Page 22 of Light and Shadow
I nod and shift my gaze from the ocean to the sky. It would probably be better if I didn’t let him hold me, but I’m not strong enough to forgo his touch as well as my life in the human world. Aaran is the only thing about this journey that feels right.
“The larger orb is Eridan. The shadow of that world colors our sea. The smallest is her moon.”
Everything is different. I have no idea what direction I’m facing in this new world. “What about the third?” I lean into his chest.
“That is Arcania. The Queen has taken that world and breeds her demons.” Disgust roils through him, and I feel it through my senses more acutely than I’ve ever sensed anyone’s feelings.
“Were there other people there that she destroyed?” I already know the answer, but I need to hear him say it.
“They were an elf-like race, though not as far along in their evolution as us. They were peaceful, and now they are oppressed and bespelled.” He steps back.
“Is there no way to save them from her magic?” It seems unfair to give up on them.
His jaw ticks, and his shoulders are rigid. “None that we have found. All the light is gone from those who are turned.”
“Where does the light go?” The suffering of Arcania flows across space and time, filling me with regret. If I had known sooner, could I have saved them?
Aaran shrugs. “Away.” He reaches for my hand. “We should go to the village and rest. The journey from here to my home in Tús Nua will be difficult.”
With a last look at the glowing sea and the celestial scenery of Domhan, I put aside light and dark thoughts and walk across the green grass between jutting rocks toward a valley where homes look like dollhouses from this distance.
Nainsi and Bert are far ahead, walking side by side.
At the edge of town, Nainsi speaks to a tall elven couple who nod slowly at whatever she’s saying.
They turn to look in our direction, and I hesitate.
Aaran squeezes my hand. “It’s fine, Harper. These are good people.”
Like Nainsi and Aaran, the elves of Clandunna are tall and beautiful. They look as if they’re perhaps thirty, but Aaran looks far younger than his age, so these new elves might be much older.
As we approach, the woman smiles at Aaran. “You are well, my friend Riordan?” She takes both of his hands in hers and kisses his cheek.
“Well enough, but not where I expected to be. As nice as it is to see you, Selina, I thought I’d be closer to home.” He turns to the man and gives the same greeting. “Jax.”
Jax bows his head smoothly. “Aaran Riordan, you are welcome, as are those who travel with you. Clandunna is honored to have you here with your long-awaited friend.” Though he calls me friend, he looks at me warily at best. His lips are pulled in a tight line, his eyes sharp with concern.
“Thank you. May I introduce Harper Craig of the human world? She has agreed to help us in our hour of need.” He draws me closer with a hand at the small of my back.
Unsure how to greet these elves, I smile and wait.
Aaran says, “Harper, this is Selina and Dax of the Clandunna. They are the caretakers of this place. In your world, a mayor of sorts.”
I offer my hands. “Caretaker sounds far nicer. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Taking my hands, Selina smiles, making her even more beautiful. “We’re happy you’re here, Harper. We’ve waited many suns.”
Once they both kiss me on the cheek, we walk into the village. Dozens of stone houses are organized in groupings that I imagine are families as they expand and grow. It’s organic and makes sense at the same time.
A group of little boys play in a nearby field. No girls. Only beautiful male children. Even if by some miracle we defeat the witch queen, break the curse, and save this world, it will take a generation to regain what they’ve lost. So many questions roll around in my head, but I’m being introduced to every elf we pass as we make our way to the center of town, where we sit at a large table.
“Your father was here when the moons were full,” Selina tells Aaran. “It was kind of him to come all this way to check on us.”
“He and my mother are worried for all of Domhan.”
Jax brings a large pitcher and glasses and pours enough for everyone before he sits. “Your mother bid him come to tell us about the portals, and I think to make sure we were still here and had not fallen to darkness.”
The drink is a cider, definitely alcoholic, and the fruit is similar to an apple, but different. I can’t remember when I ate last, so I sip slowly. “Does the witch queen come or send shadow demons?”
