As Flreu had said there were festivities in place. Nick and Kevin were going to be welcomed with the utmost honor. Family to the trulion and his baka, they would be well respected and greatly loved among the elves. Even now AJ could see them standing in the castle courtyard, surrounded by elves, Howie at their side. He was thankful that Howie was sticking with them, acting as a kind of guide. It left Brian and AJ free to meet with Flreu and discuss business.
Not that there was much to find out. No one else had arrived yet, though some were sighted only a few days away. There had been no sign of anything negative coming at them. All in all, it had been a peaceful two days where the dragons and the elves had basically been able to become reacquainted.
But Nifar wanted to speak with AJ about the weapons he was making. What he thought they might need. What would work best against what creatures so that he knew what to make. Tadhg, the resident master magician as well as Brian’s uncle, needed to speak with him as well. The barrier that protected the castle had been extended to include the cliffs and most of the forest so that they would have adequate cover for all the creatures staying there. But doing that left them with wider borders to defend.
As AJ discussed sentries and where to put them with Tadhg, he carried on a silent conversation with Brian. His love had moved to join Kevin and Nick to try to help them feel more at ease. ‘Gods above! They’ve been taking care of themselves for longer than anyone I know! Why on earth do they keep bringing all of this to me for my approval?’ he grumbled.
Humor slid across the bond. ‘This whole thing is your show, basically. You’re the boss. They may know what they’re doing, but they don’t know how to deal with you, and so they err on the side of caution. Better to check it all with you and make sure you approve than do something and find out that they’ve pissed you off.’
‘It’s ridiculous. I swear to you it takes everything I have to stand here and listen to Uncle. You better come save me at some point!’
Out of the corner of his eye AJ saw Brian lean and whisper something to Flreu, who threw his head back and laughed loud and long. Then he was turning and heading toward AJ with a mile wide grin. “Grandson!” he called out as he drew near. Tadhg respectfully felt silent, his lips curving as Flreu almost danced up to them. “I’m going to shamelessly use a King’s privilege and steal this young one away from you.” Flreu told Tadhg, his eyes twinkling.
Tadhg bowed respectfully to them, but he was chuckling when he left. Still smiling, Flreu looped his arm around AJ’s shoulders and led him off towards the woods. “Let us go inspect the borders, grandson. It is as good an excuse as any to step away from the crowds and the job for a while!” he announced. Grinning, the two strolled into the forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nick watched as AJ walked away into the forest with the King. Amazing, to think that AJ was grandson to royalty. Even more amazing to think that AJ, who was millennia old, was able to walk with his biological grandfather, an elf who looked like a man no later than his late twenties to early thirties. Unless you looked at his eyes. There you saw age and wisdom.
He turned his eyes back to the courtyard around them and marveled at the beauty of the place. There were flowers and bushes and trees everywhere. Some stone was used to create benches, or rocks were set here and there with flat tops perfect for sitting on. Everywhere he looked were different elves of all shapes, size, and colors. Yet they all held similarities.
No matter how tall or short, not a one of them could be considered fat, though some were more muscular, some more slender. They all had the deep, aged eyes with rings in them. Some had one, some had none, some had two. No matter the color of their skin, all of them had that smooth skinned look. All their ears were pointed. All carried themselves with a grace that Nick realized was unique to elves.
It seemed as if all of them wanted to talk to him or to Kevin. They were popular, surrounded by elves. He felt more comfortable now that Brian was with them, standing at his side, almost acting as a go between. Somehow it came out that they were in a band together and Nick found that they were being ushered as a group toward raised section of the courtyard where the band was playing.
Amused, Kevin and Howie spoke with the musicians and had them going on a certain beat. Once the music started Nick grinned. He instantly recognized the song. This, at least, he could do easily enough. He was used to being on stage. It actually made him feel more at ease. Together they sang their classics. Starting with “As Long As You Love Me” and moving through some of their other hits. At the end of each song they were cheered and begged for another. Nick grinned at the crowd, and saw that Kevin was smiling too. This had worked well to ease the tension.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still holding each other close, grandfather and grandson moved through the trees, heading toward the borders edge. They didn’t speak much, not really needing to. Just being in one another’s company was enough for them. It was enough to take away some of AJ’s stress and help him find a relaxing place inside of his heart.
When they reached where the barrier should be, the two continued to walk. They knew they would sense it when they reached it.
“I enjoyed your family.” Flreu said suddenly, turning to smile at AJ. “The young one, Nick? He is a funny child with a strong heart.”
“He is. He’s always been the joker of our band. He’s got this core of strength in him that I didn’t know was there before. He’s surprised me the past few days with his easy acceptance of things. I don’t think that Kevin is going to be as easy about it all.” AJ didn’t speak to his King at this moment. He spoke to his grandfather, seeking advice that he knew would be given.
Flreu nodded sagely. “Yes, that one is confused and uncertain. It comes out in an anger that sits at the back of his eyes. His vision is clouded, but I suspect that he will come around before too long. The mind in there is obviously quick and intelligent. It shows in his eyes. Much as been put on them, grandson. Give them the space to breathe a bit first.”
With a smile, AJ hugged his arm around Flreu’s waist, resting his head on the shoulder that had been there for as long as he could remember.
They both felt it when they stepped through the barrier. Then all hell broke loose. Something triggered AJ’s senses in just enough time to throw up a shield as fire flew at them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They had moved on to singing “Time”, which was one song that Nick personally enjoyed quite a bit. He found himself smiling and laughing between lyrics, unable to resist the joy in the air. Everything about the elves was so happy. It reminded him of being around Brian. Of the way that Brian had always seemed to be able to perk him up no matter the mood he was in.
Just finishing the chorus, Nick turned to look at his friends just in time to see Brian’s body go taunt. Everyone in the courtyard fell silent as Brian froze, his eyes going wide. The next instant he was leaping off their ‘stage’ and shouting to the gathering crowd. “Warriors, to me! Attack! Attack on the King and trulion! Warriors, up arms!”
Howie leapt off the stage, darting after Brian. A group of elves gathered around Nick and Kevin, forming a protective ring. Helpless, Nick took hold of Kevin’s hand. Fear filled his heart. What was going on?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sparing just a moment to alert Brian of what was happening, AJ had to then turn his attention to the attack heading his way. He made to pull Flreu back into the barrier, but another kind of shield had cropped up around them. Even without looking, AJ knew who he would find. He felt his presence laced through every inch of the shield.
Flreu calmly took one of AJ’s scimitars, holding it ready in his hands. AJ kept his hands free, held out loosely by his hips. “Hello to you too, Roth!” He called out to the dark night. “Fancy seeing you here. It’s a little late to come out and play!”
“It will be a pleasure, the day I remove that flippant tongue from your mouth.” A smooth voice said. From the shadows in front of them Roth emerged. He stood between the shelters of two trees, blending in to the darkness. “You have been causing me no end of trouble, Alyck.”
Shrugging, AJ relaxed the control over his magic, letting it fill him, flooding through his veins. “Can’t seem to help myself, Roth. Seeing as how you’re trying to destroy the world and all, an bring back one of the most evil spirits to have ever walked the earth. What’d you expect? That I’d hide in a hole somewhere and say oh well?” AJ snorted at him. “You’ve got another thing coming.”
Another wall of fire flew at them, but AJ was prepared this time. He held his shield strong, dissipating the fire as it hit it. He couldn’t risk the forest around them catching fire.
Under the cover of the fire, Roth moved quick as a snake, dodging forward with sword in hand. He would have caught them, but for one lone shape leaping into their circle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brian ran faster than he ever had in his entire life. Up ahead he could feel the determination and anger in AJ’s mind. All he knew was he had to get there as quickly as possible. He had to help his lover.
When AJ spoke one word into his mind, Brian almost stumbled to the ground. He managed to catch himself and even increase his speed. Roth. Roth was here, and AJ and Flreu were alone outside the barrier, trapped in by Roth’s shield.
Jesus, let him get there in time!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A hoarse cry slipped past Flreu’s lips when Iona leapt into the circle, her spear in hand. She managed to slice across Roth’s arm, distracting him and stopping his physical attack. Her forward momentum carried her down to the ground, but she was fast and she spun her body around to face him, already back on her feet. Snarling, Iona charged again, her body glowing with her anger.
AJ pulled his own scimitar and moved to join her, to help his Aunt, but Roth was faster. He managed to dodge her attack at the last second and get underneath the spear so that his hand came up, wrapping around her throat. “Freeze, or I tear out her soul.” He hissed at them.
The two men froze, staring at the monster that held AJ’s Aunt, Flreu’s daughter. “Let her go, Roth. This is between us right now. You’re pissed at me.”
“Do you know what your problem is, Alyck?” Roth said slowly, his smile growing wide in a look that AJ both recognized and feared. “You are predictable in your softness. Your heart. You care too much, and therefore leave yourself open to weakness.”
Iona’s spear was slowly creeping up, shifting to a better angle. AJ wanted to cry out to her, to tell her not to do it. With his hand on her skin, Roth could kill her in an instant. Looking into her eyes, AJ could see that she knew it, and considered the risk worth it. No! his mind cried. No!
Footsteps echoed behind them, coming from a distance, rushing toward them. Roth heard it too, and he must have felt the magic building in the air. Overhead beat the sound of dragons’ wings.
Those dark eyes latched onto AJ again, and in them AJ could see that it was no longer Roth who was in control. Not for this moment. Twyla stared out at them, not quite strong yet, but strong enough to have corrupted Roth even more than he already was. “”You had your chance to join me.” Twyla said, using Roth as his conduit. “You may think you’ve won, but I got what I came for. I know the limitations and strengths of your pitiful barrier now.”
“You have what you want, then.” AJ told him, trying to stay calm. “Why engage us if you already had what you wanted?”
That smile grew wider. “Why, Alyck, don’t you know? To hurt you. I can’t resist it, you know. I wanted to see you, to let you know the extent of your up and coming failure. But, with your friends coming, I regret that I must leave.” There was something in Roth’s eyes, Twyla’s eyes, that had the fear in AJ’s heart tripling. “Before I go, let me leave you with one last gift.”
Understanding washed through AJ and he threw himself forward with a scream of rage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
That scream echoed in the forest, bouncing off the trees and seeming to chill the night air. Brian felt the rage in the bond, and then pain. Pain so strong that it almost buckled his knees. He redoubled his efforts and suddenly he burst into the glade. Instantly his eyes scanned for Roth, for any danger, but the man was long gone. His shield was no longer there, and Brian vaguely felt the trace of his magic rushing fast to the north.
What he did see chilled his him down to his soul. In the middle of the small glade, Flreu and AJ were kneeling. In front of them lay a small body. Dread curled Brian’s stomach as he stepped forward, one slow step at a time. He had to go there, yet he knew that he didn’t want to see what was on the ground. Who was on the ground.
But he walked to them. The entire forest seemed to have fallen silent. Not even the crickets chirped. When he got close enough, he finally saw what it was that they were kneeling over. A soft cry slipped from his lips and he dropped to his knees by AJ’s side. No. How could this be? Her body gone pale, her beautiful eyes no longer glowing, Iona lay as if sleeping. But he knew she wasn’t. God above. Brian reached a hand out, placing it on AJ’s shoulder.
He watched as AJ bent down, closing her eyes and kissing her forehead. “Sister of my mother, may the earth cradle you in her embrace. May she shelter you, and guide you safe to the ever after.” He whispered. Flreu bent and kissed her as well, murmuring in elvish. Tears streamed from both men’s eyes.
To Brian’s surprise, AJ bent and slid his arms under the petite elf, lifting her into them and rising to his feet. Head held high, he turned in the direction of the castle. The crowd opened before him, leaving a clear path.
Flreu stepped up beside Brian, his face drenched with tears. He took hold of Brian’s hand. “It was her wish, should she ever pass, to join our earth in the gardens at our home. Her sister was brought home and put to ground there, in the back gardens. She wanted to be with her sister.”
Doing the only thing he could, Brian held tight to the hand that was in his. Together they followed AJ, both of them silently sobbing. Brian’s heart was breaking inside of his chest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tears running in rivers down his cheeks, AJ forced one foot in front of the other. He heard everyone gathering behind him, a whole procession following as he walked to the castle. He ignored them all. Ignored everything but the woman in his arms. He would carry out her wish; it was the last thing that he could do for her.
He paid no attention to anyone else. The sound of elves crying, of the gasps and shrieks of grief rolled over him like water off his back. Mourning songs were started, a heartbreaking dirge that reached down into your soul. Still AJ did not stop. Not until he was in the back gardens.
Moving to the spot, that spot that they had had their meeting with Flreu and Tadhg on, AJ laid her gently in the grass. With a soft touch he brushed her hair off of her face. In that moment all he could do was stare at her. The sister of his mother. His aunt. A woman who had accepted him from the day he had come to them, and who had loved him.
Memories slid through his mind. Her teaching him how to sew, and to play instruments. Telling him stories of his mother as they sat in the dark under the stars. Laughing with him as they watched Aine play. Her life had been long, and filled with laughter and joy.
Softly AJ began to sing, his voice rising with each word. He sang in elvish, a song of sorrow and loss. A song sung over the graves of a family member. Tears dripped off of his face, landing in the grass beside her. Raising his hands, AJ held them over her body, his singing growing louder and louder. Behind him he could hear others singing their songs of grief, hear the cries of those that sobbed.
With a pulse of magic, AJ offered her body to the earth, and the earth took her. She sunk into the ground with a flash of light. Once it was gone, there was nothing left on the grass to show where she had once been. He rested his hands on the soft grass as the last lines of the song were finished.
In the sudden silence, AJ bent his head and pressed his forehead to the soil. The first sob tore its way out of him. Then another, and another. She had died trying to save him. Died, to protect the son of her sister. She was the first casualty of this war that had been close to his heart. Her death had taken him and broke him, just as Roth wanted.
AJ couldn’t bring himself to care about the rest. His hands curled into the ground and his body seemed to convulse with the force of his grief and his tears. A pair of arms slid around him, not restraining him, and the bond opened wide, emotions sharing between him and Brian. In that, AJ could feel Brian’s grief as well. The two clung to one another, shelters in this storm of grief, and sobbed out their pain.
On his other side Flreu was there suddenly, holding him as well. He too cried, sobbing for the loss of his daughter. Together the three stayed there. Behind them the music started again, a dirge for the dead that would carry through what remained of the night.
Under the grief, AJ felt a burning rage start. Roth was going to pay for this death. If it took everything he had, he would make sure that he paid.