Chapter 22 The mysterious creature

Within Temptation The Howling

Nuada

I led the way into a tunnel. Usually fey networks are underground, but this one was above ground, hidden by a trail of moss leaves. I said the code words, gesturing over the hidden stone.

"Wow, secret passage!"

"Yes. It will be dark, so hold my hand." I gripped her wrist so the scar wouldn't hurt.

"I'm not a baby." Must she protest now? I did not let her go. Her hand was slightly cold. I squeezed. I will protect you.

She added cheerily,"But it is nice. Like being on a date together."

"What does a date mean? On this day?"

The doorway gaped open inwards. I waved my free hand to sense for other presences and if the air was damp. None. I hope it was not slippery. Halfway through, we didn't encounter any trouble. This had been used recently, I think.

I smiled. This was the first time I had not prepared ahead of time. I had been too sleepy yesterday and spent the day in bed.

"No, going steady with a girlfriend."

You have no idea how accurate you are, I began shielding this thought. "Nuada."

She urged when I did not say anything. The passage had come to an end. I could make out two to three exits. Were there traps? No skeletons impaled on spikes or decomposing bodies. So there should not be any.

"Shh when we're out. Now I must concentrate."

I told her to wait while I inched forward. My vision adjusted to the dim light. The exits all led to street level. The one on the extreme right was out, no ladder. The other two exits had handholds and steps roughly hewn into the stonework. I Sent a silent prayer to Ceridwen. According to experience, any traps triggered would come from the right and left. I knelt first to see if there were any loose stones.

Laira held still. Good. "I am not scared. But is there a better way than here? Are you sure?"

"To be truthful, no to both. It's my first time." Satisfied no traps would be triggered, I chose the middle steps. A click sound. I leapt down and pulled her aside.

Oh shit! She thought.

There are no traps. I will protect you.

The steps protruded out, making it easier for climbing. I rested my weight. "You will follow. I'm climbing up now. It's safe." Sounds of wares and people trundling above.

The entrance had no door, so the sunlight almost blinded me. It got better after a while. Out in the open!

"Nuada, are you ok?" she called.

I turned and peeked down. "Come up. There're handholds at the side."

"Ok." Footsteps hesitant, then her shoes rubbed the stone. I pulled her up. The momentum bumped the girl into my stomach. I breathed in her scent.

Laira

Nuada wanted to do things the intrepid way! Man! But I trusted him. His friend had introduced me to the weird guy in the cloak. Why couldn't he let us see his face? It was spooky but coolly romantic walking with the elf in the tunnels.

Why were there no torches or lights? I almost couldn't see! I was glad he helped me out but I knocked into his stomach.

He smiled when I looked up at him. "Come."

"Why couldn't we take the carriage? It's fun."

"It's too long waiting."

I had not understood the fey exchange. This elf was so heated that he wanted to draw his weapon already. Nuala had paled a bit. I wish he would explain what happened. But after I got the cream, no doubt at a high cost, Nuada fell silent. I wonder why. I hoped it's not bad news.

I had assured him not to be angry and if there was any problem, I didn't want the treatment. He insisted it was nothing.

"Can we talk?"

"Um." Nuada glanced around, alert. "What is it?"

"Why were you mad at the monster creature? The medicine worked fine. Was it the cost?"

He waited for a moment before speaking. "Lyra, I was angry at his insolence. He was not polite to us. I told him why you got the scar and… he recommended surgery. I did not want that… he did not specify how he would get it done."

"I guess he's some sort of god."

"We negotiated the costs and decided on a cream instead." Without acknowledging my words. Hmm, it sounded like the prince was not being truthful. He is bad at lying, his hesitation and long pauses meant something was up.

"It was like a huge foreign movie on the set! And your friend also." I joked. The elf glanced at me with a half-smile. "I'm hungry. Got any food?"

He opened his bag and handed me a sandwich. It smelled nice, chicken with some stuffing. I suggested that I had brought some money and could change that to fey money. Could not always depend on his hospitality.

Nuada shot me a glance filled with amusement? He didn't smile, but his mind was laughing. My sensitivity was improving, haha!

I mused, "You have done a lot for me."

"It's my duty. I owe you twice over." Nuada was totally stoic about that. "It is fey in manner to repay one's saviour."

How many times would he repeat that statement? I didn't want the explanation. Heck I didn't know clearly what I wanted!

"Like I said, friendship is enough. Saviour is overstating it."

"Makes no difference, Halfling. We are bonded closer than I ever had before."

What? He has never slept with another woman? A virgin male! I almost laughed but I changed that to a cough.

The medicine man was not around when we reached his hovel. The elf called out in Gaelic for him to show himself. I let my right hand, more sensitive to air change, feel the frigid air. It froze like a supernatural chill.

I asked, "Is he here?"

Nuada had his blades out in a flash, spinning oppositional arcs. He told me to stay where I was and crept into the darkened area toward the back. Then that thing appeared suddenly. His golden eyes widened. All senses clouded, no sound. The creature descended from above, laughing like a corpse. I couldn't see Nuada. My heart pounded.

I sat on the floor, feeling weak. "Lyra show him your hand. I am here." He spoke firmly.

Somewhere near me.

I gingerly opened my palm but the creature seized my wrist with a mottled hand. I squeaked. Its voice was neither male nor female. I hoped that the prince was close by. Freaking out here!

Nuada

I didn't know if the child could feel my presence. All my senses were heightened. I hugged the wall and silently made my way back where we had come in. I gripped the swords tighter.

Don't be afraid. Trust me. The thing laughed madly. I swear I won't subject anyone I love to the guise of such a demon again. I will kill him if he breaks his promise! His wings extended to darken the whole place. I strained to see what was happening.

The darkness lifted slightly. Freak landed, his cloak sagging on the ground. Laira's head darted from side to side. I pressed her shoulder. Her scar had become faint now. "Did you bring the pieces as instructed, Silverlance?" he boomed.

"Yes." I showed him the money pouch. Jangled to let him hear it. I hated his grating cackles. "What's so funny? You haven't identified yourself. That is rude."

"Oh thank you. Mortals, elves, all living creatures make me laugh. I'm an immortal yet cursed and bound to this place Harrogath's Peak. My parents were fallen angels. Unfortunately I did not inherit their appearance and my face got scarred. I am given the Talents to see into hearts predict destinies. Healing is a side business. It interests me that you've come back from the dead. Silverlance. Providence works in many ways. And you love superceding our predictions."

I relaxed and sheathed my swords. Laira was frowning and trying to comprehend our speech. Good thing she could not. I kept him in my sight and her behind me.

"You were sent by Ariadne, an agent? Why?"

"No, by Morrigan, overseer of souls. She was so keen on testing your faith with mortals again." More laughter from him.

"Then your test is done." Still no name, but at least I knew his intentions were not to harm us.

"You have passed, prince! But your trials are not over. Many still oppose you, from the time you woke the Army. I also know of your various emotional burdens that are too heavy."

Damn. Softly, I said, "I know now it was wrong. Is there any way that the rebels will desist and I can live in the light again?"

He cackled. A miasma cloaked him once more as he rose into the air. "Enlightening to hear that, elf. Closest to an apology. Thank you for the money. "

Why need the money? He doesn't live here! "Ah because money will buy my way up there. To purgatory where I purchase miraculous creams. This girl has no more pain now right?"

"Does your hand ache?"

She smiled. I felt thankful now. Bowing low, I requested, "Thank you. May I know your name?"

"Xanith." Then he was gone. The house too. We gasped. An old cedar tree stood some distance away, symbols on it. The rest was all grass.

"Like he never existed, nor the place! What was that? You need to tell me! Why do you always go into foreign movie mode?"

I took her hand. "Let's head down. I will tell you briefly what took place. He is the son of fallen- angels…." She pressed for more details if I brushed over it.

"What else? That can't be it."

"It is. I didn't leave out anything."

"Nuada, you care for me. You actually do."

I smiled. "Now it won't hurt anymore. No more excuses for not writing. But I wished he had made the scar fade."

"Never mind. I keep a souvenir." We laughed together.

Now was the opportune time to break the news. I wanted somewhere private. Bethmora central in the maze. How appropriate and fitting it would be, once I played there with Nuala.

She complained she could not walk anymore. "Blisters. Can we ride a horse?"

I agreed. We came across a stable. Many horses. I chose a black stallion. Negotiating was all right. The owner said I looked trustworthy. Laira had not ridden before, so I lifted her up and straddled the stallion behind her.

Laira

Wow! Bumpy on a horse and the wind whipping my hair into my eyes. Nuada's firm arms around me was so reassuring. I leaned back against his chest.

Nuala telepathically spoke to me, You're riding?

I answered: oh you can feel it?

Yes his senses are connected to mine once more! I feel the wind and the thrill. So cool.

It's fun! And your bro near me. Anytime, we'll show you the stables.

"Hey, Nuada, it's so romantic," I remarked. My face flushed. He heard me perfectly right?

"I agree. Do you think it is possible for different races to be together?"

"Well, yea if their parents are all right too. Is it like an arranged marriage?"

"No a voluntary decision. I have no parents now," he replied. But he sounded cheerful not grieving.

I smiled. Finally Nuada had a target! Going with some elf, siren or sexy chick. The new agent maybe- Liz said she just came and would help them on missions. Did he want my advice? "Just go for it, man. Love has no boundaries after all. Love is gentle and all encompassing. I mean true love."

"It is. We're here." Near his favorite maze. The rest of the journey was quiet. I think he was contemplating stuff. I was sleepy and content for his support. In a while, the prince slowed the horse and said something in Gaelic. We dismounted, he kissed its nose and then it galloped away.

"Ah! That was our ride! What are you doing?" Inside I shouted, No! Come back!

"I only had cash for renting, so it is supposed to return."

The fountain was devoid of people. Nuada led me into the maze. Golden hair streamed over his shoulders, in his dark blue robe- he fit the sunset in the background. So I missed what he was saying, my visual context filling up my head. Silverlance, against the perfect backdrop.

Nuada said, "Human and elf together. You see the healer said something else that day."

He took both my hands and looked deep into my eyes. "I was very angry at first. Could not accept what he stated. We are bond-mates." His voice was intense despite his softness.

I felt faint. He held me steady against his chest. "What?" I squeaked. Me?

"Elves have only one soulmate. I never found mine- thought Nuala was my twin and already my soulmate. I lost so much in the past that I hardened my heart to let no one else in. I am given a new life now. And you, Lirael, were always beside me."

I was stunned and my tears came. Weird clash of emotions. But leaping with passion and joy! He continued, "We're good friends, and I think of you as my baby sister. What do you think?"

"I didn't expect it to be like that. I thought you'll choose your race. An elf too."

"You are half-fey. Inside you are pure and generous. Traits I admire in you." His ambers clouded with tears. Will you accept?

How can I not? "Yea you are the prince. It's to my advantage for me to accept." I said, pulling away. Nuada chuckled.

"I am sleepy though. Your place," I commented, walking out. He asked me why no intimacy or strong feelings. "Can we take it easy first? Of course I like you a lot too."

The pixies and trolls chattering with one another. Almost no one outside.

He spent some time thinking over my answer. "All right. Let us continue our friendship and understanding."

We made a pact, shaking hands. He didn't want to do pinky fingers. Aw! "Secret first. Oh what about Joe? Can I tell him?"

Nuada smiled. "Not yet.. I will need time to break it to him. He does get hot-tempered. I'm concerned for his mental health."

"Hmm, you also, fierce guy."

"True, I concede. And I am poor in diplomacy. You have the freedom of choice in this. Soulmates have to be willing."

I am Nuada. Can you feel my true sincerity? I won't let anybody get in the way.

He guided me down the non railing steps. Haha you're rash now. Are you good at diplomacy?if so, you can try with him.

I did want to practice with the wedding. Your sister's. Speaking of which, will you break Abe and her up?

He flashed a gold color. How do I spoil it? I have no choice. It just feels painful that my twin is making a major decision like this without me. His hand felt damp.

It was dark. I heard his breathing change. "Hey don't be sad."

"I am not." Isn't it my job to comfort him? How to do that? The elf settled down on a stone chair and covered his face. I rested my hand on his back. He stiffened. Was he crying? Trying his best to muffle it.

I said supportively, "You still have the rest of us, Red, me and Liz. We will be your friends still, it won't change. I'll hit Abe if he stops you. Though I don't imagine he dares to."

Nuada heaved a sigh.

You cannot possibly feel what I am going through. It is horrible. I've been selfish before and Nuala opened herself to me. I don't want to lose this bond. When my mother died, she was all I had left. Father protected her from my destructiveness. My advisors said I was the darkness. It isn't true. I don't want to be dark. I love her very much. Is that wrong? I want to stop this weakening bond, but I cannot… His right hand connected with mine, I Saw all these in clear images, his so-called advisors talking about him that way, his father looking grim, an invisible barrier between the twins. His fierce devotion as a knight to his princess.

Nuada really needed to talk more. Like a flood all these crashed out.

I told him in a subtle way how I loved him despite all these darkness. And it was true! I wish I have some counseling tips. The poor elf was all broken. He must be so tired.