Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) (27 page)

Chapter 36

Valadrog

(vah-LAH-drog)

Valadrog’s commanding presence was as strong as his handshake. Jenevier was in awe of the mighty warrior. Even the air about him seemed to quiver. His aura was electrifying. She knew instantly he wasn’t merely an extremely tall, glowing human. He radiated magic. It pulsed within him—exploded from every pore. This honorable Vanir was a master, a leader in every imaginable sense of the word. She felt horribly insignificant in his presence.

The curious procession of sparkling people headed for the very center of the breathtaking city.

“Alzeen, look at that,” she whispered. “Have you ever seen anything like it?”

He glanced at the house she was pointing toward, but just squeezed her hand and pulled her closer.

The homes were more than glamorous. They were much larger than Aunt Marlise’s cottage, but the Vanir were much larger people as well. All the houses were meticulously carved from the same strange, ethereal stone as the enchanting gate she’d just passed through. The vibrant sunlight
slammed
into their domed shapes, causing an explosion of sparkling rainbows dancing from house to house.

“The whole place must be magic,” she whispered, absently.

“Welcome to Vanahirdem, my child. Well done.” Vareen smiled as she inclined her head toward the gaping young maiden. “I knew I would see you here. I never had a doubt.”

“Vareen, I have no idea what happened or what it was I did to gain entrance. The trials, I mean. I don’t understand them. How did I pass a trial if I had no idea what I was doing?” She shrugged her shoulders. “I only did what anybody else would have done. And I’m not entirely certain why fighting with that giant at the gate was a
good
thing.” She leaned in closer to the revered seer. “He literally could have crushed me,” she whispered.

Vareen chuckled. “Child, you are more than precious. The purpose of each trial was to determine what you would do, what your heart would tell you to do. And trust me, tiny Angel.
Anybody
most certainly would
not
have done the same things as you. But that’s also what makes you special. You honestly believe they would.” She lightly touched Jenevier’s cheek. “You proved that your heart
and
your intentions are pure.
That
was how you passed each test. Oh, and the giant at the gate… he was supposed to tempt you to betray someone. But…” She glanced toward the Vanir in question. “I do believe he enjoyed himself a bit
too
much.”

“You mean to say… he
enjoyed
that?
That
is what he calls fun?”

“Yes, little one. As is the same with most of the warriors here.” She smiled softly. “Fear not. It only served to prove just how brave and fearless you are when it comes to what truly matters. You stood up to a vicious giant, my dear. And you did it to protect someone you had only just met. You stood up for someone who could not stand for them self. It was truly amazing. I was so proud of you.”

Jenevier was even more confused than ever. Her rambling thoughts were interrupted when Valadrog’s voice boomed over the masses. All fell silent.

“We know well what has befallen you, young maiden. We mourned at the suffering and loss of your revered aunt. We were aware the very moment you were cursed. And… we also knew you would make it safely to the Southern mountains. Vareen has heralded us your every move. We are sorry for your terrible losses and great misfortunes. But we are blessed this day, as a people, by your uniquely courageous heart. You have restored our hope, little one. Hope in
all
mankind.”

Alzeen squeezed her hand and kissed the side of her head. She leaned against him to steady her wobbly knees.

“Umm… Mr. Valadrog… sir? Are you willing to remove the mark now?”

“I cannot remove your curse, Jenevier. Only
you
can do that.”

“But… I don’t understand. Aunt Marlise said only
you
could rid me of this scorched curse.”

“And so I can,” he said, smiling.

“But I thought you just said… I mean, Aunt Marlise wrote… But if you can’t…” She sighed. “I don’t understand.”

Valadrog laughed. “Be calm now. All will be revealed to you. It is true that I cannot erase the mark. Yet, it is also true I can help rid you of that twisted black heart.”

She could only stand and dumbly stare at the iridescent giant while his confusing words bounced around inside her head.

“No living being can remove the curse, Jenevier… save the one who placed it upon you. Yet, I can show you what
you
must do to destroy this mark yourself.”

Her eyes brightened as understanding and realization finally began to form.

“If you accept our invitation, the Vanir can train you in their ways. Listen well, little one, and take heed. There are but a handful who have begun this training. And many less who have actually completed it. The reward is not easy, no. But it
is
attainable. You have already proven you have the pure heart of a warrior. Now, you must master the warrior’s ways.
That
is what we can teach you—the way of the Vanir. To be rid of this curse, my child, you must take what you will learn here, temper it with a righteous heart, strengthen it with an iron will, and wield it with the knowledge of the ancients. Only then will you be truly free.”

“What? A warrior?” She looked to Alzeen and then back to Valadrog. “But… how in the world?”

Vareen put her graceful arm around the stunned girl, kissed her forehead and then her scorched hand.

“You will do well, my child. Trust me. I have great faith in your determination. I see a spark of heaven within your soul. You may well be
the one
. Come, Alzeen.” She held out her hand. “I will show you to your living quarters. I am certain you must be weary, my child, weary
and
starving.”

The elegant Vanir woman spoke to Alzeen as one with great love and affection, taking him by the arm and leading him away.

Jenevier lunged for them. “No, wait!”

Valadrog placed an enormous hand upon her shoulder, ceasing her advance. She struggled, but it was no use.

“Alzeen! You promised never to leave me,” she yelled, weeping bitterly, openly.

Her heartbreaking plea sent him running into her outstretched arms, his tears matching her own.

“Oh, my love, I will never leave you, never. But you have to go now and do what your chief asks. Don’t worry, Princess. I vow not to leave this city until I do so with you. Be strong, beautiful lady, for you hold my heart in your precious little hands.”

“As you hold mine.” Her words were muffled against his chest.

She had only ever been kissed by this precious man holding her. But the kiss he gave her now was more than knee-weakening, it was soul changing. He kissed her like it was the first time and the very last time. He held to her tightly, desperately… until Vareen had to gently pull him away.

Alzeen called out to her over the crowd before he disappeared from view. “I have only ever loved you, precious maiden. My heart will never change in your regard. I swear it. I’ll see you soon.”

He waved, and was gone.

“All is well, little lady.” Valadrog patted her shoulder. “Vareen will care for him as her own beloved child. He will be safe and well taken care of. He is now within the sacred city of Vanahirdem, far away from anything or anyone who could ever harm him.” He sighed as he touched one of her curls. “It lifts my heart to say this, tiny maiden. When you love, you love
completely
.”

“He is no mere man, Valadrog.” She was numbly staring in the direction he had gone long after his parting back had disappeared from view. “I sense a pure and ancient soul within him. I had no choice but to love him. It was the most natural thing I have ever done.”

Her constant tears were trying to drown her mind. Sorrow racked her entire essence, making it hard to even breathe.

“Come now, my child. He will not leave you.” Valadrog placed one massive finger under her chin, turning her to face him. “You are quite observant for one so young. Ah, but I share in this talent of yours.” He winked. “That man loves you, Maiden, ferociously so. I fear you will never be rid of that charming soul. Now, muster your strength, Jenevier. You are to begin training forthwith. Your quarters, tiny warrior, will be within the sacred dome.”

Her gaze followed the direction in which Valadrog’s enormous hand was pointing. A distant twinkling in the hills marked where the radiant sunlight struck the colossal crystal structure.

“You will remain within those hallowed halls until you have mastered the art of war, or… until you choose to abandon your lessons, give up, and return home. The choice is, and always will be, yours, Milady. My own noble son awaits your lovely presence. He has been preparing for your arrival and eagerly wishes to begin.”

“Your son? Is… is he a giant, too?”

She was actually just thinking the question. She didn’t mean to speak it aloud. Valadrog roared with laughter.

“You are unexpectedly funny, tiny maiden. He will love you. I am certain of it. Vareilious, please escort this enchanting little lady to her new quarters.”

Jenevier slowly turned in the direction Valadrog was now speaking. Somehow she knew without looking, but she hoped against hope. Her eyes quickly found the enormous man approaching her. Exactly as she had feared, it was the Gate Guardian.

“It will be my greatest pleasure.” He smirked as he gave her a mocking bow.

“You are in supremely capable hands, Maiden,” Valadrog said. “Vareilious is the bravest, strongest, most honored warrior amongst our people. You could not be
more
protected if you were sitting in the lap of God.”

“You’re being too gracious, Valadrog.”

The intimidating sentinel turned to address Jenevier. For her eyes alone, he ran his tongue across those razor sharp teeth and winked.

“The old man thinks too highly of me, little kitten. I am only second amongst the honored Vanir. Valadrog gives me too much credit. He always has. But tell me… are you impressed with me anyway? Now that you know I am but second best?”

“No, I am not.” She took a step back, sneering haughtily. “I should feel safe only with the greatest warrior among you.”

“Good.” He laughed as he reached for her. “Because that’s exactly where we’re headed, little lady.”

Chapter 37

Halora

(hah-LORE-ah)

It took Jezreel close to three hours to reach the top of Waverly Ridge. She knew where she wanted to go, and who she wanted to see, before she ever left Alastyn’s loving parents. She was thrilled to make it long before nightfall.

I will begin my intended quest before Alastyn even finishes packing for his
, she thought.

The modest home was nothing like she had expected. Jezreel was ready to see a crumbling little hut completely surrounded by creeping things—black cats, frogs, bones… lots of bones. Instead, she was shocked to see an ordinary looking house with flowering gardens and a peaceful little pond. The sun shone down upon this dwelling the same as it did the rest of Tamar Broden. She had wondered about that.

The house was much bigger than she thought one person would need, but it was quaint and cozy looking. Butterflies were kissing the aromatic white lilies blooming near the edge of a charming little stone pond. The glistening fish swimming near the surface of the water fascinated Jezreel. They were of every shade and color imaginable. There was a spunky little blue one darting here and there. She noticed a large plump yellow one that reminded her of butter slowly melting over fresh hot-out-of-the-oven bread. There were many shiny orange ones and a couple of little black ones, but they were really hard to see. She saw a gray one, a weird greenish looking one, and several tiny snow white ones with dull red eyes. But her favorites were the spotted ones. Spotted fish, she could hardly believe it. They alone contained every other color in the sparkling little pond. It was like all the individual colors used to paint those vivid fish were haplessly splashed upon these beautiful speckled creatures swimming carefree all about.

“They are beautiful, are they not?”

Jezreel almost jumped out of her skin. The woman approaching her was nothing like what she pictured Halora would look like. She wasn’t old and she wasn’t young. She wasn’t hideously gnarled and she wasn’t enchantingly beautiful. To put it plainly, she was normal—perfectly normal in every way. If you were to pass her on the street, you wouldn’t give her a second glance.

“Hello, my name is Halora and this is my humble home.” She motioned with a wave of her hand. “Welcome. And may I have the pleasure of your name?”

Her smile was genuine as she extended her inviting hand in the most natural way possible. She wasn’t threatening, or intimidating, or scary. She was actually rather pleasant, comfortable even. Jezreel visibly relaxed as a soft wave of joy washed over her. She was now certain she had made the right choice for her future. She had passed the test, and was overwhelmingly relieved.

“My name is Jezreel. I’m so very pleased to meet you, Halora.”

“I see you’re enjoying my precious little babies.”

The pleasant woman then sprinkled food across the surface of the little pond. Jezreel hadn’t even noticed she was carrying anything. The frenzied swarm within the waters looked like a living, breathing work of art—hypnotically beautiful.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” She smiled warmly as she looked at Jezreel. “You surely aren’t lost all the way up here?”

“No, I’m not lost. I am exactly where I want to be.”

Halora looked back at her fish. “Oh? How so?”

“Well, I was told you were the one who could show me, could teach me how to use magic.”

She chuckled. “Now,
who
in the world would have ever told you such a silly thing as that?”

Jezreel blushed. “Apologies. Perhaps, I’m going about this the wrong way. Let me explain.”

“Yes, do go on.”

*****

Jezreel recounted all the many tragedies of the last few days as the woman listened patiently. She told Halora of the secret room she’d accidentally discovered, and then finished with all the cryptic warnings she had received from everyone.

“And yet, you chose to come anyway? Of your own free will?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Jezreel said with a nod.

“Then you are very foolish
or
very stubborn. Either one renders you unworthy of such a great a gift as magic. Go back to your little cottage, Jezreel. Quit dabbling in things you do not understand. My advice to you? Wait out the appropriate time until your dear friend returns.”

Halora headed back to her house. Jezreel chased after her, begging and pleading.

“I know you can help me. You’re my only chance. I’ll pay whatever price you set. Just help me, please.”

“Mind your words, child. You know nothing of what you speak. No matter what price you are willing to pay nor how much you are willing to sacrifice, you cannot save Jenevier. Her future is in her own hands. Nothing you attempt on your own selfish part will change that.”

“Why does everyone keep saying I’m selfish?” she mumbled. “
I’m
the one willing to give up everything for someone else’s benefit.”

“Child, you are so blind.” Halora walked back to the magical pond and seated herself upon the stones surrounding it. “I will offer you some free advice. Anyone you ask will tell you that won’t happen very often. But you need to have your eyes opened lest you fall into the great pit you are wildly running toward.”

She lovingly fed her precious fish once more as Jezreel sat waiting.

“See these enchanting creatures? Notice how every single one is beautiful and different? There are no two exactly alike. As they were in life, so they remain.”

Jezreel’s gaze remained fixed on the hypnotic colors swirling within the crystalline waters.

“I don’t understand,” she murmured.

“Child, you are thick.” Halora tossed out more crumbs and sighed. “Many people come to me with many different requests. Some want money. Some want fame. Some want power. But, most of them just want love. Alas, that is the hardest request to fill. Love is a two-way street, mind you. It is impossible to walk it alone.”

Jezreel remained silent, mesmerized by the sparkling creatures before her. The realization of Halora’s wise words had not fully penetrated her thoughts.

“Listen, child. I will never withhold the truth about magic—
and
its varying consequences—to anyone who wishes to toy with it. Each one knew the benefits, the costs, and the ramifications up front. I will work with no one who is not well informed of the lasting magical effects which occur when a spell or promise is broken. Once an incantation has been uttered, magic takes over. Then, it is no longer in my capable hands. Magic does what magic chooses to do.”

“So, magic made these beautiful fish?” Jezreel whispered, absently.

“Well, yes and no. Magic caused them to be, yes. But the choice was always theirs. Magic will not
force
itself upon you. One must willingly invite it.”

“But magic was
forced
upon Jenevier. She invited it not.”

“Yes. And that is exactly why Jenevier can change the curse, remove the magic. Magic will let her decide how it will affect her life. It won’t be easy, no. She will suffer greatly. But she
can
defeat it. Knowledge is power, Jezreel. But self-pity and ignorance? Well, they will leave you swimming with the fishies.”

Halora sprinkled the last of the crumbs. The colors swirled once more.