Ever Heart Chronicles EP. 3

The sunlight shone down on the prairies, and the wind whipped the grass in a great dance that rippled across the valley. Rowen and Meris ride down the long road that leads to Heah, a border town outside of the capital.

Meris sighs and wipes his forehead, “I’m not used to all this, riding…” he chuckles.

Rowen laughs, “You’re more desk and less adventure huh?”

Meris nodded shamefully, “I’m sorry to say I am… my father was a great adventurer and though I have traveled near and far looking for you, I cannot say I have ever gotten used to it.”

Rowen smiled, “You might want to try. I have a feeling this quest is going to be less than easy if you know what I mean.”

Meris looked concerned, “I have thought about the possibility of death, but never yours. Despite my complaining, I will always protect you as I promised my father I would.”

Rowen smiled, “It is appreciated.”

The gates of the city opened at their approach. Rowen had never seen a large city before; she had grown up in Cyrus’s small village. She was amazed at the large market, tall stone houses stacked side by side and the number of people was overwhelming.

“I didn’t know so many people could exist all in one place!” she exclaimed as they passed people carrying baskets of linens, bottles, apothecaries, and weapons.

Meris sighed, “Yes, but with so many people there are also many eyes. Remember, not all of them are friendly.”

They rode farther up into the depths of the city, passing store after store. Finally, dusk began to fall and the lamplighter began making his rounds.

“We are almost to the Inn where we will meet Ryker. He will join us on this quest and provide you protection as well.”

Rowen petted her horse’s neck and said meekly, “He’s a friend of yours?”

“Ryker?” Meris asked surprised, “He is a very good friend. He’s my age. We grew up together, but when his calling took him farther away we have, I’m afraid to say, lost touch until recently.”

The two came to an Inn called The Pearl and handed their horses off to the stock hand. They entered to find a boisterous crowd drinking and singing. Meris led Rowen away from the group and over to where the owner was seated with his own meal.

“Pardon sir, we’re here to rent a room for the night?” Meris said quite cheery.

“That’ll be fifty coin… for the one night.” He mumbled.

Meris handed him two large silver coins, “That should cover it.” He said.

The man waved at a young woman who showed them to their room.

She handed Meris a gold key with a note tied on the end. “I would lock your door tonight, we don't have the most trustworthy guests.” she said.

The room was small; it had two cot size beds and a dresser. The wood floor creaked, and the walls were thin. One small window was on the far side and it overlooked the city and out into the valley.

“I’m going downstairs to see if Ryker has already arrived. No doubt he’ll be nursing an ale if he has.” Meris said with a chuckle.

“I’ll stay here." Rowen said waving her hand.

"Will you?" Meris asked politely.

" I will... I promise.” Rowen said as she sat down on the bed.

Meris nodded satisfied with her answer. He walked down the long corridor and back down the stairs, passing a gruff man or two. He squeezed his way through the beginnings of the crowd and made his way into the farther corner. Sure enough, sitting in a corner chair, pipe in his mouth and nursing a tall golden ale, sat Ryker. He smiled when he saw Meris and the two wrapped each other in a hug. Ryker invited him to sit and the two men stared at each other for a moment.

“Meris… it’s been five long years since I have seen you. You look good!” Ryker hollered for another ale and slapped his hand happily on the table. “I can’t believe it! I was surprised to get your message about this young girl who inherited your father’s power. I’m more than happy to help you out.”

Meris smiled, “My main concern is Rowen, she is the one who carries the connection to the Ever Heart shards. She is who will find them.”

Ryker nodded, “How long do you think it will take?”

Meris looked saddened, “There's no way to know how far the blast carried them. They could be all over. My father’s notes mentioned Ichron’s daughter, and I have a suspicion that she may also be in search of the shards.”

Ryker gave the inn a glance, looking briefly at the faces that surrounded them, “In your letter, you mentioned Rowan can sense the shards. This daughter of Ichron can’t so she won’t be nearly as fast to find them as we will.”

Meris shakes his head, “I don’t want to base anything on speed. Based on what Cyrus told me, I'm not making any assumptions about Ichron’s daughter. She could be just as powerful, if not more than her father. Make no mistake, she will be a challenge regardless.”

"How so?" Ryker asked taking a drink from his ale.

"My father spoke very, unkindly about Ichron's attitude and it wouldn't surprise me if anyone in his family inherited it."

Ryker glanced around the pub and leaned in, “Do you know what she looks like?”

“No… I have no idea." Meris said shaking his head. "She was very young when Ichron died, younger than I was.”

Ryker smiled and gulped the rest of his ale, “Well, then we had better keep on our toes and watch what we say. Right?”

Meris nodded in agreement. The pub was getting rowdy and more men were starting to pile in.

“We’d better head upstairs.” Ryker said pointing upwards, “I’ve rented a room as I assume you have as well.”

Meris nodded, “Yes, I have. We head out first thing in the morning.”

Ryker chuckled, “Don’t worry. I’ll be ready.”

Meris returned to his room, watching as Ryker walked four more doors down before entering. He opened the door to find Rowen asleep and only one light still burning. Meris laid down on the bed and closed his eyes. He was tired from the days’ travel and the bed felt good. He took a short moment to really cherish the softness of the bed, this was probably the last time he would sleep on something soft.

Sleep came easy and soon morning was upon them. Rowen rolled out of bed reluctantly and took some head patting. They went downstairs which was now quiet as a dormouse. Meris bought a couple of sweet rolls from the owner and Rowen ate hers quickly.

“I’m sorry I forgot about you last night...” Meris apologized as they walked outside. “I completely forgot about getting you something to eat.”

Rowen chuckled, “It’s fine. Just don’t forget tonight.” She said poking him in his side playfully.

A round of stumbles and groans caused the two to turn towards the door, to see Ryker stumble out, his bag draped over his shoulder. His blonde hair fell in his face, and his clothes looked slept in.

“You look horrible! Did you just sleep where you fell?” Meris asked in a half-joking manner.

Ryker waved him off and groaned, “That ale is not for the light-hearted… and I had three!” he growled as he walked past them.

Meris snorted a little and Rowen chuckled as she sucked the sweet sugar from her thumb. They followed Ryker around the corner where the stable was. Packing the horses went fairly quickly, and Ryker got his head back after a few minutes.

“Ryker, this is Rowen the young girl I was telling you about.” Meris said pointing to her.

Ryker smiled and laughed, “Right, sorry! Nice to meet you, I’ve been told everything, and don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”

Rowen looked at Meris, her doubts bubbling inside her, “Thank you.” She said sweetly.

Soon they were riding off down the dirt road once again. Rowen sighed as they left the city; where they were headed looked to be a treeless part of the world, it looked barren and sad.

Meris chuckled as he saw her expression, “Not to worry, we’re heading west not north. We’ll see trees again soon.”

Rowen smiled at the good news, “Thank goodness, it’s a sad place that doesn’t have trees.”

The ground was hard and in need of water, there was hardly any grass and it looked like this part of the country had seen a bit of bad luck over the years. They passed one home along the way and the owner was not friendly. Soon they came to a sandy part, and here it was empty, more empty than before; just sand, rocks, and dead things. Nightfall came and it was eerie as they set up a fire.

“There’s no sound…” Rowen whispered, almost afraid of the silence.

Meris nodded, “There’s nothing living out here, just remnants of the past. You’ll need to keep a watchful eye for desert hounds, they are vicious and their bite is poisonous.”

Rowen glanced into the dark, “How will I know if one is coming?”

Meris gripped her shoulder, “You won’t… Desert Hounds use their power to make you see things that aren’t there. They bend reality into fantasy. Give you what you want and then make you come to them.”

Rowen shivered, “I don’t like that…”

Meris patted her back and smiled, “Just stay near the fire and close to Ryker and you’ll be fine.”

"I'll be on the lookout, don't you worry." Ryker said as he ground-tied the horses.

All was fine until the bitter cold set in and the dry air choked out the fire in the middle of the night. Rowen woke to pitch-black dark.

“Meris?” she whispered.

Nothing responded except emptiness, and that scared her to her core. She stood up but in the dark, she could not tell up from down. She suddenly heard a voice; it was familiar but yet, strange.

“Hello?” Rowen whispered again, hoping to hear a response.

There was none. She stumbled forward, hoping to gain some ground by moving. She tripped and fell to her hands and knees and what she came face to face with sent chills up her spine. There before her, was a wolf the size of a bear; its teeth barren and bloody from a recent kill. The putrid smell emanating from its breath caused Rowen to gag as she backed away quickly. The hound wasted no time and dove towards her. Rowen drew her sword and swung at the hound sporadically at first, then she composed herself and fought more strategically. The hound was fast, he dodged her swings with ease, and as she tired he gained in strength. Rowen backed away, her breath rapid and exhausted. She opened her hand and tried to create a flame, but her fear was controlling her good emotions she used to create fire. Nothing would come from her palm, and she found herself very close to the hound once again. Rowen held her sword firmly with two hands, giving up on fire magic. The hound pounced, it knocked Rowen backward and gripped her shoulder tightly between its jaws. Rowen let out a painful scream and rammed her sword upwards into the hound’s chest. It howled as it staggered away from Rowen who gripped her shoulder with one hand while holding her sword with the other. The hound collapsed finally and laid silent, death taking it. Rowen could feel the pain throbbing in her shoulder; it was the poison working its way through her blood. She stumbled away and into the dark, hoping she could find her way back towards her companions, but she was weak from the fight and dropped to her knees. She could not have walked far, she called out for Meris and Ryker but the poison was already messing with her mind. Her voice sounded garbled and strange. She slowly surrendered and finally laid there in the sand, feeling the cold more than she ever did as she started to shiver and feel her heart race. She knew nothing of medicine, nor elixirs or tonics. She had no choice but to lay quietly and slow her heartbeat, in hopes of slowing down the poison. It seemed like hours had passed when Rowen opened her eyes to the first sign of light. Oddly enough she was by the campfire, which was bright and glowing. The sound was still muffled, and Meris whose boy-like face had strong shadows in the light smiled at her. She could feel his cool hand on her forehead, and it felt nice. A few more hours passed and dawn was upon them. Rowen opened her eyes to purple and orange hues in the sky, her head felt normal and she was in very little pain. She sat up to see Meris and Ryker asleep on either side of her, both holding their swords tightly. Rowen ran her hand up her arm and felt the familiar sting of the hound's bite.

“Oh, you’re finally awake.” Meris exclaimed wrapping his arms around her in a hug.

Rowen was surprised, “I am. What happened? Why could I not find you last night?”

Meris sighed, “We were right here. A group of hounds came upon us and we fought them, but you were entranced by one and he very quickly gave you a bite before you killed it.”

Rowen shook her head, “I don’t remember it like that.”

Meris sighed, “No, I don’t suppose you wouldn’t. Remember, the hounds use their power to morph the reality around you. To create how they see fit.”

She put her hand on her shoulder, “It made me feel alone… lost.”

Meris nodded, “I know. I assure you that you were here with us the entire time. You were never alone. It was all in your mind.”

Ryker groaned and grumbled, he sat up and yawned. “I’m glad you’re alright kid...” he said standing.

Meris chuckled and swiped a stray strand away from her face, “You’ll be fine. I treated the wound and bandaged it up. Thankfully you didn’t get a huge dose of the poison and I was able to extract it pretty swiftly.”

Rowen raised her hand and smiled, “I’ll take your word.”

They doused the campfire, packed their belongings, and quickly left the desolate place. No one was sad to leave that morning. Even the horses were excited to be leaving the area.

“We’re lucky the horses were ground-tied, or they would have run off last night during the fight.” Meris said glancing at Ryker.

“Told you it was a good idea.” He chuckled. “I have good ideas sometimes.”

The ride out of the desert was the best feeling the three had felt in a while. Emerging back into grass, trees, and the good smell of the natural world greeted them as they entered. The edge of the city wall could be seen from far away.

“Wow! The city is huge!” Rowen exclaimed.

Meris nodded, “Yes, we’re still a day’s ride from it as well. We’ll get there soon enough.”

She smiled, “It will be good when we do. I will definitely need the sword.”

The group traveled past the Golden Valley, down the Wine Road, and finally on the Abyr Valley that led them straight to the gates of Apolis, the capitol of Abyrion.

“I must warn you about Vasila Solone, she is a woman of… particular taste.” Meris said cautiously. “In other words, be careful of what you say to her. Don’t tell her too much.” He warned.

Rowen nodded, “I'll take your word on it.”

The city gates were wide open as groups of people walked through after traveling a long distance. The crowd was enormous, and there were even more shops than there were in Heah. There were weapons shops, blacksmiths, ore miners, crystal shops, magus shops, and something Rowen had yet to see, a master shop.

“What do they sell there?” she asked, pointing to the master shop.

Meris stopped his horse and leaned close to her, “Never go in there. Master shops deal mostly in dark magic disguised as good magic. They make deals for magic that will give you what you ask, but the price is always too steep.”

Ryker chuckled as he passed by on his horse, “Always read the fine print… that’s the rule.”

Rowen glanced back at the shop, it looked innocent enough; but she knew better than anyone now, looks could be deceiving.

They rode through a smaller part of the lower ring of the city. There were levels of stairs leading up to the highest point of the valley where the castle was. As they weaved and traveled through the levels the quality began to improve. She noticed that the houses were bigger as they climbed higher up. They were also made from nicer stone, had actual windows and shutters. Some of them were even separated by a good chunk of ground, providing space between the houses. Life inside the city was so different than her life outside living in the woods with Cyrus. She was amazed by the difference in space and how many people were packed together. The higher they got, the more soldiers there were at each crossing. As they approached the fifth innermost ring, the guard asked them for identification papers. Rowen handed hers to Meris, who handed them to the guard. The guard looked at her closely, then Meris before returning their papers and waving them through. Ryker passed through with ease, as he was a common traveler to this area. Finally, after showing three different guards their papers they arrived at the castle gate. Three guards approached them immediately.

“Stop there!” one with a large mustache shouted.

“Identification papers required to pass.” Another with braids said holding out his hand.

Meris smiled, “No problem gentlemen, we showed them to the three guards prior to you.” He said handing them the papers.

The guard shuffled through the papers examining the stamps on Meris’s papers closely. He handed them back and waved his hand. “Go on forward…” the guards said in unison.

Meris, Rowen, and Ryker rode through without hesitation. They were greeted at the castle door by a very tall man dressed in expensive-looking clothing.

“Greetings to you.” The butler said with a bow.

He was dressed head to toe in finery that Rowen had never seen. She giggled to herself seeing his clothing as fancy as it was. She’d never worn anything that wasn’t handmade by Cyrus’s sister.

“I welcome you to Vasila Solone’s castle, where she awaits your presence.” The butler said with a smile.

Meris did not look surprised, but when he looked at Rowen she had a look of confusion on her face.

“Worry not,” he chuckled, seeing her distressed, “Vasila Solone has a very powerful magus as her advisor. Dophi is very wise, very powerful, and possesses the ability to see fragments of the future.”

Rowen felt a ping of fear run through her, “She can see the future?” she asked meekly.

Meris chuckled, “Yes, some of it. I think her visions come mostly as flashes, and they aren’t in any specific order. So, she cannot tell you the specific time frame of an event.”

Ryker laughed, “Seems like she has the privilege to see but not understand.”

Meris nodded, “Something like that.”

The butler interrupted with a cough, “Excuse me. My name is Geoff and you can ask me any questions you may have while you are here. Please don’t hesitate to.”

Meris dismounted his horse, and stretched “Well Geoff, we’ll need to have someone put our horses somewhere where they can get water, food, and rest.”

Geoff clapped his hands, “Of course sir.”

A young boy came running from the castle side gate and gathered up the reigns of the horses. Rowen and Ryker dismounted and watched as the silent boy led the horses away.

Vasila Solone stood at the edge of her window glancing out towards the front of the castle. She saw the blonde-haired girl standing there on the front step.

“Her hair is almost white…” Solone mumbled. “Her heritage?” she questioned.

“Unknown, mistress.” Dophi said, “I sense a great, old power in her though.”

Solone chuckled, “Of course you do, she is Magnus’s successor. The closest thing to reincarnation as you can get.” She tapped her finger on the windowsill and smiled.

Dophi peered at her Vasila and asked cautiously, “Should I show them in?”

Solone nodded, “Yes, please. I am very excited to meet this young girl.”

Dophi bowed and exited the room. She wandered down the hall and past several guards who stood there as protection. She peered down the stairs and caught a glance of the bright-haired child. She descended the stairs, her long black hair swaying back and forth as she appeared in the middle of the stairway. Rowen looked at her with surprise and awe. Dophi smiled and ran her hand down the front of her long split-leg dress. Her dark skin glowed beneath its emerald green color.

“Welcome all…” she said softly, “my Vasila Solone is excited to meet you, young one.” She bowed her head, “I am Dophi, mistress to my Vasila and magus to her court.”

Meris bowed his head, “I am Meris, son of Magnus. This is Rowen, and Ryker son of Ryan.”

Dophi looked at Rowen with a questionable stare, “Have you no parent’s child?” she asked interested.

She shook her head, “I don’t know who my parents are miss Dophi.” She said feeling a little bit judged by the question.

Dophi just smiled, “Not to worry. I have a feeling you will meet one of them on your journey. I am not sure when, but it will happen.”

Rowen took her claim at face value, who knows whether she was right or not. She wasn’t going to get her hopes up based on a claim.

“Come with me…” Dophi said making her way up the staircase.

The group followed behind her as she led them closer and closer to this mystery leader Rowen had read so much about. Dophi reached forward and opened the large double doors and walked inside. The doors stayed open bumping the back of the wall as their weight shifted them backward. Rowen gave a slight gasp at the height of the room, the marble pillars held up a lattice roof with a decorative painting on it. The ceiling was curved upwards and had a decorative edge on it. The walls were covered with tapestries, and the windows were floor to ceiling so the sunlight shone through them, casting shadows against all the artwork on the walls. She was amazed by the intricacies of the room.

“Young Rowen… my magus Dophi has foreseen your coming. You are the successor of Magnus the Great, and you carry his power, so I am told.”

Rowen took a step forward, “That is the truth my lady.” She said confidently.

Vasila Solone smiled sweetly; her golden blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders in beautiful curls. The white flowers in her hair were pure and clean, and her ice-blue eyes pierced through Rowen with such fierceness. Solone stood, her long flowing white dress sparkling in the sun’s rays, “I wish to see an example of this power.” She stated.

Rowen held out her hand and filled her heart with joy and happiness, she opened her hand and held it palm up, from it a flame burst to life. It danced and crackled in her palm. She closed her hand and drew the fire back in.

Solone clapped her hands and laughed, “Yes! A true Guardian! Only the great protectors of the Ever Heart could use fire magic.”

Ryker snickered, “Stupid question here, but why just the Guardians?” he said relaxing one leg.

Solone smiled, “In times of great peril, the Guardians were gifted the power of fire by the Holy Ones to forge that which was, could be, or had been broken. Guardians used fire magic to meld the ever heart together should it become tainted or broken.”

Meris nodded, “Yes, but of course that never happened.” he said waving his hand dismissively.

Solone looked displeased, she walked towards them and stopped short of the first step to her throne, “There was one time when great evil touched the Ever Heart. A thousand years ago, Magnus’s ancestor and Ichron’s ancestor were Guardians at the time. A great and powerful magus came and fought for the Ever Heart, his touch alone caused the Ever Heart to have a black mark on its edge. The Guardians used their fire magic combined together to re-forge the Ever Heart and burn out the corrupted evil. After their magic was done, it looked like the Ever Heart had never been touched. It was, for a better word, perfect.”

Rowen nodded, “Cyrus told me stories about the great evil. It passes from a bloodline within the Guardians, it’s an abomination.” She said glancing at Meris.

Meris smiled, “An abomination they never killed, one that is still out there. You must retrieve and re-forge the Ever Heart before the evil one does, or it will be re-forged in darkness and black magick.”

Rowen rubbed her sweaty palms against her legs, “No pressure…” She glanced at Ryker who shrugged his shoulders, “We got work to do then.”