Echoes of Fae: Book One of the Divine (10 page)

              “Pleasant to meet you...?” She started, stopping for a name.

              “Oh, oh, aye, my name be Pock, Pramacretine,” Pock turned to Thane and shook his hand. Thane was staring at the troll with little color in his face. Melody excused them and approached the Pacretine and the Infeline. The woman turned and smiled, her cat ears which noticeably obtruding her hair perked forward.

              “Ahh, the woman I am looking for,” the Infeline said. Her eyes were stormy and deep. Melody wanted to stare into them. The woman’s face was round and supple, her mannerisms were mysterious and graceful. Her smile spread genuine and lively, but had a mocking note beneath it. “I just arrived at your palace and was promptly informed that I am needed by the young Pramacretine to perform a specific mission,” the Infeline concluded. Melody looked at the woman suspiciously and with surprise.

              “I do apologize, Miss, but I do not believe I know your name,” Melody replied. The woman smiled.

              “I am Jennifer Mortyer. I sent word of my arrival. I am in your presence now only to explore some rumors I heard in my travels,” Jennifer said. Melody frowned.

              “Pray, what rumors would be so curious as to send you our way?” Melody inquired cordially.

              “There is a rumor that the Pramacretine of Agoura is the Divine,” Jennifer responded evenly.

              “I have been told I may be,” Melody replied, her heart beating faster. The Pramacretine struggled against her emotions to remain impassive.

              “There is little doubt shared among anyone I have encountered,” Jennifer assured her host, “I had hoped to find you prepared for your future,” the Infeline finished. Her tone almost made her seem cruel but her expression remained good-humored. Melody swallowed the lump in her throat.

              “You may be disappointed,” Melody replied, her expression challenging, “I will not excuse my doubt, you see, but I will disclose it to you earnestly.” Jennifer stared at the Pramacretine, clearly surprised. Finally, the Infeline woman grinned at Melody.

              “I like you,” Jennifer said. “You are strong and outspoken.”

              “Thanks,” Melody said, relaxing, “Do you think you could help me with my friend’s predicament? It sounds as if you have been largely upraised already.”

              “I have and I would be happy to help,” Jennifer replied. Melody walked with her around the room of people.

              “You would be able to track her?” Melody asked. Jennifer smirked. “Krin is in the Fae forest. I hear the Fae tend to make it hard for tracking within the wood.”

              “I can track anyone, anywhere,” Jennifer replied confidently which aroused a genuine smile from Melody.

              Melody led Jennifer toward Thane and Alastaf as she spoke, “Let me introduce you around, I saw you meet my father and his wife.” Jennifer nodded in response. Melody and Jennifer approached the Pacretine's sons and Haroah speaking in a corner of the room.

              The Pramacretine politely introduced the Infeline to the three young men, “Jennifer, here you shall meet Thane, our Prapacretine,” Melody told Jennifer indicating each fellow, “Alastaf, our Prypacretine and Haroah, an esteemed member of our Guard,” Jennifer smiled at the fascinated looks the men gave her. Melody went on unaware, “Gentlemen, this is Jennifer Mortyer. She will be helping us with your sister, Haroah.”

              “I am grateful,” Haroah replied, bowing to Jennifer. Jennifer inclined her head and waved her hand at him dismissively.

              “It is what I do and I am happy to help,” the Infeline replied, “it will be good to have a purpose for a while.” Thane, Haroah and Alastaf stared at Jennifer, seeing a member of a race, which they had not before. Alastaf looked particularly impressed with what he saw. His eyes were wide and appreciative. Jennifer smiled widely at them. Her smile brought on many second glances, as her canines, usually muted in people, were very pronounced. The Infeline had what appeared to be fangs. Noticing the furtive glances, Melody steered her away to speak with others. Upon reaching her father again, he smiled at Melody and beckoned her to his side. She approached and he took her by the waist in a small embrace.

              “This is my daughter,” Andover told the woman beside him. The Pacretine gave Melody a sideways warning glance. Melody looked at the man. He looked vaguely familiar. Melody knew instantly she wanted to be anywhere but near him. She could sense his power mixed with his ignorance and hatred. The man smiled a very big, truly terrifying smile at her.

              “I am Ziodin Callfah,” the man told her. “I have heard much about you.” Ziodin extended his hand to the Pramacretine. Jennifer looked as though she was at ease but Melody could sense the tension coming from the Infeline.

              Taking Ziodin's hand politely, Melody replied, “As you know, my name is Melody. It is a pleasure to meet you Ziodin Callfah. I enjoyed your son’s visit recently and I hope he is well in his travels.” The Pramacretine was proud of her calm when like a coiled snake, ready to strike. She thought of Jax's scars and immediately knew Ziodin was responsible. The elder Callfah held on to Melody's hand long enough to make everyone around them uncomfortable.  Thane looked over at her from across the room. His eyebrow raised slightly in his usual sign to her. She made a slight nod and he strode over. Fortunately, his long legs carried him quickly to her rescue.

              “Melody, dear sister, I have something urgently requiring your attention,” Thane said as he steered the Pramacretine away. Andover shook his head over his shoulder, cautioning them. Melody steeled herself in an attempt to calm her heart. She trembled as adrenaline coursed through her veins.  The Pramacretine had a strong urge to speak with Jax. She longed for him to return. The urge worried her. She was still not certain she could trust the young Conjurer.

              “That was Jax’s father,” Melody whispered to Thane when they were out of the conference room. Thane looked surprised.

              “You went pale,” Thane replied. “I knew something was wrong.”

              Melody tried to stop the tremors that coursed over her before speaking, “I think everyone figured it out, I was fine until he would not release my hand. I hope Father is not upset.”

              Thane shook his head seriously, “Father looked close to ending the handshake as well, and I just thought it would be less suspicious if I did it instead.” Melody frowned. Her hands were shaking from the onslaught of anxiety. She excused herself from her brother and made a break for her bedroom.

              Melody had barely begun to prepare for bed when a short rap sounded at her door. She opened it to see Genewen. The Pramacretine groaned.

              “Am I in trouble?” Melody asked; her exhaustion evident in her rather childish tone. Genewen merely smiled.

              “No, not yet,” the Macretine replied. Melody moved back from the door to allow her stepmother inside.

              “Is this about our crashing your meeting?” Melody asked, “We were looking for Alastaf.”

              “No, I have been informed of the recent events behind our closed doors,” Genewen advised. “I wanted to talk to you about something else.” Genewen waited for Melody to respond. After a moment, Melody shrugged.

              “Okay,” the Pramacretine replied. Genewen seemed nervous and it made Melody nervous.

              “Well, your father and I noticed the interactions between you and Jaxon Callfah,” Genewen started uncomfortably. Melody inhaled, ready to protest but the Macretine held up her hand and said, “Please, darling, let me get through this. I have not come to tell you I disapprove or to judge you in any way at all. You are growing up and I know you are capable of proper judgment in any situation. I only wish to address the usual complications which may arise when beginning romantic relationships.”

              Melody blushed crimson and looked away from her stepmother. She suspected her secret tree was not as secret as she had hoped.

              Genewen continued, “I just wanted to make sure you are prepared for the emotional and physical reactions you may have when you are around someone you are attracted to.” Melody pulled her knees up under her chin. She knew Genewen was supposed to do this, but she really wished it were not happening. Genewen paused and looked around before she went on, “I know you have probably figured out the gist of things on your own so I thought I could just come in and see if you had any questions for me.” Genewen finished. Melody thought for a while before responding. She stared at the floor.

              “I guess I have a few,” Melody eventually answered. Genewen nodded patiently until the Pramacretine asked, “How can I know if I can trust someone – someone I like?”

              “Well, Melly, you pose a difficult question. Sometimes we trust someone and they betray us. You may not always know someone cannot be trusted and that someone may not mean to hurt you. The best you can do is protect yourself until you know they are trustworthy,” Genewen answered. Melody nodded slowly.

              “I should protect myself by not giving them too much too soon?” Melody asked. Genewen smiled and nodded as Melody asked, “How do you know when?”

              “You may be ready when you are old enough to give yourself to someone but also know you would survive without them,” Genewen answered, “you know real adult love when it is calm and vast like the sea at rest. If it is tumultuous and short as a storm you know it is immature. You must avoid giving away too much when you have unruly emotions.” Genewen supplied. Melody considered the words.

              “Gen,” Melody said, turning to the Macretine. “What if what happened to my mother happens to me?” Melody’s eyes were wide as saucers as she asked. Genewen shook her head.

              “Your conception is not common, Mel. Your mother was Meta and she had to choose to give you her life. I do not think you can do such a thing by accident. For all we know, she had been trying it for years before she found your father,” Genewen reassured the fearful Pramacretine, “But Melody, you know a girl with power as strong as yours must be very careful. All of your decisions could have more drastic consequences than what is normally expected. You are still very young and though you have been trained in the usual Ethereal traits, you may have abilities that go far beyond what we know how to teach you.”

              “You mean in regards to relationships?” Melody asked.

              “Yes and in life. Just remain diligent and discerning. Above all, make sure you are always aware and attempt to control your base reactions. Fear, anger, lust, joy, they could all cause Ethereal reactions in you and they could be catastrophic,” Genewen advised.

              “Why?” Melody asked; her voice small.

              Genewen adjusted her skirts trying to think of how to say what she wanted to say. Finally, she spoke, “You are a being set apart from what we know. You were conceived the way a pure Meta would be, save the part where your mother gave you her life. What we do know about Metas is that they are largely Ethereal. We know they can transcend their physical form at will. What we do not know is how much of this you have inherited. This is why you must be wary.”

              Melody sighed in a hefty gust and rested her head on her knees. She looked at Genewen and said, “That is a phrase I have been hearing often of late.”

The Departure

             
The day was mild as a breeze cut through the summer heat. The smell of fall drifted over the heat. Melody looked across the garden at the gathered. Many of their workers had gathered to fuss over this and that, to bring food in packs and to be make the small party of youths properly attired for their journey. Melody closed her eyes and held her face to the sky. She inhaled, enjoying the scent of moist fallen leaves and the flowers in the garden. When the Pramacretine opened her eyes, she was startled to find the elder Callfah standing very close to her.

              Ziodin smiled and spoke, “it is a lovely day. This is the perfect weather for an adventure.” 

              Melody chiseled a smile onto her stony face before responding, “Yes, it is quite agreeable.” The Pramacretine turned her face to find where everyone would be. When she turned back, Callfah was closer than before. His eyes smoldered at her, burning her with their intensity. To her horror, Melody heard herself gasp and took a step back. Ziodin chuckled and walked away. Melody stared after him, her blood boiling with anger and fear.

              “He is unpleasant, to be certain,” a woman said behind her. The Pramacretine turned on her heel and found Jennifer had witnessed the entire scene.

              “Indeed,” Melody replied, already exhausted.

              “Pramacretine, if I may,” Jennifer said, “I came here for a reason other than this journey. It must be handled sensitively.”

              “Very well,” Melody said, nodding, “We will discuss it at our earliest ability. Upon our return I am sure we can find a private place.” Jennifer smiled and inclined her head.

              Jennifer leaned in conspiratorially to say, “Stay away from that old Conjurer.” 

              “Oh, were it as easy as that!” Melody exclaimed to the sky whose company she had only moments ago been so thoroughly enjoying. The Pramacretine forged a path through the crowd to ready her horse. She was disinclined to take Willow, to keep their profile low. She knew her dear Pegasus would be disappointed so she had arranged with the stable workers he be taken into the hills from whence he came for a nice frolic. When Melody found her father, to her dismay, he embellished their party with a band of guards.

              “Father,” Melody said. “May I speak with you?”

              “Of course,” Andover said amicably, offering his daughter his arm. They walked away from the crowd very slowly. Once they were relatively alone, Melody spoke.

              “Why are you sending guards?” Melody asked, keeping her tone as level as she could. “We are only looking for Haroah's sister, if we find her we intended to send for help. All we currently know is that we must go and find his mother that we can send her off in a proper way. Haroah's sister could be anywhere. She may not even be kidnapped, but only run away from her home and her slain mother.”

              “I understand,” Andover replied. He smiled down at his headstrong daughter, “I will not patronize you, my love. You must be aware that as it always has been, your safety is imperative. You may be recognized, and that can be dangerous. Many will want to hurt you and many more will bring about danger in their attempts to assist you. Please, do not misconstrue my worry for this particular event, but instead understand it to be my attempt to keep you safe as the Divine.” Andover completed his sentiment and Melody sighed heavily. “Plus, Kensman Wood is not a safe place for anyone. The eldest Fae play in there.”

              “It is true; I know the great Ethereal spirits are quite the bother. I suppose it is only fair I grow accustomed to this title, the Divine,” the Pramacretine said mournfully, “I am not sure I can, but I should try. I would ask you to send a few to keep our numbers tolerable. If we ride into villages as twenty and ten we will surely gather more attention than with only six.” Melody's response caused Andover to laugh aloud.

              “You are wise beyond your years, my darling and I admire your tenacity. You may have two guards only. I shall send Genewen's favorites, Yirah and Issy. They are Helacorn twins,” the Pacretine replied cheerfully. He patted Melody on the back as they enmeshed themselves once more into the crowd.

              Melody left her father's side as he approached two very tall women and gave them amiable instructions. Charmed by their Pacretine's humor, the women looked at one another and smiled. Melody saw Genewen smile ruefully at this. When the Pramacretine found Thane, she took him by the arm and led him to his mare.

              “Callfah really spooked me,” Melody said under her breath. Thane nodded slowly.

              “I saw,” Thane whispered.

              “I do not know if I could handle staying here now since he is a guest. I hate to sound cold, but I am very glad for this excuse to away,” Melody confessed. She leaned in and asked, “Why does father keep him?”

              “I think he is hoping to find more information before he makes his move. Besides, we believe Jax is mixed up in this and we want to be careful not to make matters worse for the young man,” Thane replied as he stopped. He glanced around them.

              Melody caught Thane's eye and said in a low whisper, “I think I know why Jax left.”

              “Because he knew his father was nigh?” Thane finished for Melody. The Pramacretine nodded.

              “Yes, he was very comfortable here until the same day we found Ziodin here and that afternoon he seemed so different. I wonder if what he searched for in the study was a way to stay away from his father,” Melody theorized. Thane nodded but had to turn his attention elsewhere. Melody stood staring off into the distance deep in thought. She realized with some mixed feelings that she very much missed the young Conjurer. She wished she could help him or figure out what she wanted from him. Melody listened to the conversations around her and heard Jennifer's voice first.

              “Do they know where he went?” Jennifer was asking Genewen.

              “No,” Genewen said, her face had a shadow to it.

              “He just left, no notice, no reason? He did not even inform the Pacretine, his host?” Jennifer queried. Genewen stared at Jennifer.

              “No, he only told Melody. She was the last to see him. I only hope he is well. I sense the boy is in some danger and I fear he will bring our Melody into it with him,” Genewen said. Jennifer glanced at Melody, who was studiously fastening a saddle to her replacement steed to disguise her eavesdropping.

              “I have no doubt your little Pramacretine over there has more to her than meets the eye. I imagine when thrown into danger, she will shine,” Jennifer reasoned.

              Genewen smiled sadly as she replied, “it is hardly a parent's wish to have their child face some danger. Particularly when she is the Divine. There has been left no mystery to how that story ends.” The Macretine's face was slack and unhappy. Jennifer touched Genewen's arm consolingly.

              “I am not old, but I have been around. One thing I have learned above all else, is that we forge our own paths. Melody may be fated for something, but as I understand it, fate is often misleading,” Jennifer said, still staring at Melody. The Pramacretine struggled to hide her emotional response to Jennifer's words. She heard footsteps approach and turned around.

              “I am Yirah,” an extremely tall winged woman informed the Pramacretine, “I am going to join you in your travels this day.”

              “I presume you know me,” Melody said, smiling. The Pramacretine saluted the rapidly approaching inversion of Yirah.

              “This is Issy,” Yirah said, indicating her sister. The two women were identical save one woman who had raven black hair and the other white as snow. For a moment, the Pramacretine marveled at their beauty. As she spoke with Yirah, the small assembly left in the garden slowly surrounded Melody. Thane and Haroah flanked Melody as Andover and Genewen approached. Alastaf stood to the side of the Pacretine, his expression unreadable. Melody thought he might have been worried.

              “Keep each other safe,” Andover said. He looked seriously at Haroah, “I am very sorry to hear about your mother, Haroah. I hope you may find your little sister in this journey. If you find her, please bring her back to us and we shall see to it she is properly cared for.” Haroah nodded deeply at the Pacretine in response. Genewen extended her hands to the half Helacorn boy and as he took them, she pulled him into a fierce hug.

              “Please remember, when a Helacorn woman leaves our mortal world she ascends into the wind and graces us through each breeze. Listen for her, for she will embrace you with all she is,” Genewen said very quietly with tears in her eyes. Melody stared at her stepmother for a while, not understanding her emotion. She saw Yirah and Issy bow their heads to Haroah in sympathy. Melody could see sadness in their features as well.

              “Keep an eye out for events such as the one in the prison,” Andover added only to Melody, who nodded in answer.

              “We will be fine, Father,” The Pramacretine assured him. Andover agreed, and then whispered in his daughter’s ear.

              “Come back to me, my Divine,” Andover had breathed, his quavered from an unfamiliar emotion. Melody looked at him, stricken but Andover’s face remained soft and comforting. He inclined his head meaningfully, so deeply that Melody could see his whole crown. Melody kissed his hand and mounted her horse.

              The steed sniffed excitedly. The anticipation spread tangibly through her friends and Melody wondered if they were making a mistake. She had not taken many trips as dangerous as this one and she worried about her friends. The Pramacretine sighed heavily and spurred her horse forward. The ride invigorated her. She could feel the mass of muscles between her legs and the wind splashing around her face. She found herself smiling as the congregation rode off into the forest.

              Jennifer lingered in the middle of the group, instructing them that she was to stay there to remain hidden. Melody rode beside her for a long time. Thane and Haroah flanked them expertly. Melody eyed the sky where Yirah and Issy were to follow. She could not see them presently but found that more comforting. The riding became quickly monotonous and Melody found herself fantasizing about Jax. She thought of their kiss, so warm and tender. Melody knew she should not have these thoughts about someone she did not fully trust but no matter how much she tried, she could not get him out of her head. His scars, his smile, his laugh, his blush when he caught her, his kind emerald eyes, Melody thought of all of it. He had only been in their home for a few days and they had a profound effect on her.

              “What are you thinking about?” someone asked Melody. She started and turned to see Thane riding beside her. Melody laughed.

              “Just wondering about things,” Melody said. Thane grinned at her.

              “Conjuring things?” The Healer asked mischievously.  Melody glared at her brother and he replied, “What? You cannot fool me. I know you.”

              “I do not intend to fool you, only maintain some privacy. Knowing me does not grant you access to every thought in my head,” Melody snapped.

              “I assure you,” Thane said, smiling. “I do not want to hear every thought in your girly little head. I only wonder if you are thinking of him fondly or skeptically.” Melody shrugged.

              “Both, I think. He is a conundrum,” Melody replied, her anger abating. Thane nodded.

              “I kind of like him. After all, he did save my life once,” Thane supplied unhelpfully. Melody rolled her eyes and spurred her horse faster.

              After what felt like an eternity, the group came to a stopping point. Melody gratefully hopped off her horse and led him to a stream. She was the smallest in the group, so her horse seemed the least worn out. She patted him and walked towards the others as they pulled out some food to eat before they continued. It was midday and the sun shone ambitiously.

              “I do not like this,” Melody heard Yirah say. She looked around and did not see the sisters. “You do not need to be angry, only eat it for yourself as I say I do not want it. I will eat the bread.” Yirah replied to something Melody could not hear.

              “Issy does not speak,” Yirah said as she landed beside Melody. She added, “Only to me and inside my mind. She is mute because our father removed her tongue.” Yirah's confession caused Issy to avert her gaze. Melody gaped at them until she shook herself out of her shock.

              “I am sorry,” Melody said. Issy shook her head at Melody and smiled.

              “She says you are good and therefore should not be sorry,” Yirah said with a smirk. Melody smiled. She could not help but admire them. They were so different that they seemed unreal. They were very beautiful. Every part of them was long, their faces, necks, arms, torsos, legs, hands, hair and feet. They seemed graceful, as well. Melody looked at their faces. Their features seemed perfectly aligned, yet somehow opposite. Yirah was all light shades with her fair skin and hair. Issy had black hair and her skin was not dark, but slightly less pale. They had identical steely amber eyes.

              The small horn that stuck out of their foreheads also reflected their difference in shades, as Yirah's was white and Issy's black. Melody wondered why people loathed the Helacorn, but remembered how volatile the males could be. Her eyes flitted over the women and she noticed the outline of their wings beneath their cloaks. She wondered what they looked like. Yirah smiled, which made her all the more beautiful. Melody realized that both sisters were watching her as she stared.