WARNING: more jealous boys and a bloodline to remember
C3 Not Entirely Human
The days in Haven were filled with activity and passed quickly. Both Alice and Jasper fit in well around the encampment, making friends quickly with the other rebels. In the mornings they woke at dawn and ate together before heading up to the training areas. Slowly, Jasper began to get used to the tiring routine. Isabella was impressed by how quickly he learnt things. His skill with a sword grew quickly, as did his skill with other weapons. Eric was teaching both him and Alice about Forks, including the language, which both were learning fast.
One morning Isabella slipt out early and took Seth for a dawn ride along the beach. She reveled in the chance to be alone, and took full advantage of it. They raced along in the shallows, leaving sprays of sand and foaming water behind them. Isabella reined Seth in suddenly, spying in the distance a lone rider. Drawing her sword, which was never far from her person, she began to canter towards them. The figure gave a shout, and Isabella shouted back, recognising them.
"Thou have not idea how glad I am to see thee. If thou had not been riding here, I would never have found thee."
"Jacob, what are thou doing here?" she asked, as they slowed to a stop facing each other. He gave her a grin.
"It would seem that the Quileute be on our side. Victoria have sent me to ride the coastal patrols. I think she means to keep me away from the castle. Yet for us it means that Eleazar can spy on her, then give me the information, and I can bring it straight to thee," he said.
Isabella laughed. "Excellent. Yet be careful. I do not wish anything bad to befall either thee or Eleazar," she said, her gaze become serious. Jacob winked at her.
"We are always careful. Come though, I must speak to the Wise One, I have information." he said. Isabella gave a piercing whistle. Seth turned and began to gallop toward Haven.
"Hurry up then." she called back, and Jacob, his horse and the black wolf Colin followed.
After they handed the horses over to Amun's expert care, Isabella led Jacob through the series of passageways til they reached the library. When the door opened Isabella saw that Eric that was for once, not there. With her mind she reached out to her mentor. She turned to Jacob and smiled.
"He comes," she said. "Come and sit." She said. Jacob sighed in relief and collapsed onto one of the armchairs.
"I have ridden with very little rest since I left Baliee," he said, and the haggard look on his face told Isabella he spoke the truth.
Isabella sat forward, "Thy news must very important then," she said. He nodded. Eric entered then, standing before them. Jacob stood up in shock, before dropping to his knees.
"I am greatly honoured to meet thee oh Wise One," he said, his eyes lowered. Eric rolled his eyes and looked at Isabella.
"One of those?" he asked. Isabella grinned.
"I am the heir to the throne and he has never bowed to me so thou should take it as a compliment," she said. Jacob looked up and realised they they were joking about him so he sat back on the armchair blushing.
"It be a pleasure to finally meet thee lad," Eric said. He walked behind the screen and emerged as a man. He took the seat on the armchair across from Jacob and Isabella. Isabella sniffed the air and grinned at Eric.
"Thou have been in the herb garden," she said. He grinned and nodded.
"Aye, Alice wakes early and is always happy to learn. Bells, I wish to talk to Jacob alone, and hear what information he has, before we come up with a plan of action. Thou should go and take breakfast. I shall call thee later." Isabella looked as though she was going to refuse, but didn't when she saw the look on Eric's face. Reluctantly she stood and turned to Jacob.
"I forbid thee to leave until thou says goodbye," she said.
Jacob winked, "Of course."
When she reached the galley, Isabella saw, that it was near deserted, only those few who had slept later, or who were slow eaters remained. She grinned and waved, before quickly downing a mug of milk. She then grabbed two apples and made her way to the training rooms.
She was beginning the second apple when she reached the training chambers. Jasper saw her and grinned.
"Where have you been?" he asked, turning his back on Edward, who was filling in as sparring partner. Isabella smiled and pointed behind him. Jasper turned, but not quick enough to prevent Edward sweeping out his knees. He hit the mat with a groan, and Edward stood over him laughing.
"How many times must we tell thee, keep thy attention on the fight at hand," he said, before offering him a hand up. Jasper pushed it away, getting to his feet.
"Asshole," he muttered. Edward walked over to Isabella and took her apple, stealing a bite, before handing it back. She punched him playfully. Nianva came over flashing a smile at Isabella before plastering a stern look on her face.
"Boys, are we here to play, or to train?" she said. Jasper looked chagrined, but Edward, well used to Nianva, ignored her.
"Isabella, where were thee this morning?" he asked.
"I woke early and took a ride," she said. "Jacob is here. He has information," she finished off the apple, core and all.
"What news does he bring?" Edward asked. Isabella shrugged, taking two swords and throwing one to Jasper. He barely caught it then grimaced.
"More sword practice?" he asked. Isabella just nodded and swung.
It was hours later when they stopped to rest. Jasper's arms were aching, and his muscles were on fire. He had improved, but Isabella pushed him harder every day. He knew, that as the Promised One, he had to know how to defend himself; for Victoria would not stop he and Isabella were dead. Everytime he felt like giving up, Jasper thought about the time when Isabella, injured from the manticore's attack, lay asleep beside him, and the vow he had made to protect her. He looked over at her, going through some complicated move slowly with Edward. Jasper was determined to live up to his vow. He stood up, taking up his sword again.
"Isabella lets go," he said. "I need to practice if I'm ever going to get better." Isabella smiled at him.
"Jasper, I would dearly enjoy giving thee more bruises, but thou are tiring. Thy strikes are getting slower, and thy defenses are easy to get past. We can train again tomorrow," she said, more harshly than she intended. In fact she was impressed at how quickly he managed to learn and put to use what she taught him. But she was loathe to tell him that.
"Are you sure?" he asked, somewhat hurt. "Because I can keep training." Isabella took the sword from him, gripping his hand for a moment.
"I am sure. Why do thou not go with the others and fish?" she said, more gently.
Jasper shrugged. "Okay, sounds good," he left with several others to go fishing.
"What about thee?" Edward asked. Isabella gave him a look, which plainly showed her agitation.
"I feel that this information from Jacob be one of great importance. He rode with little rest from Baliee to here. I know myself how exhausting that be. Whatever he and Eleazar have uncovered about Victoria, it must be extremely important," she said. Edward place an arm around her shoulders.
"Bell, thou shall find out in good time. Eric will know what to do. Come, have lunch with the rest of us, then we shall come back here and I shall beat thy agitation out of thee," he said.
Isabella poked him in the ribs with her elbow, laughing. "Very well, I would very much love to see thee try."
Isabella was back training hard when Jasper found her. She and Nianva were refining their swordcraft, while several others, no where near as skilled with swords stood near the walls, watching as the two women matched each other blow for blow. Jasper watched in amazement as Isabella and Nianva fought with two blunt training swords.
The metal clashed loudly as the two women feinted and dodged, both of them acrobatically avoiding the other's blade. Isabella executed a hasty back flip to avoid Nianva's sword, and her foot as she attempted to kick Isabella in the chest. As she landed, one of her feet slipped, sending her down on one knee. Nianva grinned and brought her sword up against Isabella's throat.
"Do thou yield?" she asked. Isabella grinned back up at her, her own sword was firmly aimed at the centre of Nianva's chest.
"Do thou?" she asked. Both women laughed, and Nianva grasped Isabella's forearm and helped her too her feet. They embraced, and Isabella grinned at Jasper. "Did we impress thee Jasper?" Isabella asked, laughing at the look on his face.
"Indeed," he said. Isabella passed her sword to Nianva who hung them back on the walls, and began to explain various moves to her willing listeners. Edward walked over from his spot by the wall and ruffled Isabella's hair affectionately. He passed her a skin of water and she drank greedily.
"Um Bells, I ran into Eric in the hall. He wishes to speak to you. You too Edward," Jasper said, envious of their friendliness. "In fact, he extended the invitation to Alice and I also," Isabella nodded.
"Do thou know what for?" she asked.
Jasper shook his head. "Nope," they left the training room and followed Isabella to the distillery. When they entered Alice was crushing and drying herbs. She grinned and dusted off her hands as she saw Isabella.
"I'm guessing you've been beating these two boys around," she joked, taking in, her flushed face and messy hair falling around her. Isabella grinned.
"Eric wishes to speak to us," she said. Alice nodded, and untied her apron.
"Shall we go then?" she said. Isabella nodded and they made their way to the library. Eric looked up as the door opened and grinned at the troop. When Isabella entered she saw Emmett, Nianva, Ormeno and Asheea were there, seated on one of the plush couches that adorned the chamber.
"Thou wished to see us Eric?" she asked, already guessing what they had all gathered for. He nodded.
"Aye. I know thou have been training Alice and Jasper for what is to come, yet there are other matters that require thy attention," he said.
"What information did Jacob have for us?" Isabella asked, knowing it had to be serious.
"Thy young friend told us that Victoria has sought another ally. And it seems they have joined with her. The Daelth Amarcha, Cult of the Dark Dragons, has thrown in their lot with Victoria. She now has the backing of the immortal creatures under the Jane's yoke, and the Dragons worshiped by the dark cult," his voice and gaze belied how serious this news was. Isabella nodded, her face pale.
"Victoria be not the only one who can enlist the aid of the ancient ones," she said. "I shall leave on the morrow, it be high time that found who our allies are and gather them here. They will know of the Promised One's coming." Jasper stared at her in shock. "I take it that Edward and Emmett shall be tagging along once again?" she said joking. Eric grinned; the three of them had travelled together for years.
"We could always leave thee to travel alone," Edward said. Isabella winked at him
"Then how would I get into trouble?" she teased, earning grins from both of them.
"Hey, count me in," Jasper said, stepping forward to stand next to Isabella. Edward gave him a furious look. Isabella shook her head.
"Nay Jasper, thou should stay here, where thou are protected. Thou must continue to train," she didn't like the thought of him being in any danger. At least at Haven she knew he was safe. Jasper stood firm.
"I am going with you Isabella," he said. "You can continue to train me as we travel, I want to help you. If I am this prophecied warrior, and I'm supposed to help you raise an army, I should be there." Isabella smiled at his passionate speech.
"Very well," she said finally.
"Your are not leaving me here either," Alice said. Isabella looked at her in surprise.
"Ali, no. It be far too dangerous," she said, but Alice just grinned.
"You are all my closest friends, I will not stay here in safety while you all travel into danger. Besides, you cannot think I would let you have all the fun without me," she grinned. "I want to travel this beautiful country Isabella. Please," Isabella sighed.
"It will not be easy. Thou shall have to learn how to defend thyself," she said. Alice just grinned. Eric gestured to Nianva and two others. One was Ormeno, a tall, powerfully built man, with dark skin, and a huge grin. The other was Asheea, a young girl from Isabella's fathers Elarie, her beautiful tattooed face excited.
"They shall travel with thee. They shall be thy shaidres," he said. Jasper had no idea what that meant, but glancing at Isabella and the rest revealed that they seemed to understand.
"Um, this may sound really dumb," Alice began nervously, "but who are these Daelth Amarcha and what can we expect from them?" Isabella squeezed Alice's shoulder, and turned to Eric.
"Good question," she said. Eric pointed to a shelf on the far side of the room. A thick heavy book floated over and landed on the table in front of them. Without a single person touching it, the book opened and the pages began to turn rapidly. It stopped suddenly and Eric looked at it.
"It be unfortunate that little is known about the Daelth. However, this tome was written by the only man who entered the cult, fled their evil, and survived," Isabella grinned.
"How strange that such a rare text should be in thy library," she said sarcastically. Eric grinned.
"Aye he gave to me as payment for helping him flee to the islands. Unfortunately the few passages that were written about the Cult are in the Daelth's own archaic script, and it be very difficult to translate. From what I have translated the origins of the cult are similar to thy Grandfathers people. Yet whilst thy people are descended from Solaris himself, those who were spawned from the Dark Ones, became those of the sect. The high priests have the same ability as those of thy people Isabella, in which they can call upon the dragons to give them aid. They often ride them into battle. Very little is written about the Dark ones themselves." Eric went on.
"They have the ability to hurl fire, ice, or a liquid that burns everything it touches. Yet like the ancient ones they are vulnerable to dracisium. I will translate what more I can and send thee what I learn."
Isabella nodded solemnly and raised her left hand. A massive rolled up piece of parchment slid off a shelf and landed on an equally large table, the length of several people, near her. It unravelled and several objects moved to weigh down the corners. Jasper stood next to Isabella and looked down at what appeared to be a very old, very detailed map. Great expanses of forest were shown, the main roads that intersected the tiny villages ran like veins through the country.
To east was a large range of low lying mountains. To the north, another range, these ones much higher, and from the map Jasper could see these were snow covered. Towards the southeast the forest on the map changed slightly, and disappeared completely to the west into what Jasper could see was named the Dralisium. He guessed this was the place Isabella had refered as the Great Plains.
"Is this Forks?" he asked. Isabella nodded.
"I did not realise Forks was so large," Alice said. Isabella pointed to a rocky section near the great spread of sea of the left side of the map.
"This is Haven," she then moved further down the table and pointed to a castle near the mountains on the right side of the map. "This is Baliee," even seeing where the castle on the map sent a shiver down Isabella's spine. Eric traced a wide berth around the castle.
"Thou must avoid this area. Jacob told me that Victoria have set watches in the forest. Isabella, we will need allies from all the races of Forks. None wish to remain under Victoria's rule and with thy bloodline thou should find no shortage of allies," he said. Jasper wondered what he meant by Isabella's bloodline, but pushed it to the back of his mind as Eric continued. "I think it would be wise to speak to those the royal houses of Forks first. The humans shall take the longest to muster their troops. How many of the families are still loyal to thee, I know not."
"How am I to know who are loyal and who are not? I cannot just walk up to the gates and ask for an oath of loyalty," Isabella said. Eric opened a small wooden box on one of the shelves behind him and passed a small clasp to Isabella. She fingered it gently, a tear coming unconsciously to her eyes.
"What is it Bells?" Edward said, sensing her mood change immediately.
"Bells?" Jasper said, his hand on her arm. Isabella blinked the tear away quickly.
"It be the old royal seal," she said. The clasp, which was for a cloak, was a silver circle made from two crescent moons side by side, and the image of a Dragon in flight. "Victoria changed the seal when she took the throne. Anything with my family's royal seal was destroyed. How could thee have this?" Isabella asked.
"When thee arrived here, all those years ago, I found it hidden amongst thy belongings. It was thy mothers. It belongs to thee. Those who are thou allies will know thee by that symbol," Eric said. Isabella looked at the clasp a moment longer before putting on the table. Looking to change the subject she pointed at the large section of the map relating to the provinces of the royal houses of Forks.
"There are many provinces to visit, it shall take us months to see them all, not to mention the danger of Victoria's allies," Isabella said. Eric gave her a mysterious smile that Isabella had come to know well over the years. He pointed to a small province only a few days ride from Haven.
"I believe that thou should seek out Caius Maléthor, before any other. I am sure he shall be able to help thee where I cannot," Isabella didn't question him further, knowing it wouldn't do any good. She would go to Maléthor province first and find her answers there.
"After the humans, who should I seek out next?" she asked. The next few hours were spent poring over the map of Forks, Eric outlining where allies could be sought and how the different peoples could be approached. Isabella and the other's listened carefully, taking Eric's advice to heart.
It was dusk when the group had finally outlined their journey. Isabella sent the others to the galley to eat, while she made sure that their provisions were ready for their departure. As she went to leave the library she turned back to Eric.
"Jacob has not left has he?" she asked. Eric shook his head.
"Nay, he sleeps in one of the chambers. He will leave at dawn to head south. I am sure he wishes to see thee before thou both leave," Isabella nodded and went to leave but Eric stopped her, handing her a rolled up parchment.
"What is this?" she asked. She unrolled it, but the parchment was a blank. Eric smiled and spoke the words 'Talreesian.' The surface of the parchment blurred and the section of the giant map showing the thriving trading citadel of Talreesian appeared. Isabella gave a surprised laugh.
"Eric, thou never cease to amaze," she said. Eric swept her into a hug, something he rarely did.
"Take care little one." he said. Isabella grinned, rolling up the parchment and taking it with her.
Before dawn Isabella awoke, her body tense with the ancipation she always felt before a journey. She bathed, tied her hair back in a thick plait and dressed quickly, back into the sturdy breeches and steel-capped boots, a soft sleeveless shirt, leather gauntlets and jerkin. A dusky grey-green cloak fell softly over her shoulders to the floor, her sword and dagger completed her dress. Her satchel was already packed with her pouch of herbs and ointments, thick leather gloves, a comb, two spare shirts, spare pair of breeches as well as all the things she normally took with her on a journey. Looking out her open windows she saw it was raining. She was disappointed that the way would be slow going but at the same time she loved the smells of the forest when it rained. Isabella sighed, taking one last look at her chamber, then with Mason and Ty at her heels she left her chambers in search of the others.
Jasper gave a groan as Isabella poked him in the ribs.
"Oh god, it's back to days in the saddle isn't it," he said, squinting up at her. She shook her head.
"Try weeks," she said. "Forks be a big country. May even be months." Jasper groaned again, then sat up.
"I must have been insane to sign up for this," he groaned. Isabella shrugged.
"Chin up soldier, thou asked to come and Eric agrees thy presence is needed. So get ready, we leave soon," she said, standing up and making her way to the door. Jasper opened his windows.
"But it's raining," he said. Isabella turned and grinned as she left.
Her next stop was the stables. She didn't bother to check on Edward, Alice, or the others going with her, because she knew only Jasper had trouble waking early. Instead of finding Amun, she found Edward and Jacob. Edward was checking their supplies and Jacob was preparing to leave. Isabella grinned at them both.
"Everything in order?" she asked Edward. He nodded. She turned to Jacob, who pulled her into a hug.
"Be careful Bells," he said. "Thou ride into dangerous territory."
"I know this," she said. "Yet it be nothing I and my companions can not handle."
"I can believe that," he said, rubbing his wrist. "I only wish I could accompany thee. Yet my patrol sends me south, whilst thou goes west," Isabella nodded. Jacob continued to saddle his horse. Edward tossed Isabella an apple.
"Isabella, I have the sneaking suspicious that thou have timed this out so we reach Angela's province in time for midsummer, has thou not," he said. Isabella grinned, taking a bite out of her apple.
"Indeed," she replied. "They are famous for their festivals." Jacob led his horse out of the stall.
"Farewell," he said, embracing Isabella again, and clasping Edward's shoulder. He pulled his cloak hood over his head and he led his horse out of the stables and down the hidden path to the beach. Isabella sighed then turned away, occupying herself with her saddlebags. She and Edward had not spent much time alone since that night in the forest after the Manticore's had attacked. They also had not spoken about what had passed between them.
"What troubles thee?" Edward asked, gently moving her chin so she was forced to look at him.
"Naught," she said, moving away from his touch. Edward didn't believe her for a second. He knew her too well. Placing a hand on her shoulder he gently turned her around to face him.
"Bell, thou can talk to me about anything," he said. She sighed, looking him in the face for the first time.
"I do not like the idea of my friends in danger," she lied.
"Bells, we are always in danger. This time be no different," he said, having guessed what the real reason behind her discomfit was. In truth he wasn't sure how to act around her either. In all the years they had known each other, they had been the closest of friends. Edward wasn't even sure when he had begun to see her as more than a friend. Yet when she had left for Earth and returned with Jasper, he had truly come to realise it. His beautiful, courageous, remarkable friend had wound her way around his heart. Their brief kiss had lingered in his mind, and he no longer knew where he stood with her.
"Isabella," he said quietly, all humour gone from his vibrant green eyes. "Everything is alright between us, is it not?" he asked. Isabella flushed guiltily. He was not alone in not knowing where they stood with each other. Isabella had always considered him her closest friend, but just recently felt that her feelings towards him may be changing. After their encounter, she had tried her best to avoid being alone with Edward, not knowing what to say to him. Now she realised how much she missed her best friends company.
"Of course everything be alright between us. Why would it not?" she asked, unable to stop herself from gripping one of his hands between hers.
"It be… nothing," he said, patting her hands. "Come, we have long hard journey before us, let us say goodbye to the others in the galley," they turned and left the stables together.
They kept their goodbyes at the galley brief and very soon Isabella and the others were back at the stables preparing to leave. Amun tried hard to keep the disappointed look of his face. He longed to ride as a shadreis like his older brother, Ormeno, but he was too young, and his ability with the horses made him invaluable around Haven. He saluted to Isabella as she led Seth out of his stall. She saluted back, before turning and leading him down the path to the shore. There on the sand, she mounted, and watched patiently as the others made their way down the hidden stone path to the ground. Around them the day dawned, the sky grey and dismal.
For summer the weather was surprisingly chill. Whilst the others drew their hoods, Isabella kept hers down. She turned her face to sky and let the rain patter across her cheeks. When they reached the edge of the forest, Ormeno, Nianva and Asheea all saluted Isabella, their fists held over their hearts, then swept out in her direction. She saluted back, and they parted company.
"Where are they going?" Jasper asked.
"They are performing their duties as shadreis. It means shadows. If we are attacked then we have the element of surprise on our side," Isabella explained. Jasper nodded, thinking that made sense. Now under the cover of the trees, the rain had ceased to hit them, so they pulled back their hoods. They could hear the soft patter as it hit the leaves of the canopy above them. Every so often a heavy drop would fall from the leaves above. Jasper grimaced as one rolled down his neck. The forest around them was quiet, grey and gloomy.
"Bells," Jasper said, wanting to break the silence. "Um, I am just wondering about something Eric said. About your bloodline. What did he mean?" Isabella chewed her bottom lip for a second, thinking of how to phrase her answer.
"I am, not what thou would call completely, human," she said.
Jasper looked confused. "What do you mean, not completely human?" he asked.
"Well, whilst my ancestors from both my father's and mother's families are mostly human, some are not. On my mothers side I have the blood of the Twrila, the fey that dwell within the forests, the Arcosan, those who dwell in the snows, and the Feliaki, the tribes of the western islands. My human blood dates back to my ancestor, who as thou knows was from Earth. On my fathers side be the blood of the Seath, folk of the sea, and the Elaric themselves are the descendants of the Dragon Solaris, and his couplings with several maidens of the ancient human tribes during the dawning. My human blood dates back to the dawning, and from the Llangora tribes of the southern forest," she broke off, a little embarrassed by the look on Jasper's face. He ran his hand through his hair, trying to digest what he had just heard. The girl he had feelings for, had just told him that she wasn't human.
"Thou must understand that Isabella's bloodline be very important," Mason said striding between the two horses. "As she has blood ties with all the peoples of Forks, with the exception of the dwarves, she is the only person who can truly unite and lead them," Jasper just nodded. The group fell silent, the only noise was the soft fall of rain, and padding of the horses hooves on the damp ground.
The rain became heavier and heavier as the day progressed, the large drops that fell from the canopy became more and more frequent. Isabella pulled her horse back in line with Edward's.
"We need to find shelter for the night. What do thou think?" she asked. Edward thought for a moment.
"There be the ruins of Daynilya. I know it be not on the way to Maléthor, yet we have sheltered there before," he suggested. Isabella nodded in agreement.
"Aye, of course, and it be not far off our path," she said. Isabella spoke quietly to Emmett, who rode, as usual, at the head of the group. He led them off down a small, unmarked path. Half an hour later they were setting up camp, under the remains of small temple roof. The night closed in quickly on the small group.
Sorry for the delay folks, hope this chapter makes up for it :)
Let me know what you think
xx Isobel
Check out the character list for Prophecy and True North
.?sid=4801