Nineteen year old Selina has a life many would love–praised, served, and spoiled. The only problem is she didn't choose that life, because it comes with a heavy price. She will soon die, like all Healers, when the mark of Y'dom completes its pattern around her neck, and hers is nearly complete. Her gift of healing powers are sought after by all, including the ruling prince of a neighboring kingdom to heal his ailing father. Seeing this as her last chance for adventure, she makes the journey to Vastorn.
En route she encounters Faldon, the fallen leader of the feyquin, and his band of rogues. Cursed by a demon and swearing vengeance on the human who shares his curse, Faldon does all he can to stop Selina from completing her journey. But he also knows how to save Selina, if she survives the night mares.
A TURN OF CURSES
A fantasy novella by
Melanie Nilles
.
.
Ebook copyright © 2009 by Melanie Nilles
All rights reserved.
Smashwords edition
For more information, contact Melanie Nilles at melanie_nilles@yahoo.com or visit www.melanienilles.com.
A Turn of Curses was an honorable mention in L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest in 2008. For more information, visit www.writersofthefuture.com.
A Turn of Curses
.
The faint light from the mark on Selina's neck confirmed the release of power. When it faded, she sat back and blinked away the dizziness from expending her energy. The room's sparse décor spotted before her, from the bare wood walls to the bed with its handmade quilt.
The boy lying beneath the quilt groaned.
"Toby!" The distraught mother kneeling on the opposite side of his bed bent over and pulled her son into her arms. She kissed his forehead and held him tight until he squirmed away. "Thank you, Na'Y'dom! Thank you!" Tears filled the woman's eyes.
"You're welcome." Healing the sick was Selina's calling, although she wished she could heal in other ways. To be chosen as a child of Y'dom was both a blessing and a curse.
The boy reached for Selina's hand and smiled. "Thank you, Na'Y'dom."
She gave a gentle squeeze of his hand, glad to know she could do some good. "Avoid the needles of the baru blossom. They don't care who touches them."
"I will."
"Good." She let go and stood, eager to leave the reminder of what she would never have.
The mother released the child and stood with her. She moved around the bed, a worried look on her face as Selina took the sheer, green scarf from her attendant, Beth, and covered her head. The mother spoke in a low voice. "Blessed Na'Y'dom. I have nothing to give in return."
"It's my place to serve. I saved your son's life but I won't see it fade because you can't feed and clothe him. I ask nothing but that." The lack of decorations in the small, one-room dwelling proved the family had nothing of material wealth. That didn't matter to Selina. She freely gave of her healing gift, whether the priests of the temple approved or not. All needed healing, rich and poor alike.
The woman's lips quivered, her eyes puffy and blurred with tears. "Thank you!"
Selina smiled and strode from the single room of the house, Beth a step behind. Her green robe over her pantsuit billowed behind her. The gold trim on the high collar highlighted the swirling and looping pattern of the mark around her neck, while allowing the top of the growing mark to show only from the front to hide its progress to completion. Her long brown tail of hair ended at her waist.
Outside in the chill of the night, Selina gazed down the quiet, darkening street splashed by the light of the lantern Beth held. While using her powers to save a life tired her, it also gave her a rush of satisfaction. This time had been different, though. She would never have children.
"Selina?"
"Go on ahead. I'm not tired." Beth knew better. It was late and had been a busy day. Of course Selina was tired, but she needed to get away. She rarely had time alone. Always in demand. Always surrounded by worshipers or servants. She often wished for a quiet, normal life.
"You're sure? You didn't look too well this time. It's been a long journey and we've far to go." Beth had joined her when the request came from the White Prince, Sorvin fay Renald, to make the journey to heal his father. They traveled a full cycle of the first moon already. Selina vowed to make the most of what time remained to her and to experience what she could on the journey. It would be her only true adventure in her short life.
"I know. That's why I need a walk. I'll be sitting the rest of the journey. Some time alone to stretch my legs is what I need more than sitting in a room staring at four, boring walls."
Beth gave her a look of worry. "You shouldn't go off alone."
Selina pointed down the dusty street. Two armored men bearing poleaxes stood near the end. "I'll be fine. See, two of the soldiers patrol the area."
"But the reports of the feyquin, Faldon—"
"I thought you better than to trust rumors. Go on. I'll be at the inn shortly." Selina had heard a few stories—most of them conflicting about the nature of the intelligent, magical creatures. She saw no reason to avoid the feyquin, despite the warnings reported of recent, questionable activities by Faldon's band.
Beth hesitated but held the lantern out to Selina.
Selina waved the offer away. "Moonlight is enough for me."
"I don't like this. I should stay with you."
Exactly what Selina didn't want. "I need time alone, Beth. I don't get that in the carriage. I mean no offense."
"All right. You win." Beth shook her head but turned and walked away with the lantern dangling before her.
Selina took a deep breath and walked the opposite direction. A small walk before bed was what she needed, and she should be safe there. Safe enough for a little walk. She wouldn't wander far.
No one understood what it was like to know one's life would soon end. Such was the fate of any bearing the mark of their god. Selina had only been fifteen, younger than most, when it appeared with the healing power; betrothed but not married, nor did she marry. She would have no children, no family. Beth would. Seeing the mother's adoration for her child cut through her sharper than Selina cared to explain. She needed time alone. Time to think and forget. After four and a half years, the mark around her neck was nearly complete. She would die before her twentieth birthday.
Selina passed the soldiers in their armor and helmets, who acknowledged her with nods. She held a hand up to stop them from following. Always someone. Even alone she was never truly alone.
Cast in moonlight, the trees beyond the clearing at the edge of the small town took on a new life and bowed under the weight of their fruits, a fresh treat to savor and maybe a few for their journey. The people wouldn't mind. She was touched by a God. Any offering to her was as good as those to Y'dom for his favor. There was one benefit of being Na'Y'dom.
She reached for one of the largest of the yellow, oblong fruits, her mouth watering with anticipation for the freshness.
A movement among the shadows stopped her. She watched but saw nothing. Only the wind. She plucked several fruits. Beth would enjoy the sweet ponan, too.
Selina turned—
And gasped. The fruit tumbled to the ground.
"Go back." The strange man wore a scowl on a face shadowed by wild black and gray hair. She had seen no one approach, nor heard any sound. Where had he come from?
"What?"
"You're not safe here." He brushed his hair aside, giving her a clear view of his features. Shadows defined the strong lines of a face too young for gray hair.
"Who are you?" Untucked shirt and oversized pants... Who dressed him?
"Go back, Na'Y'dom. Do not set foot in Vastorn."
"Why? Who are you?"
He took a step towards the trees.
He wasn't getting away until she had an answer. Selina grabbed his arm. "Tell me why I should return. I've almost reached Vastorn."
"It's not your concern. Go back!" He yanked his arm away and turned to the trees.
She refused to let him go without answering her and hurried to step into his path. "Tell me, so I can understand. Otherwise, I'm going, as I promised the lord of this land." Who had sent the invitation to her specifically of many Na'Y'dom in Hallor, her home country.
Besides, the soldiers must have seen him. They should arrive soon. If she could delay him, the soldiers could take him into custody for answers.
"Don't argue! I know your purpose. Sorvin is a coward. You will not help him. If you go on—" He turned his head, his body rigid.
Selina peered past him at the faint clink of metal from the approaching guards. Finally!
Before they could arrive, the stranger rushed into the trees and vanished. No! He couldn't escape like that. It wasn't fair! She wanted to know why he didn't want her continuing her journey. Now she might never have that answer.
"Na'Y'dom!" The soldiers ran past her to the place where the stranger disappeared but stopped at the edge of the shadows. After a few seconds, they returned to her, their armor clinking with each movement.
"Did he threaten you?" the first asked.
"No...Yes, I suppose." She frowned. "Who was he?"
They looked at each other and shook their heads. "We've never seen him."
"I didn't recognize him, but it's too dark to be sure." The second soldier stretched his arm towards the town. "I think it best if you stay inside."
She glanced again at the trees where the stranger vanished. Who was the strange man? Where had he come from? Why didn't he want her to complete her mission of mercy?
How did he know about her journey?
He might have told her if the soldiers hadn't interfered.
What about her fruit?
The next day—the day she hoped to continue her journey—clouds moved in and dropped their rain. Selina watched from her room at the small inn with Beth. Where had the stranger disappeared?
"You're thinking about him again."
"Who?"
"The man from last night. What did he do?"
Selina shrugged and stepped away from the window. The encounter affected her more than she expected and far more than she admitted to Beth last night, or even to herself. "Nothing. He made it clear that I shouldn't go any further. He didn't put a hand on me, if that's what you wanted to know."
"Then forget it, and forget him. You're putting credit in his words, when you don't plan to heed them anyway."
Selina sat down on the bed, her mind on the evening before. She couldn't get the man's face out of her head. He ran before giving her an explanation. The lack of closure to the discussion left her needing to know more.
But if he wasn't from Breach's Pass, she might not see him again. The guards hadn't bothered to pursue him, but at least they acknowledged his presence. She wasn't crazy.
A knock on the door yanked her from her restlessness.
Beth crossed the room and opened the door. "Yes?"
A young boy a head shorter than Beth licked his lips, his hands wringing around something. "Ah...I—" His eyes widened when he met Selina's gaze. When her mark first appeared, such reactions startled her; now she ignored it. "I was sent to find you, Na'Y'dom. It's your driver."
Selina's blood ran cold. "Reen?"
"H—H—He's—"
Before the boy finished, Selina rushed past him. "Where is he?"
"The livery."
At least he could spit something out without trouble.
She hurried through the inn, pulling her scarf over her head as she ran. Her feet carried her out the door, across the wet stones and puddles in the street. Water soaked through her thin shoes, chilling her from the bottom up while the drenching rain soaked her head and shoulders. She ignored the cold, focusing instead on finding the old carriage driver and healing any number of fatal injuries she imagined.
The moment she flung the livery door open, she hesitated. The fragrance of freshly-cut hay helped mask the fouler odors of animals.
After the initial bang of the door, all fell quiet. Nothing appeared wrong. Cropes, the waist-high animals known for the best milk, chewed their hay in their pen. Her carriage was at the back of the livery among the straw bundles, unmarred from her view.
She stepped in and let the door slam shut behind her. Her heart raced. If the stranger hurt Reen— "Reen? Reen, where—"
"Here, Miss!" He stepped around a pile of hay into sight, his gray hair disheveled under the cap, but his shirt and vest bore a streak of mud.
She sighed, relieved to see him but confused by what she saw, or didn't see. "The boy; he made it sound urgent, that something happened to you."
Reen pulled off his hat and scratched the bare top of his head, a hint of a smile lifting his cheeks. "Bit a fear of a lashing, I s'pose," he mumbled. When he looked up and replaced his cap, his smile faded. "Not his fault though."
When he took a limping step towards her, Selina rushed to his side. That limp was new.
The door creaked and slammed behind her.
"Reen!" Beth hurried to his other side.
"Sit down and let me take care of that," Selina said to Reen.
He grunted but let them help him to a wooden chest to sit. Although a local medic could have done just as well with a splint and bandages, the least she could do was to take away his pain. Reen had been her driver without any complain from the beginning of her days as a healer.
She knelt and put a hand to his leg. With little effort, the power flowed from her and the mark around her neck glowed. After a few seconds, it faded, and she sat back against a post for balance from the dizziness. "How's that?"
He moved his leg and a broad smile stretched across his face. "Thanks, Miss."
Selina scanned the livery for anything out of place. "What happened?"
"Doxon."
"Doxon? I thought he looks out for you? Why would he attack you?"
Reen stood and walked without problems to the sleeping felipar chained near the carriage. At his approach, it lifted its angular head from its paws. He scratched the throat stretched out at his touch, eliciting a soft rumble from the felipar. "You were just defending me. Weren't you, Doxon?"
"Defending? From whom?" With Beth's help, Selina rose and dusted herself.
Still scratching the felipar's thick neck, Reen turned to her. "A stranger. Came in before dawn. I caught him trying to chase off Doxon, who knocked me down coming to my aid. Guess the man didn't realize how attached Doxon is."
"What did he look like—the man?" Selina joined him and scratched behind the felipar's dark ears. Felipar were difficult to tame and had to be hand-raised to form the kind of attachment between Doxon and Reen. Few were used as beasts of burden, but they were the most loyal of creatures when they bonded to a person. Such an intelligent creature at one's command was highly prized, and dangerous to others.
"About so tall." He held his hand at a level half a head higher than her. "Black hair with a touch of gray, about to his chest. Too young to be gray. Said if we wouldn't turn around, we'd go nowhere."
Anger flared. Him!
"Is that the same man?" Beth asked.
"Sounds right," Selina growled. "I don't know anyone else in this town who fits that description."
"What will we do?"
"Continue. I won't give in to harassment." Selina whirled away from them to hide her face and the display of dark emotions.
A child of Y'dom was supposed to be merciful, not vengeful. She didn't doubt the same man who demanded she turn back was the one who caused trouble for Reen. The thought filled her with hatred. How dare he force his will on her! Now, more than ever, she was determined to finish the journey and cure the king.
"When would you like to leave, Miss?"
"Tomorrow, if the rain stops." She took a deep breath to calm her anger before facing them. "We'll leave at dawn. I don't want to give this stranger any more chance to cause trouble, but I don't want you sitting in the rain if you don't have to." She directed the last part at Reen.
"Not the rain that bothers me, what with the canopy, but the cold."
"It's the same either way. I won't have you suffering if I can help it. Tonight we'll keep a watch for the stranger. If he causes any more trouble, we'll let the soldiers deal with him."
"Sounds good, Miss. Now, I have some work to do. If you'll excuse me." He took a brush to Doxon's cream-colored coat with the dark points.
Selina waved for Beth to join her and both left the livery to hurry through the rain back to the inn. They had a day to enjoy before the boredom of travel. She had no intention of letting it slip by and every intention of asking two guards to take duty at the livery.
With a dozen soldiers escorting them, they left Breach's Pass the next day, a perfect day, too. The sun emerged to dry out the land. Selina sat back in her carriage, disappointed but relieved. The stranger never returned. Too bad. She hoped to see him punished for harassing Reen and Doxon, but was glad he didn't caused any more trouble.
The beauty of the passage known as The Breach stole her attention from lingering questions about the stranger. This was the only gap through Sunders Mountains, the border between Hallor and Vastorn. The layers of color exploded in the brilliance of the sun, ranging from bright oranges to occasional stripes of black. Layer upon layer stretched high on either side of the valley, which crooked through the mountains, widening in places to allow stretches of grass.
A day later, they reached the end of the valley. After a couple nights in Corrivale, they continued without an escort. The Hallor soldiers who had accompanied her from the temple were allowed no further into Vastorn.
Barring any long stop, they would reach the Ivory Palace of the fay Renald family within a turn of the moon. Selina recalled stories of the brilliant white structure of marble stonework, which granted the palace its name, and couldn't wait to see it with her own eyes.
A few days passed without sight of any feyquin or other creatures, and Selina wondered if the feyquin posed any threat or if it had all been a way to scare her.
Five days out of Corrivale, they stopped for a midday meal between towns. Reen left Doxon hitched, since they hoped to push on and reach the next town by evening.
The interminable riding in the carriage filled Selina with a restlessness to stretch her legs and see more of the country with its rolling green hills and scattered trees. Her life grew shorter each day. She wanted to experience everything before reaching the Ivory Palace. If only she had more time! She would explore every rock and crevasse, every hill and valley. Everything. Most people didn't stop to realize how fortunate they were, nor to enjoy each day as if was their last.
Having snacked in the carriage on bread and jam, she took the chance to wander while the other two ate.
"Stay close, Miss."
She turned back and waved for Beth to join her.
Beth shook her head. "I'll stay here."
Selina shrugged and turned away to a nearby hill topped by a tight copse of trees. Your loss.
Eager to see from the higher vantage and take in the landscape, she climbed the steep incline. While holding her covering robe out of the way with one hand, so it wouldn't tangle with her pants, and using the other to balance in some places, she reached the trees and crossed through to take in the scene beyond.
Magnificent! Many of the hillsides had eroded away to expose the same layers of color as the Breach. The gold, red, and black colors stood out against the thick of green vegetation.
"Selina!"
Now what? She had only reached the vantage, from which the land stretched out, dotted with farms and livestock and sliced by a meandering river. They wanted her back already?
Exasperated, she rolled her eyes, but she returned through the trees.
"Selina! Hurry!"
She frowned and caught the movement from the other side of the carriage. Reen struggled to keep Doxon calm. The felipar growled, its tail lashing and fangs bared.
The creatures reached the carriage. By Y'dom! She ducked back into the trees, her heart racing.
Five, all different colors and markings. But the dappled gray with its dark mane and tail caught her eyes and stopped.
A long face stared at her, topped by small ears curved to a point at the top. A thick, arched neck connected to a muscular body supported by four long, lean legs renewed in their pounding race to her.
She swallowed, wanting to join her companions but afraid of what this creature might do if she stepped into the open. Doxon slashed at the four surrounding the carriage, and Reen jumped into the driver's seat behind him. If only Reen could keep him under control long enough for her to reach them!
First, to escape the creature, which stopped outside the trees. It flattened its ears and reared. When its round hooves landed, the ground trembled.
Selina hid behind one of the larger trunks and peeked around for a chance to reach the others.
Dark eyes glared from beneath a heavy forelock of gray and black hair. The creature resembled descriptions she had heard of the feyquin.
"Why are you here?" The hard voice made her blink. The gray feyquin stepped towards her, his long face inches from hers and his ears flat against his neck.
"Why are you here? You were warned to go back."
"Who are you?"
"One who intends to stop you from reaching the Ivory Palace."
"Faldon!" She stared in awe of the rogue that several people in Breach's Pass and Corrivale warned about. It could only be him.
At a piercing growl from Doxon, Selina noticed the four other feyquin circling the carriage. A red-orange with white marks on its face and legs rose up on its hind legs and struck out with its forelegs at the felipar. Doxon pinned his ears and growled at his attacker, his tail lashing nonstop as he backed away.
"Selina!" Beth's worried voice carried to her from the door of the carriage.
A heavy thud drew her attention to the gray within biting reach. From the folds of skin around his nostrils and the lips pulled back slightly to bare his teeth, he intended to bite. With his ears flat to his neck, the way Doxon did when upset, she knew.
"Go back! Do not continue!" he said.
"No." The word escaped before Selina could think.
He reared up and slammed his forefeet down. "Don't argue, human!"
Human? Her fear faded at the insult. How dare this creature speak down to her and interfere with her plans!
"Go!" He snapped at her, and she jerked back. "Return to your lands and forget the White Prince."
"Selina!"
The clatter of the carriage froze her heart.
"Wait!" She took a step and halted. Faldon stood with his ears pinned, his head turned to the four others who chased the carriage.
Disbelief turned to anger at the feyquin.
"You—" Selina growled, a proper curse stuck in her throat. "You chased them away! If you want me to turn back, that won't help."
His nostrils pulled back into what she interpreted as a snarl. "It wasn't my fault. We're used to wild felipar, not your domesticated kits. They don't run. They fight." He tossed his head, his black and gray mane slapping along his neck.
"If you would've let me out, I could've joined them."
"I never forced you in there."
Unsure what he intended, Selina stayed behind the protection of the trees.
After some time, he pawed at the ground. "Are you coming out?"
She crossed her arms. "Why? So you can chase me?"
With his ears pinned flat, Faldon reared and slammed his forefeet down. The ground shook and split towards her, but the trees held. "Don't tempt me!"
The feyquin had more strength than she thought. The trees wouldn't last long if he was determined. What use was staying there? Trembling with rage, she stepped out from behind the trees. Faldon backed away, staying out of reach.
"Start walking," he said.
"I am Na'Y'dom. You will show more respect."
"I know what you are, and I would say the same about me." He stepped towards her and bared his teeth.
She jerked away with a scowl and turned to the road. Instead of backtracking, she started in the direction of her carriage.
Faldon stepped ahead of her, blocking her path. "Wrong way."
"My friends are that way."
"You're going back."
Her anger boiled up until she slapped his large, round cheek.
He stood stunned, staring at her with his ears up.
Tears blurred her vision. She marched past him, determined to find her friends. "You'll have to kill me to stop me. I'm not going back."
A steady pounding came from behind.
"Irrational human," Faldon muttered.
She lifted her head higher, pulled her green robe closed around her, and continued on the road. He wouldn't hurt her. By all rights, he could have reciprocated from her slap. He didn't, and he likely wouldn't. At least he had that much respect.
A regular beat followed her. She risked a peek over her shoulder. Faldon followed.
He pinned his ears flat and snapped his teeth at her. "Reach your friends and we'll chase all of you back to Hallor."
She huffed and turned away. One way or another, she would complete her journey. He could try all he wanted, but she would not be deterred.
With the sun sinking to the mountains in the west, Selina wished she would catch up with the others. Her stomach rumbled. She needed food and rest, and company, or at least better company than the gray feyquin a step behind.
She glanced back. Faldon walked with his head low and ears sideways. Her lips twisted into a snarl. Leave me alone! If he hated her as much as she did him, why did he bother to stay with her? Was it his way of keeping track of her to be sure she would turn around for home? He might as well quit. She refused to let him intimidate her.
The thunder of hooves interrupted her dark thoughts.
Two feyquin galloped to them. They stopped around her, breathing hard and covered in sweat.
"Where's my carriage?"
The red-orange stallion with white on his legs and a stripe down his face spoke. "We tried to chase them down, but the driver couldn't stop the felipar."
"He's never seen feyquin, and four to one would scare any creature." Everything from verbal stories or books described the feyquin as an intelligent species. Perhaps not. "I thought you were smarter."
"How were we to know?" He pinned his ears flat for a moment but only for a moment. An instant later, he lifted his head and his ears, his eyes on someone behind her.
"Where are they?" The calm voice she now hated came from behind her.
"Dewel—" The dark feyquin with the black mane and tail and a crooked oval of white on his forehead motioned with his head to the red-orange. Like his companion, his nostrils flared with his heavy breathing. "—tried to take the reins to stop the felipar, but the driver swerved. The carriage crashed and the felipar ran off."
Selina caught her breath. Beth. Reen…
"The humans were hurt. Bastien ran to the nearest town to find help. Grem stayed with them."
"How are Beth and Reen?"
Dewel fixed his eyes on her. "The female can't walk and the old man has only a few cuts and bruises. He's helping the female."
"Idiots!" Selina said.
A hard shove from behind sent her sprawling into the dirt at the hooves of the two sweaty feyquin. Selina landed on her shoulder and rolled over, her anger inflamed with a pain beyond reconciliation. "How dare—"
"NO!" Faldon stepped forward, his head low and ears back. He stayed out of her reach, like the others, who stepped back at his approach. "Never speak to us like that! You are no one here."
"I am Na—"
"I know what you are! But I am no follower of your 'god'. To me, you are another worthless human. Now, get up. If you want to help your friends, I suggest you walk."
Frustration boiled over into tears, which she wiped away with force. No one ever spoke to her with such disrespect. Because of her sacrifice and gifts, she should be honored.
She couldn't wait to reach Beth and Reen; they would welcome her.
Selina stood and dusted herself, her head high, and, despite her aching stomach, continued on the road. They would not break her spirit or see her weak.
By the time the sun reached the mountain peaks behind them, hunger pangs made Selina hold her middle. Her legs ached and she wanted only to sit. She hated it. "I'm starving, and tired."
"Good. Rest here."
She gave Faldon a dark look but found a place to sit on the grass along the wheel ruts of the road. The coolness soothed her, and bending her legs brought a relief that made her smile. Selina laid back and closed her eyes.
At the temple, no one would have dared anger her, lest they incur the wrath of their god Y'dom. The priests and her attendants served her every need. She had gardens to stroll through in moments of peace and the reverence of the people, especially those who came for healing.
By Y'dom! She missed home.
"Be glad none of the robbers have found you," Dewel said.
She opened her eyes but the feyquin moved off with the others, his muzzle in the grass to eat. Easy for them, but what about her hunger?
Faldon walked away.