Chapter 10

The Island

Reina rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she made her way down the stairs to the kitchen, following the sound of voices. As her feet hit the last stair, she caught sight of a slight man with vibrant black hair and clean shaven face standing beside her father. Despite his smaller frame, he carried himself with a confident, and somewhat dangerous air.

"Uncle Hrok!" she cried, hurrying forward and flinging her arms around him.

"Hey pup," his surprisingly deep voice rasped. "How you been?"

"Good!" she professed.

His dark green eyes crinkled with a smile. "That's what I like to hear."

"Why are you here?" she had to wonder.

Hrok's eyes flicked to George.

"Big brother here wants me to look after things while you two go off and have a grand time without me," he answered dramatically. "But apparently his little apprentice Luke will be here to keep me out of trouble."

"Impossible," Reina asserted, a smirk coiling her lips.

"Damn right," Hrok smirked.

"Language," George scolded.

"Stop being such a big brother," Hrok scoffed, rolling his eyes.

George sighed in exasperation, then changed the subject if only to preserve his sanity.

"So remember there's a man upstairs who needs looking after. Just make sure he eats, he's well enough to apply his own medicine now."

"Drag him to the temple and leave him there, got it," Hrok nodded.

George elbowed him in the ribs.

"Yeah, yeah," Hrok grumbled. "I got it. You only told me three times." He turned back to Reina with an exaggerated roll of his eyes. "The things I put up with."

"Uh-huh," George scoffed.

Hrok's eyes watched as a dunmer and a half-elf entered the kitchen from the common room. He studied them for all of two heartbeats before deciding he didn't care. They walked to join George as Reina hefted a pack onto her shoulder.

George handed out a series of small, wrapped bundles.

"Breakfast on the move today!" he announced.

They each thanked him in turn.

"And one for you," the innkeeper continued, handing one to his brother.

"I'd rather have an ale," he muttered, but accepted nonetheless.

"And re-"

"If you tell me to remember to lock the doors one more time, you're going to be eating this, and not pleasantly."

George chuckled and threw his arms around his brother in a crushing hug with a slap to the back.

"Oh for the love of-" Hrok rasped, fighting to free himself. "Let. Go."

George relented and stepped back.

"I am burning your inn to the ground," Hrok groused.

"Sure," George drawled, hefting his own pack.

"I mean it. Plenty of ale around here."

"Actually," the dunmer chimed. "It really doesn't burn as spectacularly as most people seem to think."

The half-elf beside him issued a soft strike to his arm.

"Not the time."

The dunmer shot her a wounded look.

Hrok loosed a long sigh that sounded far more like a growl.

George offered him a pat on the shoulder that the shorter man dodged and ushered his party out of his inn and down the cobbled road. It led them on down through the city and to a waiting carriage that would carry them to the sea.

The waves washed over her feet, cold and rippling. She flexed her toes, burying them deeper in the sand. It was strange… but exactly as she'd imagined it. Reina watched the undulating mass of gray-blue as the gentle roar of waves filled the air. She should join the others on the long-forgotten dock where their ship waited... They were probably eager to get underway. Indeed, she'd likely be sick of the waves after riding on them. But there was something… entirely magical about the sea.

Gentle fingers brushed her arm. She turned with eyes like a dreamer's. Nova looked back, neither perturbed by her tardiness nor confounded by her wonder. The warrior simply offered a soft, almost knowing smile.

"Come, Reina," she bid softly. "When we reach my home, you'll find its beauty even greater than this meager view." She paused for a moment, then gave a breathy chuckle. "And I will not dissuade you should you wish to spend the entire day along the shore."

Reina's serene stare shifted into a smile before she nodded. She followed the warrior back to a lone dock along the cold northeastern shore, her focus drifting between Nova's armored back and the sleek, elegant ship anchored near the dark sand. Crisp, triangular white sails on the tri-masted ship waited eagerly to catch the burgeoning wind.

Reina still couldn't help but stare as her father stood beside the captain. The sailor looked so different from anyone she'd seen, aside from Aveth. He was a tall elf, lithe and tan with long, brown hair that flashed red in the sun. Indeed, the majority of Nova's homeland was elven, so she'd said. Reina grinned privately and bit her lip, glancing to the woman. She was actually going to get to see Nova's home! Whatever had prompted her father to accept such an invitation, or Nova to offer it, she wasn't about to ask. Well… not yet at least.

She took a moment to don her boots before she stepped onto the dock. The old wood squeaked with their passage. The captain turned his eyes to them and Nova nodded her head once.

"Then let's be off," he replied in a surprisingly gentle tone as he nodded in return.

Reina could not hide her smile.

The ship pulled into a harbor made of a pale wood, worn smooth over countless centuries. Nova had to bite her lip as the crew worked to secure the ship before any could disembark. She was going to tear out of her own boots with the effort. She was finally home again! And this time she didn't have to leave it. This time… She turned to see Reina, wide-eyed and smiling as she stared. This time she had her queen with her.

She pulled her attention back to the dock and nearly jumped in surprise. There in the light of the afternoon sun was a single, solitary figure. His radiant golden hair hung neatly down to the small of his back while long, flowing robes adorned his frame in a gentle green. Nova wasted no more time, vaulting over the ship's rail and thudding dully onto the dock. Her steps resounded further as she rushed to meet the man and threw open her arms wide. He obliged with a smirk. She hugged him hard.

He leaned his taller frame obligingly, dipping his lips to her ear.

"A hug! From you? What have I done to deserve such a rarity?" He didn't wait for an answer, plunging on in the same breath. "Now, would you like to tell me why I received a letter from the captain's hapless hawk that says I magically have a niece now?"

He pulled back, holding her at arm's length with a merry smirk still playing on his features.

"It's a long story, Gabriel." she evaded.

"You're not getting any older," he quipped.

"Keep your voice down," she hissed, eyes narrowing though no one else was in earshot.

"Is she a candidate?" he asked, green eyes flicking to the ship before returning to her.

"I made a promise to her father. She can't know until after she is tested."

His eyes narrowed.

"That will make things difficult," he observed calmly.

"I know," she grumbled.

He released her and stepped back.

"Though now I see why my wayward, mainland-dwelling sister suddenly has offspring." Gabriel's smirk returned.

"Because if I'm seen bringing her, everyone will be able to guess why, and the ruse will be for naught," Nova nodded.

"Such a ruse won't last beyond the first Aelyrian's question, particularly if she's not able to know about it to maintain it," he said, shaking his head. "Let me handle this. I do this for a living," he added with a wink.

"Lie?" she smirked.

He rolled his eyes with a scoff.

"Now away with you. My authority can only keep the docks vacant for so long. There is a rowboat tied beyond," he gestured down the dock with a tilt of his head that sent his radiant hair shifting. "Take Aveth and be scarce. We will meet at the palace."

"I owe you, my friend," she breathed, relief and gratitude mingling in her words.

"Indeed," he chuckled.

Nova turned and made a single gesture to Aveth who nodded and dropped down beside her, following wordlessly as they made for the rowboat.

After a moment, Reina stepped onto the dock with George behind her. Her eyes followed Nova's retreating form, frowning.

"Fear not," Gabriel assured. "She has something to attend elsewhere, but she will rejoin us soon. For now, may I have the pleasure of escorting you through the city?" He placed his palm to his chest, then offered it to her.

Reina hesitated, glancing again toward Nova. George was not so silent.

"And you are?" he asked, taking a small step forward.

"Ah, how rude of me. I am Gabriel, friend to Nova… and steward of the Aelyrian palace."

"Steward?" Reina had to repeat, eyes widening. She wasn't entirely sure she was qualified to be talking to someone so important….

"Or regent, if you prefer. It's much the same, given my duties," he shrugged. "But I digress. Would you care to proceed?"

Reina bit her lip. She'd envisioned getting to see Nova's home with Nova, but still… "Yes," she nodded emphatically. Almost belatedly, she looked to her father with a sheepish smile, hoping he would agree to her choice. She needn't have worried.

George clapped a hand to her shoulder and smiled, looking back to Gabriel. "What are we waiting for? I'm on vacation! What's your best dish here? I might have to learn to make it!"

"I cannot say, myself," Gabriel smiled. "But if you would deign to join us for dinner tonight, you might try some of them for yourself."

George gave a wolfish grin that said he would hardly miss it, though for the culinary adventure or the free meal, it was hard to tell.

"But first we should get our things," the innkeeper said.

"Your items will be taken to your rooms for you," Gabriel offered.

"Oh," George blinked. "Alright then." Well how was that for hospitality.

Gabriel tried not to smirk and failed as he led them from the dock along a short cobbled road that lead up a small rise.

"My friends, let me welcome you to Aelyria, Island of the Ancestors and City of Moonlight."

Reina stopped behind him and gasped. The city sprawled before her, the white stone of the buildings gleaming in the sun as a black metal trimmed their edges, devouring the shining light. Pointed arches mingled with crawling ivy and towering trees. Around it all ran a massive wall, of thick stone that climbed high into the air. Needle-like spires rose at intervals, the tips glowing a faint green. She squinted harder at them, but the source of the glow was a mystery. Reina snapped her stare back to the city. Black armored figures walked with an easy grace between robed individuals. Simpler garbs punctuated the mix, but each of the people bore pointed ears and wore their hair long in splendid shades between near-white and inky black.

"I am going to be the ugliest person in any room," Reina mused to herself under her breath. She paused for a moment, lips pursed in thought before finally adding, "I could get used to that."

Gabriel looked to her with a poorly veiled smile. Alright, so she hadn't said that quite as quietly as she'd thought….

"It's a beautiful city," she offered, hoping to distract him.

"You should see it in the moonlight," he replied with almost a sigh, then broke from his reverie and began to walk forward.

A trio of black armored solders stood abreast on the road blocking the way. On the other side of them was an elven man in brown robes. His calm demeanor was betrayed by his lips as they formed a thin line. As they approached, he lifted his voice.

"Gabriel. Would you care to tell me why I am barred from my own ship? I have preparations to make before we venture out."

"My apologies, Captain Serrel," Gabriel replied, bowing his head. "My motives were entirely selfish." He drew closer and the guards parted way before he leaned toward the man's ear. "I wished to greet my human friends here without fanfare. Our docks can be overwhelming with their activity. I wanted them to have a moment to adjust to the beauty of our city before subjecting them to a throng of people."

Serrel eyed him dubiously but eventually nodded. "Yes, I suppose I can understand. Aelyria is a glorious gem, and one to be savored." Then, Serrel's tone hardened. "But you're aware that all of this is painfully inconvenient, yes? Your knowledge of Outlanders outweighs mine, certainly, but this seems excessive."

Gabriel spread his hands in a hopeless gesture.

"Then I must apologize again."

Serrel stared for a time, but Gabriel did not flinch. The captain was no fool, but he had only two cares in his life: his ship and the sea. Once the obstruction to them was removed he would simply dismiss the event. But in gathering his crew to help him prepare his vessel, he would have to relate Gabriel's reasons. From there, the tale would spread. After all, on an island with little that changed, gossip was paramount to currency.

Serrel nodded once and brushed past them.

Gabriel breathed an internal sigh of relief. It paid to understand people. He motioned to his wards and they followed as he continued down the road. Reina couldn't help but notice the armored warriors followed them, keeping a respectful distance. They passed a bakery, then a blacksmith, the smell of bread and forge mingling in a strange, but not all together unappealing scent. Reina peered into the shops eagerly, but could not see much. Eyes looked back at her with equal curiosity.

"Why a wall?" George asked, breaking the silence.

"Hm?" Gabriel queried.

"You're on an island. What do you need a wall for?" he clarified.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. Had Nova not told them? He smoothed his expression, his long, leisurely stride never missing a step. For the briefest moment, he pondered how much to tell them, but dismissed it. What ill could they truly do with such knowledge?

"There is an enemy that shares our shores. The wall was built by our first monarch. It radiates the divine protection of our Ancestors, keeping the monsters at bay."

Reina looked back, studying the wall as it stretched out a small distance into the sea. She frowned at it.

"The enemy cannot swim," he supplied, following her gaze. "They sink like stones in the water's embrace."

"This enemy of yours," George muttered. "It have a name?"

"They are the garm, chief among them is the Devourer. They are beasts of shadow that rally endlessly against the light."

"And I suppose your people are the great light?" George goaded with smirk.

Gabriel stopped and turned, his green eyes void of mirth. His voice dropped low, tinged with an edge of warning.

"Deep below the very stone you walk upon lies the Well of the Ancestors. There is no more sacred place you could find. It is their power that keeps us safe. But there must always be a balance. As their light grows, it casts a shadow, as all light does. The garm are that shadow, born with a hunger that can never be satisfied." His narrowed eyes almost dared a refute.

George hesitated, then gave an inward shrug. Best not to anger his host, even if all of this was a pack of hoarker dung. Let them have their nonsense. It didn't hurt him, after all. He nodded once in answer.

Gabriel's expression softened as he returned the gesture. A small crowd had paused to gather around them. He turned them, with a rueful smirk.

"Please do not regard my friends so," he implored.

Reina blinked as the people moved on, almost dejectedly. Their stares lingered on her for far longer than she would have liked. One woman dared take a step toward them, but a single look from their shepherd quickly dissuaded her.

They continued through the streets, passing a surprising number of craftsmen. A wood carver formed elegant miniature statues while beside him a woman tirelessly embroidered a pattern of leaves on the hem of a dress. One look at either of their products told her she would never be able to afford them in her lifetime. Reina's attention turned back as she entered the shadow of another wall, slightly shorter than the exterior bulwark. Beyond it stood an imposing structure built of the same white stone with black filigree crawling up like leafy vines along the surface. Its grand walls and sweeping towers reached toward the heavens with delicate bridges arching between them.

"Welcome to the Aelyrian palace," Gabriel offered as they passed under the wall's stone archway.

Reina would have said it resembled more of a castle, but who was she to argue?

The courtyard was empty of all but a handful of guards, all bearing a band of blue-green cloth around their upper arm. Reina let out a small sigh of relief. They at least weren't staring at her. Or... were they? She made a point not to look.

They approached a set of massive wooden double doors stained nearly black. The guards on either side moved to open them, almost without effort, then stood aside and dipped their heads slightly in respect. Gabriel swept past them, Reina and George in tow. They entered a grand room lined with columns. On the floor was a mural of a sweeping tree done in a crystalline blue. Above them, the high, arched roof resembled the night sky. There were strange pinpricks of light for the stars. Reina wondered at them until she turned her gaze downward once more and noticed milky, jagged crystals nested in sconces along the walls instead of torches. They glowed brightly, but gave no heat. Yet the entire room meant nothing as she spied the figure at the far end.

There stood Nova, her short black hair and equally dark armor a shadow against the gentle light. Behind her was Aveth, and even his crimson gaze was a welcome sight as it simmered in his charcoal skin.

Reina stood very still. She was not going to run up and hug the woman. No. Absolutely not. That was not dignified. Also, her father was two steps behind her.

But maybe later.

Gabriel led them across the room in a whisper of robes. Reina followed and offered Nova a welcoming smile that the warrior returned as she and Aveth fell into line behind them. Reina desperately wanted to ask what she'd been doing, but bit her lip instead. That could wait until later too. They moved into another room just as grand with two curving stairways leading up. Gabriel motioned them on and they climbed before starting down a long hallway.

Reina stopped short, a shiver running down her spine. There on the wall was a mural done in a wealth of glimmering stones. The fine silhouette of a man stood with his shield raised, a milky white sword in his hand. Behind him was an army done in a marbled gray. A smoke filled sky loomed above them, clouds tinged with a fiery aura that she could almost swear gave off heat for the rich detail. Yet it was not what held her gaze. Opposite him stood something akin to a wolf, only standing almost as tall as the human. It's vile maw was open, burning like a furnace as slavering drool set smoke bubbling from the stone.

"That," Gabriel said, drawing up beside her slowly, "is the Devourer. A beast of shadow, its hunger is unending. It walks these shores with but one desire: to devour the light and all it has touched, even if that same blessed touch scalds its very skin."

Reina's hand clenched tightly as her mouth went dry. She took an involuntary step back. The air shifted behind her as Nova silently stepped close, fingers brushing her arm with the barest touch before receding. It made the sight of the abomination easier to bear. And indeed, why should she fear it? She had won, after all. Reina frowned at the errant thought but Gabriel spoke again.

"Across from him is Geledriel, the first to be anointed by our Ancestors. He plunged into battle against the beast and cast it back into the miserable pit from whence it crawled. The abomination cannot be killed, or at least we have not yet found the means, but his bravery allowed our people time to establish themselves. As such, the Ancestors named him the first king of Aelyria, gifting him and his people with their bright protection for all the ages to come."

Reina frowned. She was fairly sure there was more to it than that. But she supposed this was the condensed version for visitors. Still, she made a mental note to ask more later if she had the chance. Besides… she really didn't want to linger next to that thing.

"Let's move on," Nova insisted, looking to Gabriel and subtly nodding toward Reina.

He opened his mouth before shutting it and nodding in turn. "Of course."

They continued through the white halls, past a row of statues. Reina's eyes lingered on one of them, a horse with a flowing mane and a bony protrusion from the center of its forehead… almost like a delicate horn. The marble beast flanked a doorway. On the other side, there was another horse, this one with resplendent wings like a bird's, half folded as it reared.

The queen's chambers, Reina surmised. Or… king's, she amended. At least, it seemed a fitting place for such.

Gabriel took them past the statues, down a long hall, then another before he finally stopped.

"Your rooms are here," he said, gesturing. "You will find your belongings already inside."

Two doors stained a deep brown greeted them while more dotted the hall at regular intervals. George offered his thanks as he pushed open a door and stepped inside with an appreciative whistle. He paused and backtracked, looking to Reina.

"Looks like that one's yours," he said, ducking into the other room.

Reina hurried into the large space with an eager smile. Sure enough, her pack was neatly settled on the large bed, a pale green comforter adorning its expanse. A nightstand, dresser and desk served to complete the space, each of them stained so deeply brown they were all but black, accenting the pristine walls nigh perfectly. Their surfaces were carved with subtle grace, done in crested waves and pointed leaves. A tall bookshelf stood in the corner with myriad of tomes lining its shelves, and beside it was a cushioned chair.

"I am going to break something in here accidentally," Reina surmised with a grimace, "and then I'll have to spend the rest of my life working to pay for it." Still, she ran her hand along the dresser, tracing the alternating waves and leaves that flowed across the surface. It was far too beautiful to be used for something as common as holding clothing. She was definitely living out of her bag.

Back in the hallway, Gabriel turned to Nova.

"That went far more smoothly than I anticipated," he smiled.

Nova nodded twice, shifting from foot to foot.

"I rather expected chaos in the streets," the steward continued.

"Chaos?" Aveth chuckled. "I should think not. Your people are hardly so amusing."

Gabriel made to reply, but Nova cut him off.

"Will you fetch the crystal for the test?" she asked.

Gabriel blinked.

"Now? She hasn't even had time to unpack."

"There will be time for that later," Nova insisted.

"As there will be time for testing later," Gabriel replied evenly.

Nova's lips formed a thin like as she made to move past him.

Aveth caught her arm and jerked her back sharply.

She looked back, bewildered even as she glared.

He shifted his grip, setting a hand on her arm gently as he spoke in an equally soft tone.

"Gabriel is right. She just arrived," he stated. "You need to give her time to settle in first. The Senge Stones aren't going anywhere and neither is she. Let her spend time on the shore, for the Ancestors' sake." Nova's eyes turned mournful, and he dropped his voice low. "I know. You want to have her confirmed, anointed. It will be done, have no doubts, but give Reina time." His ruby eyes did not waver, nor harden, they simply waited. At last, she relented under their weight with a heavy sigh.

"You're right. Tomorrow then."

"Perhaps in the mean time, you could seek out Trentus and ask him for a group of his warriors?" Gabriel offered.

Nova's eye twitched just before she fixed him with a look.

"Really. I never would have thought of that," she said dryly.

"Good thing I'm here," Gabriel replied, a smirk lighting his face.

"Don't you have steward things to do?" she grumbled.

His smirk shifted into a grin as he turned away without a word.

Reina and George stepped into the hall and walked toward them.

"This place is amazing," Reina offered.

Nova's dour mood evaporated at once.

"It is," she agreed softly. "I'm glad you like it."

"You promised I could go to the beach," Reina reminded in a breath.

George groaned.

"Reina, we just got off a boat. Which sails in the ocean. Haven't you had enough of it?"

"No," she replied cheerfully.

"Then let's be off," Nova said.

Aveth smirked and managed not to roll his eyes. Sure, anyone else got Grumpy Nova, but if Reina suggested it, suddenly it was the proper course of action.

"And… tomorrow..." Nova began, then hesitated, searching for the right words. "I'd like to show you somewhere even better." She almost moved to the wall and smacked her head against it for the weak words.

"Is it a secret beach that no one knows about?" Reina asked hopefully.

"No," Nova answered.

"Aw."

"But no less impressive," the warrior offered.

Aveth crept close to George and spoke softly.

"I'm afraid you must remain here tomorrow. We'll keep her safe, that's a promise."

George eyed him for a long moment, then nodded once.

"I'll assume you'll afford me a spectacular explanation later," he said through thin lips as he looked askance at the elf.

"Indeed," Aveth agreed. In fact, the answer was simple and boring. The man couldn't fight, and thus, was a liability on this journey.

George turned back to the women's conversation in time to hear Nova.

"Your father happens to have other plans."

Reina turned to him and he offered his best 'it's fine' smile.

"He will be free to exchange recipes with the head chef," Aveth supplied, fairly confident he could make that happen. If not, he'd send Nova to negotiate. Which generally meant a punch here and a head-bash there until she got what she wanted. Aveth couldn't help but smile.

"I can't miss out on that!" George agreed. "Unless you want to come along?"

"No, no, that's alright," Reina hurriedly stammered.

George gave a hapless shrug and a toothy grin.

"We'll be going outside the walls, so you're going to be wearing armor, and I won't hear otherwise," Nova stated.

"Is it dangerous?" Reina blinked.

"It can be," Nova nodded. "But I'll be there, and I'm going to ask my old teacher if he can spare a few of his blades to guard us. Better safe than dead."

Reina soured at the additions, but nodded.

"Now," Nova continued, "I believe it's time I made good on a promise. And it just so happens that I do know a secluded spot on the beach." After all, the fewer people that saw them, the fewer that could ask questions.

Reina cheered.

Nova brushed the last strays of sand from her hair as she pushed through the stalwart door to the guard barracks only to find an equally stalwart man on the other side. His short-cropped, gray hair and neatly trimmed beard lent him a sagely appearance but did nothing to diminish the strength radiating from him. Still, his slightly rounded ears served to remind her that she was not the only one with a mixed heritage, nor how necessary her becoming… altered had been.

"Trentus," she blinked. For once it seemed the Ancestors were making life easy for her. But then again, finding the commander of the guard in the barracks wasn't exactly unexpected. "I need a favor."

"Good evening to you too," her former teacher chuckled.

"Sorry," she offered with a small sigh.

"It's fine, Nono," he assured. "What do you need?"

Nova's words halted as she scowled.

"First and foremost, for you to stop calling me that," she remarked wryly.

"Never. Happening," he replied, pulling on a set of leather gloves. "Second?"

"I..." This time she hesitated. He turned toward her with a searching gaze, giving her his full attention. She cast her eyes elsewhere, glancing around the moderate common area that functioned as both kitchen and dining area for the guard.

"Hm, must be pretty bad if you're hesitating," he observed.

"No, it's not that," Nova admitted, cursing herself. "I just..." She took a deep breath and plunged ahead. "I need you to assemble a team of warriors to accompany Reina and me to the Stones. I would ask you to be there as well."

Trentus blinked.

"Reina?"

Nova bit her lip. She cast another glance around the room to find it just as empty as before. Trentus had looked after her for years after her parents…. Now he remained something of a surrogate uncle. Him she could trust, even with this. Spirits, especially with this.

Nova took a breath and told him everything: her journey through the mainland, her failures, finding Reina, and her suspicions of who the woman truly was. Through it all, Trentus listened, his expression never changing. If he spoke, it was only to ask for clarification. At last Nova finished and fell silent.

"I see, so she is a candidate," he muttered thoughtfully, rubbing his beard.

"But Trentus…" Nova pursed her lips. "No one can know, not even Reina."

He blinked.

"But… surely we must celebrate this-"

"No," Nova shook her head quickly.

"I don't understand."

"I made a promise," she replied, then with a long sigh, told him about the conversation with George.

"I see," Trentus nodded with a sigh. "It makes sense. I can't say I'd do the same, but a father can only do his best." He paused a moment, frowning. "It's a shame though. Our people will want to celebrate her, wish her well, and watch her journey. They've been waiting for so long."

Nova stared at him with somber eyes and a wane smile.

"As have I," she replied softly. Trentus's wise eyes softened at that, but she continued. "When she is confirmed by the Ancestors, we will celebrate her like this island has never seen. Until then, she cannot know what we suspect."

He ran a hand through his hair roughly.

"Alright then," the captain at last agreed. "I'll gather those I trust to keep their silence. When do we leave?"

"On the morrow," she replied, then added softly. "Thank you Trentus."

"Sure, Nono," he nodded, tussling her hair.

"I am not a child," she growled, pushing away his hand.

Trentus only laughed.

A faint sigh whispered in the darkness, the tantalizing whisper beckoning as it sent its melody sweeping through his bones. Deep in the shadowed pit, he stirred. He gave no thought to the time that had passed. What was time to him, after all? The shadows that clustered around his form pulsed and swayed, prodding him to wake as he cracked a single eyelid to reveal a burning, crimson orb.

The song continued, its haunting notes ringing in his pricked ears. He pushed his massive form up, a wolfish shadow amid the clustered dark. A sigh huffed from his mouth, filling the space with light as a forge-like radiance welled from his throat. The air hissed and sizzled, the fiery light reflecting in the black waters of an endlessly deep pool beside him.

Again came the melody, but now… he began to understand. It was not a song.

No. It was her.

He remembered her. Searing, vile, blinding light. Agony unending that cast him back into the dark, shattering his body. It had taken so long to heal. Even now, he was a shell of his former glory. All because of that wretched bright mortal. A simmering growl roiled from him.

But it didn't matter. He would devour them all, in time. The bright mortals that polluted his island, and that vile, abominable source of all this wretched light. It was deep, deep below in the bones of the world. But so was he.

He shook his shadowed coat and listened to the not-song. It was different than he remembered. She was different. It was not the steady chorus filled with strength, but an almost ethereal whisper, faint and haunting. There was only one answer.

She was not fully their queen yet. The bond between the Well and their former ruler hung by faint tendrils. They would take her to the Stones-That-Glowed to reforge that bond. Such predictable little beasts. He was not strong enough for the deed yet, but… His teeth gleamed as his lips peeled back in a wicked leer. That was what a pack was for. Something akin to a chuckle grated from his chest.

He threw back his head and howled.