Silent Orchids (The Age of Alandria: Book One) (6 page)

“That is how we prefer to be known... or not known at all. Otherwise, what purpose would our
hiding
be if we were known?” she said with a smirk on her face but said no more.

Ella turned to face the rock wall, which looked like a crumbling ruin of what was at one time a part of a great wall. It was built into the side of the Kandrian Mountains. Hal’s look of confusion mirrored Daegan’s own. Hal finally shrugged his shoulders, figuring they would understand “in due time,” whenever that was. Oddly, his typical nonchalant response gave Daegan a sense of calm. Staring at the rocks that made up the wall for what seemed several minutes but in reality was probably much shorter, Ella laid her hand flat onto a rock that suddenly appeared smoother and duller than all the other old, jagged stones. There was a rumbling of the ground that stopped as suddenly as it started. She gave them a sneaky smile. Daegan still wasn’t sure he trusted her, but at this point it seemed she might be the only one with answers of any kind.

“Are you ready to follow where not many have been before, a land within a land?” she asked. Without waiting for their answer, she turned around and walked straight into the rock wall, which had magically become an illusion. Daegan and Hal both knew there was magic in Alandria and that every species had their own type of magic. They had their own magic as well, but they had only heard of this kind of magic in their own legends. Halister and Daegan quickly followed Ella, not wanting to get shut out of what could be their only opportunity to see where the Hidden People were, well, hidden.

Chapter Five

It was dark, yet they had no trouble following Ella through the murky tunnel of rock and stone that looked worn from centuries of use and natural erosion. Other than the thin layer of water trickling over some of the stones, it was silent and peaceful. They had been following a star, literally, for the past several minutes, but it wasn’t above them. Ella’s short, jagged snow-white hair allowed them to see the back of her neck, upon which was a horizontally stretched eight-point star from which a soft blue light emanated, marking her as
other
. Assuming she could see in the dark, they kept following and soon the tunnel began to lighten.

Green leafy vines began crawling up the sides of the tunnel as if coming to life as they walked through what was left of the tunnel, which ultimately broadened into a large opening full of white light. A light so bright Hal and Daegan both had to raise their arms to shield their eyes still sensitive from the dark tunnel. With eyes adjusted, they each turned in awe, trying to take in what they were seeing. 

They were inside an enormous domed cavern, or perhaps it was a hollowed-out mountain. Everything so white. Everything so light. The two turned slowly in place, Hal with a reverent look of awe on his face and Daegan remaining still at the mouth of the tunnel. Surveying. Watching. Still, Daegan could not fight the slight twinkle of awe that entered his eyes. Ella remained to the side, not looking at what was before her but staring at Daegan. Impassive, but studious. 

A small river with the clearest water Daegan had ever seen flowed toward the tunnel entrance but disappeared into a crack in the stone wall. The river stretched from where it was birthed by a waterfall tumbling in from an opening high above. Even though it was remarkably white, it was also full of color, as if the light creating the white was generated from the culmination of the energy from the color and the magic flowing within this place. Grassy knolls made of the greenest grass spread throughout. Several foot bridges connected both sides of the river, and on each side were large trees covering huge expanses and small trees learning to bud. Trees of all kinds bloomed and flourished; all so
alive
. It was a place of peace and tranquility. 

Looking up, Daegan could barely see the boundaries of this sanctuary; the sky an atrium of lush foliage. It was unfathomable how all this could fit inside of a mountain, if that was truly where they were. Perhaps they had entered a different realm, but Ella had said a “land within a land.” They must still be in Alandria.
Hidden
. There were hundreds of holes burrowed into the sides of this place, like caves.  

“What are those?” Daegan asked Ella, pointing at the caves.  

“Those are our dwellings. This is where we live,” she replied with a sense of pride and honor. “Most have gone into their homes. They have been expecting you, but they still choose to remain hidden as they are not used to strangers.”

“I understand. We are honored that you have allowed us here,” Daegan said, suddenly feeling the need to be respectful.

“Come, let us go to my grandfather, he is waiting.” She began to walk toward the waterfall. It took longer to get there than it seemed like it should, as if the land were stretching the deeper we got inside. Hal couldn’t stop looking around. Daegan refused to let his guard down even here in this peaceful place. Especially in this peaceful place.   

The most exotic species of butterflies, dragonflies, and other tiny creatures fluttered closely to the trees. One small butterfly flew around Daegan’s head a couple of times before landing on his shoulder. It was shimmery white with larger than normal wings; the lower ones extended further than the tops and trailed behind her. She made a noise that sounded like she hummed a song. Daegan let her stay there, inclining his head toward her and accepting her invitation of friendship.

“You make friends with insects faster than you do with Faeries,” Hal said sarcastically.

Ella stopped and turned to see what he was talking about. She stared for a second, confused, then raised one of her eyebrows and smiled. “Do not offend her and do not take for granted her size. She is very special. You are being honored with her presence.” Ella inclined her head and closed her eyes for the briefest second. Daegan recognized that gesture as she listened. “She says she knew your parents and offers her services if ever you need them.” 

Completely confused, but not wanting to risk offense, Daegan quickly replied, “Thank you, I am honored. I do not mean any offense, but how does she know my parents? I barely remember them myself.”

“They were good Faeries, and she is sorry for your loss, as are we. Some things are not easily forgotten. Many things were set into motion with their deaths.” Ella bowed her head slightly in solemn reverence then continued with a small smile, “All the information you seek will be made clear to you when it is time.” Ella then turned to find her grandfather.  

“You must be seeking a lot of information. That is the second time she has said that to you,” Hal said, slapping Daegan on the back and chuckling as he followed Ella.

“I guess I am,” was all Daegan could mumble. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was seeking but it was starting to become more clear and yet more confusing at the same time, if that was even possible. There was a slight pressure behind his eyes that caused him to falter and blink excessively. It had happened before, but had never lasted this long. He pinched the bridge of his nose and took deep breaths. Hal came back to him, noticing he hadn’t followed.

“You all right?” Hal said lightly, but with a voice laced with concern. Daegan simply nodded as the pressure decreased, and they moved forward to keep up with the beautiful white-haired Faerie.

Ella had disappeared behind the waterfall through a narrow opening between the water and the rock behind it. Hal looked back at Daegan, who shrugged, and the two followed her. The fissure in the rock opened into a large room made of smooth tan stones. There was a homey warmth to it which was only added to by the large stoked fire built into the stone, a stark contrast to the bright whiteness on the other side of the water. 

It was furnished most comfortably and with all-natural earth tones and textures. A large area rug, a couch made of various leathers that looked like you might sink in it, and several mismatched overstuffed chairs took up the middle of the room. There was a coffee table made of stone on which stood a tea service that appeared to be ready and waiting for them. Ella offered them a seat and some tea. 

How do I know she’s not just wasting my time?
Daegan mused.
How credible can information be coming from Faeries who hide away in a rock?
 

Ella looked sharply at him as if reading his mind; for all he knew maybe she could. Seeing her slight smirk, he thought perhaps he better watch his thoughts, just in case. 

Hal sat at the far end of the couch and Daegan stood behind one of the chairs that faced both the way they came in and an additional opening off to the side in order see all points of entry. Ready for whatever came next.

It proved not to be necessary as Ella then held out two long pieces of material that we were meant to cover their eyes with as they had agreed. Daegan stiffened, on edge. He did not like having his senses at a disadvantage. He could still fight without his sight, but preferred not to. Seeming to understand, Ella looked him directly in his eyes, giving him the assurance he needed. 

“You will come to no harm here. You have my word,” she said solemnly, and Daegan nodded stiffly. “I will go get my grandfather now.” Ella exited through another small opening on the opposite side of the wall.

“I wonder which Elder he is. Not that I could pick one out, I have never met one of the Elders. Daegan, have you?” Hal chatted as was his nervous tendency while they both put on their blindfolds.

“No. Just the ones I heard last night. This should be interesting.” He took a deep breath and rubbed his hand through his hair. “There is something very familiar about this place, or at least about the feeling I get being here,” Daegan said, still trying to place what he was feeling.

“You have been here before, young Daegan.” It was the voice of a very old man, sounding like he was already seated in front of them even though Daegan had heard no one walk into the room, which was a feat unto itself. He stiffened, really hating that he was blindfolded. He would have to depend on his other senses more strongly. Shocked, Daegan flinched when he heard the Elder’s voice in his head like he had with Ella. 

Open your eyes, Daegan. I’m allowing only you to see me through the blindfold. The blindfold will still be blocking your eyes and will not allow your brain to register what you are seeing in the event someone tries to steal it from your mind—as I fear has already been tried. Our wards are very strong here. Will this ease your mind and free you to hear what I have to say? 

Daegan gave a nod. The old man smiled and went on talking aloud, as though he hadn’t just invaded Daegan’s mind. It was weird looking at him through the fabric. He couldn’t see clearly—more like looking through particles or a veil.  

“I don’t remember being here, sir,” Daegan replied to what the Elder had said, although as he said the words they did not ring true.

“You were very young indeed. You came with your parents. They didn’t deserve what befell them,” he said as Ella handed him a cup of tea.
I regret that they were unable to fully realize who they were, who you are to be, and what part they had to play. We all have a part to play. Now it has been left for you to fulfill. I know you do not yet understand, but it is part of your journey to discover the truth.
 

Daegan just stared at him through the blindfold. Angered. Saddened. Confused. His emotions spiraled out of control. Frustrated. Frustrated that everyone around him seemed to have known his parents when he couldn’t even remember them. Frustrated that everyone spoke to him in riddles about something they obviously knew about
him
, but weren’t telling the one person it most concerned...
HIM
! While Daegan sat brooding in his own thoughts, the old man continued.

“Where are my manners? I do believe introductions on my part were passed over.” He inclined his head and placed his hand on his chest. “You may call me Arileas, and you have, of course, met my granddaughter Ella.” He gestured her direction. “And you, young warriors, are Daegan of the Ferrishyn and Halister, son of the Paladin of Feraánmar,” he finished with a smile and a wink.

“How do you know who we are, sir?” Halister asked, clearly having not heard any of the other conversation going on in Daegan’s head.

“I know much of the goings-on in and around Alandria. It is what I do. I am connected to her, you see”—her obviously referring to Alandria. “It is my responsibility not only as an Elder, but who and what I
am
that I feel what concerns
her
,” Arileas continued, motioning his hands all about in an ethereal way. “Which brings me to why you have been brought here,” he said as he looked directly at Daegan. “You are seeking the rumors of a Sol-lumieth, am I accurate?” 

Daegan nodded rigidly with great suspicion, trying to figure out how Arileas knew their mission, when the Elder spoke into his head again. 
The Orchids, or you may refer to them as the spirits beyond—although they haven’t always been, spoke it to me. They have tried to get in touch with you without success. I think you have simply not known how to connect with them.

Daegan’s mind suddenly flashed to the voices he heard when he was sitting under the oak tree.
Spirits beyond? Contacting me, why?
Daegan asked back inside his own mind, not sure if the communication was two-way.  

It is a warning that the mission you are on and who it is for will cause a great tragedy for Alandria. She is already weeping for what may be. When you find the Sol-lumieth—and you will—you must remove it from the hands of those you serve.
As quickly as he was in my head speaking, he was answering Hal’s question about what he knew about the Sol-lumieth that Daegan hadn’t caught.

“There is an ancient prophecy stating that in the time of the desolation and transition after the great battle, when Alandria sheds tears for the fallen crowns, darkness will enshroud the skies, the moons will grow weary, and the time of color and life will be drained by the hands taken by force. It speaks of a new power that will come of age out of the hidden places and outcast of the land. An heir from the mountains and the ancient oaks will be born and reborn to restore the energy and bring forth a united Alandria. BUT should the power be squelched by the darkness, hope will fade, the mountains will collapse, and all that is hidden will be lost.” Arileas spoke the prophecy first in the ancient tongue of the land and then again in the tongue of today so that they could understand.