Saving Maltira

Chapter Eight

Aquaira was in basically the same state she had left it. She was proud to show it to Hilda. A city full of life and love. Its structures and paved streets attested to its great affluence. There was no fanfare to receive Layla back home basically because she didn't consider herself to be home. Not yet. Her quest was far from over. She came back to Aquaira because she needed the insight of Pokio and right now it would serve her well if no one knew of her presence. She opted for the servant's entrance instead of the main gate. As usual Hilda didn't question her rather sneaky entrance into her own home. That was one of the many things she was becoming grateful to Hilda for. She never asked questions.

Layla intercepted a young maid she favored and sent her to bring Pokio to her chambers. The sight of her brother was like a breath of fresh air for Layla after being absent for so long. She longed to tell him of her adventures but knew that she had limited time before she was found out so she decided to go straight to the point.

She gave Pokio of an abridged version of her encounter with Kwalots which had her brother's face mildly contorted with suppressed rage. Then she told him of Mr Bebu's warning and the history of the eight cities as told by the Ziruith monarch.

Pokio was in deep thought. He got up and paced briefly then he stopped abruptly and turned to Layla. "I'll be back. "

All these while Hilda had made herself almost invisible and stood still at the corner of the room. Layla turned slowly to look at her expression after the revealing of so much. Hilda's face was expressionless. It was like she had pulled on a mask.

"I'm sorry I didn't let you in on everything." Layla's shoulders sagged with the weight of carrying so much.

"You've done everything you're expected to do. You owe me nothing. Do you want me to make myself scarce? "

"No. You've been with me all these while. You can stay. "

Pokio returned with a big bag which he opened in the middle of the room. There were scrolls and books all old. "We should find something here that would shed more insight on everything that is happening."

They spent all night searching through the books and scrolls. At the bottom of the bag they found a scroll that wasn't as old as the others. It looked only a few decades old. On opening it, they found out it was a chronological record of the house of King Zarion the great King of the mer-kingdom. It was a perfect place to start. It was being updated.

Pokio looked at Layla. "This book should have been closed long ago. The fact that it's open means only one thing. "

Layla looked at him with wide eyes.

Pokio's voice was grim when he said. "There is a living descendant of King Zarion. "

A chill spread through Layla and she sat immobile.

Pokio flipped through the pages of the book in a frenzy. He spoke up sharply. "The lineage of the first son ended three centuries ago.

Layla felt a growing dread in the pit of her stomach. She knew whatever they were going to find wasn't going to be pretty.

Pokio spoke again. "The last recorded descendant is Elmish. His wife was Hilda. A human. "

Layla froze.

Hilda sat in the same position she had been for several hours. Her face betrayed no emotions.

Layla reached out and touched her. "Tell me everything you know about Hilda. The woman you were named after. The peace of our world depends on it. "

Hilda looked at Layla and shook her head. "I know she had a son. My mother always told me I would be his wife. I would be queen. I waved aside her insinuations because as far as I know. Hilda wasn't of royal blood. "

Layla tapped her foot impatiently. "This son of hers, where is he? What is his name? What does he look like? "

"I only know the answer to one of those questions. His name is Jace. "

Layla was sure she would have felt better if she was hit by ten raging bull sharks. It couldn't be her own Jace. She trusted Jace with her life. Jace couldn't be the thief. He was always in Aquaira. Something wasn't right.

Pokio was in deep thought. He turned to Layla. "What do you know about Jace?

Layla pressed her fingertips to her temples. She knew he was in Aquaira when she was born. He was never open about his family, background or friends outside Aquaira. But it was impossible for a lowly guard to accomplish all of this on his own.

Pokio's voice startled her from her thoughts. "Do you want to involve the royal council? This is getting bigger than you. "

Layla sounded a lot more confident than she felt when she spoke. "No. Right now all we have are theories. For all we know this could be a different Jace. Even if it is our Jace, just being a descendant of King Zarion doesn't necessarily mean he's responsible for all that is happening. "

Pokio spoke again. "No it doesn't. But it finally gives us a starting point. It makes a lot of sense that Aquaira is the seat of this entire conspiracy. Aquaira is the apex of all of mer-kingdom. It's a good place to make the capital. I think you need to come out of hiding and stay here while you solve the rest of the puzzle. "

Layla nodded and drew on her inner strength.

There still was no fanfare when Layla revealed herself to the council. She still hadn't gotten answers. The council was divided on letting her stay in Aquaira. But those in favor were more so she got to stay.

Jace was leaning against the wall in the hallway when she exited the throne room. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him. He was as beautiful as ever. She walked up to him and he put his arms around her without a word. These arms had held her from when she was an infant. There was no time to waste. She had to eliminate every suspicion around him so that she could move on to others.

Layla smiled up at him. "How have you been?

"Bored. Aquaira isn't much fun without you to chase around. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Layla pulled away and tugged his hand. "Come. I have a lot to discuss. "

Layla's heart pounded away in her chest. She had to do this. It was important. If the council sent someone else to investigate and the person managed to connect Jace to King Zarion. They might hull Jace away before anything else. She needed to confirm his innocence first. She went over the questions Pokio had suggested she asked him and braced herself to begin.

Jace threw a leg on his table and rocked back on his chair as he gave Layla his attention.

"What do you know about King Zarion, Jace?

Jace's brows shot up. "King Zarion. He died over a 100 millenials ago. What does he have to do with this? "

"I don't know. I'm just trying to find a bearing. This will continue to be a wild goose chase until we find out who has the greatest motive to steal these relics. "

"Motive? Any power hungry ruler could decide to go after these artifacts. You know that. "

"The threat of war is something no ruler would want looming over him."

"Unless he has enough power and resources to pull it off.

"No Jace. I've been to these cities. No king has the power and resources to pull it off. "

Jace arched a brow. "No king?

Layla shook her head in confusion. Her brows creased and she stuttered a bit. "Well. . . .Yes. No King in the other cities I saw. The only one with that much power and resources is Aquaira! "

Jace looked pointedly at her.

Layla gasped and stood up. "No. My father would never do such. He believes in peace and order."

Jace spoke calmly. "Are you thinking like a warrior or a daughter. You are trained to look at the facts. This is huge Layla. No other ruler in the entire mer-kingdom has the resources to even attempt something like this. Don't be blind. "

Layla's blood was roaring in her ears. He has no reason to do that!

"Really? Let me give you one. Aquaira has risen to be the apex not just because of the strength of its monarchs but because it was the original throne of king Zarion. "

Layla clamped her hand over her ears.

"Other cities enjoy benefits from its affluence. Its queen has nymph blood. "

Layla's head snapped up. "What??

"Your mother has nymph ancestry. All the King needs is a push in that direction. "

"That's enough Jace. If there's anyone who is suspicious here it's you! You are a direct descendant of King Zarion. Why didn't you tell anyone? If you don't have anything to hide. "

"What are you talking about? The king of knows of my ancestry.

Layla ran so fast. The doors to the throne room were closed and two guards stood guard. Layla got to the doors and she was prevented entry. She knocked them both unconscious and bolted into the room. The council was in full attendance and a meeting was on. The king and queen were dressed in full armor and Layla noticed ambassadors from the other seven cities were present. A sick dread settled in the pit of her stomach. Everybody in the room turned their attention to her. Her lips moved of their own accord. "What's happening?

Her mother spoke. All eight relics have been stolen.

"By who, Mother?

Queen Lycoia frowned at her daughter. "Isn't that what we've been trying to find out for months now?

Layla drew her sword. "I'm not leaving here without answers."

The silence in the room was deafening. "Why isn't it in the records, mother, that you're of nymph ancestry?

"It is in the records Layla. What does that have to do with anything? "

"That makes you a suspect."

"What are you talking about?"

King Acha finally spoke. "Layla. We don't have time for this right now. Whatever suspicions you have, we won't dismiss. But we have to conclude this meeting. "

"Where was the Relic of Aquaira kept?

"There's a trap door under the wooden bath. . In your room. "

Layla had no time to be surprised. She sheathed her sword and ran all the way to her room. Her room had been ransacked. There was no sign of Hilda. She felt her spine protrude. She snarled and bared her fangs. She ran to find Jace and found his quarters cleaned out. Pure rage poured out from her as she began to realize something wasn't right. As she turned to leave the room, she saw a small ring bearing her family's crest. The size of the ring screamed it's owner. Pokio.

Layla was barely human as she raced back to the throne room. Her mother stood and drew her sword the moment she saw her.

Layla's voice came out as a hiss. "Jace. It's Jace. He has Pokio and I think I know where he's headed. "

The entire Calvary of Aquaira was assembled and messengers were sent out to the six innocent cities. King Acha was dressed in his armour and sat on his sea horse. Large sharks pulled the chariots of the soldiers. Layla was dressed in full armour. Her blood burned with anger from the betrayal. She held the rock Mr. Bebu had given her. She had failed the test. Smooth to the eyes rough to the touch. She had gone with Jace's theory because it made more sense than accusing him.

Smooth looking but rough in reality. Something nagged at her subconsciousness. She went to her mother's chariot. "Mother is there something I should know? Jace has Pokio and I can't find Hilda. Hilda is half nymph. Is there a connection? Why would Jace need a nymph?"

Queen Lycoia frowned. When the guardians defeated King Zarion's sons, the seat of the throne was shielded to prevent nymphs from ever evading it. If Aquaira is captured, the mer-kingdom will fall. "

"What can break this shield?

It is said that the barrier can only be unraveled by a someone who is part nymph, part mermaid." The Queen's eyes grew wide open as realization hit her. She drew her sword and called her husband.

No one knew where the barrier was and what it even looked like. Any second now and Aquaira could be invaded. The extent of Jace's allies were not known. With the nymphs, Aquaira could easily be overwhelmed.

The Queen set out to look for her son as The king gave orders to secure the city. New messengers were sent to ask for reinforcements from other cities. But there was little hope because each king had to protect his nation from attack.

Layla held her sword in front of her as she entered a passageway. Corals lined and lit up the area. She felt the hair on her skin rise. And her mind was transported back to the pub. Her hair spiked and she sensed a movement above her. She barely had time to move before a figure crashed down on her. It was Hilda.

The hood of the cloak fell off to reveal Hilda's face. Layla was too numb to feel anything. She lashed out at Hilda with her claws. Hilda dodged the blow without striking back. Layla struck a few more times but Hilda skillfully avoided her blows. Layla lunged at her and found herself tackled to the ground in a grid lock. A familiar pulse in her brain alerted her that Hilda was trying to communicate with her. She ignored it and struggled to extricate herself from Hilda's death grip. But the more she struggled the tighter Hilda held until she couldn't breathe. The pulse became more persistent. She reluctantly opened her mind.

Layla listen to me.

Why should I?

Because I saved your life. Twice.

And now you wish to end it!

If I wished to do that, you'd already be dead. I am a guardian. I was chosen when I turned 10. Pokio is too. Jace suspects Pokio is and that is why he took him. By killing him now he will ensure the guardians are reduced in numbers and weaker in strength. I need you to concentrate on finding Pokio. Leave Jace to me.

That is exactly what he wants. The barrier that keeps the nymphs out can only be unraveled by a Halfling. You.

He would have to kill me first.

No. We can't risk it. You find Pokio. I'll deal with Jace.

He has the armour.

I have his heart.

Layla was stunned at her admission. Where had that come from? Perhaps, she had always known. Somewhere inside her she had also carried a torch for him. Perhaps that was what made his betrayal hurt even more. She didn't know how to defeat him. He had king Zarion's amour. The armour was invincible.

As Layla approached the end of passage she caught a glint of gold. She quickened her steps and found herself face to face with Jace. He looked glorious. Covered in gold from neck to toe he looked formidable. Layla drew her sword even as tears stinged her eyes. She knew that if she had to kill Jace, a part her would die with him. A movement behind Jace caught her eye and she saw Pokio tied up and unconscious. He hadn't killed him. Yet. Perhaps she could try to reason with him.

"Why?

"Its for the good of mer-kind.

"Is that what you tell yourself?

"Layla, I'm in the best position to give mer-kind exactly what it needs. I'm half human. I spent a quarter of my life with the humans. I've seen the good that dealing with them can do for mer-kind. You've been to Toloq. You see the rich variety they enjoy because of their relationship with the humans. "

Layla snickered. "What good does it do them? They're still amongst the least of mer-kind. "

Jace opened his palm in a reasoning gesture. "Because they are deprived of the riches of the sea. You might not know it but Aquaira has sat on the sea's wealth for centuries. They claim to have no control over the other cities but the other cities practically pay homage to Aquaira just to benefit from its wealth. There is no equity. "

"How does your stealing the armor and sending mer-kind to war make things better?

"Under my rule, I'll open the sea's resources to everyone. We'll be able to trade with other kingdoms and mer-kind in general will be happy. There will be no apex. Everyone will be equal. "

"What about the lives that will be lost? Have you thought about that? "

"There is no gain without sacrifice.

"Even if you're full of good intentions, how do you know the humans and nymphs can be trusted. How are you sure they will not try to exploit the sea. We are safe the way we are Jace. Let's not open our doors to the enemy. "

"Try to think along my line Lay, together we can make the entire mer-kingdom a better place.

"OK. But first release my brother. "

Jace sighed and looked down at his sword which was planted in the ground in front of him. When he raised his eyes to look at Layla, they were sad. I'm sorry Lay, Pokio is a threat to me. The guardians are sworn to keep the independence of the mer-cities. I have to destroy every single one of them in other to protect my kingdom. "

Layla raised her sword." You'll have to kill me first."

Layla fought with everything she had. But all her efforts seemed not to affect Jace at all. She was getting tired even though she noticed Jace hadn't struck her even once. He only parried her thrusts. She heard a snarl behind her and ducked. Hilda came slashing through the air at Jace. Layla saw Jace's grin and thought. Oh no he has his last weapon.

Jace didn't give Hilda the same courtesy he gave Layla. He delivered blows that hit her hard. As Hilda started to weaken, Pokio came awake and called to Layla. "He can only be defeated if he loses part of himself. His strength of willpower is what makes him invisible. Break his spirit and he will fall. "

Layla thought hard as she watched Hilda fight with her last breath. Time was running out. Part of himself. Part of himself. Part of myself. Layla drew her sword and stabbed herself through just as she heard her mother scream.

Jace saw Layla hit the floor and he let out a gut wrenching howl of pain. Hilda thrusted her sword to his side and he fell defeated as King Acha III lifted his daughter's body and walked home.

The relics were returned to their places and Queen Petiba was relieved of her seat. She was willing to sacrifice her daughter for power. As Hilda walked into the palace with her father, she knew her father was broken. Because no matter what Petiba was. She was his wife and he loved her even more than his kingdom. So it was no surprise to her when her father handed the crown over to his first son to join his wife in exile. She was just glad to be free of the intricacies of politics. She packed her bag and said good bye to her household. She didn't know how long she would take. But this was something she needed to do.

As Hilda turned around the corner she smiled and sent a message. I still can't believe you stabbed yourself.

Layla spun around in Joy at her faithful friend. She grinned as she replied. I'd do it all again without hesitation. That's what it means to be a guardian.