Note: This is a gay themed fantasy novel about kings and magic, love and war. Although I will often allude to sexual encounters, there are no scenes of sexual acts for this is, by and large, a love story. This author claims exclusive copyright to the characters, settings, and plot. The first part includes some characters approximately sixteen years of age who would, I have been assured, be of the legal age of consent in some places.
Dark Wishes
M.C. Gordon
Part One: Xoachin
Chapter Ten:
Frayne set Nels to picking enough berries to ease the worst of their hunger pangs. They had fled from Aolane with nothing but the clothing on their backs. Both carried short daggers sheathed on their belts and Frayne had his sword, but they had brought neither food nor fresh clothing.
Frayne turned the horse loose to forage for what grasses could be found and set about to find soft, fallen boughs for a makeshift mattress. He removed his heavy cloak and covered the boughs with it to ease the prickling that would be caused by small twigs.
Nels had removed his own cloak and used it to carry the berries he had found. They were few, for spring was ending. When he returned to their secluded camp, he and Frayne sat on the ground to enjoy their meager meal.
"Count them out to us equally," Frayne said, "in groups of five."
"A province is destroyed and men are dead, yet you think of lessons?" Nels asked in shock.
"Would you go about as an ignorant lout just because of what has happened?" Frayne asked, a bit more harshly than he had intended. His own nerves were frayed and it was becoming a strain for him to remain strong. Yet he feared that if he did not, Nels would give in to the terror that was lurking just below the fabric of both their minds. He was the oldest and had been with the Qell longer than Nels. He might not wish it, but he had to give the younger man a sense of stability in a world suddenly turned upside down. More patiently he added, "Ilafrain is proud of your progress. He will be pleased to see that you have continued with your education when we return."
Nels slowly began to count out the berries. He knew that Frayne was right. Thinking about counting occupied his mind so that he could not linger on the horror of the day.
They ate their small meal in silence. As darkness descended, Frayne beckoned Nels to the pallet he had made and used Nels' cloak as a cover. The two lay lost in their own thoughts of what might happen because of Xoachin's death and Miralen's great vengeance.
Nels finally turned to face Frayne and asked, "How could they do it? How could they just take so many lives and destroy the land?"
"The Qell are not like mortal men," Frayne replied, choosing each word carefully. "They love and hate as men do. They eat, sleep, and relieve themselves. But they do not have the same morality. Their minds are on a different plane. They are, to us, flesh and blood. But do not forget that they were born of magic; are magic. These three came into existence with the world itself. They took their first breaths and had their first thoughts before any other living creature, great or small. The very winds that blew life into the world gave them life before any others. The lives of men are but the blink of an eye in the existence of our lovers. Miralen formed a bond with the Lippiz in the early days of men, a bond that was broken by Bellard's father. Bellard could have healed the breach but he chose cruelty to his own instead, especially his son. It was understood from the beginning that breaking the covenant would mean the end of the Lippiz. To the Qell, Bellard's murder of Xoachin gave them liberty to cause their destruction."
Nels thought for a few moments on what Frayne told him. "I still do not think it was right," he said.
"Neither do I, boy," Frayne replied, "neither do I."
The two lay close together for comfort. Frayne gathered Nels to him and held him gently, patting the young man on the shoulder. "Try to sleep," he said.
As Nels drew deep breaths and slipped into an uneasy sleep, Frayne gently ran the fingers of his right hand through the unruly black hair, twining it around his fingers. Nels sobbed softly for a while and Frayne let his own tears slip silently down his face.
In the castle of Aolane the three Qell, exhausted from the strength of their magic, collapsed and fell unconscious to the floor.
Far to the north, the wind blew high above the still burning fire in Lippize. It pulled the fire into an ever-greater frenzy until the heat seemed to reach to the stars themselves. Wind and fire collaborated and the wind began to churn the flames until they turned like a whirlwind and a great tornado was born that touched down and completed the destruction the fire had started.
The wind turned to blow from the north. Soot and ashes picked up by the tornado were thrown out and taken south by the wind. Frayne and Nels would wake to find themselves covered by a soft carpeting of soot.
Sensing that the constraining magic was gone, the fire turned toward the south. High mountains separated the destroyed land from the rich forests and grain fields, but the mountains held tall trees to feed it on its journey. Grasping small flames, the wind carried them from tree to tree, beginning the trek toward the south and virgin feeding grounds.
In Aolane, Resnaron rose groggily from the floor sensing that something was wrong. The magic should have ended when the Qell's hands no longer touched. But he could sense, feel, that the magic had gone badly awry. The strength of Miralen's pain had unleashed a powerful force that threatened more than Lippize.
He tried to rouse Miralen and Ilafrain, to no avail. Resnaron, always the weakest and least fearsome of the three, staggered to his feet. He managed to stumble outside and cast a glance toward the north. The fire in Lippize raged out of control and edged itself toward Elanen. If left unchecked, it could spread outward even more and engulf all of the ten kingdoms. The magic that protected all but human life was consigned only to Lippize and Resnaron knew that the conflagration would take more who were innocent of Miralen's wrath.
He walked out into the courtyard and raised his hands above his head. Summoning all the strength of magic that had been his since his conception, he cast his thoughts toward the north, toward the fire, toward the folly of death and destruction. "I command you to stop!" he roared.
The fire resisted him and he thought he could hear it laugh.
"Then I will stop you," Resnaron said. Summoning the last of his strength Resnaron called upon another magic. Dark thunderclouds appeared over the province of Lippize and the mountains between it and Elanen. They built in size and power until they finally unleashed themselves.
Down and down it came, the heavy rain. Like discordant notes, the raindrops met the flames and they wove themselves into a frenzied dance of life and death. The flames fought back but Resnaron stood strong in his resolve. Enough destruction had been wrought and he would not see more.
Feeling a power such as he had never known before, he sent forth a seeking magic. It found that which he sought, Frayne. His love was safe and caring for Ilafrain's frightened lover. He drew himself back to his task as he felt the fire resist him. His thoughts sent his new found strength deeper into Lippize, into the heart of the fire. So intent was he on his casting that he failed to notice Ilafrain join him, adding magic to magic.
Frayne stirred in his sleep as enormous raindrops fell. He pulled the cloak up to cover his face and that of Nels. In his heart he knew that their loves had put an end to Miralen's web of destruction.
Chapter Eleven:
Frayne and Nels made their way deeper into Elanen's primeval forest through the next two days of torrential rain. Grass was sparse in the deep undergrowth so they removed the saddle and bridle from the horse and set him free, hoping that he would make his way back to the paddock at Aolane. With everything around them wet there was no way they could start a fire to cook meat and so ignored the animals who eyed them warily.
They finally located a small cave and sank down against the walls, their sodden bodies aching from weariness and hunger. Nels found a few dry twigs and Frayne retrieved a piece of flint from the small pouch on his belt. As Frayne blew the sparks into life, Nels scoured the cave until he found enough dry debris to feed their small fire for a few hours.
"Someone else once used this cave for shelter," Nels said, still exploring, his voice echoing. "Look what I found."
Frayne looked up to see Nels holding a tattered blanket. "Good," he replied. "We can use it to keep warm while our clothing dries."
The two removed their drenched clothes and spread them around the fire. They made themselves as comfortable as they could, wrapped themselves in the blanket, and fell asleep.
Frayne woke suddenly, sensing that the fire had burned to embers because the air in the cave was cool.
But Frayne was not cold because Nels' warm body was pressed close against him. He let his eyes stray to the black hair that fanned out across his shoulder and enjoyed the sensation of warmth. He had long desired Nels and considered asking Resnaron if he could take Nels as a lover when Ilafrain tired of him. He had quickly put that consideration aside for he knew that his lover would not approve. He would not violate Resnaron's feelings now. Nor would he ruin the trust that had grown between himself and Nels by making foolish advances. Nels was young and frightened and needed him more now for moral support and guidance than a momentary satisfaction of desire.
He was content to lie with Nels close to him and would have drifted back to sleep when a soft voice asked, "Are you awake?"
Frayne opened his eyes again. "Yes, lad. Are you cold?"
"I am warm enough," Nels replied. Silence ensued before Nels spoke again. "How did they die?" he asked as he moved to prop his cheekbone against the fist of one bent arm. "You said Resnaron showed you what happened."
Frayne sat, rested his right arm across a raised knee, and passed his left hand through his matted hair. The blanket fell from his shoulders and his bare chest felt the cool dampness of the cave.
"They just stopped living," Frayne finally said. "They were there, and then they were not."
The impact of the vision Resnaron had given him suddenly hit him full force. His body began to tremble and he let loose the tears he had held back for days. To his great surprise, Nels reached for him and pulled him down, cradling him and pulling the worn blanket over them again. He let go all of the fear and worry that he had held back since Xoachin's death.
Nels was suddenly very concerned. Frayne had always seemed to be so in control of his thoughts and emotions that the unexpected loss of that control frightened him more than their mad dash through the woods. Nels had not seen the things Resnaron had shown Frayne for he lacked that bond with Ilafrain. He had regretted it in the past; now he was grateful. He could not begin to imagine the horror of seeing an entire race of people obliterated at the blink of an eye.
"It is my fault," Frayne whispered against Nels' shoulder. "They would not have all died but for my actions."
Nels sat up suddenly. "What?" he asked. "How can you hold yourself the cause?"
"I should have known what would happen to Xoachin. I knew of Bellard's cruelty and hatred for the Qell. I should have left him for Miralen to kill.
That might have assuaged his anger."
"I greatly doubt," Nels responded. "You said yourself that there was bad blood between them. Xoachin's death was the final destruction of the covenant in Miralen's eyes. I only regret that Resnaron and Ilafrain took part."
"If they had not," Frayne said weakly, sorrow having drained his strength, "the Lippiz would have suffered. Our loves were able to contain that part of Miralen's hatred. My greater fear now is that it will turn men against them."
They tried, but failed, to return to sleep. Frayne rose and checked their clothing. Finding it dry, he handed Nels his clothes and put his own on as he watched the young man dress. Fully clothed, they ventured outside of their shelter. The rain had finally stopped.
"It must be over," Frayne ventured.
"Does this mean we can return to Aolane?" Nels asked.
"No," Frayne replied. "Miralen will still not welcome us. And it is important that we learn how the people feel. It might become essential to know those who will remain loyal after this."
"Can we find something to eat first?" Nels asked.
Frayne laughed at the outrageous question. "Of course," he said. They were back where they belonged with Nels looking to him for guidance. "I will see if I can find something to eat. You look about for wood to make another fire."
Frayne managed to down two conies. When he returned to the cave, he was greeted by the sight of a warm fire.
"My father was a woodcutter," Nels said in explanation. "I know old wood when I find it. These pieces needed only to lie in the sun for a while to lose their moisture from the rain."
"A rare pair we are," Frayne responded. "You were raised in a woodcutter's hut and I a farmer's cottage. Between us we should be able to eke out a meager existence and travel unsuspected.""
"Frayne?" Nels asked, and blushed when Frayne looked at him from where he sat skinning the conies. "If it were not for Ilafrain, I think I would be in love with you."
Chapter Twelve:
Frayne and Nels traveled as innocuously as possible for the next two months. They stopped at small farms or villages passing themselves off as itinerant workers. Between the two of them they could plow and seed a field or hunt, skin, and smoke small game for the elderly widows they encountered. In return they received a decent meal, shelter for sleeping, and an occasional change of clothing.
When they entered a hamlet, Frayne dipped into the handful of coins he had the presence of mind to slip into his pouch when they fled Aolane. The two would order a frugal meal and cup of ale. Keeping their own conversation to prearranged subjects, they would speak of the weather or possibility of finding a day's work in return for lodging while Frayne listened to the talk around him.
"Went too far, they did," was a comment he heard more than once. "No call to kill all them people," was another.
But he also heard, "Ach, the poor mite. True at his Pa were a brute. Gave him no call to run the laddie through." Or, "Bellard were a bad un. Shoulda been kilt when he were borned."
The most shocking comment Frayne heard was, "Serves them Lippiz right. Snotty folk they was, thinkin' they was too good to marry with common folk like us. Purity, they called it. Cock's crap! Inbreeding led to that prissy boy what got himself kilt. Best them boy loving kings be tended to 'afore they steal another man's son and forces him to do things w'at men aught not do."
After one such evening, when they were on their way again and had made another cold camp, Nels spat and turned to Frayne. "How is it possible that such people exist?" he asked. "We do them no harm and yet they hate who we are."
"There have always been such," Frayne told him. "When men had respect for the Qell they dared not express such thoughts. Miralen has unleashed more than anger against Bellard. He has watered the garden that grows the seeds of hate and intolerance."
He motioned for Nels to sleep. "I think it wise if I keep guard for a while," he said. "I dislike the mood of this province. We leave on the morrow to return to Aolane. Resnaron must hear the mood of the people. I fear they are turning against our lords, Nels."
. . .
The hooves of their horses echoed eerily against the cobbled stones of the courtyard as the Qell entered the place that had once been the center of Lippize, the fortress of the Dukedom. Destruction showed its face all about, but the castle was untouched.
Miralen wearily dismounted and looked around. His anger expunged, he truly saw the extent of his revenge. Soot from fire lay all about, kicked up by the horses' great feet. A dreadful silence had descended for even the birds avoided the now ravaged province.
"Where is he?" Miralen asked of Resnaron. "Frayne called to you. You must have seen where the body of my love lies."
"Follow me," Resnaron replied as the entered the castle and walked toward Bellard's study. Their footsteps echoed on the stone corridors and staircases.
Miralen entered the room indicated by Resnaron. Bellard's headless body lay against one wall, the head some great distance from it -- as if the body had been kicked aside. Lying on the great table in the center of the room, covered by the herald of a white steed against a background of blue, was what remained of Xoachin.
Miralen crossed the room and knelt reverently beside the table. He reached up and touched the arm that had fallen to one side. "We will bury him where he belongs," Miralen said to his brother kings, "in the mausoleum that houses the first of his kind and those faithful who followed."
"And Bellard?" Ilafrain asked. "What of him."
Miralen turned an eye toward the rotting corpse. "Let him lie where he is. I am grateful to the man who tended my love with such reverence."
"I suspect that it would have been Huton, Captain of the Guard," Ilafrain replied. "He was most fond of Xoachin. In your haste for judgment, brother lord, his life was also taken."
Miralen spun around to face Ilafrain. "Speak not to me in such a manner!" he shouted. "The covenant was broken! It was my right to end their existence."
"That much is true," Resonaron replied. "But you would have caused pain to even the youngest babe. Your revenge was uncalled for!"
"Stop, both of you," Ilafrain interjected. "The Lippiz no longer exist. Xoachin is gone and nothing will bring him back. Let us do what we intended and place his body with his ancestors. He deserves respect and not petty bickering over what should or should not have been done. I greatly fear that mortal men will remember what happened here and strive to take vengeance against us. We must treat Xoachin kindly so that others might take note of it. Else, brothers, we will fall ourselves."
Contriving a litter, the three carried Xoachin to a stone building set a distance from the great house. Once inside, they passed intricately carved statues and the newest of great stone coffins. Miralen led them down narrow and winding stairs until they reached the oldest part of the mausoleum. In the center of the room they finally entered stood two crypts. Miralen quickly crossed to one and, using all of his strength, pushed the stone top aside.
"That is where the first lies," Miralen said indicating the other crypt. "This one was left empty as a symbol to all of the Lippiz. It was for the death of the covenant. This is where my beloved shall lie."
Ilafrain and Resnaron carefully placed Xoachin in his final resting place and Miralen slid the giant slab back to seal the coffin. He buried his face in one hand and began to cry. Dry heaving shook his shoulders until he was able to vocalize great sobs filled with tremendous sorrow and pain.
His brother kings led him from the mausoleum and Resnaron turned to face the building. "The fire burned away the oak doors," he said. "They should be replaced."
"No," Miralen replied. "We will seal it with such a magic that none but one of us will ever be able to open it from now until the end of time." Grasping his companions by their hands, he directed their gaze toward the manor castle.
It began with a rumbling sound deep within the earth; a sound that spread upward until it seemed to erupt from the very bowels of some unknown hell. The horses grew skittish and began to tramp their huge hooves against the ground where they stood tethered. Miralen tightened his grip on Resnaron's and Ilafrain's hands and stared unceasingly at the castle.
"Die," he said in a voice filled with pain. "And take that hated body with you."
There was a sudden silence just before the walls of the great castle began to collapse upon themselves.
In a manner of moments, the great building lay in rubble.
"It is completed," Miralen said. "Nothing in Lippize remains intact but the place where my love lies. This land is cursed from now until the end of time."
"No," Ilafrain said as Miralen relaxed his grip on their hands. "This land is now an eternal shrine to the memory of Xoachin and reminder of what cruelty and revenge can cause. And now, my dear friend, it is time for us to return to Aolane."
To be continued.
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