Gems of Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy Read online

When I return, I will be different.

  She would return somehow. She started down the dark path. A hand grabbed her from behind and pulled her taut against a man’s chest. Another hand covered her mouth. Her arms found new strength as she heaved on his arm of steel. It didn’t budge. She thrust her elbow back, aiming for his ribs but he nimbly avoided the move while keeping her mouth covered.

  “Quiet,” he whispered in her ear as he pulled her behind the dense shrubbery lining the path. She squirmed, ripping open the scabs on her back. “Shh. I’ll let you go once you promise not to scream,” the man’s voice said. Anna nodded. “I’m here to help you.” The man’s calloused hands released her.

  His voice lost its accent. It seemed familiar.

  Her head throbbed in confusion.

  “Take off your veil.”

  She did. He shifted her a bit more into the moonlight. She figured if he wanted to kill or rape her, he already would have. She had so little strength left, it would have been easy.

  “You must be from the north,” he said. “Your eyes, your look, your speech patterns all point to Sunderland,” he said. “I cannot stand by and watch one of our girls be captured and treated this way.”

  “Who are you?”

  He paused. “I can’t tell you, but when I leave, I’m taking you with me.”

  Anna didn’t know if her night could get any stranger. The adrenaline seeped out of her limbs and utter exhaustion returned. This man could be lying. He could be taking her anywhere, but she knew she would be worked to literal death here. Kumud would enjoy it.

  “That is, assuming you want to come,” he said, his tone softer now, his eyes assessing her face.

  “Can I trust you?” His face was cloaked in darkness.

  “More than your desert prince. You don’t want to become his exotic plaything, do you?” There was a note of defensiveness in his voice.

  “I don’t think he’s like that.”

  “How would you know?”

  “How do I know you’re any different?” Anna asked, though her heart had already decided.

  “You don’t. But I’ve been watching you. You don’t belong here. I promise to take you home, but the choice is obviously yours.”

  Hope kindled in Anna.

  “How would I find you?” she asked.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll find you,” he said, his voice confident.

  “My father would reward you for my return,” she said.

  “Is he a lord?”

  “He’s rich.”

  She could almost feel his smile in the darkness. She looked up, but he was gone.

  Chapter 6

  The day Micah left with Prince Alastair ripped Anna to the core. It had been a month since he’d come, and Anna had fallen into a rhythm of work. Her back healed and her arms grew stronger. Kumud sometimes even gave the slaves a portion of meat a couple times a week. He never gave her any, but one of the older women would slip her a piece or two once in a while. Anna kept her head down, attended her duties and saw Micah occasionally. She continued to wait on the prince in the tavern, where she felt his curious eyes following her. She was tempted to tell him the truth. He could send word to her father. She sighed through her nose. And probably start a war. If the other man was true to his word, she would get out soon enough. If he was even at the palace anymore. She hadn’t seen him at the tavern lately, although he was usually a regular. If he had abandoned her, she’d come up with another plan.

  Finally the day of Alastair’s departure arrived. Anna was allowed to help Micah pack for their trip. Micah chatted happily.

  “We will be traveling south in a caravan,” she said, no longer bothering to keep her voice low. Her eyes sparkled. “He says after the journey, we’ll return to his house where I can be one of his personal servants.”

  “How lovely,” said Anna, smiling. She was truly happy for her friend, though her stomach wrenched at the thought of her leaving with the prince. Micah was her only friend, and she felt safer with the prince in the tavern most nights.

  They walked outside together. “Good-bye and good luck, Micah,” she said, hugging her a bit longer than necessary. This was her last chance to tell her everything. A thought pricked her, and as she let go, she prayed for wisdom to the Most High, the god of Sunderland. The answer came almost audibly.

  Wait.

  “I haven’t thanked you enough for saving me that day,” Micah whispered.

  “You needn’t thank me,” Anna answered.

  “If there is anything I can do to help you, I will. I won’t forget.” Micah squeezed her hand. There it was. Anna could trust Micah with the truth in hopes she would someday help her. The words stuck in her throat.

  “Good luck, Micah,” Anna said as she helped her friend on a thin chestnut gelding. “I’ll miss you.”

  Another servant attached a rope to the horse’s bridle to lead him from his horse, as Micah didn’t know how to ride. Micah glanced back and waved. Anna bowed as the prince crossed her path. She was right to refrain from speaking to him. He was obviously in some sort of alliance with Anwar. It wasn’t worth the risk. He winked at her as he passed.

  Anna walked back to the palace with one last glance over her shoulder. The horses and camels were moving out, and soon even the dust from their caravan had settled in the distance.

  The palace seemed lonely without Micah and the shifts in the tavern were exhausting. She occasionally scanned the rooms for the man who’d promised to get her out. She wasn’t even sure what he looked like and wondered if she had imagined the whole thing.

  The next weeks dragged on as Anna went about her duties. At least Anwar was on a journey and wouldn’t return for a month. The palace was always less tense with him gone. Anna smiled even as her stomach rumbled for her small nightly rice bowl because she knew Micah was eating better. The poor girl deserved it.

  She was alone one night as she folded the last sheet and scooped up a pile to put away. Kumud rushed in the room.

  What could he want? Probably wants me to dye my hair again. He’d noticed the new blonde hair growing in and tried to punish her for it before she’d told him the traders had dyed her hair. Since then he had been providing spices to keep her hair black.

  “A rider just arrived with news that the Lord Anwar is returning early,” Kumud said. “His maids are with him. Go to his private quarters and check that his bed is arranged properly.”

  “But, Kumud—”

  “Just do it!” he yelled and raced out the door.

  Anna didn’t know where the lord’s private quarters were. Oh, well. This will be a chance to explore. Anna walked through the dining area where a few guests were still reclining. She jumped when she felt a tug on her sleeve.

  A dusty, dirty man pointed to his cup.

  “Can you get me some water?” His eyes cut through her. He tilted his head to the side.

  Anna checked for Kumud.

  “I’m not allowed to speak to the guests,” she said in a hurry. “But I’ll see what I can do.”

  The man sat up straighter. Sparkling blue eyes shone out from under dark, messy hair. His voice was younger than his appearance.

  “If you haven’t changed your mind, bring me some water.”

  Anna jerked her head back to the man. Was this the same man?

  Anna nodded and bumped straight into Kumud, who grabbed her by the back of the neck. She flinched.

  “What are you doing?” His eyes bulged out of his head. “I would have you killed for talking to a guest again if I didn’t need your work.”

  “He—he stopped me and asked for water,” Anna explained. “He’s been on a long journey.”

  Kumud shoved her. “Attend to the lord’s room; I’ll take care of our guest!”

  Anna ran out of the room. Where are the lord’s dratted private quarters, anyway? And how am I to get water to that man? She peeked back at him. He had a colorful turban on his head, with bushy black hair sticking out the sides and almost covering his eyes.
His long, scraggly beard would have been black, if it hadn’t been for all the dust and who knows what else stuck in there. Anna swallowed. Could she trust him?

  She hurried to the forbidden hallway and rushed to find the lord’s room. Butterflies filled her stomach as her pulse throbbed. There were so many rooms! Some were accessed from the hall, while others could only be entered from another interior room. One had a quiet reflecting pool—a private bath for the King. She had to be getting close.

  She opened a door to a room filled with strange statues of unnatural creatures—a lion with the head and wings of an eagle, a man-like statue with the head of a wolf and a red serpent curled around a black tree trunk. In the center of the room sat a massive wooden table. Large, dark cabinets lined the walls. The air was thicker in here, like an invisible presence tightened the air around her, pressing against her. Tiny hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She moved on, peeking in doorways until she finally found a chamber with a majestic bed. This must be it! Anna quickly re-made the bed and fluffed the pillows. She opened the curtains to let in a little light and filled the water basins with fresh water.

  As she set down the last pitcher, she heard voices in the hall. Oh, no, they’re back already! And they’re coming! Anna dashed out into the hall and bolted for the first open door—the room with the statues. One of the cabinet doors was open. She darted for it. She’d hide until they passed and sneak back out. The voices grew louder in the hall just outside. Startled, Anna yanked the door shut behind her. Footsteps and gruff voices approached.

  “Where is that northern scum?” said one.

  “He’ll be here, my patient lord. He’s just entered the tavern,” answered another voice.

  “Get him at once!”

  The servants scurried out, but Anna could tell by the footsteps pacing on the hard floor that the one giving the orders was still in the room. Probably Anwar. Anna heard the sound of the shades being drawn tight. The room darkened.

  There was a courtesy knock on the door as several men stepped in the room.

  “Your men must wait outside,” said the first voice to the newcomer. “This is private business.”

  “Very well, Lord Anwar.”

  “And your sword stays outside as well. There are not many legends that do not reach my ears, sir. Your mastery of the sword is one of them.”

  “Thank you,” said the voice again. Anna’s blood froze. It was his voice. It couldn’t be. She tried in vain to peer through the cracks around the door.

  “Can I offer you a drink?” asked Anwar. “I understand you had a hasty journey.”

  “Just water, thank you. I do not have long before I’ll be missed,” hissed the voice. “I am supposed to be checking on the southern armies.”

  It was unmistakable now. Seamus. The fury inside Anna was only held back by the fear and knowledge that if she were heard at all, she was as good as dead. She held her breath.

  “Did you bring me the gems?” Anwar asked.

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Anna heard the sound of polished stones rattling out of a pouch onto the table.

  “Ah, these will do nicely. Put the red jasper around your neck. It will protect you. Oh, I’ve never seen such hematite—this will open our minds. The spirits in this room will awaken. They will give us knowledge and power. We will see the future.”

  Seamus didn’t answer. Anna imagined this was new ground for him.

  “What are you going to do?” asked Seamus, his voice cautious.

  “These statues represent powerful beings. They are the gods of old. The gems will allow us to connect to each one and glean what we can from them,” he said with intensity. “They will tell us when the time is ripe to move on Sunderland. All in return for our devotion and blood. They demand blood.” Anna heard the quick intake of breath as she assumed he sliced his hand—or was it Seamus’s?

  “Are you ready for your throne?” he asked.

  There was a moment of silence in which Anna assumed Seamus nodded.

  “You understand what would happen if you reneged now?”

  “Of course, my lord. I have no such intentions.”

  “Oh—to rule the north! I can feel it already.” Anwar took a deep breath. “And these gems—the wealth of the world will be mine.”

  Anna’s pulse raced. She heard someone light a small fire. In an instant Anna smelled thick, sweet incense filling the air. A pink cloud of smoke crept through the edges of her hiding place. A soft red glow appeared through the cracks around the cabinet door.

  The fire crackled and popped as Anwar dropped more herbs in it. Anna tried to peek out through the lock. She could barely make out the fire. It flickered like someone’s hands were dancing over it. The sickeningly sweet air sent waves of queasiness through her. She covered her mouth with the front of her dress, but the odor still penetrated her lungs.

  Her head whirled as Anwar’s voice transformed into a dull, slow chant. Anna tried to block out the voice that was knocking at the edge of her mind. Louder and louder, she couldn’t stop it. Evil. It wanted to shred her. Rip her. Kill her. She closed her eyes but couldn’t rid her mind of the thing with terrible red eyes and claws that were ready to tear her apart. She was fighting. And losing. She was so tired. She slipped to the cabinet’s floor.

  Desperately, she thought of home. The priest. Her mother. Anything but here. Rolling hills of green. Cool, swift streams, horses’ hooves throwing sod in their thundering wake. She concentrated and felt Farley under her again, galloping hard and eating up ground with huge strides. He was galloping toward Karfin—toward the chapel. She saw the lamp. The voices slowed in her head, but Anwar’s voice was still chanting. A new voice sounded.

  “In two moons, the scene will be set. A full moon will light the way. The city of white rock will fall. The dead will be your prey.”

  Anna focused on the riddle. The claws pricked her mind. She almost cried out in pain. The evil eyes bored holes through her. The lamp, chapel and Farley vanished and she was standing in front of the evil presence. Fully exposed, arms out. Claws reached for her throat, and Anna screamed in her mind, No, I refuse you. I refuse you. Leave me! She clamped her eyes shut and pulled her hair so the pain would block out the horrible voice. The claws lessened their grip on her throat, but the eyes pierced her soul.

  A new voice, soft and sweet, now filled the air. The grip loosened as if listening as well.

  “A bit of caution we give you now. A prisoner will run free. If the truth is told in time, your defeat is sure to be…”

  The pressure was back twice as hard like long fingers of steel around her throat. She gasped for air, clawing at her throat and dropping to her knees. For the first time, she thought she would die. She fought the foul images in her mind and the overwhelming darkness they brought with them. She squeezed her eyes shut and remembered the chapel and the light on the altar. It was flickering in the back of her mind, small and unattended. She focused on that light, drawing it out, toward her. The blackness increased its grip in desperation. Again Anna saw red evil eyes boring into hers, even with her eyes closed.

  No! Leave me alone! Anna screamed in her head again. She thought of the chapel’s light again and called to it in her mind. Fire and light pulsed through her. The pressure on her neck let go, and she sucked great gulps of air into her lungs. With a jolt she fell against the back of the armoire. It was gone. In the same instant, the fire in the room flashed and went out. She opened her eyes, panting, hoping against hope that no one had heard her.

  “What happened?” asked Seamus.

  “Something incredibly powerful interrupted our connection,” Anwar said in a weary voice.

  “Can you try again?”

  “No. I am too drained. Hand me a bandage. The spirits feed on the energy in my blood and that in the gems.” Anwar paused. “We may know enough. At the second full moon, the time will be right. What could the spirit have been saying about a prisoner?”

  “I wouldn’t know, my lord.”r />
  “Do you have more gems?”

  “A whole chest full, my lord.”

  “Hmm. With these gems, I will be able to discern the meaning. If someone stands to thwart us, I will discover and eliminate them. The gods will help. We have time. How many men are following you?”

  “Hundreds will follow me to the death,” said Seamus. “They are ready to move when you say the time is right. After all the royal heads are gone, you’ll have your way with the armies. Trust me,” he chuckled. “That stupid king won’t know what hit him.”

  “Are you, then, in agreement that I shall control all the north, with you on the throne, but answering to me?” the king asked. “You will pay your tribute in gems of power.”

  Anna heard Seamus make a kissing noise toward the floor. She assumed he had either kissed the lord’s hand or feet. Disgusting. Worse was the slow panic rising in her heart. Seamus was plotting to overthrow her father. She thought of the man in the tavern. She must find him. She must warn her father.

  “My king, you have the mind and will of one of the great rulers of the past. You will be my lord and be remembered forever for your greatness and glory in this kingdom and all the way to the north,” Seamus said, groveling before him. Anna thought she was going to be sick. She was already dizzy from the incense.

  “Then our time is set?”

  “Two moons,” answered Seamus.

  “Two moons,” said the king. “You won’t regret giving me these gems. The spirits will guide us to victory. Now, refresh yourself and be on your way. We don’t want you seen.”

  “Thank you, my king.” Seamus left the room. My king. He should hang for uttering those words alone. Anna heard others join the king, who apparently ate a meal. He now spoke to his subjects in a language Anna couldn’t understand. Would they ever leave?

  After several hours of sitting in the cramped armoire, Anna’s eyelids grew heavy. Fatigue took over, and she slept. The room was dark and silent when she awoke. She rubbed her neck and longed to stretch her legs. Her hand trembled as she pulled the latch on the door. Locked! Oh no! She wiggled the handle a little harder, making a quiet clicking noise. No luck. Ugh! She had to get out. Calling for help wasn’t an option, and there weren’t any loose boards in the back of the cabinet. She finally slid back to the floor, hot and thirsty. In desperation, she pushed hard on the handle in an attempt to break the lock. Her foot slid on the floor, bumping into the back of the armoire. She leaned into the door with all her strength.