The Elemental Magic Fae 2

Chapter 1 Selaria

It’s been over a month since we all arrived at Sparkonia and Godric was attacked by Elder Zarconian, so he now looks like he is dead. At first I didn’t want to leave his side when the guards put him in my sitting room in my quarters and encased him in a crystal coffin. But I realised that the only way I was going to bring him back was by leaving his side and trying to figure out what happened to him and how I can bring him back.

I’m sitting beside him, like I have done every morning, telling him what I am planning to do today. I’m not sure if he can hear me, but I talk to him anyway, even Vretiel has been trying different things to wake Godric up. Vretiel, Irinduma and I can still feel him, but for some reason, we can’t hear him and he looks like he is dead, but we know that he isn’t.

A knock on my door startles me and I stand up and walk over to the main door to my quarters, hoping that it’s not my mother or one of her ladies in waiting telling me that my mother is waiting for me. We had argued about me having some ladies in waiting, but I didn’t want anyone I didn’t know or trust in my quarters. So my mother has agreed to wait until I have been here a little longer.

My mother had given me two day when we arrived, before demanding that it was time to start my training. I thought she would have given me more time, but she told me that when I finally decide to bury him, she will give me time to grieve then, but until then I have a promise to fulfil.

I open the door, and to my relief, Tarlia, Godric’s mother is standing there. She pops by every now and then, to see how we are doing.

“Hi sweetie, any progress?” She asks walking in.

“Still the same.” I tell her, closing the door and walking back over to him.

“How is the training going?” She asks taking a seat next to me.

“I wish I didn’t have to do it, but it’s a small price to pay to keep everyone safe.” I say, giving her a small smile.

“And for that we are all so grateful.” She says returning the smile.

“I’ll try and come and see everyone today or tomorrow.” I say getting up.

I know that my mother will be expecting me soon and I have noticed that she doesn’t like being kept waiting. I’m just glad she has stopped pestering me to join them for breakfast, which I’m sure was the work of my dad.

I have tried to forgive her for leaving us and the time my dad spent looking for her. But it’s easier said than done. I don’t understand how my dad is able to forgive her so easily, he was devastated when she left and if it wasn’t for our neighbour, I’m not sure how we would have coped. For months she brought over food and did our washing, and I did my best to keep the house clean.

I know my mother wants me to wear dresses and gowns, but it’s bad enough that I have to sit through hours of her telling me about Sparkonia and what I am expected to do while I’m a Princess and then when I’m a Queen. As much as I try and hide it, I do enjoy hearing about the history of Sparkonia, but she only goes back to Queen Alania. But I want to go back further, and I don’t enjoy the etiquette lessons, they are really boring and sometimes painful.

“Your mother is coming, she will be at your door in about ten minutes.” I hear Irinduma say through our link.

She has been speaking with the other guardians to see if they know what is going on with Godric and at the moment Vretiel is searching for the really old scrolls that were hidden by the wise ones before the shield and veil were put up, and neither of them are having any success.

“My mother will be here soon.” I tell Tarlia, as I walk into my bedroom to finish getting ready.

“Would it be ok if I stayed until you have lunch?” I hear Tarlia ask from where Godric is.

“Yeah of course.” I say, glad that I’ll have someone else to talk to at lunch.

She looks up at me when I walk back into the sitting room and gives me a small smile, then goes back to staring at Godric. In the beginning she was coming every morning and wasn’t leaving until just before dark, and that lasted for only two weeks because my mother said something while we were having lunch. Tarlia said that she understood and now comes twice a week, sometimes three times a week, and tries not to stay too long.

I enjoy our conversations, she tells me stories about when Godric was a kid and what Derek and Godric would get up to, while we are sitting beside him. Sometimes Ezera and Derek would join her, but like today she came alone.

A knock at my door distracted my thoughts again and made Tarlia look up at me and smile encouragingly at me. I know who it is, which makes me not want to open it, but I know that if I don’t she will barge in and will be mad, and for some reason when Tarlia is here she gets even more furious.

I walk over to the door and throw it open, to find my mother looking at me furiously, which means today is going to end very badly.

She storms in and sees Tarlia, and she literally glares at me and growls. “Is this why you aren’t even ready to begin?”

I look over at Tarlia who bowed the moment my mother walked in and hasn’t stood up yet. I feel bad, because all Tarlia wants to do is spend time with her son and my mother doesn’t think it’s a good idea that Tarlia comes here this often, and without an invitation. But I have told her over and over again that Tarlia is welcome to my quarters every day and all day, which didn’t end well and my dad had to step in again.

“No, Tarlia isn’t the reason that I am late, I didn’t want to get up this morning, and Tarlia was the one that got me up.” I say walking over to Tarlia.

“I’m sorry.” Tarlia mouths when I get to her.

“It’s ok, it’s not your fault.” I whisper to her.

“Tomorrow you are going to have to wear a gown.” My mother grumbles.

I grab my coat and walk over to where my mother is still standing and gesture toward the door, hoping she gets the hint that I want to leave.

“Isn’t Tarlia leaving as well?” She asks, trying to sound pleasant and turning toward me.

“No, she will be staying here until I’m ready for lunch, and we will be having lunch together.” I say glaring at my mother..

And with that my mother turns around and storms out. I look over at Tarlia and smile, I am glad that she is here, I think I’d go insane without her, sometimes I wish that she was my mother instead.

“You will still be here when I get back right?” I ask hopefully.

“I don’t want to make things difficult for you.” She says, looking sadly at Godric.

“You’re not, you’re making it easier for me.” I say wondering if I’ll be able to talk to dad before lunch.

“Ok, I’ll be here then.” She says smiling at me.

“Selaria! Hurry up!” I hear my mother yell from the corridor outside the door.

I roll my eyes and walk out of my quarters, and softly close my door. Looking around I notice my four guards, which I am glad that I was able to pick two of them. Even though my mother wasn’t happy with my selection, I chose Lidia, because we have been friends for a really long time, and I chose Michael, because he is dad’s friend and he kept me safe during the battle, so I know that I can trust both of them.

My mother didn’t think they had enough skills to be my personal guards, but dad jumped in and said that he trusted them, and knew that they could protect me. So my mother allowed it, she wasn’t happy about it, but I’m glad that she allowed it.

Following my mother I notice that we are heading somewhere different, usually we were either in the throne room or the battle room. But for some reason we are heading somewhere different. I want to ask where we are going, but I don’t really want to talk to her at the moment, unless I have to. I look at Lidia and Michael to see if they have any inclination, but they shrug their shoulders and I notice that they are both ready for whatever comes at me, which means even they don’t know where we are going.

“Judging by the route you are taking, you are either going to the main gardens or to the royal armory.” I hear Irinduma say.

Now I am really confused, why would she be taking me to either place? My lessons have mainly been about eating, sitting, walking addressing the people and the history of Sparkonia. So why would she be taking me to the main gardens or the royal armory?

After we turn right at a t-intersection, I hear Irinduma say. “You are going to the royal Armory.”

Now I am surprised, concerned, shocked and nervous, but mainly surprised. Why are we going to the royal Armory? She was always telling me that the Queen’s and Princess’s job was to stay in the castle and help the people, not out fighting battles.

“This is the royal Armory, only the royal family and the royal guards can use these weapons.” She says turning around and staring straight at me when we get to a pair of really large and heavy looking doors.

“I thought you said that we don’t fight, only the men do.” I say challenging her to correct me.

“It seems that I was wrong.” She huffs turning around and opens the door.

I am surprised that she would admit that she was wrong. I never thought she would do that, and if by some chance she did, she wouldn’t do it in front of other people.

But it shows how much I really know about her, and I wonder if maybe I can forgive her for leaving us. But for now I’m just happy to see all the weapons that I will be allowed to use.

What I don’t expect to see when I walk into the room is my dad standing on a training mat in the middle of the room. I look around and see the walls full of weapons, and some of them I have never seen before. I notice that there are some tables, cabinets and draws that have weapons as well, and I start getting very excited.

“Good morning sweetie.” My dad says bringing my attention back to him.

“Hi dad.” I say with a massive grin on my face.

I run to him and give him a massive hug, not wanting to let go. Sometimes I wonder if I will wake up and find myself back at the Academy and my father really is dead.

When we first got here, he would visit me in my quarters and we would talk about everything that happened and how he had to make it look like he was dead and what he had been doing, and I told him what I went through while I was at the Academy. He knows what my fears are, and he did everything to show me that I don’t have anything to worry about. I loved that we don’t keep any secrets, well other than when he had to pretend that he was dead.

“It’s ok sweetie, I’m not going anywhere.” He whispers so only I can hear him.

I hear my mother cough, and my father pulls away from me and smiles and winks at me. I know that the relationship that dad and I have makes her uncomfortable, but if she didn’t leave I’m pretty sure that we wouldn’t have that relationship, because my mother and I had that relationship.

I look over at her and roll my eyes and when I see the hurt on her face I turn and walk to the wall that has swords and different types of blades on it. I know that dad doesn’t like it when I hurt her on purpose, but what did she expect, she left us, and we needed her, but instead we relied on each other and he tried to protect me when she could have kept me safe from the Elders.

“You aren’t going to be starting with those.” I hear Marcus say.

I spin around and see him sitting at a table with a cleaning cloth and a staff. I hadn’t seen him when I entered the room and was looking around, but I wasn’t really looking for anyone when I was drooling over all the weapons in the room.

“What are we starting with?” I ask walking over to him, leaving the beautiful blades.

“Cleaning.” He says pointing to the seat opposite him with his head.

I look at my dad confused, who is now standing beside my mother, but all he does is shrug his shoulders and when I start glaring at my mother, he shakes his head, so I turn back to Marcus and take the seat that he gestured to.

“Ok, but why are we cleaning?” I ask, trying to sound excited.

“Because while you’re cleaning, I’m going to tell you about the weapon, and after you have cleaned it and we have time, then we will use one of the practice ones for a few minutes.” He says smiling at me and then points to the staff leaning against the table “Start with that one.” He continues.

I grab the staff and notice that it’s really heavy. I thought they were lighter, and judging by how the actors acted in movies, they weren’t ever that heavy looking. I hadn’t expected it to be heavy and nearly dropped it. How am I meant to clean it when I can barely lift it? I try and put it across the table like Marcus has, but I can barely get it off the ground.

“Ok Marcus, how am I meant to clean this?” I finally ask, wondering why he hasn’t said anything yet.

“I was waiting for you to ask, it took longer than I expected.” He says shaking his head. “You need to stand and then with one hand close to the top and the other hand close to the base, pick it up and then put it on the table.”

I stand up and do what he said, and realise that it is definitely easier, but it is still really heavy. I notice that there are symbols and markings on the staff that I have never seen before.

“You only have an hour Marcus.” I hear my mother say from behind me.

I turn toward her voice and see her leaving the room. My dad blows me a kiss and walks out with her. I’m not sure what he does while I’m training, but I heard that he sometimes goes and visits Hannah’s dad and talks to Charlie, I wish I could go and see them more often, but my mother keeps reminding me of the promise that I made.

“Ok, well let’s get started.” He says bringing my attention back to him.

“Yeah, let’s get started.” I say, wondering why my mother is only giving us an hour.

“Ok, now these staves are usually used by the wise ones, sometimes they are used by the royal family, but mostly used by the wise ones.” He says gently rolling it in front of him and stopping it so I can see a symbol. “This shows how powerful it is and should only be used by someone that is strong enough to handle it, which isn’t you yet.”

I look at the symbol on mine and notice that it’s different to the one that Marcus has and wonder how strong and powerful you need to be to use this one. I want to ask him, but I decide to listen to him instead and ask him later. I can’t wait until I get to learn how to use one, they look interesting. I just hope that the ones I learn with aren’t this heavy.

Marcus went through everything, from how they are made to how magical energies are placed into it. I am amazed that Elder Zarconian didn’t have one, but Marcus said that only the wise ones and the royal family used these.

By the time Marcus finished telling me about the staff and I finished cleaning the one I had, my mother returned to the Armory, and judging by the look on her face, she isn’t happy.

“You need to go and see Charlie.” She says and then turns around to leave, but seems to remember something and turns back to us. “Also tomorrow we are going to the farms.” and then she leaves.

I turn to Marcus who just shrugs his shoulders and stands up. I notice that he didn’t bow to her, and he didn’t before either, instead he just sat there as if his Queen didn’t enter or leave the room. Now he is picking up the staves as if they weighed nothing.

“We better get going.” I hear Michael say from behind me.

I turn around and notice the rest of my guards waiting for me. I grab my coat from the back of my chair and look over at Marcus, who is now removing the cleaning products. I decide that I will question him later as to why he didn’t bow or acknowledge my mother.

“Let’s go.” I say and walk out of the Armory.

I’m not sure why Charlie wants to talk to me, but I know that I have to tell Tarlia, so she won’t be waiting for me. I start walk back toward my quarters when Emond, the guard that my mother chose stops me.

“This way Princess.” Emond says pointing towards a different corridor.

“I need to tell Tarlia where I am going.” I say, taking the corridor to my quarters.

“She is waiting outside for us.” Emond says bringing my attention back to him.

“Ok, lead the way.” I say, hoping that she is waiting for me, otherwise I will be mad.

We finally get outside where there is a carriage waiting, and sure enough Tarlia is there waiting for me beside the carriage. I’m not sure what is going on, but I am glad that Tarlia is coming with me.

“You got the message as well.” Tarlia says when I get to her.

“Yeah, do you know what is going on?” I ask, curious about what is going on.

“No, but I think there might be a few that want to go back and attack the Elders instead of waiting, but I’m only guessing.” She says getting into the carriage.

I follow her and wonder why I wasn’t told about this sooner and why I am now being brought into this. It’s not like I can do anything, I’m not the one in charge, Charlie is, well Charlie and Mr Doogle.

We sit in silence while we travel to where the Rebellion is staying. I’m not sure why they would want to attack the Elder’s now, instead of waiting until they have more training. My mother allowed the soldiers and guards to stay and keep training them, and my mother was told a few days ago that they won’t be ready to attack for at least six months, and even then they won’t be as skilled as the guards.

The carriage stops and I look out the window and see that we have arrived, and standing waiting for us is Charlie, Hank, Ezera, Mr Doogle and another man that I only vaguely remember seeing while we were fighting the Elders. I take a deep breath and wait for my guards to open the doors so we can get out.

“Hello Selaria.” Charlie says bowing slightly when I get out of the carriage.

I walk over to him and give him a quick hug, and then I turn to the others who all do a quick bow and I smile at each of them. I’m not sure what I expected, but seeing all of them wasn’t it.

“You wanted to see me?” I ask looking back at Charlie.

“Yes I do, well we do.” He says not looking or sounding happy about it.

“Where can we talk?” I ask, hoping that whatever is wrong can be fixed, or I can at least help to fix.

“My house might be the best place, unless you want to talk at your house Doug.” Charlie says and turns to Mr. Doogle.

“No, your house will be fine.” Mr. Doogle says.

Doug, interesting, I wouldn’t have thought that was his name, but it suited him. I look around hoping to catch a glance at Hannah or anyone I know from the Academy, but I can’t see anyone, which I am hoping is a good thing.

“Everyone is having lunch, and then they will be continuing with the training.” Charlie says, catching my eye.

“Ok, well shall we get this over with.” I say and motion for Charlie to lead the way.

The walk isn’t too far, which I am glad about, because it means that none of us have to walk in an uncomfortable silence. Tarlia walked with Ezera and they seem to be in a whispered conversation. My guards created a small wall around me, but I’m not sure why, since I am pretty positive no-one here actually wants to kill me.

Charlie opens the door and motions for me to enter first, but Emond walks in followed by Lidia and then I walk in after them. I know that I have to get used to this, because this is how it is going to be from now on, but it is ridiculous and there is nothing I can do or say that will be able to change this.

“Please take a seat anywhere.” Charlie says coming up behind me.

I walk over to the table and sit down at the head of the table. I’m not sure if I should sit there, but since I’m the Princess and they asked me to be here and it seems formal, I feel that it’s the best spot to be, and then I can see everyone and hear what they all have to say.

“What do you need to talk to me about?” I ask when everyone sits down.

“We need you to join us at the meeting tonight and possibly explain to everyone why it isn’t a good idea not to attack the Elder’s right now.” Charlie says speaking first.

“There are a few that want to attack because of how easy they think it was to take down Elder Zarconian, and we think if they hear it from you they might have a change of heart.” Hank says leaning forward to see me better, because he sat next to Charlie, who is leaning forward.

“I’m not sure it’s going to be enough, because you were only a student at the Academy and you had only just started, but after talking to your father, he believes that everyone might listen to you.” Doug Doogle says smiling at me, but shaking his head at Charlie who is opposite him.

“So what you are saying, is that you want me to come to the meeting tonight and convince everyone to wait, but Mr. Doogle you don’t think they will listen.” I say looking at both Charlie and Doug, finally understanding the problem.

“Yes.” They both say at the same time.

“I can’t fix this problem, but you both can.” I say looking at each of them and seeing their confusion and before either one can say anything I raise my hand and continue. “The problem isn’t if they want to go and attack now or later, the problem is the fact that they don’t know who is in charge.”

“What?” They both ask, again in unison.

“They see two leaders, of two different groups.” I stop briefly just for it to sink in. “I understand that both of you have been leaders for such a long time and neither of you want to give up your spot as a leader.” I continue.

“Excuse me?” Doug asks, getting mad.

“If you want them to do what you want, then you have to be a united front.” I say getting a little angry that they don’t see this.

“We are a united front.” Doug says, and this time he stands up.

I’m guessing to assert authority, but he quickly sits down and I’m guessing it is because all four of my guards stand up, as well as my mother’s guards. I hadn’t seen or heard her come in, but she is seated behind my guards, and she seems to be listening and watching.

“If you were seen as a united front, you wouldn’t be having this problem.” I say standing up, and then continue when I can see that neither of them is going to challenge me. “Now pick a leader or I will and neither of you will like who I choose.”

They both look at each other and I can see that this is going to take some time, but what I don’t expect is that it didn’t take as much as I had thought.

“You are going to have to choose.” They both say at the same time.

I can see that Doug is hoping that I was bluffing, but Charlie knows that I’m not. I walk over to my mother, who gives me a confused look. I don’t want to know what she is thinking, but I know I am going to have to decide who is going to be their leader, and I have to do it now.

“Marcus.” I say in a loud clear voice.

I turn and look at both Charlie and Doug, and judging by their faces they are shocked. What I don’t expect is my mother to stand up and spin me around to face her.

“No, not Marcus.” She says with a look of utter shock on her face.

“I made a decision, you had your chance to jump in and give me your input, but you just sat there doing nothing.” I say and go to turn back around.

“You have to choose someone else, you can’t choose Marcus, he isn’t part of either group.” She says stopping me mid turn.

“Why?” I ask confused.

“Just choose someone else.” She says firmly.

I can see that Doug is enjoying that my mother and I aren’t united, and I know that this isn’t good, and judging by the look that Charlie has on his face, he can see it as well.

“United front.” I mouth to my mother.

She gives me a confused look and then looks behind me, and judging by the look on her face I know that she has seen what I just saw.

“Fine, Marcus can be their leader.” She says and walks out of the house.

I turn and look at everyone at the table to see that Doug is absolutely shocked and Charlie looks pleased with what just went down.