This is the third story in my series – 'The Secret Magic'. If you have not read the previous two stories, I would highly suggest starting off with them first, as you may become somewhat confused by this one.
I would like to thank all of my reviews at fanfiction.net. You have all been a great inspiration to me. I would not have had the courage to continue this story if you had not shown me such support.
Let me give a brief summary of the first two stories to remind the audience of what has occurred up to this point:
The Secret Magic: 1: Complications ~
Numair and Daine try to live out their new life together in peace. But complications give them heartache and trouble. They discover the central point of the problem involves a rare immortal, whose species is known to only inhabit a land far south of the Carthaki borders. Trapped by a mage who has found magical tools to control the small female immortal, Numair and Daine fight a dangerous battle to set her free. It nearly costs them their lives; and eventually, takes Daine, who carries an unborn child, to the very edge of death. Yet hope is restored when the secret and silent friends of the immortal species answers the female immortal's pleas for mercy. The plants and trees themselves go against their own laws and save the life of Daine and her unborn child with its potent magic. And by the simplest of tricks, Kitten, Daine's dragonet, releases the immortal from her magical cage, allowing her to go home. But even with this happy ending, all is not over. The mage that began this entire mess escaped their grasps and has fled to Carthak to hide among his sympathizers. There he will rally his supporters and build up a rebel army that will lead us into the second story of this series…
The Secret Magic: 2: Uncontrollable ~
Numair and Daine have born a child, a girl called Jade, aptly named for her vibrant green eyes. As she grows, her family and friends begin to notice that Jade has no ordinary Gift or Wild Magic. It is something far different, far more powerful. She carries a connection to the wild greenery, the flora. All plants bend to her will, or, more accurately, lack there of. Jade seems unable to control the magic inside her body, and it often times causes conflict among the community. Tragedy strikes and Jade looses her mother to the rebel army. Trying to protect what is left of his family, Numair whisks Jade to Southern Carthak, to a small city know as Kilbao. Positive that she will be safe in the relatively obscure city, Numair must go back north to fight in the war that has broken out. Sadly, by chance, Kilbao is struck by rebels and burnt to the ground. The children of Kilbao, including Jade herself, are taken into illegal slavery. While on the road south, Jade's magic appears in an unwanted circumstance that will forever leave a mark on Jade's mind. But how long that is comes into question when moments later, in the middle of a pitch dark night, she falls from the edge of a cliff while trying to escape her captors, falling to certain death. All hope seems lost…
…and so we step into the next part of this story…
The Secret Magic: 3: Whisperings ~
A new world, a new life; Jade must face the facts about her magic and herself. She must learn her own strength, her own will, her own limits. If she is to ever be able to contain the power that lies within her, she must first learn the most important lesson of all. She cannot control what she fears…
*****
The Secret Magic: 3: Whisperings
By: Karigan Marie
Chapter 1: Add Red to the List
*****
A red blur was all that came to mind as Jade Salmalin came into consciousness. The color swirled and flowed across her mind in odd patterns, confusing her subdued mind. How odd was it that the last thing she saw when she fell from the cliff was nothing but red, and now, the first thing she saw when she woke up from it was, wouldn't you have it, red. Well, she thought casually, might as well add red to the list. She wondered how many colors would signify death to her by the time she really did die. Ever so slowly, the odd shapes came into focus, and along with the red, she now noticed some orange and yellow. She could focus more now, the colors separating and developing more defined lines between each one. Finally, they stopped shifting and settled into place. Red, orange and yellow strips of silken fabric hung above her, draping over one another. They shifted and moved leisurely in a soft wind.
She blinked slowly, unwilling to break away from her state of rest just yet; she was much too comfortable for that. Gradually, she felt the fogginess melt away from her mind and she found the curiosity to shift her eyes slightly. The soft, silky fabric draped across the entire enclosure she was in, there wasn't a bit of ceiling or wall that was not softened by the fabrics presence. She didn't notice a door or window, but a warm breeze blew through the enclosure, bringing with it more smells than Jade had ever imagined possible. Spices filled her senses to the brim, making her take a deep breath.
She began to notice than that she was on something very soft. It was a bed, of sorts. It was large, enough to fit two or three large adults, her feet didn't reach near the end. Underneath her, the mattress was feather soft, so much so, that, she had actually sunk down into the material. The pillow seemed made of something similar, it too had molded around her head. She was covered up to the middle of her chest by a thick deep orange and matching yellow blanket that was silky and cool to the touch. She lay on her back in the middle of the incredible softness.
She was confused, but couldn't bring herself to really mind. She was much too comfortable. She began to do an all over body check with her eyes, shifting as little as humanly possible; it wouldn't do to ruin the utter comfort she was in. She was clean. That was the first thing she noticed. Not one inch of dirt that had caked her body during her captured trip was evident. Her hair, which had grown out some from Mistress Messina's chop job was clean and dry, spread out casually over the pillow. Her arms and legs slid easily under the silky blanket. She didn't feel a single scratch or bruise, the back of her head felt fine. She noticed she was dressed in odd clothing. Long soft deep yellow satin breeches that flowed down her legs and some type of matching undershirt with only a thin strap of fabric over each shoulder were things she had never seen before.
She lifted herself onto her elbows, rising up a bit to get a better look around. in the region of the bed were various small circular tables, their silky skirts rustled silently in the same soft warm breeze. The small tables carried intricately designed glass bowls and jars, small mighty looking birds adorned them gracefully. Each bowl or jar held what appeared to be dried herbs and spices; some had spilt over the edges and onto the silky fabric, dancing ever so lightly in that same gentle breeze.
The floor was covered with satiny soft material that bunched up on itself at several places. Overall, the enclosure was no more than 10 feet across. She wasn't even sure if it was square or round. She had no idea where she was, had no idea who had brought her here; yet she was so incredibly comfortable, she still had not brought up any feelings of alarm. Confusion however, was foremost in her mind. She heard some rustling outside the enclosure a few seconds before some of the silk fabric parted and streams of white sunlight burst through the room. She squinted and lifted one hand to shield her eyes. A form blocked some of the bright light, but being lighted by the back, the silhouette made it impossible to see who it was. But then the fabric fell back into place and the form revealed itself to be a small round women.
She was fairly short, but her rounded body gave her more presence. She had glossy raven black hair that, even tightly braided and over one shoulder, reached the bottom of her stomach. Her skin was dark brown, but different than any she'd ever seen; the dark skin tone bordered on a golden hue. The woman's eyes were dark brown with eyebrows as dark as her hair. What was most odd about her was her clothing. It seemed to be some kind of dress…but, it was hard to tell. There were no petticoats or layers; it was soft thin blue material that flowed down from her waist to her toes. Golden threads had been made to form beautiful pictures all over it, from birds with eccentric tail feathers, to large four legged animals that had long horns. Perhaps it was actually wrapped around her, because it seemed that the skirt wasn't actually connected, the material flowed as it had been placed across the chest and rested over the opposite shoulder, swinging behind her one side as she moved. Her shirt was form fitting and had sleeves that didn't even reach to the middle of her upper arms. Soft leather brown sandals adorned her feet and she noticed markings around her ankles. It was the oddest thing Jade had ever seen on anyone. But oddly, it was very pretty and seemed to fit the warm humid air nicely.
The woman smiled nicely but guardedly at her and began to speak. Jade sat up all the way, bringing up her knees slightly as the woman continued to talk…but Jade couldn't understand her. The words were none she had ever heard before; they flowed on and on and so quickly Jade was somewhat disconcerted. The woman walked to one of the tables beside the bed and reached for a glass and pitcher, talking to her as if she understood every word and nuance. Jade opened her mouth to speak, had to clear it, it was so rusty, and finally spoke. "I'm…I'm…sorry, ma'am…I don't…I don't quite understand what you're saying."
The woman turned to her and nodded, gently patting the hand that rested in Jade's lap. She poured some water and handed it to her. Jade took it gratefully and began to drink it quickly. As she gulped down the liquid, she noticed the design on the clear glass. There appeared to be engraved pictures of nymph like women; yet they seemed to have wings, like butterflies, and they looked exceptionally wild, the hair flying in every which way, their postures seemed excited and lively. She was startled when the woman began talking anew, just as before. She finally stopped to take a breath and Jade took the opportunity for a quick, "Thank you," gesturing to her glass. The woman smiled, nodded and again began her rant. She moved around the room doing odd things, carrying on the conversation endlessly. Jade was at a loss. She interrupted the woman. "I'm sorry. I…I don't understand."
The silk fabrics that served as walls parted again then, and Jade squinted her eyes. In came a tall man dressed in white cloth with silver threads adorning it richly. He smiled warmly at her. "Anabaya doesn't speak your language, but she doesn't let that get in her way." He smiled at the woman and then turned his white pearly teeth on her. Jade was shocked by the rich accent that he carried. It made his words flow into each other without muddling them; it made her grin. His golden brown skin was slightly darker than the woman's, but his facial features were very similar. "I am glad you have woken up, Epaissur."
Jade blinked. "I'm sorry. What did you call me?"
He smiled. "Epaissur…it means…little enchanted one."
"Oh."
His smile grew wider. "It fits you well, I can see." He pointed to her eyes. "I have never seen anyone with eyes of your color."
She shifted awkwardly. The woman mixed some herbs over a table. "I'm sorry. Umm…where am I?"
He sat at the end of the bed, his weight sinking in. "You are in my village, Solandia. I am the chief, kayandu; this…" he motioned to the woman, "…is my sister, Anabaya." The woman smiled.
"Umm…where is Solandia? I've never heard of it."
He nodded. "I understand that you are from the great North, very far away. That is past the great mountains north of us." Jade wasn't to sure on the geography, it seemed confusing. "But you have not told us your name, Epaissur," he said gently.
She looked up at him in surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry, forgive me. My name is Jade. Jade Salmalin."
He nodded and smiled. "It suits you." She gave a half grin, partly in annoyance. Everyone said that.
"And how old are you, Epaissur?"
"Ten, sir." Her eyes fell to the glass of water that her hands toyed with. Noticing her own skin soft and healed, she wondered just how long she had been unconscious. "How long…I mean, when did I…?" She wasn't too sure how to word her question.
He seemed to understand despite her lack of articulation. "You were brought to us more than a moon cycle ago. You have been healing ever since." Jade's mouth gapped at the man. Over a month? Her eyes skirted across the bed. "You were very ill," he said softly. "We feared we would loose you. Much of your body was scratched and torn, your bones weak, your body without the proper amount of water, a very bad injury on your head was infected…" he told her softly. "But our herbs have much power here. You took to their healing benefits very well."
"You…didn't fine me?" she asked curiously.
He shook his head. "She brought you to us, asked us to watch over you until you healed."
"Who…Liana?"
He shook his head. "No. She was like you, an Epaissur."
"I don't know who you mean." She shifted slightly.
"You will. She promised to come back for you when you were well again."
She swallowed. "Come back for me?"
"You will go with her once you have healed."
"Who?" she said again. "I don't know who you mean. I want to go home, to Carthak."
He looked a bit lost. "I imagined you would be. I was told you were to be taken home. But I do not know where Carthak is? Is that the great North?"
"I don't know…" she said miserably. "I'm so confused."
He patted her leg. "All will turn out well. You will see. For now, you must rest. You are still weak from your ordeal. But first thing's first, you must eat." Jade hadn't noticed Anabaya had left the small enclosure. The woman stepped back inside carrying a tray made of ivory richly engraved with figures of what appeared to be tiger cubs, complete with miniature stripes, the whiteness of the ivory seemed an odd color on the figures. The delicate tray held steaming food that let out waves of steam that filled Jade's nose with a million smells. Jade's stomach growled so loudly, it startled her. Kayandu laughed, took the tray from his sister and placed it gently on Jade's lap. "Eat, Epaissur. You must regain your strength."
Jade picked up a piece of what appeared to be chicken. There were no utensils, so she figured she'd just use her hands. It was warm, but not enough to burn her fingers. She placed it in her mouth and chewed. It was the most intense combination of herbs that had ever touched her tongue, and it made her mouth salivate so quickly and intensely, the sides of her jaw hurt for a moment. Within a few seconds the intensity grew to such strength, she was forced to drink some water. Her eyes watered and she coughed.
Kayandu laughed heartily and patted her back. "Perhaps those from the great North do not have the flavors that we have here." She nodded her head in agreement and popped another piece into her mouth, the riot of tastes it caused in her mouth just as powerful and wonderful as the first bite had been.
*****
In Tortall:
Numair Salmalin stood in one of the far corners of the horse fields outside the Palace in Corrus. The early summer sun shone down, warming his body rapidly. There was a slight breeze that rustled the black and occasional gray hairs on his head. He stood with his arms crossed, his face starring down at a beautifully crafted gravestone. It was two feet high and had various animal shapes shaven into it, each one positioned in a glorious stance. The words on it were clear.
The First Wild Mage
Veralidaine Salmalin
Beloved Daughter of Wyrein and Sara
Treasured Wife of Numair
Cherished Mother to Jade
Directly underneath the tombstone, above where Veralidaine lay in eternal rest, a new dark grey stone plague lay against the ground, gold ivy vines and vanilla orchid buds had been chipped into the stone. Its own small words a sad addition to those on the gravestone.
Jade Salmalin
Beloved Daughter
The world seems less green without her eyes to adorn it.
He stood in silence, looking down at the new stone plague. A hand on his shoulder took him from his thoughts. He turned his dark shadowed eyes towards his interrupter. Alanna of Trebond stood there, in comfortable breeches and tunic, her hair, which she had allowed to grow just past her shoulders, fluttered in the wind. Her violet stare was enough to show him her worry. "I'm alright, Alanna."
She swallowed tightly. "You don't have to lie to me, Numair."
His eyebrows scrunched in anger. "What makes you think I'm lying?"
She looked down at the dark stone that lay on the ground. "Because I'm still not all right, and it's been two years for me. You didn't love your child any less than I did mine. So you're not fine."
He let out a breath and turned back to the grave. "Does it ever hurt less, Alanna?" he asked softly.
Tears brimmed her eyes as she thought about her own lost child. She shook her head. "No," came the cracked whisper. "But you learn to live with it. Everyday you take a step closer to accepting it."
He swallowed thickly. "You have George," he said jealously. "…and Eleni and Miles."
She looked at him with hurt eyes. "That doesn't make it hurt any less, Numair. I could have ten other children, love them all and it wouldn't hurt any less." Tears trickled down her face. She wiped them away angrily.
He sighed and placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a friendly hug. He remembered the day they had buried Thom in the Noble Tombs. Alanna had been devastated, and even with her entire family there, they hadn't been enough to comfort her. She sighed heavily and pulled away, drying her tears on her sleeve. "I heard Atune arrived last night."
He nodded. "I had one of my servants from Kilbao bring her. She's resting. It was a long trip."
Alanna sat on the soft grass, running fingers along the stone. "How is she?"
He sighed. Permanently blind. How would you be?"
Her lip twitched. "Relieved." At his look, she continued. "…to be alive, that is."
"She's been hurt so much. I wonder sometimes if she's capable of handling this."
"She's a
strong girl. She won't let this drag her
down."
"With Jade…gone…she's not…she's
not happy."
Alanna scratched a leg. "What is she going to do now?"
"I'll take care of her. I'm having her stay here at the palace. I've hired some permanent servants to attend to her."
Alanna nodded.
"When do you return north?" he asked.
"Next week. It's been so long since the four of us have been together; I almost forgot what it felt like." He nodded. "Numair…?" He looked at her in question. "…George and I…we're both going to be up North. Miles…he's to go east to fight with the Tyran army to push back Serain."
Numair nodded. He'd heard as much.
"He's got friends on that front. I'm not too worried about him."
"You're worried about Eleni," he supplied for her.
"Jon's sending her to Carthak, to help train troops. I know you'll only be down at the capital erratically, but…"
"You want me to look out for her," he almost smiled at the thought.
"I just…she'll be alone. And she hasn't really ever gotten past Thom. I don't want her to feel like she has no friends." Alanna sighed. "She puts on a brave front. But I can see she's still not doing well."
He patted her leg. "I'll do what I can when I travel to Carthak."
She smiled up at him. "Thank you, Numair. I know you have a lot on your mind…"
He stretched out and smiled sadly down at her. "Eleni isn't the only one putting up a brave front, Alanna." He turned and walked back towards the palace. Alanna sighed. Numair was right. She was putting on just as much as Eleni was. But she wondered if he would turn that idea on himself. He was putting on more than anyone else.
*****
A/N: Hope you like it. Please review. I feed of them. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!!
Next chapter: Waiting in Solandia
To take you home
Here are the facts about you
To feel like this forever
One Piper, two Pips