Page 14

Chapter 14

Change of Heart

I t hadn’t taken long for the woman to tell Elnok everything regarding Aretta’s Willow. And while he found satisfaction in discovering her secret and learning vital information about the healing tree, the search only seemed more difficult than before.

She’d said it’d be an impossible task to locate the compass. He’d challenged her limited thinking.

But, since being asked to take off his shoes out of respect for the goddess, and walking along the willow-infested temple hallways, he realized it’d been foolish to misjudge her assessment. Willows lined every blank space, save for the thin path in the middle of each hallway. And according to Sylzenya, these trees were sacred , which meant no one was allowed to leave even a scratch.

In other words, no digging through them to find an ancient, enchanted object.

“And this is just the main entrance,” Sylzenya said as she motioned him forward, “There’s over sixty rooms in this temple, each of them filled with willows.”

“Seems excessive.”

“They’re holy.”

“Oh come on,” he whispered as they walked through the hallway, bare feet slapping against the marble floor, “You really think it isn’t a little overdone?”

Nostrils flaring, she picked up her pace. He followed her in stride.

“Let’s work together on this,” he said, “You made a bargain of some kind because you wanted a cure, so let’s not waste it.”

“I’ve no need for a cure as I have one on the way.” She avoided his gaze. “I’m just here to give you a tour of the temple, as per your request.”

“And to convince me to give up on finding the compass.”

“If you want to tear into one of the willows, be my guest.”

“You just want to see me chained up after I used my rope on you,” he said with a wide grin.

“A criminal, a prince, and now a child.” She jeered, “Man of many trades, indeed.”

“Very funny.”

She glanced at him sidelong. “Your words, not mine.”

He scoffed as he continued to follow her through the temple. He’d hoped her confession would ignite something in her, a desire to find the willow that she seemed to previously have had. But he couldn’t match whatever hold the High One had over her.

He’d have to find the compass alone.

Maybe the Estean warrior had some insight… if he could find a way to contact Kharis.

“And this is the healing pool,” Sylzenya announced, breaking the silence.

Steam filled his lungs as they entered the large circular room. Warm water slapped against his feet; a tingle sent up into his skin.

“When Kreenas and acolytes have finished their work for the day, they come here to heal their backs.” Sylzenya continued, “It’s also the only room without a living willow in it, the steam an unpleasant environment for it.”

Elnok stepped forward. A pool filled the center of the room—glittering tiles on the bottom glowing in the shape of a tree.

“How’s it doing that?” he asked.

“One of Aretta’s last gifts to us was a pool of water with healing capabilities. It can’t heal anything marred by steel or human tools, only power; power opens our skin, and so power heals us.”

“So it’s your power that does… that?” He motioned to her back. “That cut and the bleeding?”

She raised a brow. “To create life means we must give life. Aretta’s blood lives in the soil; we use it to create plants and vegetation, so our life must be given in exchange. Life for life. Blood for blood.”

“Seems taxing. And painful.”

“The burdens we bear usually are.”

Yellow stained-glass windows shaped like willow trees bathed the massive room in a warm glow, shining light on the pool and the wall’s carvings. Elnok approached one of the walls, hands behind his back as he tried to decipher the meaning behind its images.

“This is the story of the Origin, the birth of the continent,” Sylzenya said, joining him.

“Let me guess, a god bled all over the earth and life was born?”

“That’s a part of it,” she replied.

“And what’s the rest of it?” Elnok asked, the drawings depicted trees, humans, and unusually shaped creatures. Perhaps the drawings could provide a clue to the compass’ location.

Imbecile.

He was grasping for smoke, but he had no other leads, and Sylzenya clearly wasn’t going to help him. Better start somewhere.

“Do you actually care?” she questioned.

“I believe you promised me a ‘rich exposure’ of your kingdom, history included.”

Her eyes brightened. Elnok couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his mouth.

“Legend says Aretta and Distrathrus were born of the same star, split in half—brother and sister. They formed two halves of one whole, Aretta spilling her blood onto an empty sphere, creating land and water, while Distrathrus ushered creatures to populate it. According to the legend, they found joy in working together for centuries, their creativity a balance of light and dark, order and chaos.”

She moved her hand across the wall, a warm grin peeling across her lips. Elnok leaned forward.

“But then Aretta made humans, and everything changed,” Sylzenya said, her hand sweeping across a new image, “She loved them dearly, giving some the gift of her own power. She cared for every human as much as Distrathrus cared for his creatures. Inspired by her decision to try something new, Distrathrus created novel creatures as well.”

He walked with Sylzenya as the images wrapped around the room, the carvings evolving into creatures with sharp teeth and jagged tails.

“But his creatures were treacherous. They attacked the humans. Killed thousands.”

Blood, spears, and monsters populated the next image.

“Aretta declared he rid their earth of his monsters. But, Distrathrus claimed it was the humans who attacked first, for humans had something his monsters lacked—free will. Aretta disagreed, showing him that humans only killed when protecting themselves from threats. Distrathrus saw humans as beings who’d poisoned his sister’s mind and taken her from him. And so, in his unchecked anger, he unleashed his monsters on humans, bending their will to kill so he might have his sister back.”

Elnok’s brow furrowed. “He made them kill out of bloodlust?”

She stared at the images. “The monsters in Lhaal Forest live off of plants and small creatures. They don’t eat humans.” She turned to him. “They kill us for the sake of killing.”

A shudder ran up his spine.

“And so Aretta and Distrathrus went to war, humans against monsters. The Last Stand, we call it. Thankfully, Aretta won by destroying him and over half of his monsters, but not before Distrathrus placed a curse on the continent. She was able to save Estea in her final breaths, trapping the remaining monsters inside Lhaal Forest. Distrathrus claimed everything else, cursing the ground with dead soil and drying rivers for the years to come on the land Aretta hadn’t reached. He was a true monster—the god of chaos.” She stopped, the wall’s images ending with a bright glowing tree. “And while he left a piece of himself with his monsters, Aretta left us with one last piece of herself as well—the healing tree.”

Sylzenya turned, her deep blue eyes shimmering in the golden light. She wasn’t wearing a mask anymore. No gimmicks, no performance. The lines at the corner of her eyes scrunched while the corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly.

Elnok found himself at a loss for words.

She lifted her necklace, the clear stone catching the light.

“Aretta’s Willow produces a special kind of sap, crystallizing into a substance that can’t be broken by anything other than Vutrorian steel.”

Elnok’s eyes widened.

“Orodyte,” he breathed.

“Yes.” Sylzenya smiled. “All it is is sap, but due to its hard exterior, we refer to it as a stone. Aretta’s Willow used to lie in the center of our sacred Willow Grove, where ceremonial rites now take place. The day it disappeared, it left an abundance of orodytes in its withering roots.” She pointed towards another image, lines mapped out underneath a lush field. “Orodyte is capable of storing impurities, giving Kreenas and acolytes the ability to create vegetation even in our dried soil. And so, our people created tunnels, mining the orodyte for years until we couldn’t find any more. This was her final gift to us, that we may survive as a people.”

A wave of anger flushed along Elnok’s skin. “And why hasn’t this been utilized outside of your kingdom?”

Her smile faded. “It’s been tried before, but with nothing to show for it. It’s Estea’s soil that Aretta was able to save. Distrathrus cursed the rest. Not even orodyte could store the impurities of his power.”

Anger passing, he slumped his shoulders. “How convenient.”

“Unfortunately, no one’s ever seen the tree,” she said, quickly turning away. “Only in dreams or… visions.”

Elnok’s heart raced. Pitted against him, this woman could ruin his chances at finding the healing tree. But if he convinced her to help? Perhaps they could locate this evasive compass.

He’d have the High One’s pet as an ally.

It would require a risk, showing more cards than he’d planned on, but he knew she could be swayed. Judging by the excitement in her gaze as she looked at the wall’s images, she admired the tree—found it to be holy.

She’d wanted it before. He’d convince her to want it again.

“I’ve seen the tree,” he admitted, his own tongue cursing at him for sharing information that could get him in trouble with the High One. “Tall, clear as crystal, and filled with magic.”

She laughed. “Your one successful attempt at humor.”

“It’s the truth. When I went through Lhaal Forest with Kharis, I couldn’t sleep. And then I saw something glowing, brighter than this pool.” He motioned to the waters. “It was a large tree, glowing with what looked like veins of magic. But just as I was starting to believe what I was seeing, it disappeared.”

Sylzenya’s stare didn’t leave his. He held her there, taking a step forward, lowering his voice. He could see it in her eyes, she was considering his words, wanting them to be true.

“I thought I was hallucinating, but then you shared your vision, and now I have no doubt I saw it. If we work together, maybe we can find it.”

As he took another step towards her, she didn’t back away.

“Why should I trust you?” she whispered.

He stopped, spinning the gold ring on his finger. “I know I haven’t given you much reason to do so.”

Her brows raised to her hairline. “No, you haven’t.”

Shit .

Wrong move.

Before he could say anything else, her mask returned, her brows set hard on her face.

“That concludes our tour,” she said, motioning for him to walk out with her.

“Wait—”

“Unless you want more history of our people, I suggest we return to the inn. I imagine you’re still exhausted from your travels, especially if you didn’t sleep while in Lhaal Forest.”

Frustration warred in his chest. “Sylzenya, listen?—”

“Ah, there you are,” a low voice boomed into the room, echoing off the sandstone walls.

The High One strode in, the light shining on him blinding Elnok.

“Prince Elnok, it’s wonderful to see you again.”

Elnok couldn’t feel more different.

“Likewise, Your Grace.”

“Mind if I take Sylzenya from you for a moment? It won’t be long.”

Elnok turned to her. Sylzenya’s mask faltered, a small vein appearing on the side of her forehead as she gulped.

“I believe Sylzenya was in the middle of sharing the lore of your people,” Elnok replied. “Perhaps in a few more momen?—”

“We finished the tour, Your Grace,” Sylzenya interrupted. “Stay here, Prince. I’ll be back shortly.

Elnok curled his fists as they left the room.

He should wait, keep looking at the wall, see if there were any clues to find the compass, but a thin layer of panic seized his lungs. He’d pushed her too far too soon. She might report his desire for the healing tree to the High One.

He’d be arrested and put into their dungeons. He wouldn’t be able to save Orym, let alone see him before he died.

Taking a deep breath, he left the glowing water and followed them.

At first he’d hated how many willows populated the temple, but now he thanked their goddess for it. Hiding had never been this easy in any of the coastal towns he’d lived in these past ten years.

Slipping between trees, careful to not step on misshapened roots, he caught up to them. The High One looked both ways, missing Elnok hidden in the shadows. The High One gripped Sylzenya’s arm and pulled them into a tight grouping of trees adjacent to Elnok.

He held his breath. He’d meant to get close, but not this close.

“Why did you have the prince participate in the wine ceremony?” the High One questioned, his voice sharp.

She took a deep breath, leveling her shoulders. “You told me to give him a rich exposure to Estea. I thought the wine ceremony a good idea, but I see now it wasn’t.”

He shook his head. “There’s a level of cordialness I must provide when welcoming outlanders into our kingdom—you know this. But what you did yesterday was a risk, and it failed.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

He looked around, eyes narrowing as he led her closer to Elnok’s hiding spot. Sweat built on the back of his neck, but he kept his breathing quiet, body stilled.

“Show me your orodyte,” the High One demanded.

Sylzenya pulled out the orodyte necklace.

“You must remember this symbol. Our promise. You’re to bring hope and faith to our people, not render them senseless thinking an outlander has brought the curse to us. It’s the very opposite of what we agreed on.”

Sylzenya’s lip quivered. Elnok’s hand balled into a fist.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

He gripped her shoulder. “ Never do anything like that again.”

Her mouth thinned. “I won’t.”

“Good.”

Despite Elnok’s heart pounding in his ears, he remained still, taking slow breaths.

“It’ll be more than three days before I give you your cure.”

Sylzenya’s eyes widened. “But I announced I’ll be back in three days.”

“You’ll be ‘conserving your power’ until it’s needed. What greater way to show our land is prospering by sharing how our greatest Kreena isn’t needed at the moment?”

“I promise it won’t happen again?—”

“ Enough, Sylzenya. You’ve made a grievous mistake and with that comes consequences.”

She closed her mouth and bowed. Elnok wanted to crush the High One’s throat.

“Our Kreenas and acolytes are doing a wonderful job without you; we have time until we need you back.”

“I—” Sylzenya stopped herself, gulping, “Yes, Your Grace. How long will that be?”

“One month.”

Silence filled the shadowed grove.

“That’s how long the cure will take to complete?” she asked, her words slow and measured.

“On the contrary, the cure is ready.” He tapped the orodyte. “But you are not.”

The silence thickened.

“I know you’re disappointed,” he continued, placing a hand on her shoulder, “But we agreed to this. You must prove yourself ready, and so far, you’ve only proven how far from it you are. Do you understand what I’m asking of you, Sylzenya? Or must I repeat myself?”

“No, Your Grace. I understand.”

“Good. Now, what is there to report about the prince?”

Elnok’s face grew hot. He already knew what she was about to do. She would share his desire for the healing tree, using it as leverage to get her cure. It would be smart. Calculated. She didn’t owe him anything. Slowly, he backed away, lungs sinking into his stomach. He needed to leave this place undetected, find Kharis, and convince him to return him back to Vutror. Better to get out of this blood-soaked kingdom and see Orym one last time than decay in a prison cell.

“He can’t hold his wine,” she replied, “Other than that, there’s nothing impressive about him.”

Elnok froze.

“Curious,” the High One replied, “What happened?”

“He drank two sips and threw it up. He’s only had salted rice, boiled potatoes, and water since.”

The High One straightened his back. “Perhaps some fruit from the gardens would do him well. See to it you provide him some of our best today, will you?”

Sylzenya paused. “Of course, Your Grace.”

“Excellent. So, no information of why he’s been gone these last ten years? No reasons as to why he never returned?”

She shrugged, “If I had to guess, it was because he and his brother developed bad blood.”

Elnok’s eyes burned.

How did she know?

The fountain. The wine. He’d probably said something in his delirium about Tosh before he passed out last night.

Damnit.

But this was smart of her, giving the High One parcels of truth. Still, she could ruin him and get her cure. Surely she’d take the opportunity.

“Very well. Keep a careful eye on him. Now, go and follow through on our deal. If you do good work, I might give you the cure sooner.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

They left the trees and returned to the main path. Elnok quietly retreated from his hiding place, disbelief warring inside of him. Before he could make sense of it, Elnok dashed from tree to tree, a newfound energy lighting up his veins as he found his way back to the healing pool before they did.

Closing the heavy door soundlessly, he slowed his breaths, picking twigs from his hair and throwing them across the room. He straightened his posture, hands laced behind his back as he absently studied the carved image of a monster.

The door opened.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” the High One announced as he led Sylzenya in. “We’ll begin our discussions about the treaty between our kingdoms in a few days. I’ll have one of my Dynameis send for you.”

Elnok bowed. “Of course, Your Grace.”

“Excellent.” He smiled at Sylzenya. “I’ll see you in a few days as well.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” She bowed.

Once the door slammed shut, Sylzenya spun, fists clenched and smile gone. Elnok thought he liked her face earlier, the way the sun shone on her small smile.

But anger fit her well.

“Hope you enjoyed the conversation,” she said, approaching the wall and slapping her hand against the sandstone. “You’re lucky he didn’t see you.”

Elnok crossed his arms. “I’m afraid I never left this room.”

“Save it,” she interrupted. “I know every hiding spot in this place, and I sure as hell know when someone else is using it.”

Elnok raised his hands in mock surrender, deniability always his safety net.

“Did he suspect anything?” she asked, a drop of sweat beading down her face.

“I’m not sure what you’re asking me.”

“Did the High One suspect I lied? That I was keeping information from him?” The shimmer in her deep blue eyes was replaced by a strained plea. “It’s clear you’re well-versed in spying. So tell me what you saw.”

He sighed. “I think you’d know that better than me.”

“ Damnit, ” she cursed, a tear sliding down her face as she scrunched her eyes shut. Her breaths slowed as she leaned against the wall. “I’ve never done that before.”

“Lied?”

“I’ve lied many times,” she retorted, “But… never to him.”

Elnok’s heart pounded as they stood in silence. Apparently he hadn’t been the only one to misjudge her.

“Be wary of who you trust,” she whispered, more to herself than to him.

She turned towards the image of the glowing willow, the pool’s light shimmering on the wall and in her widened eyes.

“If you still want my help, I think I might know a way to find the compass,” she said.

He stopped spinning his gold ring.

She could’ve gotten her cure by turning him in, but instead, she lied to her leader—lied to a powerful man who held her close. A precarious choice, and he knew she could feel it; if the High One found out she’d kept information from him, she might risk never getting her cure. And yet, she’d done it anyway—protecting Elnok in the process. It was something he and his crew would do for each other. He never thought this pious, radicalized woman was capable of such things.

It was refreshing to be proved wrong every once in a while.

“Well then, Your Holiness.” He smirked, stepping next to her. “Enlighten me.”

She smiled, and damn it all if it didn’t bring him to his knees.