Page 9 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“It's magnificent,” Renya complimented as York tied the boat to a free pole in the harbor. She quickly slipped on her boots and accepted York's hand as he helped her out of the tiny vessel.

The cavern buzzed with life, a symphony of voices echoing off the stone walls. The pungent scent of fish mingled with the sweet aroma of fresh bread, making Renya's empty stomach growl audibly. Her fingertips tingled as she brushed past rough-hewn stone buildings, the texture so different from the smooth surfaces of her world. Despite the lateness of the hour, the air thrummed with energy, as if the cave itself was alive with possibility.

Dozens of fae bustled in the streets, buying bread and selling fish, trading and bartering. The men dressed in similar fashions as the guards: dark tunics with scaly leather pieces fashioned over the chest. The women mostly wore dresses, but the skirts were thin and looked easy to manage. Renya spotted a little girl holding a doll while grasping her mother's skirt, watching an entertainer play some kind of stringed instrument Renya didn't recognize.

The cave floor was smooth like onyx, and Renya hurried to catch up with York as he made his way through the winding road, taking them past shops, stands, and houses. Renya couldn't believe how much activity there was going on, especially during the evening hours. But with the light coming from the crystals in the ceiling, she supposed there might not be a real difference between night and day here.

Renya could smell more bread baking and fish being fried. Her mouth watered. Her clothes felt loose on her, and her stomach was so empty it hurt. She yearned for a meal, even if her hosts didn't allow her to stay overnight.

“Keep up, please,” York said, leading her up a slight hill. There was a series of switchbacks carved into the stone, with houses and buildings on each side, weaving up to the stone palace. They quickly made their way further up the cave and into the side of the mountain. Renya wanted to stop and look at everything, but York's pace was quick and efficient. They continued to make their way up higher and higher, until they rounded the last corner. Two more guards, dressed identically to York, stood in front of a large stone and tile archway. They saw York coming and parted, allowing them to pass through.

Renya followed York into another cavernous room, with a tranquil waterfall along one side of the cave wall, ending in a fast-moving stream that cut a path through the floor. A stone bridge passed over the miniature river, and York crossed it. Renya looked up and saw the top of the cave opened up to the natural sky. She could just make out a seagull circling high above in the midnight sky.

There were enclaves carved into the walls, some holding large crystals and others displaying statues. Renya recognized a large conch shell in one, and perhaps a whale in the other. Several chairs were arranged around a large carving of what Renya thought might be a mermaid, and York brought Renya over to the seating area.

“Please wait here,” he said, before disappearing through another tiled archway. After he went through the archway, water cascaded down the opening, blocking what was on the other side. Renya wanted to walk towards it to see how it worked, but decided she better sit still since she was currently an unwelcome guest who desperately wanted to stay and at the very least, have a meal.

After a few minutes, the water cascading down from the archway stopped and York came back through. Renya stood up as he beckoned for her to follow him.

“King Triston and Princess Esmeralda have agreed to see you,” York announced.

As soon as Renya passed through the archway, the curtain of water started to flow again, but she didn't have time to study it before York hurried her along.

A long corridor stretched before her, and Renya noticed that instead of doors, all of the archways contained the same cascading waterfall system. At the very end of the hallway another room opened up before her. Sitting directly ahead were a man and a woman, both regally poised on thrones made of some kind of iridescent material. The effect reminded Renya of the swirls coating freshwater pearls.

York stood off to the side, near a giant table full of carvings. Renya stepped forward and gave what she thought was a proper bow. The man glanced at her before speaking.

King Triston leaned forward, his eyes suddenly sharp. “These are...troubling times,” he said, his voice low and measured. “We've heard whispers of the Shadow Queen's movements. Her quest for power is...concerning.” He paused, studying Renya intently. “And now, you appear at our doorstep, claiming to have escaped her clutches. You must understand our...caution.”

The man's voice was as smooth as silk and his gray eyes looked at Renya intensely. He wore a fine blue tunic with tiny shells sewn delicately around the waist, and a pearl-handled sword rested at his side. He had long blonde hair and a short brow ridge. Resting on top of his head was a simple gold crown engraved with what Renya thought might be eels. His face was stoic, and he seemed devoid of any emotion.This would not be a man to play poker with, Renya mused to herself.

“Yes, I would greatly appreciate any hospitality or help you could give me,” Renya said politely, bowing her head again in the most respectful way she knew how. She looked to the woman next, but instead of looking at Renya, Princess Esmeralda just glanced at the man sitting next to her. She too had long blonde hair, but while King Triston's stopped at his shoulders, hers cascaded freely down to her waist. She wore a dusty rose-colored gown made of satin, and it fit her like a glove and clung to her every curve. There was a cutout at her side which trailed to the front of the dress, displaying several inches of her toned stomach. Pearls were sewn into the dress every few inches, and Renya imagined the ensemble must be heavy to wear. Princess Esmeralda also had on matching satin shoes and a crown made of the largest pearls Renya had ever seen. They were woven together in a net-like pattern over her head, and it was the perfect complement to the fishing nets in the harbor Renya saw earlier.

“York said you have proof of your connection to Snowden,” the king said, acting almost disinterested, as if she was the most boring thing to ever come into his throne room.

“Yes,” Renya replied, moving forward to show him her elkten pin. He took it from her and examined it, while Renya's heart raced. She wanted the pin back immediately, but she pushed the feeling down as he continued to turn it over in his fingers.

“I've heard the younger brother's animal guardian is an elkten,” he said, handing the silver pin to the princess. Esmeralda held it in her hands and eyed it briefly before offering it back to Renya. Renya snatched the pin quickly, heart hammering. Princess Esmeralda raised an eyebrow but didn't comment on her reaction.

“Yes, his is an elkten, and his brother's is a snowy owl.”

“I seem to recall that too. I think you're telling the truth,” he said, and Renya's heart leaped. They would help her get to Grayden, she was sure of it. “What's your name, girl?”

“Renya,” she replied, annoyed at being called 'girl', especially by a man only a few years older than her, but she didn't allow her anger to show. At this point, help was more important than her pride.

“I'm concerned about this rumor I've heard about the Shadow Queen,” he continued, locking eyes with Esmeralda. “It's been said she is scouring the lands looking for a large power source and will stop at nothing until she has it. Why would she abandon her quest for power to kidnap you?”

Renya gulped. This man was extremely intelligent. She wasn't sure how to answer. Renya was pretty sure the power source was her. However, she didn't know if this was information she should willingly share. She stayed quiet, hoping they wouldn't ask any follow-up questions.

Esmeralda spoke this time. “She is clearly exhausted,” her voice came, high and even. “Don't interrogate her now. You'll have to excuse my brother,” she said, apologizing. “I can see you're dead on your feet.”

Instant relief came over Renya. They were going to help her. She almost cried at the thought of a meal and a bed, and maybe even a bath. If she only had Grayden beside her, life would be looking up.

“York, please escort Renya to one of the rooms overlooking the coast,” Princess Esmeralda asked.

“Thank you so much,” Renya replied, dipping into another bow before backing away from the thrones. She looked over her shoulder, but King Triston had already risen and walked away from his throne.

“If you'll come this way, please,” York said, guiding her back to the main room. The waterfall door stopped just in time for them to glide through it, and York marched her down an opposite hallway. They passed several doors before York halted and pointed to the waterfall doorway at the end of the hall. “You can rest there,” he said. “Someone will be along with some things for you, I'm sure.” He didn't sound so sure, but Renya didn't care. As long as there was hot water and a bed, she felt like a princess.

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