Days 135 & 136 (113th & 114th)

Day 135 (113th):
I was already awake when the bells rung. Leo was still out of reach as was Falcon. After breakfast, Mara and Marrissa knocked furiously on our door. The valet had returned this morning. Some they had returned were furious and had sent back very nasty letters and a few had come to the palace to confront them directly. Fortunately, guards had stopped them at the doors. We got ready and headed down with them. Some were still there, demanding entrance. They began shouting at all of us. We kept Mara and Marrissa behind us. Alice addressed the men.
"Sirs, why do you protest so? Is it not allowed for the maiden to return you proposals if she wishes?"
"It is allowed, but they should not be so picky," one man responded, "They don't even have a kingdom yet and they already reject us like privileged women. We demand our time with them."
"Sir," I stepped forward, "you have no interest in either of them. I can see you intentions. You only proposed to make others believe you have ambition. Look elsewhere, sir, for there is no one here for you."
He started to protest again, but changed his mind and left. One by one, they were shown that their offers were insincere and hollow. The last one left an hour after we had started talking with them. Mara and Marrissa were both grateful for our help. They asked if we could be with them as they spoke with the men who's proposals they had kept. We agreed. Marrissa went to get the papers while we all headed to the garden. When Marrissa arrived, she had already given them to the valet to find the men so we could all meet them. We did not have a long wait. The first to arrive was Marrissa's officer. We, except Mara, recognized him. The conversation was easy. He was a cousin, somewhat distant, of Droland's, making him minor nobility but also a land-owning lord. He had to cut his visit short as he was needed back on patrol. By lunch, we had talked with him, a couple of wealthy merchants, and the man who wanted to restore Selvis. All of them were very honest and open about their intentions and expectations. During lunch, the valet brought a letter that he didn't like holding. He apologized for having to give it to us. I could feel a lot of hate rising off the paper. My sisters could feel it, too. Gingerly, we opened the letter. A stench waifed up as it fell open.
Sarah shrieked, "Its written in blood!"
It was a threat. It said that Mara must marry Cornwall of Barnalas or be responsible for untold death and destruction. We called for Mamar and Mattis immediately. They arrived swiftly and examined the document. To our relief, the blood was animal, most likely cattle or sheep, according to Mattis. Producing a map, they found that Barnalas was a village deep in Baaloc territory. Mattis got his viewing ball to see if we could get an image of Cornwall. Using the scroll, we confirmed he was a Baaloc general, one of those who had stood by Maalicus until the last. Expanding the viewing, we found that he was now Tharinzar's chosen one, set up to "lead" the Baalocs. We asked for Droland and Kendar to join us and advise us on the problem. Both of them thought seriously on the matter. Droland considered replying in kind, but Kendar, ever the tactician, suggested playing along.
"It might be the opening we need to get into Baaloc Prime. If he is expecting a wedding party, we may not have to travel through the forest at all. Or, we can send one group as the wedding party and, if Leo succeeds, another can slip through the forest and surprise them."
After a bit of discussion, we agreed with Kendar and the two party plan. We sent for a cleric, an innocent party, to write the reply so, if Cornwall sought the intent of the writer, it would be an honest writing. We carefully worded it so it would seem she was agreeing to the marriage without actually saying, "Yes, I will marry you." When it was finished, the valet who had received the bloody letter was given our letter to return. He was not thrilled, but did it anyway.
Leo had not returned by the night bells, dinner time, or sunset. We all hoped everything was alright.

Day 136 (114th):
A rumble from the balcony woke us. Leo was partially on the balcony but was flapping his wings to keep his weight off of it. The rumble was the balcony straining. He looked tired.
"Meet me in the garden. I have a lot to tell you," he said wearily.
He took off and we got dressed. The bells rang before we arrived. In the morning light, we could see wounds on him. Sarah and Lisa examined every one. Satisfied that they were slight and not infected, we all settled in to hear what he had to say.
"Droland was right about the forest inhabitants. Quite a few are barely above animal intelligence. Also, many of the intelligent ones simply hate humans, period. Fortunately, two tribes of elves, both of whom have treaties with Raval, are going to escort us through the forest to Baaloc Prime. We are still doing that, right?"
"Yes, but with a twist. Tharinzar's new puppet threatened Mara yesterday, to either marry him or be responsible for the loss of many lives. Kendar came up with a plan to use it as a ploy to get inside Baaloc Prime. Two groups, one as a wedding party on the main road and the other going through the forest as a sneak attack. With the Baaloc's anticipating the wedding party, their guard will either be down or focused elsewhere."
"Good, my talents weren't wasted," Leo said dryly, "If you don't mind, I am very tired."
"Of course, we have to find Kendar anyway to tell him of your success. Sleep well, Leo," Lisa told him.
We all bid him a good rest and went inside. Having no idea where Kendar slept in this massive castle, we asked one of the servants to take us to his room. She told us he would not be there as he is up very early every morning. She did tell us she would take us to where he, most likely, would be at this time of day. Thanking her, we asked her to lead the way. We went to the oldest part of the palace. The aging of the stones and soot marks from torches confirmed Anna's account of this being part of the original palace of Raval. She said dynasties rose and fell by plots hatched in this place. We began to hear thuds and grunts, muffled but distinct. We approached the door from where the noises were coming. Opening it, we saw Kendar dueling with a scarecrow-like thing with many weapons instead of arms and legs. We watched for a moment before he realized anyone else was there. The servant left us as Kendar was wiping the sweat off his face.
"Morning, ladies. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
We told him what Leo had said, which greatly pleased him. He told us that the plan would be put into effect in a few days. The royal carriage was being retooled with hidden compartments for weapons, potions, and a few magical items. Also, it was getting fancied up to make a grander impression and to look totally ornamental. Guards were being carefully chosen for the mission as they had to be able to look like spoiled honor guards who's only assignment was to escort Princess Mara here and there, but be, in reality, highly skilled soldiers alert for the smallest hint of trouble. He also said a double had been found for Mara, as she would not be in the carriage. This double was also a highly trained soldier with many skills. He told us not to worry about our gear as he had that taken care of as well. The same servant who escorted us arrived with food for all eight of us.
"Are you here every morning?" Lisa asked Kendar.
"Nearly, yes. Lehand told me about this before he left for his new assignment. It helps me to work out my thoughts and feelings. Since Kayla opened my mind to you girls and the dragons, I cannot hide inside myself anymore. I am not sorry for that nor do I wish it undone. I have had to adjust to a new way of coping. This practice is it."
We understood. I use to hide when I felt afraid or nervous or uncomfortable. Since I can't hide from Vanity at all and only partially from my sisters, I have had to face my fears and doubts and just deal with them. Fortunately, Vanity's experiences have guided me and her gift leaves no doubt as to the intention of others, both of which eliminates a lot of fears and doubts.
"Kayla, pardon me, but can you tell Kendar we have guests at the door of the palace. Droland and Darla are needed as well."
"Of course, Leo. We'll be there in a few moments."
Relaying Leo's message, we got up and left. A valet met us halfway to tell us the same thing. We assured him that it was alright. Kendar asked if word had been sent to the King and Queen. He said it had. Kendar dismissed him and we continued to the doors. Droland and Darla were nearly there when we arrived.
"Our valet seemed shaken. Do you know why?" Droland asked, slightly worried.
"Leo didn't seem shaken when he told me about them, Your Majesty," I said.
Droland squinted then ordered the doors opened. On the other side were a dozen elf warriors, dressed like a living forest. I felt and instant kinship with them. My sisters also felt it. The Royal Pair was taken aback. The diplomats usually dressed like humans. They were not prepared. The female at the front stepped forward and saluted.
"Human King Droland and Faerie-wife Queen Darla, we are the troop from the west of the forest. As agreed, we shall guide your people through our half of the forest. At the Binding Tree, we will leave you in the care of the tribe from the east of the forest. There, our part will be done."
"Welcome, warriors, we receive you openly and thank you for your aid. Through it, the Baaloc presence will be eliminated and the Kingdom of Selvis restored," Droland replied formally.
Murmurs rippled through the troop. I could see their confusion.
"'Baaloc' and 'Selvis' mean nothing to them. Those are human terms of no concept," Alice informed us.
"Warriors," Lisa stepped forward, pulling out the crest of her elf ancestor, "We are trying to get rid of the demon-armored army and return the kingdom of peace from before them."
Understanding erupted from them. Those were concepts they knew.
"We have also had fights with the demon-clad. They take trees with no offerings. They steal animals without returning anything. All tribes have lost someone to them either through death or abduction. Our seers said the human royals died at their hands. Who will remake the peaceful kingdom?" the leader inquired.
"The youngest princess survived. She is here and safe. Also, a cousin of her's is also alive and safe," Lisa informed them.
Cheerful words passed through the troop. As if we had called them, Mara and Marrissa appeared behind us. We reassured them and introduced them to the elf warriors. Many recognized Mara by her resemblance to her mother. A few could place Marrissa. Realizing we were all standing in the door still, Droland invited them inside. Orders were given to have rooms prepared for the troop. We all went out to the garden where Leo was finishing breakfast, clean bones the only thing left of whatever it had been. The troop greeted him in a friendly tone and he replied in kind. They seated themselves on the ground. The seven of us, Mara, Marrissa, and Kendar joined them on the carpet of grass. Darla had a blanket brought out and the Royal Pair sat upon it. The elves were pleased that we agreed to sit as they did instead of forcing them into uncomfortable chairs inside.
"Who are we escorting on this quest?" the leader asked.
Kendar responded, "Myself, a few soldiers, and the Seven Sisters, plus a wizard and cleric."
More murmurs. The leader asked, "You mean all seven of the enchanted swords are assembled and partnered in one place?"
Kendar nodded then looked at us. Without standing, we drew the swords and laid them on the grass before us. Gasps and comments swirled through the troop.
"The writings say you are not fully human. Is it true?"
"Yes," I began, " I am Faerie-blooded. Callie is descended of dwarfs. Anna is of the brownies. Alice and Lisa are of the save elf line. Sarah is mermaid-blooded. Gretta if of the leprechauns."
Excited words ran over each other as they discussed this news. One of them noticed my jewelry as I rested my hand on Vanity. Their expression asked the silent question.
"Yes, I am a dragon rider. The demon-clad stole the clutch my dragon may be in. We have recovered the queen of that clutch, but need to get the rest."
Angry words this time. I didn't need to know the language to understand their fury at that event. Harming unhatched dragons was obviously high on their list of what not to do. They huddled together and discussed something for a while. Droland was uncomfortable at this lack of control on his part. Darla seemed at ease. Kendar just watched in stoic silence. We kept silent, both verbally and mentally, out of respect for our guests. Coming to some sort of agreement, the leader faced us again.
"When we reach the forest, this news will be given to all the races. The demon-clad, these Baalocs, will not enter even the shadow of Brimgrove. Had we known of this evil before, they would have had none of our trees or animals. Yet, we do remember some of them giving offerings. Why the change?"
"Those you remember were slaves to the Baalocs, followers of the Old Ways forced to serve a new god. The demons corrupted that faith into the Baaloc way who, in turn, enslave, destroy, or convert those in its path," Anna told them.
Heads bobbed as understanding took hold. One whispered to the leader who looked at us confused. She discussed something with him and a couple of others.
Eventually, she spoke, "My fellow tell me they have heard you called 'demon whores', 'the seven plagues', plus other rather nasty things. Please clarify."
Leo answered. He rumbled and growled their language. Anger sparked around him as he spoke. The troop also grew in anger. My sisters and I looked at each other.
Breaking our inner silence, Sarah meekly asked, "What is wrong? Are they mad at us? What did Leo say?"
A dozen heads snapped in our direction. Sarah stared at them like a frightened rabbit.
"Uh, sorry, I was just wondering if we had done anything to upset you. I tried to be quiet and not mentally speak in front of you. I did not mean to be rude," she said with her voice shaking and on the verge of tears.
After a silent moment, they all burst into laughter. Our side was completely confused. Leo was smirking but managed to respond.
"They were getting mad at the Baalocs, not you. They had been expecting mental chatter among you, not silence. In their tribe, such is not rude, it is normal. That you felt the need to be silent struck them, and myself, as funny. They have been speaking mentally to each other this whole time. Tymara is the only one who knows human languages. She has conveyed our words to the others."
"Wait, they can speak mind-to-mind as well?" Droland interrupted.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Leo informed him, "many non-humans have that ability."
Droland looked at Kendar and realized they were only two of the true humans among us. He also began to understand that the diplomats he had dealt with kept a lot from him. I could see his resolve to not continue that with other diplomats. A servant arrived and informed us all the troops rooms were ready. Also, the cooks wanted to know about special food requirements for the troop. Tymara produced a piece of paper and informed the servant that it was a list of acceptable human food. We all stood to follow the servant to the rooms. She handed the list off to another to give to the cooks. We walked into another area of the palace we had not been to before. Anna gave us all a commentary on the history of this sections, commissioned by one of the few monarch queens of Raval. The servant opened a door that revealed a hallway. Doors lined the hall. At the end, a sitting room large enough for the whole troop plus a few.
"This whole wing is for you. Each door down the hall is a single room. There is a chime at the door that is heard in each room. It will be rung before the door is opened so you will not be surprised by our arrivals. The door cannot be opened from the outside without the chime being rung. This rope will summon one of us anytime, day or night. It is almost time for the mid-day meal. Shall I call for some to be brought here?" the servant asked.
"No, thank you, " Tymara said, "We have food for now. I am guessing we will be having the evening meal with the King, Queen, and others."
Droland confirmed.
"We will be fine until then. Thank you for your hard work."
The servant bowed and left. We stayed in the sitting room while they fanned out to inspect the rooms. Each room had at least one window, a simple bed, and a chest for belongings. Each of them had a room alone plus a few to spare. We got the impression they felt it was stark, but alright for the short time they would be here. Droland, Darla, and Kendar left to "take care of things". Mara and Marrissa felt uncomfortable and asked the troop if they could leave. Tymara allowed it and they left.
"Well, just us and seven legends. Care to share some elvish rations, Sisters?" Tymara offered.
We accepted and sat with them. They brought out some of the same the dragon riders had at camp. We got pass the nervousness and chatted openly. Those that didn't understand us verbally did mentally. Even the swords were able to speak to them without going through us. The evening bells startled us as we were so engrossed in talking we did not notice the passage of time. We had to explain to them what it was all about. Then, the door chime sounded. We looked down the hall to see a valet walk formally and stiffly towards us.
"Their Royal Majesties cordially invite you to the formal dining room for the evening meal. Their Royal Highness, Crown Prince Vangar, Prince Gavin, and Princess Margret, will also be in attendance as will High Cleric Mamar, Major Kendar, Master Wizard Mattis, Princess Mara, and Lady Marrissa. Shall I inform them of your acceptance?"
Tymara formally confirmed and he left. After the door closed, we all burst out laughing. Getting ourselves together, we left the wing to find an escort outside the door. Silently, they walked ahead of us. It was a moment before we reached an area I recognized. Outside the formal dining room, our escort took positions on each side of the door. They opened the door for us. Inside, everyone, including Leo, was there. We mentally explained how Leo got inside the palace. The Royal children were stunned at the troop's appearance. They, too, were use to dignitaries in human dress. Figuring that they didn't know, we mentally informed Gavin and Margret that the elves could hear all of our mental speech. Gavin shut down while Margret reached out to them. They introduced themselves and chatted politely as we all sat down around the massive table. Even though there was the seven of us, the twelve elves, five members of the Royal family, Mara, Marrissa, Kendar, Mamar, and Mattis, the table still looked only half filled. The cooks were familiar with finicky eaters and had made dishes suitable to the elves. So as not to single them out or mark them in any way, we all had what they had. Vangar picked at it, but ate nearly all of it during his silence at the table. Gavin started out uneasy, then got comfortable with it and them. He opened up enough to join in some of the mental chatter going around. Margret dove in to both food and conversation with uncharacteristic abandon. Droland was distant the whole time. Kendar spoke rarely. Mamar and Mattis were both chatty as was Leo. Darla was quiet as usual but did speak, verbally and mentally, when addressed. Mara and Marrissa said almost nothing and barely ate. It wasn't until desert that the topic of our quest came up. Tymara said the Binding Tree wa the accepted center of Brimgrove. It was the oldest tree still living and a neutral place for all tribes. She said that once the other tribes learned of the Baaloc's evil, Raval may gain an extra ally or two, if only temporary. Vangar began to press for information on these potential allies. He was interrupted by a banging on the large doors we had entered. Before anyone could get to them, they flew open. I could see our escort lying on the floor. A large man in black swaggered into the room. The soul cloak around him was darker than the black fabric cloak he wore. He stared through intense green eyes, silently daring any of us to stop him. Standing for all to see, he stopped and posed, them spoke.
"I am the liason to Cornwall of Barnalas, the Chosen One of Tharinzar and Lord of all Baalocs. I received your acceptance of the marriage between Princess Mara of Selvis and His Holy Excellence. I am here to take the bride to her new home and husband."
"Sir," Kendar began as he stood, "we are not finished with the preparations. Her dress is not finished. The paint on the carriage is still wet. We are still fitting the honor guard for their special uniforms."
"Don't prattle on. Such trappings are frivolous. My Lord wants only his bride. He cares not if she is naked and alone, the girl will go with me. Now!"
The tension was thick in that large room. Mara was nearly under the table with Marrissa right beside her. So many wanted to kill him where he stood. Without thought, I stood and approached him. Vanity was warm on my hip.
"Sir, do you hold your lord in such contempt as to deny him a wedding due his station? Would you make him a mockery before the other lords and rulers to have him wed without proper ceremony? I pity you when he finds out how you overstepped him and told a king to hand over a princess like a butcher hands over a side of beef."
Fear rippled across his features. His eyes betrayed the posture of arogance he held. I could almost see what images his imagination, and Vanity, were conjuring inside his mind.
"Perhaps, to show we are not barbarians, it would be best to allow a procession. How long before these things are finished?" he asked Kendar.
"No more than three days from now, at the latest. Many hands are working on it," he replied with relief.
"These Sisters, they will not be a part of this," he half asked, half ordered.
"They will be no where near the wedding party, that I can guarantee."
"Good, we will not have them corrupt this holy event. If even a hint of their evil is detected, Princess Mara and many others will pay for it dearly. Where is she so I may confirm her identity when she arrives at Baaloc Prime?"
"She is not here," I told him, still standing between him and the rest, "She retired before you arrived. Delicate girl, she is, as many pure-blood princesses are, as you know. Return to the outer doors tomorrow morning and you may inspect her at you leisure."
His mind worked over my words, pushed by Vanity to make him believe they were true. After a short moment, he nodded.
"Tomorrow, at the bells. I shall be at the door to inspect my future lady for my lord's protection. No tricks! I will know if anything is afoot."
With that, he spun on his heel and swaggered out. After I closed the doors, everyone let out a rush of relief. Kendar and Vangar nearly rammed me into the doors when they rushed over to me. They were both amazed at my actions, standing up to a man who might have killed me where I stood. Mara and Marrissa sat back up in their chairs. Tymara and her troop buzzed about this scene. I walked back to the table with the two men. I should have felt something, but I did not. That whole time, I was not afraid, nervous, or even shaken. I knew, really knew, that I could get him to leave without any of us being harmed in any way. I also discovered, from him, that while white is pride, the hardness is arrogance. I had seen others with white that flowed and waved around them. Seeing someone with no true pride yet full of arrogance showed me the difference. The men began discussing the ruse of having Mara's double be inspected so this man could tell Cornwall and Tharinzar that she is the real Mara of Selvis. The troop was abuzz over getting all of this information to their tribe and others. My sisters and I consoled Mara, who had begun to weep about being a trophy to be passed from hand to hand without concern for her feelings. Margret got our attention and suggested we all go somewhere quiet and private. We agreed and asked to be excused. The men barely noticed. Queen Darla trailed along with us as we left and found a parlor that was soft and quiet. Both Margret and Darla explained Mara's position as princess.
"You have grown up as a common woman. As such, you had a freedom of choice and a limitation of station. As a princess, the choice is less, the limits of station are greater. A common woman can go as high as a mayor, count, or baron. A princess can only go as low as a duke. Plus, we are not seen as women, but physical embodiments of our kingdom. When I get married, my husband will not just marry me, but Raval as well."
"My situation was only slightly different. I took Droland not just out of love, but out of duty. If I had rejected him, Raval would be almost uninhabitable. My community was set to abandon this area because the King, Droland's father, was a hard man who refused any dealing with non-humans. Fortunately, I had one chance. I appeared to Droland in a dream. I convinced him that his true love was in the wilds and ached to be with him. He had yet to court anyone, so it made sense he didn't want them because I was out there, waiting on him. When I saw him in person, I did not have to pretend to love him. We spent two seasons together before he brought me to his father. By his father accepting me as a mystical maiden destined for the crown prince, he and Droland insured my community's continued influence in this kingdom. While not every queen is Faerie, you will find most kingdoms have made deals to keep plants growing, animals healthy and people thriving."
"My mother's tale illustrates how valueable princesses are, not just to their fathers and husbands, but to their kingdoms as well. Two of my suitors will add ten thousand acres to Raval, one will open a waterway for our use. Three will increase the wealth of the kingdom in other ways. Do I feel like a tool? Sometimes, I do. Other times, I feel like I am the true power of Raval. I am the one who controls its future. You are in a unique position, Mara. As it stands, you are Selvis. Marrissa is too, but to a lesser extent. Right now, all that remains of Selvis is in your veins. The Baalocs cannot truly rule that land as long as you live. As a cousin, Marrissa, you are still part of Selvis, but Mara is Selvis in the flesh. Do you understand?"
"I...I am beginning to see. Cornwall is not demanding me, he is demanding Selvis. As it stands, he can only be a lord. With me, he can claim to be a King. I am the keystone of his plan. As long as I am missing, he cannot go as high as he desires. Maalicus kept Marrissa to claim a duke or count's title, if he were to marry her. Had he lived, Maalicus would probably be pushing for me to marry him."
"You are a bright girl. This is why a double has been found. You are too important to risk going to Baaloc Prime. We will keep you safe here. Kendar and Vangar are excellent tacticians, they have this planned," Darla reassured her.
"There is something else. You were born there, as was most of your relatives, right?" Anna asked.
"I was, I am sure of that. My father and his father were also born in the palace. I think my mother was born in Selvis, but her parents were not. I don't see how that helps."
"If I understand it right, Leo and the other dragons, as well as other races, can use blood ties to the land to renew and revive it. As the royal family, your ties are especially strong as you represent the land and people. Both of you, once the Baalocs, Tharinzar, and the demons are gone, will be the focus to remove their taint on the land and the kingdom. So, you are both very important for that as well," Anna explained.
Mara and Marrissa were speechless. Darla smiled in a knowing way. Margret was also silent. Tymara entered, carefully judging the mood as she did.
"The men have left to go to sleep. They asked me to find you and check on everyone. Is everything alright?"
We confirmed that everyone was fine. Bidding the others good-night, we seven went to our room. A note was left that told us we would be awakened before the bells to be ready for the Baaloc with Mara's double. We were drained and fell asleep quickly.