Page 6 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

T he gate to the Tidal Kingdom was not exactly a gate, Renya realized as she approached the monstrous opening on the side of the cliff. It was a massive canyon venturing back farther into the land, cutting a path through the terrain. Roughly carved structures surrounded it, partially submerged in the sea. The mouth of the inlet was full of water as well, with two rope bridges connecting one side to the other. Four guards stood on the bridges next to a platform holding two small canoe-type boats. Renya guessed the only way into the kingdom was to be ferried across the inlet. The rest of the bay was filled with more tall buildings, winding their way up to the darkening sky. They looked abandoned, like dark gravestones stretching up towards the heavens.

She approached the rope bridge and made her way to the center of the cave where the guards stood. The bridge swayed slightly under her weight as she stepped carefully on the sea-worn planks. Renya was nervous, hoping the guards would be sympathetic and provide her shelter. Her heart raced, a mix of exhaustion and anxiety. What if they turned her away? The thought of facing Cressida again made her stomach churn. She longed for Grayden's reassuring presence, his steady gaze that always seemed to say, “I've got you.” Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. She'd come this far on her own; she could handle this too. The journey to the Tidal Gate took longer than she thought it would, and she was desperate to get indoors and away from anywhere Cressida could spot her, especially with the sun starting to set and darkness slowly encroaching upon the land. Plus, she was so tired. She wanted Grayden, and then to sleep. As exhausted as she was, she knew sleep would be difficult unless Grayden was with her. She felt protected in his embrace and within the circle of his arms.

As Renya approached the center of the rope bridge, two of the guards turned towards her. Renya noticed one was a woman, and she was hoping she might get more sympathy from her. The guards wore tight sleeveless tunics with scaled leather crossing diagonally on the front like armor. The scales were black and deep green and reflected the light, giving the effect of fish scales distorted in the water. They each carried a wooden spear with a sharp metal tip. The male nearest Renya had spiked black hair, and the female's was cut short to the scalp and slicked back, dark like licorice and coiled tightly.

As Renya moved forward, both guards tensed up on their spears. She raised up her arms in what she thought was a friendly, non-threatening greeting.

“Hello,” Renya started nervously. “I need help, I was kidnapped by the Shadow Queen but managed to get away. I was told you might offer me shelter and safe passage to the Snow Lands. I'm a…friend of Prince Grayden's,” she finished lamely. She was much more than a friend, but they never put a label on what they were. Boyfriend and girlfriend? It sounded foolish, even in her head.

The guards looked at each other and began communicating rapidly in a language Renya didn't understand. The tones sounded a bit more guttural than Grayden's speech when he was talking to his men, but she couldn't tell for sure if they were the same tongue. The male seemed surprisingly more sympathetic than the female , Renya thought. He gestured at Renya and said some words in a soft tone, but the female crossed her arms and shook her head.

“Please…” Renya began, sensing the exchange was quickly turning sour. “Look, I have his pin to prove I'm a friend of the Snowden family.” She held out the elkten pin and the female flinched as if Renya was going to attack. The male glanced at the pin and then back at the female guard. The woman threw up her hands as if to say that she was exasperated and gave up.

The male looked Renya up and down once more, as if checking to make sure she wasn't dangerous, then gestured to one of the small canoes. “Come,” he said, with a thick accent.

Renya looked at the tiny boat and stepped inside as the guard held out his hand to help her. She dropped her boots on the floor of the canoe and sat down on a wooden bench straddling the two edges of the little boat. The canoe was hardly wider than Renya.

The male guard carefully put his spear behind the last seat in the boat, and gracefully slid in the back. He grabbed a pair of oars and began to row.

The canoe moved through the glassy water, creating a small wake as it sailed farther into the cave. The sides of the cave were covered in green seaweed and barnacles from high tides, but instead of getting darker as they voyaged inside, it became lighter. Beautiful crystal stalactites hung from the ceiling of the cave, illuminating it with a glowing green light. Torches lined the walls, further lighting the vast and dark cave.

The guard silently continued to row across the mirror-like water.

“What's your name?” Renya asked.

“York,” he responded in his gruff voice.

“Thank you, York, for taking me in.”

“I'm just taking you to the king,” he said, his muscular arms continuing to propel the canoe through the water. “It's he who will decide what to do with you.”

“Still, I appreciate you taking me to see him. I need to get to the Snow Lands as soon as possible.”

York didn't reply, but gave a slight nod. They were approaching a dark bend in the cave and it narrowed significantly, perhaps only a dozen feet across in some spots. Renya held her breath as the ceiling lowered and the sides of the cave seemed to box them in. The lights from the stalactites were gone. York continued to row, and Renya lowered her head, afraid she was going to hit the top of the narrowing passage. She saw a pinprick of light ahead, and then suddenly the canoe was thrust into another enormous cavern.

Renya had never seen a natural space so big. There were multiple docks lining a stone outcropping, with numerous canoes tied up. Fishing nets and anchors lined the dock, and there were shops and shanties just steps away from the noisy harbor. Beyond the docks, more and more buildings came into view. High above, in the farthest recesses of the cave, Renya saw an elaborate palace carved into the rock. She couldn't believe anything like this existed in any world.

York looked pleased at her reaction. “We house six hundred Tidal Fae in this cave and mountainside,” he said proudly.

“It's magnificent,” Renya complimented as York tied the boat to a free pole in the harbor. She quickly slipped on her boots and accepted York's hand as he helped her out of the tiny vessel.

The cavern buzzed with life, a symphony of voices echoing off the stone walls. The pungent scent of fish mingled with the sweet aroma of fresh bread, making Renya's empty stomach growl audibly. Her fingertips tingled as she brushed past rough-hewn stone buildings, the texture so different from the smooth surfaces of her world. Despite the lateness of the hour, the air thrummed with energy, as if the cave itself was alive with possibility.

Dozens of fae bustled in the streets, buying bread and selling fish, trading and bartering. The men dressed in similar fashions as the guards: dark tunics with scaly leather pieces fashioned over the chest. The women mostly wore dresses, but the skirts were thin and looked easy to manage. Renya spotted a little girl holding a doll while grasping her mother's skirt, watching an entertainer play some kind of stringed instrument Renya didn't recognize.

The cave floor was smooth like onyx, and Renya hurried to catch up with York as he made his way through the winding road, taking them past shops, stands, and houses. Renya couldn't believe how much activity there was going on, especially during the evening hours. But with the light coming from the crystals in the ceiling, she supposed there might not be a real difference between night and day here.

Renya could smell more bread baking and fish being fried. Her mouth watered. Her clothes felt loose on her, and her stomach was so empty it hurt. She yearned for a meal, even if her hosts didn't allow her to stay overnight.

“Keep up, please,” York said, leading her up a slight hill. There was a series of switchbacks carved into the stone, with houses and buildings on each side, weaving up to the stone palace. They quickly made their way further up the cave and into the side of the mountain. Renya wanted to stop and look at everything, but York's pace was quick and efficient. They continued to make their way up higher and higher, until they rounded the last corner. Two more guards, dressed identically to York, stood in front of a large stone and tile archway. They saw York coming and parted, allowing them to pass through.

Renya followed York into another cavernous room, with a tranquil waterfall along one side of the cave wall, ending in a fast-moving stream that cut a path through the floor. A stone bridge passed over the miniature river, and York crossed it. Renya looked up and saw the top of the cave opened up to the natural sky. She could just make out a seagull circling high above in the midnight sky.

There were enclaves carved into the walls, some holding large crystals and others displaying statues. Renya recognized a large conch shell in one, and perhaps a whale in the other. Several chairs were arranged around a large carving of what Renya thought might be a mermaid, and York brought Renya over to the seating area.

“Please wait here,” he said, before disappearing through another tiled archway. After he went through the archway, water cascaded down the opening, blocking what was on the other side. Renya wanted to walk towards it to see how it worked, but decided she better sit still since she was currently an unwelcome guest who desperately wanted to stay and at the very least, have a meal.

After a few minutes, the water cascading down from the archway stopped and York came back through. Renya stood up as he beckoned for her to follow him.

“King Triston and Princess Esmeralda have agreed to see you,” York announced.

As soon as Renya passed through the archway, the curtain of water started to flow again, but she didn't have time to study it before York hurried her along.

A long corridor stretched before her, and Renya noticed that instead of doors, all of the archways contained the same cascading waterfall system. At the very end of the hallway another room opened up before her. Sitting directly ahead were a man and a woman, both regally poised on thrones made of some kind of iridescent material. The effect reminded Renya of the swirls coating freshwater pearls.

York stood off to the side, near a giant table full of carvings. Renya stepped forward and gave what she thought was a proper bow. The man glanced at her before speaking.

King Triston leaned forward, his eyes suddenly sharp. “These are...troubling times,” he said, his voice low and measured. “We've heard whispers of the Shadow Queen's movements. Her quest for power is...concerning.” He paused, studying Renya intently. “And now, you appear at our doorstep, claiming to have escaped her clutches. You must understand our...caution.”

The man's voice was as smooth as silk and his gray eyes looked at Renya intensely. He wore a fine blue tunic with tiny shells sewn delicately around the waist, and a pearl-handled sword rested at his side. He had long blonde hair and a short brow ridge. Resting on top of his head was a simple gold crown engraved with what Renya thought might be eels. His face was stoic, and he seemed devoid of any emotion. This would not be a man to play poker with , Renya mused to herself.

“Yes, I would greatly appreciate any hospitality or help you could give me,” Renya said politely, bowing her head again in the most respectful way she knew how. She looked to the woman next, but instead of looking at Renya, Princess Esmeralda just glanced at the man sitting next to her. She too had long blonde hair, but while King Triston's stopped at his shoulders, hers cascaded freely down to her waist. She wore a dusty rose-colored gown made of satin, and it fit her like a glove and clung to her every curve. There was a cutout at her side which trailed to the front of the dress, displaying several inches of her toned stomach. Pearls were sewn into the dress every few inches, and Renya imagined the ensemble must be heavy to wear. Princess Esmeralda also had on matching satin shoes and a crown made of the largest pearls Renya had ever seen. They were woven together in a net-like pattern over her head, and it was the perfect complement to the fishing nets in the harbor Renya saw earlier.

“York said you have proof of your connection to Snowden,” the king said, acting almost disinterested, as if she was the most boring thing to ever come into his throne room.

“Yes,” Renya replied, moving forward to show him her elkten pin. He took it from her and examined it, while Renya's heart raced. She wanted the pin back immediately, but she pushed the feeling down as he continued to turn it over in his fingers.

“I've heard the younger brother's animal guardian is an elkten,” he said, handing the silver pin to the princess. Esmeralda held it in her hands and eyed it briefly before offering it back to Renya. Renya snatched the pin quickly, heart hammering. Princess Esmeralda raised an eyebrow but didn't comment on her reaction.

“Yes, his is an elkten, and his brother's is a snowy owl.”

“I seem to recall that too. I think you're telling the truth,” he said, and Renya's heart leaped. They would help her get to Grayden, she was sure of it. “What's your name, girl?”

“Renya,” she replied, annoyed at being called 'girl', especially by a man only a few years older than her, but she didn't allow her anger to show. At this point, help was more important than her pride.

“I'm concerned about this rumor I've heard about the Shadow Queen,” he continued, locking eyes with Esmeralda. “It's been said she is scouring the lands looking for a large power source and will stop at nothing until she has it. Why would she abandon her quest for power to kidnap you?”

Renya gulped. This man was extremely intelligent. She wasn't sure how to answer. Renya was pretty sure the power source was her. However, she didn't know if this was information she should willingly share. She stayed quiet, hoping they wouldn't ask any follow-up questions.

Esmeralda spoke this time. “She is clearly exhausted,” her voice came, high and even. “Don't interrogate her now. You'll have to excuse my brother,” she said, apologizing. “I can see you're dead on your feet.”

Instant relief came over Renya. They were going to help her. She almost cried at the thought of a meal and a bed, and maybe even a bath. If she only had Grayden beside her, life would be looking up.

“York, please escort Renya to one of the rooms overlooking the coast,” Princess Esmeralda asked.

“Thank you so much,” Renya replied, dipping into another bow before backing away from the thrones. She looked over her shoulder, but King Triston had already risen and walked away from his throne.

“If you'll come this way, please,” York said, guiding her back to the main room. The waterfall door stopped just in time for them to glide through it, and York marched her down an opposite hallway. They passed several doors before York halted and pointed to the waterfall doorway at the end of the hall. “You can rest there,” he said. “Someone will be along with some things for you, I'm sure.” He didn't sound so sure, but Renya didn't care. As long as there was hot water and a bed, she felt like a princess.

Renya approached the glistening waterfall in the doorway, and as soon as she came close, it stopped and allowed her to pass, falling once again as soon as she fully entered the room. It provided more privacy than she thought it would; she couldn't see anything from the outside or hear anything.

The room was carved out of the stone rock, just as everything else was. It wasn't as large as her room at Grayden's lodge, but bigger than her studio apartment. A large bed stood against the wall in the middle of the room, windows framing it on either side. Renya crossed and looked out of them, surprised to see no glass blocking her from the elements. Rather, the thick rock was carved out and she looked towards the dark horizon as if through a short tunnel. She could smell the marine air and a gentle breeze drifted in. The effect wasn't unpleasant. Renya wondered if they ever got tropical storms and how the open-air windows would function with storm-like gales. She shuddered, thinking of the rain back in Seattle.

Renya turned and made her way to the side of the room, where a bathroom stood. Renya spotted a tub and delight coursed through her body. She started shucking her clothes at once, only stopping when she saw the waterfall at the doorway stop.

A young girl entered the room and Renya covered herself with a towel hanging from a hook on the wall.

No older than fourteen or fifteen, she had pretty auburn hair that hung around her shoulders. She wore a simple green dress that stopped at the knees, and there were satin fringes hanging off the hem, resembling seaweed. Her skin was darkly tanned, as if she spent very little time in the palace but instead, out underneath the sun. The girl carried a large parcel and dropped it on the bed, before turning on her golden sandals and walking out of the room. Renya didn't even have a chance to thank her before she disappeared through the archway.

Renya dropped her towel and crossed over to the bed. The girl had brought a simple periwinkle dress, cut a bit too low for Renya's taste, but infinitely better than the dirt and sweat-covered dress she had been wearing. She loved the riding dress and the sweet gesture from Grayden, but after being through the nightmare dungeon, she wanted to be rid of the outfit Grayden had Doria make for her. The bundle also held some soap and flat blue sandals that tied up the leg. Renya was most excited about the soap. She didn't think she'd ever feel clean again.

She went over to the large tub and turned the handles. Hot steam rose up and Renya shivered in anticipation. She sank down into the warm water and pleasure shuddered through her body. She rested against the back of the tub and let her hair float in the water before lathering it up with the soap. The soap was a cream color with strange petals mixed in with it. It smelled heavenly and Renya couldn't place the scent but it was familiar.

She had just finished rinsing the soap off her body when she heard a frightening roar from down the hall. It was so loud it passed through the water barrier at her doorway. Startled, she quickly got out of the tub, wrapped a towel around her, and moved towards the back of the room, as far away from the watery archway as she could get. She heard commotion coming from the hall and looked for a place to hide. The water in the doorway wasn't going to keep out any intruders. Fear gripped her and she wondered if Cressida had found her. Renya instantly felt guilty for bringing the war here into this peaceful kingdom. Could she use her magic to defend herself? She was mad she hadn't even attempted to use it yet.

A scuffle came, and it sounded like there was a brawl happening in front of her room. A dark shadow passed by her door before instantly coming back. Renya trembled, knowing this was about to be the third time she was taken against her will and her anger mounted.

Renya's heart pounded so loudly she was sure it would give away her position. The footsteps outside grew closer, heavy and determined. She closed her eyes, summoning whatever newfound power lay dormant within her. As the watery curtain began to part, she braced herself, ready to face whatever came through—be it friend or foe.

The tall figure broke through the screen of water, dripping wet.

Renya looked up and met Grayden's emerald-green eyes.