon met. But Reilly had nothing to apologise for.
Taeral inwardly groaned - he was required to report Nailo for his insubordination. He had been given enough warnings, but, like usual, he did not listen, not even to his wife. Taeral was taken out of his thoughts when he saw a flash - the Reapers were now here.
Chapter 43
Invasion
***
Saphira took Reilly to the fountain for the streets were silent for most had been evacuated, or were staying inside. The crystals had been delivered, but her mind was on Reilly who sat on the edge of the fountain shaking. He was now fully transformed, but no-one was around.
Gently, she turned his head - his eyes and lips were tightly closed. But it was the shaking that worried her. She stroked his cheeks affectionately, and watched his eyes open. They were plain sapphire-blue and looked wet.
Slowly, she raised his head, and placed her lips on his. It seemed to take a few moments for Reilly to realise what was happening. Once he did, he responded in kind. However, Saphira felt the guilt.
“Hey, you have nothing to feel guilty about.”
“He knows.”
“Who? Nailo?”
“He invaded your mind the moment he entered. He knows I’ve bitten you.”
“So?”
“I’ve claimed you.”
“But we haven’t made love.”
“It’s different when we transform. Biting is, I think humans would call it, territorial.”
“Reilly, I no longer care. I know I’m yours.”
“Wait, did you know?”
“I figured it out.”
“When?”
“When you nibbled my ear. It just felt different.”
“I don’t understand.”
“It was as though you were saying ‘you’re mine’.”
“Well, now you are, and that ignorant and prejudiced fool knows.”
“Like I said, I no longer care.”
Saphira stroked his cheek, and placed her lips on his. They sat there sharing their affections, finally not caring who might bear witness. However, before they could let the lust show itself, they broke apart when they saw a flash.
“They are here,” Saphira said.
“I better take you to Maiorum.”
“No.”
“Saphira, I am required to.”
“Reilly, it’s too late. We can’t leave Cerna.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The shield has been activated, Reilly. No-one can leave until it is destroyed. Why do you think the evacuation took place an hour ago?”
“You knew when they would get here,” Reilly said. “How long have you known?”
“I saw it.”
“That wasn’t a dream this morning, was it?”
“No.”
“I need to find somewhere safe. I can’t let you get hurt. I can’t.”
“Reilly, those Reapers aren’t here to capture me. They’re here to capture you. Why do you think I kept it to myself? I didn’t want to be away from you. You know what happens when you are.”
“Let’s go!”
Reilly seized her hand, and began to run toward the botanical garden. He reached the gate, and pressed his hand onto a selection of runes. It was a different sequence than Saphira had previously seen. But it was too rapid for her to see which runes - she just saw aqua-blue light flood each one.
