He had been waiting almost an hour outside the ornate door and the small kelpie was starting to get anxious. The council had been in session for over two hours, and he was beginning to think they would never come to a decision. Tired of staring at the burgundy wood panels he leaned his large ear close to the door. Careful not to smudge the polished gold center that, thanks to him, shown like a mirror.
For a brief moment, he did not recognize himself. It was the first time in as long as he could remember that the entire magical council was meeting. All of the secrecy and extra guests were taking a toll on him. His once vibrant tanned skin was now pale and yellowish. The skin around his eyes was tight, which made his already large eyes seem to pop out a bit more.
Barely reaching three feet tall, he was small even for a kelpie. Farwen was always able to keep up with the daily chores that accompanied serving the council. However, he had started to notice a decline in his efficiency. Partly due to the large number of people that had been staying at the castle. None of the elders had any complaints and Farwen doubted that they had even noticed a difference.
Nevertheless, he took pride in his work and it bothered him terribly. Straining to make out the conversation behind the door was giving him a headache. The thought of using magic to eavesdrop occurred to him, but he shook his head and dismissed the idea just as quickly. The council went to great lengths to keep their meeting private, and he was sure that there would be harsh repercussions for attempting to thwart their precautions.
Kelpies did not have much magical power, but what they did have was useful. Most could project themselves just about anywhere, within a reasonable distance, and they could manifest things. They were very convenient powers to have, both of which made it very easy to serve the council. There was that annoying horse transfiguration, of course, not something that Farwen enjoyed at all.
An unreliable talent often only worked when he was very angry, and even then, it was mostly uncontrollable. It was because of the horse nonsense that many places in Watreon considered kelpies dangerous or bad spirits. There were several stories of a kelpie losing control and letting the horse instinct take over their will.
Not necessarily, a bad thing except for the fact that the horses fed on emotion and no emotion was quite as strong as fear. Kelpies, although small and childlike, were not defenseless or forced to work for others, their treatment was respectable, and they came and went as they pleased. Those that served chose to do so because it was something that made them happy.
Giving up on hearing anything, he decided he would find some work to busy himself with until the council summoned him with further instructions. Quickly turning away from the door, he almost ran into someone.
“Beg your pardon, I didn’t hear you approach.” Farwen said, and he bowed apologetically.
Gazing up he realized there were six women standing before him. Five of the women were very large with child. They all stood there looking at him with tired and frightened eyes. The woman leading them was more than beautiful. She was glorious and he had met her many times before.
Pure white hair fell in waves to her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. Even with her youthful appearance, she looked very wise and powerful. Her eyes were a soft and kind, and a shade of grey he‘d never seen in any other creature. Rings of silver circled her pupils.
Smiling at him, she knelt down to look him in the eye. It was a fluid movement, with no hesitation, and it startled him at first.
“Nice to see you Farwen.” Ava said.
Her voice was musical, like the golden notes of a harp, beautiful and overwhelming. Her voice was always amazing.
“Please let the council know that I have arrived and I have these lovely ladies I would like to introduce.” She said, motioning behind her.
At the last of her words Ava rose, once again a movement so quick Farwen’s eyes could barely keep up. She was a powerful sorceress and her beauty never failed to astound him. When she was standing, she was completely still, as if she were a statue. Only her skin was not pale like marble. Bronzed and shimmering, her skin seemed to glow as if there were light shining from beneath it.
It was subtle and he doubted that human eyes would even detect it. A flowing white gown draped over her and hung most delicately, clinging in all the right places. Pushing the door open, after a slight hesitation for fear of some enchantment, he crossed a small receiving area in to a huge circular room.
The ceiling looked as if it kept going far beyond what the eye could see. It was very dim, despite the several hundred lamps that hung from what appeared to be thin air. The council room, hidden below ground and could only be accessed through a tunnel. Farwen was not sure who had constructed the room, but they gathered there without fear of being exposed or vulnerable to each other.
It was neutral territory and had been for as long as anyone could remember. Part of a binding blood oath that had occurred at the end of a great war. He was not sure about the details, only that many species were near extinction and the magical community united for the good of all.
Hidden well, Bastriean resided between three mountain ranges.
Each mountain range came together exactly at the others end, so that it formed an almost perfect triangle. Though difficult to travel to and from, it had ample protection. He couldn’t imagine how difficult it had been to get there with five very pregnant women.
As Farwen lead the most unusual group into the chamber, he felt a sense of peace wash over him and he knew at once that his good friend Thad must be around. Thad was also a kelpie, but he had a very rare gift for their kind. He was able to control people’s emotions. Mostly he just made them feel calm and kept any harmful or angry feelings at bay.
It was an invaluable asset to the council and helped to keep the peace, and solve problems with clear and rational heads. Searching the huge room for him, Farwen’s pale yellow eyes rested on a rather short fellow with very large rounded ears and a bushy black beard. Thad smiled at him with the same yellow eyes and looked over toward a giant table that was able to seat nearly fifty.
The table bowed so that everyone was able to sit on the outside and still be able to look and address all who sat there, while still having a middle and clearly defined place for a leader. In the middle of the table sat a large man, who was roughly the size of a bear. He had the same white hair that Ava did, although it did not seem as enchanting on him.
Garrel had a beard to match which flowed down in curls to the middle of his robe. The robe was a deep purple, which signified the color of the order, and a funny looking hat rested on his head. A short hat was similar in color to his robe, only the color seemed to change slightly as he moved his head, as if it were made of some sort of metal.
It had several tassels that hung down a bit too long and it flopped forward every so often. That amused Farwen, because he thought it looked quite like the hat was too lazy to stand up on its own. Every now and then Garrel would blow a tassel out of his eyes and readjust it, just to have the hat flop right back into the same indolent position.
Farwen look to Thad to see if he found the hat amusing also, but he was concentrating hard on someone at the table. It was a skinny black haired man, who looked rather uncomfortable. He kept fidgeting every time Garrel spoke, and looked quite restless. There were several others seated on both sides of Garrel. Counting quickly as he approached the table, Farwen added twelve others for a total of thirteen, not counting Ava and her five guests.
Garrel, who was in the middle of addressing the council, did not pause in his speech as they came forward. “…and so you see the desperate measures that must be taken, if we are to survive what is to come. I do not pretend that killing the twin princes is the most attractive option, but it is our safest.”
Garrel stopped for a moment to look at Ava nervously before speaking to Farwen, “You may proceed.”
Farwen smiled and stepped to the side as he announced Ava and her guests, and took his place next to Thad to listen and wait. Ava did not waste
time; she smiled and nodded at a few members of the council acknowledging their hellos. She looked straight at Garrel as she spoke and her voice never wavered.
“Council, it saddens me that I am not sitting with you at this table. A table at which we have solved a great many problems in the past. Tonight you have all heard the great and terrible foretelling of Samhelia, our gifted and precise seer. She has told you of the coming war between the twin princes of Watreon.
“Though I am scared and unsure of our part in this future, I am certain that most of you will not aid our enemy.”
At her last sentence the sly looking man, that Thad had been concentrating on snorted.
“Something to say Rabbishan?” She asked calmly.
He glared at her, not concealing his anger at the confrontation and shook his head, all the while mumbling under his breath.
Ava merely smiled and continued, “Garrel has been given the opportunity to disclose to you all, his plan of action. You must believe me when I tell you that this is a rash and serious decision. Our council was not formed to become a reigning power. We do not interfere, unless it is necessary, and even then, it is to the smallest degree possible.
“I am aware that this problem will still require a great deal of interference, but killing two princes? Both of whom are barely sixteen, only just becoming men. I do not see any redemption from such a heinous action. Think for a moment on what that would mean. Who are we to pass judgment on crimes that have yet to be committed? What would we then become?” She pleaded.
Garrel argued, “Ava, I do not sit here and act like this is an easy thing for us. You must see that it is the only way of stopping this horrible and devastating war from taking place. I cannot allow you to stand here and try to convince this council to just let it happen.” Garrel’s anger showed on his face, and Farwen saw Thad straighten and concentrate harder.
“I am not asking you to simply sit by and watch as our land is destroyed. I would like for all of you to listen to my story, and another option.” She said.
Pausing briefly before continuing on, she rubbed her hands together and continued. “After hearing of Samhelia’s vision, I hurried to her, so that I could hear it from her myself. It was at that time she recalled a foretelling by her mother when she was just a child. She told her of a sapphire star that would fall from the sky, and on that night, five daughters would be born.
“Five daughters of elemental powers possess
Gifts born under the falling blue star
Will be fates just sword in war
Two brothers, both alike
One whose soul is born in light
And one who’s soul is black as night
Five daughters who triumph over evil and circumstance,
Will restore the kingdom to the rightful prince!”
Ava paused while everyone looked back and forth between her and the five pregnant women behind her.
Garrel laughed. “You can’t be serious. Ava really, do you honestly think that a bedtime story will help us win a war fueled by hate?”
She gestured towards a blonde sitting at the end of the large table. Quickly everyone realized that it was Samhelia, though no one was sure when or how she had gotten there, but all were now intent on listening to the rest of Ava’s story.
“I believe that these women are carrying the five daughters of the sapphire star. It took me a great while to find them all, but with Samhelia’s help, I am certain that it is them.” She said.
Farwen looked at the expecting women as if for the first time. They were all very beautiful. They ranged in age, but he could not help keep his eyes off the one standing directly behind Ava. For a human she was quite astonishing. She had raven black hair that fell down to her tiny waist in the most delicate of curls. Her skin was smooth and creamy white. Her cheeks were flushed with a rose hue, but her eyes intrigued him most.
They were dark blue, with a golden yellow ring around the pupil, and her long black lashes seemed to float above them. She looked very young to be so fully expecting and could not have been more than sixteen, but she carried it well and lovingly. She also seemed to have a secret of some sort. Her face gave it away. It was something painful.
Whatever is was, Farwen was certain she carried the burden of secrecy alone. Ava regained the attention of what had become a room full of spectators.
“As you can see, they are all ready to give birth any day. I would like us to protect them and their daughters until the time is right. When that time comes, I will personally take responsibility for training them properly. These women are aware of what is at stake, and are willing to help in whatever way they can.”
Garrel stood and his voice boomed across the room, “Council we have much to think about before we decide. Ava is asking us to put faith in an idea that has many holes and blind spots of a future, which we cannot see. If we eliminate the problem, now then we have nothing further to fear. Choose wisely dear friends, all our lives depend on it.”
Ava did not address them again; she simply took her spot at the table, leaving the expecting mothers to stand awkwardly in front of them.
Garrel spoke again, “Now is the time, council, please cast your vote. All in favor of eliminating the princes stand up.”
Of the fifteen people seated at the table, only four stood next to Garrel, leaving ten seated. Garrel stood a while longer hoping that he would not have to admit his defeat. His thin lips pulled apart slightly to smile crookedly at Ava.
“You have all decided. I hope that she is right. We will know soon enough if these are in fact the mothers of the five daughters of the sapphire star. Then we will see if this is truly the path we must take.” Garrel said and took a small staff, and banged it over the table to signify the end of the council meeting.
Farwen could not help but be a little frightened of the unknown future. What would a war mean for him and his fellow kelpies? Everyone cleared the chamber quickly. Ava and Samhelia stayed behind with the women. She motioned for him to come closer.
“Farwen I would like you to meet Moira, Rose, Stallia, Gretchen, and Genevieve.” She said.
The last name fell on the wondrous girl he had been admiring before. She smiled at him, but it was a sad smile. Oh how he wished he could reach out and comfort her.
Samhelia spoke for the first time. “Farwen, could you please show these women to a sleeping chamber? A large one please, they would prefer to stay together.”
“Certainly. This way.” He motioned for them to follow and reminded himself to keep his pace slow, so that they could keep up with him.
After getting the women settled, Ava approached him.
“Thank you Farwen. You have done a great service to me tonight. I shall never forget it!” She said, then knelt down and kissed him tenderly on the cheek.
He blushed and smiled at her, not knowing why she thought his help had been so important. Before he could ask more questions, his normal duties called him away. He hoped that Ava would succeed, and if needed he would help in whatever way he could. He turned back quickly when he heard the first of five screams.
He was knew that it wouldn’t be long before they all gave birth, but never did he imagine that they would all labor at the same time.
“Farwen? Farwen!” Ava called to him, bringing him back to the present.
Genevieve lay before him, writhing in pain. Moving out of the way so that Ava could help Genevieve, Farwen held her head in his arms and prayed that she would be okay. After a while a baby girl was born.
“Evangeline. I’ll call her Evangeline.” Genevieve said weakly. She looked pale, as if death would take her any moment and was shaking horribly.
As Ava was getting ready to hand her the child, she cried out once more. That time he heard tearing sound along with her screams and there was more blood. He did not think it was possible that someone so small and fragile could contain so much blood, and yet it just poured out of her like water. Ava handed Evangeline to Samhelia who was now chanting someth
ing under her breath.
“It’s another Sam. Another baby. A boy.” Ava said surprised.
Stroking her hair, Farwen looked down at Genevieve as the life drained slowly out of her enchanting eyes and he knew that she would not live much longer. Weakly she managed to call out another name.
“Gavin. I think he would like that.” She said with a smile.
Ava nodded, and held the boy and girl by Genevieve’s head so that she could see them closely.
She kissed them both and said, “I love you, I will be in your heart always.”
He watched as two single tears rolled off her cheeks and fell onto each of the babies’ chest. It did not seem a strange thing at first. Then he noticed where the tears had dried on their skin lay a teardrop shaped mark over both their hearts. Ava took them to clean, leaving him alone with her.
“Farwen I must entrust you with a secret. Can you bear the burden of this secret alone?” She asked sadly, her voice just a raspy whisper.
He only nodded in reply for he feared he could not control his emotion if he spoke.
“They have a great father. A noble man, but he does not know of them. No one knows. When the time is right, you must tell them of their father.” She paused out of breath.
“They must know of him, it is important you don’t share this with anyone until it is absolutely necessary. Can you promise that Farwen?”
He nodded again, moving his oversized ear closer to her. Her whispers were so faint he could hardly make them out. When she told him the name of the man, he looked at her with surprise and disbelief.
She said, “It is true. Do you promise?”
He answered, “Yes my lady, you have my complete loyalty. But how will I know wh`1en the time is right?”
“When it seems that all hope is lost for the prince of the light, then you must tell him.” She smiled again faintly and closed her eyes as if to rest, but she would never open them again.
He laid his head on her chest and wept. When Ava laid a hand on his shoulder to comfort him, he looked over at the object that had crashed through the ceiling what seemed like hours before. He had not realized before that when he moved it, it had split in two. Inside the strange crystal was a pure sapphire about as large as his head.
He looked at Ava quickly, and she nodded as if she knew what he would say. Taking his hand, she led him out of the room.
“Farwen I think you should rest, but tomorrow before the sun rises, we set sail for Ferrentri. I would like you to accompany me on my journey.” She said.
He was startled, “The elves? But why? It’s so far.”
“Yes.” She said sadly.
“We did not anticipate losing so many mothers. We must split the children for the time being for their safety and the elves are the farthest journey we must make, so it is there we venture first.”
“Why to the elves though?” He asked.
“Because, dear Farwen, Samhelia knows their elemental power and Lillian will go to them for training. As Alexandra will go to Aurora, Evangeline will go to Mastion Village, and Ryhan will go to Resteir.” Ava said.
“What about the fifth girl?” He asked.
She seemed hesitant to answer, and then replied, “Victoria will travel with her mother to Volcaringuard.”
His eyes widened, “Dragons?”
She nodded.
Changing the subject, she said, “I do not know what will become of the boy, but for now he will stay with Samhelia.”
Farwen told Ava he would serve her well. Although nervous about the upcoming journey, and sad for the loss of not only Genevieve, but also Rose and Gretchen shortly after childbirth, he was hopeful that the power of the daughters of the sapphire star would prevail.
Sixteen years later
Part One
Ryhan