The Light of Asteria (45 page)

“Elaine washed and dressed you before I came
in. I couldn’t let you recover in those blood-soaked clothes. They
have been destroyed, and new ones are being woven even as we
speak.” I winced as I thought about that. His features warmed with
compassion, and I wrinkled my nose at him.

“How long have I been out of it?”

“Five days, my lady. You have slept for five
days. You must be living the life of Riley.”

I beamed. I loved it when Edna’s sayings came
through. He sadly smiled, and his supple lips caressed mine.
Keeping my mind open, I fed him the visions of our future that I
knew he so desperately needed. Joy spiked, as the image of his hand
on a large round stomach surfaced. His emerald eyes danced with
sparkles of a faint glow.

“That’s what gave me the strength to find
you. Every ounce of my being is sure that we are destined to have
children, Gavin. I just know it.”

“Children? … Not just a child?” His voice
rose with incredulousness.

“Well at least one, but you never know.” His
emotions flashed from joy to concern in the blink of an eye.

“Let’s get married first before we start
worrying about what the future brings, all right?”

The curtains were open, and the sun’s rays
warmed Edna’s quilt. Pure white creatures grazed around the marble
statues.

“Malachi insisted that I glean power off of
the unicorns to help speed your recovery. The kinsmen are
absolutely beside themselves. The leader’s herd has been in the
courtyard now for days. I asked that they stay here; I didn’t want
to leave you for any period of time. The queen finally had to
declare that the yard be cleared. The kinsmen were swarming the
statues to get a better look.” He shook his head in disbelief, but
I completely understood. If I was able, I would have been leading
the mob … they were magnificent creatures. Gavin grinned. I turned
to him with warm topaz forever lost in green.

A faint knock on the door made me jump, and I
cringed from the flash of pain. Gavin placed several pillows behind
my back, and pulled the covers up under my arms as far as they
would go.

“Malachi now has permission to come into our
room and has come to see you every day,” he said, answering the
question in my mind.

He went to the door, and I put the fog up,
not even sure if I needed it at the moment. The Ancient One bowed,
and Gavin playfully returned the gesture.

“I see that our Light is finally up, young
prince.” Malachi’s joy sang around him, as he shuffled to the chair
that had been placed by the bed. It was odd to have someone else in
our room, and even though it was only Malachi, I felt
unsettled.

“I will be back in a moment.” Gavin brought
my left hand to his lips, kissing the finger under his ring. His
emotion’s caressed my heart, and the pit of my stomach warmed. His
eyes twinkled as he recognized the response.

“You two stop that before I get the
preacher,” Malachi said, making me startle.

Gavin laughed as he left the room.

“Did you fix this?” I whispered, running my
hand over the Appalachian star.

“We have one in the kingdom who is a master
with textiles. She did not need any assistance. You will find that
all of the threads have been individually repaired. That is why it
took so long.”

“The work is amazing; I thought that it was
surely destroyed. I’d like to thank the one that took such care in
mending Edna’s quilt.”

Malachi stared out the window; his emotions
churned with conflict.

“That, my dear, is for another day.”

Curiosity reigned for a moment, but I didn’t
ask. I followed his gaze to the windows and smiled. Six pairs of
pristine white unicorns formed a half circle around Gavin. He
walked to each of them and placed his hand on their mane, obviously
thanking them for their service. Gavin looked toward the window and
waved. The herd turned in my direction, bowed, and then gracefully
cantered through the gates and into the forest beyond. The sight of
such magnificence took my breath away. Malachi’s crystal eyes
twinkled.

“We have a few items to discuss, Light,
before the heir returns.” His features hardened with intensity, and
I became confused.

“I wish to thank you for your sheer
determination. The future that had been foretold did not come to
pass because of your devotion.”

“What future?”

He hesitated.

Malachi, what is this about?”

“I had seen the land give way before the
prince left for the dark world of man.” His voice became sullen; he
refused to meet my gaze. “The queen did not know of my premonition.
When the prince asked that his guard be the one to explore earth, I
could have simply requested that he not go. The queen would have
followed my counsel.” His somber eyes now focused on my shocked
face.

“You see, young one, had I tried to change
the future the land would have given way due to manipulation. I had
to have faith that the prince would be able find his heart’s
desire, and that he would survive. I am most pleased that you were
strong enough to alter the prophecy.”

“What future did you see?” I whispered.

“That is inconsequential at the moment, and
not what I wish to discuss.” Malachi’s emotions became petulant.
“You must take care, Nora of Asteria. You must not allow yourself
to come so close to the void again. Your heart is human, and even
though the lake has bestowed gifts that will ensure your longevity,
it would not change the Maker’s creation, even if it possessed that
power. The Creator does not make mistakes, nor does his work need
improving.”

“I was expecting a welcome back, not a
lecture to be safe,” I said; Malachi smiled.

“I have grown fond of you, Gavin’s Light. I
have waited far too long … to lose you now would surely lead to
despair.” His sincerity made the walls briefly flash blue.

“What happened to Mia?” I felt better about
asking Malachi, fearing that Gavin would be angry if I brought it
up.

“She is now in the dark world of man, and is
being hunted by Elias’ best warriors. They have been instructed to
destroy as many Dokkalfar as they find, but to search above all
else for Mia and the descendant of the first, Jayril.” I shuddered
at that thought, and Malachi grew concerned.

“We need not mar this beautiful day with such
thoughts, young one. Let us discuss other matters.” He patted my
arm and took a deep breath.

“Queen Lera has declared that Nora of Light
day be celebrated every year as the Day of Forgiveness, lest the
Kailmeyrians forget the lessons learned.” My brow rose in surprise.
Malachi chuckled.

“After the kinsmen experienced true mercy,
the elves of the land came together and any who had grievance
forgave. The power of the mountain grows stronger with the purity
of the intent. The fissure in the energy lessens. It is a start.” I
looked away, trying to quiet my thoughts. I really didn’t
understand that last statement and I secretly feared that the elves
gave me credit for intelligence that I just didn’t have.

“Nora of Asteria, what are you thinking?” His
eyes narrowed; his emotions stirred with anger. “We will learn of
such things when you come back from your strengthening. You cannot
understand what you have not yet been taught. Please never doubt
your abilities. It is a disservice to the one who created you.”

Memories of Rena filled my mind. She had said
that so long ago, my first night in the mountain house.

“I have spoken with the prince,” he
interrupted my thoughts. “He agrees that it would be prudent for
you to study for eight hours a day instead of four. What say you,
Light?”

“I think that’s a great idea!” Malachi patted
my hand once more.

“Time grows short, and I must stress two more
points before your betrothed returns.” The room once again surged
with power.

“First, I have counseled the prince for the
past few days. Please have your shield down and your heart open; he
can only fully recover by your strength.” I shook my head that I
would comply … I’d figure it out later.

“Second….” The webs streamed brilliantly
blue. I cleared my mind, bringing my shield to a complete
solid.

“Yes? … Malachi?” Conflict swirled to
resolve.

“I know that you possess the gift of future
visions. All of the ancients had this attribute, though some
stronger than others. Asteria was truly talented in this area. She
did go to earth to seek the love of a mate, but she also was
relieved that dark visions of the land no longer plagued her.”
Panic surged, causing Malachi’s brow to crease. His hand found mine
once more.

“I do not tell you these things to cause you
worry, Light. I merely need for you to understand that the future
is never truly set. As we have found recently, the path can change
… the key is faith, young one. This is the message I wish for you
to know before your time of strengthening.”

“What are you trying to say, Malachi?” I
asked, my heart in my throat.

“Merely that if you see a future that you do
not desire, under no circumstances are you to try and manipulate
the outcome. You must have faith that the kinsmen of the land will
turn the tide to good. It is difficult. But as we have seen
recently, it is not impossible.” Malachi stood with one last pat of
the hand.

“And now, my princess, it is time that I take
my leave. In the interest of efficiency, while you are
strengthening, I will be teaching the other keepers about their
specific charge. When you return, we will catch up.” He shuffled to
the door while he spoke.

“Malachi?”

“Yes, my Light.”

“Thank you for believing in me.” I had no
idea why I said that. I had been planning to say see you later, but
these words came out instead. He turned; tears trickled down his
wrinkled cheeks.

“No Light ... thank you for believing in
love,” he softly murmured, and he exited the room.

I closed my eyes for a moment, and when I
opened them again it was dark. Gavin was holding me, and the pain
of my muscles had lessened. His joy strengthened our now thin
current as he read my mind.

“Can I see Rena?” His eyes blanked for a
moment, and then I found myself in his arms as he carried me to the
couch. Rena and Tark were already there.

“Hey, you.” I weakly smiled; Rena’s joy
radiated through the room.

“It is so good to see you, my lady,” she
smiled mischievously.

“Nora.” Tark’s calm voice echoed in the vast
hall.

“Okay, spill … what happened to the two of
you?” I smiled; Rena flinched.

“I’m so sorry, Nora. I didn’t know that you
needed me. I lunged as soon as I saw the silver streak, but we took
off when we understood what had happened. Tark almost caught Mia,
but the ashen color of her skin shocked him, slowing him for a
moment. When I made it back to the palace, you were gone.” Gavin’s
emotions darkened and I knew that this was definitely the wrong
question to ask. I held his hand in both of mine.

“It’s all right, Reen. I had a feeling, but I
was worried about you … I wish we had cell phones, although I would
be the only one to need it.” Rena’s pure joy singing through her
laughter eased the sting of Gavin’s guilt.

“The hour grows late and you need rest. Have
the prince send for me when it is convenient.” She hugged me and
turned for the door.

“Hey … stop by the butterfly garden and tell
the king that I’m all right. I bet he comes out.” Rena’s emotions
jolted with excitement.

“Do you think he will?” Her voice raised
almost an octave.

“I’m pretty sure ... just make sure that your
intent is focused on the desire to keep him informed … let Gavin
know if it works.”

We said our goodbyes and Gavin carried me up
the stairs.

It was nice to see Malachi.
I replayed
our conversation. Concern and protection completely saturated me as
I recalled Malachi’s warning.

We won’t worry until the future has
presented itself.
I opened the now stronger circle as wide as
it would go. Gavin took a deep breath and walked to the window.

“While Malachi was here, I’ve had a few
lessons of my own—the first being a reminder of your message to the
court.” His emotions churned; the circle grew weak.

Come here,
I requested. He sighed and
turned from the window, sitting on the edge of the bed. I placed my
hand on his chest, and he sadly smiled.

“I have forgiven myself for the lack of
control. I should not have lost sight that I am your source as much
as you are mine. When you needed me most, I turned from you for my
own need to satisfy retribution.” His emotions became mired in
regret.

“I’m struggling to forgive Mia, as she has
now become a Dokkalfar … but I’m working on it.”

Understand Gavin, that had you been
stabbed in front of me, I’m not sure how I would have reacted.”
Empathy washed over him, and the energy grew.

I’ve learned that love is the most
powerful intent, and was made that way for a reason. This is the
only emotion that we should allow to rule.
The compassion
coursing through our circle hit him like a ton of bricks; I could
feel him heal.

Unexpectedly, humor tickled the pit of my
stomach; Gavin chuckled.

“Rena wants me to tell you that the king and
the orange and brown butterfly came to her. They are overjoyed that
you are recovering and request that you visit them soon.”

“I bet Rena was about to explode. She should
laugh for them sometime … they would enjoy it.” Gavin’s eyes
twinkled.
I wish I were strong enough to have gone with
her.

“We will strengthen together, my love, in
five days’ time.” My stomach flipped.
The wedding was in five
days? How could that be?

Gavin laughed.

A faint knock came from the door. Elaine
brought in a tray with our favorite foods. I listened to all of the
news through dinner. Tark and Rena’s investigation had revealed
that Mia had been plotting since she broke into our room. Her mind
had already been twisted with sinister thoughts. Gavin had the dark
gardens and the guesthouse torn down. They were rebuilding a new
structure on the land that would be a place of respite for those
who were struggling with despair. I smiled, thinking that he found
the perfect solution. The intent was that the elves would have a
place to go so that no one would ever suffer Mia’s fate.