The Exile Son: Nelia

The ringing of steel clashing with steel echoed in the practice hall as Thame parried a strike from Albesh. Thame readjusted his grip on his training blade. Albesh’s new blade was much longer and far thinner than a normal one that ending in sharp, fine point. He watched the tip of Albesh’s blade dance like a silver viper. “You’ve gotten faster Besh. Maybe this new technique of yours is effective after all.”

“I thought I told you that it isn’t new, just abandoned. Besides, it’s thanks to having a decent sparring partner to develop it with.”

The young men continued their bout as Surgeon watched with pride. Thame parried another strike from Albesh and moved to close the gap between the two. As he brought his blade down Albesh drew a blunt dagger with his free hand and drove it into Thame’s gut. The two struck each other and recoiled.

“Looks like a tie to me,” Surgeon said.

“We can always go another round,” Albesh said.

Thame nodded. “Always.”

“I’m afraid the king has duties to attend to beyond his swordsmanship.” Surgeon tossed rags to the pair to mop their faces clean.

A heavy sigh left Albesh. He wiped his face. “Politics and the wants of these so called ‘captains’ bore me. I understand why my father preferred life on the sea.”

“Hurry off to bathe. You might be pirates, but your both part of a proper court now.”

Thame gave Albesh a nod and left. He strode through halls that reminded him of home. A fresh bath was waiting for him in his room. Steam rose from the water and broke across Thame’s face. He stripped the sweat-soaked garments from his body and eased himself into the tub. The heat soothed the aches in Thame’s body. Thame met the gaze of his own reflection. He had allowed a beard to grow over the past three years and proudly braided it in the Muldahiin style. Albesh’s court is a home I could live in the rest of my days. But I must still push forward. Aegarn must be saved. I cannot stay here much longer. Thame scrubbed the grime from his body. “What kind of prince would you be if you didn’t strive to help your people?” Thame stared at his reflection waiting for an answer that he knew would never come.

A soft knock on the door drew Thame’s attention from the water. The soft voice of one of the attendants called out to the young man. “Thame. Your presence is needed in the throne room.”

Thame recognized the voice, it belonged to Elisia Thorban, a young red-haired beauty whom Thame had brought into his bed on more than one occasion. “Albesh already finished his bathing?”

“No, this is a request from Surgeon. He said it was some personal matter of yours.”

A silence had come over Thame as suspicion began to gnaw at his gut. There’s only one person who’d come looking for the Aegarnian prince turned pirate.

Elisia’s head peaked from behind the door, her green eyes peered at Thame. “Is everything alright, Thame?”

Thame smiled to himself. “Everything is just fine. Let Surgeon know I’ll be on my way in a moment.”

Elisia nodded and left. Sitting in silence, Thame watched steam rise as the bath water lapped at the rim of the tub. It seems fate agrees with me. But why does my heart tell me to stay? To call Elisia back and disregard my homeland. Thame sighed and rose from the bath. A slight chill washed over his wet body, prickling his tanned flesh. He could feel unseen eyes molesting him. The blood in Thame’s veins ran cold. He turned his gaze towards his mirror, expecting to see the strange woman that had hounded for years leering at him from its reflective surface. Tension left Thame’s shoulders when he found only himself in the mirror gazing at him. A soft chuckle left the young man. Thame left the tub and was quick to dry and dress himself in a loose off-white shirt, brown pants, and red boots. He completed his outfit by tying his belt around his waist from which his sword hung.

The squawking of seagulls could be heard even within the halls of Muldah’s palace; it was an impressive structure, though it couldn’t compare to his home in Aegarn. Thame couldn’t believe it was only one of two structures made of stone in the entire city: the other structure being the walls of the city. It didn’t take long before Thame reached the throne room. The hall was simple and well kept, the Muldahin banners that hung free along the length of the walls were lit by the sun which shone from the far end of the hall behind the throne. The room opened to a balcony which overlooked the harbor so the king could watch who sailed into his city and when. Apart from the guards, there were only two others present in the room looking out from the balcony. Thame’s heart skipped a beat. There could be no doubt, the man speaking with Surgeon was Heinrich. The past six years had brought more than a few grey strands to Heinrich’s hair. Thame raced to tthe balcony.

The two men turned, Heinrich stared, then blinked several times as tears came to his eyes. “My Prince,” the older man knelt. “I thought you were dead. We all did.”

A soft smile came to Thame. Helping Heinrich to his feet, Thame said, “The sea took a boy from you during that storm, and it gave you a man in return.”

Pride settled itself in Heinrich’s weathered eyes. “A man to be sure.”

“We have much to talk about, but before we leave, I will have to speak with Albesh.”

Surgeon cleared his throat,” I will retrieve him if you wish to speak with Heinrich in private.”

“That would be appreciated,” Thame nodded. There is one question that comes to mind that needs an answer.

Surgeon bowed and stepped away, leaving the Aegarnians alone on the balcony.

Thame swallowed. “Heinrich, what happened that night? Why did you cut the ropes and send me to the waves?”

“There was a woman in the flames who demanded I give you to her,” the color had left Heinrich’s face. “She was bald, and her face was as pale as the moon.”

A chill ran down the length of Thame’s spine. Even that far back? Has this woman stalked my steps since I was a child?

“When I cut the ropes, she was amused and she let out the coldest laugh that neither raging storm nor crackling flames could drown out,” Heinrich turned his gaze towards Thame. “I thought I played right into her hands, but by some grace you escaped.”

“Not entirely.” Thame dare a quick glance to Heinrich then settled his eyes on the sea.

“What?”

Thame pulled at his beard, then said, “This woman has spoken with me. She appeared as a reflection in the water and beckoned to me as if she were my lover,” Thame pondered the words which he had just spoke. “I think I find that more terrifying than if she were trying to kill me.”

A small, uneasy chuckle escaped Heinrich. “All the more reason to be on your guard then.”

“Running off on me, are you?” Albesh cried out as he entered the throne room.

Thame whirled to see his closest friend since arriving on the continent storming towards him in gold and blue silk robes, his slippered feet padding against the stones of the hall.Thame blinked, “Besh, I-”

“You Aegarnian bastard,” Albesh took Thame in a tight embrace. “You thought you could leave without saying goodbye?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Besh,” Thame returned the embrace. “Besides, it’s not like we won’t see each other again. We’ve got a continent to liberate.”

“It will be an adventure that the bards will tell the story of for ages!” Albesh took a step back and turned his attention to Heinrich. “Tell me, how have Aegarn’s lost people fared.”

Heinrich offered a polite bow to the pirate king. “We’ve done well. Our Nelian hosts have been gracious and have given us a section in their city to settle.”

A cynical grin pulled at the corners of Albesh’s lips. “No doubt a rundown section that even the downtrodden would not take.”

“It was,” Heinrich nodded. “But we Aegarnians are strong and capable. With Lady Margarette Belivery’s leadership we’ve turned it into one of the most beautiful areas in Nelia.”

“Margarette Belivery,” Thame echoed. One of the many nobles sheltered at my father’s court who lost their home early in the war.

“I think you would be interested to know,” Heinrich began. “She’s the mother of your half-sister, Thame.”

Wordless, Thame stared at the older man. Half-sister? But, when?

“Heinrich seemed to sense Thame’s thoughts. “Your father, in his heartache, had an affair with Lady Margarette. When your father learned of the child growing in her, he sent Margarette across the sea to Nelia.”

“So, how fares my sister?” There was no hint of emotion on Thame’s face.

“Anna has been tutored and cared for as best we could accommodate. After all the efforts Margarette has taken in gathering wealth and influence, your sister is living a good life.”

Thame sensed that Heinrich was holding something back, something Thame already knew. “And no doubt Margarette would find my return to be problematic.”

“She would like to see her daughter on the throne and not you,” Heinrich gave a small nod.

A bitterness settled in Thame’s mind. “A fair compensation for comforting my father in his time of loss.”

“No doubt she sees it that way,” Albesh said.

Watching the ships sailing in and out of Muldah, Thame said, “Heinrich, what’s stopping me from killing her?” Thame’s eyes came to rest on the older Aegarnian man.

At first, Heinrich did not answer. The man didn’t try to hide that Thame’s words stunned him. “Our allies are loyal to her, not Aegarn. She has the support of several merchant lords and has employed a large number of mercenaries. Even with Muldah’s support, we would be hard pressed to challenge her.”

“Then we’d best start finding allies of our own. How soon can we depart for Nelia?”

“As soon as you’re ready, my Prince.”

Thame turned towards Albesh, “It’ll be strange not having you to watch my back.”

“It’s going to be strange not having to watch your back. What will I do with all this free time I now have?" Albesh laughed. "Ah, but it won’t be long before we see each other again.”

“I hope so.”

The pair clasped forearms. Thame and Surgeon said their farewells. As he left, Thame felt wanting eyes fall upon him from the hall. Turning, he found Elisia looking to him and once again Thame found himself wanting to remain in Muldah.

Elisia approached Thame with tears in her eyes, “You were just going to leave without a word?”

Thame took the girl in his arms and held her close. “If I could stay here I would, but my people need me. I cannot take you to war, I will not put you in danger.”

“You think I wouldn’t understand? That it would be easier for me if you disappeared and told me nothing at all?”

Saying nothing, Thame shook his head.

Taking a deep breath, Elisia composed herself, then said, “Go and become king, Thame Alderstrom; I won’t forgive you if you don’t.”

Thame smiled, “I will.”

The two shared a final kiss before Thame departed to board the Wavebreaker. A mix of Aegarnians and Nelians that had sailed with Heinrich boarded with him to sail their ship home. Two weeks would pass in peace as Thame and Heinrich shared stories of the past six years over ale.

As the final night of the journey came an intruder would slip into Thame’s room, dagger in one hand and a candle in the other. Thame’s chest rose and fell with each breath he took, unaware of the danger that lurked towards him. The slight groan of a floorboard caused Thame’s ears to twitch. His eyes flicked open ad adjusted to the dimly lit room.

Terror struck Thame’s heart when he noticed the dagger-wielding man in his room. The intruder leapt onto Thame. Acting on instinct, Thame swung, his fist struck his assailant’s jaw. Thame slipped out from under his attacker and bolted for the door. As his hand reached the handle, Thame was grabbed and thrown to the ground. The intruder’s dagger struck like a viper. Thame’s hands latched onto the intruder’s wrists, desperate to hold back the weapon. The tip of the dagger inched closer to Thame’s throat.

The intruder’s hard, grey eyes met Thame’s. “Go ahead and die, your sister will sit the throne in time.”

The candle flickered and the shadows in the room began to dance along the walls. The intruder leapt to his feet. “What is this?”

Shadows shot to the man, enveloping him in darkness. Thame could only listen to the man’s mutilation - a series of cracks and guttural screams that soon became gurgles which were followed by the man’s eventual death. The shadows dissipated and what remained was a slender, bald, pale woman garbed in black and red robs made of silk.

Terrified, Thame raised a hand in a vain attempt to shield himself. He wanted to scream for help, but his voice had fled him.

To Thame’s shock, the woman knelt, then said, “you have nothing to fear my love.”

Thame managed to choke out three words, “who are you?”

“Kalabayna, my love.”

Grabbing hold of the bed, Thame stood himself up, but the woman named Kalabayna continued to kneel. “What do you want from me?”

Kalabayna turned her gaze to meet Thame’s. “You are my king and husband returned from death. It has taken centuries, but you have finally come home.”

“You’re one of the deathless?”

The woman nodded. “You were the first of the deathless, Carnesh the Sanguine King. Your empire was usurped by lesser men and with your dying breath you swore you would return and forge a new kingdom.”

“Did you send Gethinias after me?”

“I did. He was a recent addition to our ranks, and he was meant to retrieve you by any means necessary.”

Thame swallowed. “And where was he to take me?”

Kalabayna rose. “The same place I wish to take you now - to the Grotto of Ascendance.”

“And if I refuse?” Thame felt the palms of his hands grow slick with sweat. Will she take me against my will? Break my limbs if need be. What horrors will I be shown. The unseen destruction of the assassin’s body played out in Thame’s mind. Why hasn’t anyone come running?

The dark eyes of Kalabayna softened. “I will not force you to go. I am your loyal servant and loving wife.”

Thame swallowed and found himself saying the words, “thank you.”

“What would you like me to do with the corpse of your attacker?”

Just throw him off the side of the ship and be done with it. Thame considered the man’s final words. Assassins won’t stop coming. A message needs to be sent. “Leave the body where the Lady Margarette will find it.”

A smile came to Kalabayna. “As you will.” Kalabayna disappeared in a vortex of swirling shadows.

To what low have I fallen that I work with these creatures. Thame winced at his decision, fell to his knees, and lost the contents of his stomach across the wooden floor. Pulling himself to his feet, Thame stumbled across his room to retrieve a bucket of water and a cloth. When the mess had been clean, he collapsed onto his bed and drifted to a dreamless sleep.

Three heavy knocks on his door woke Thame. A sharp headache tore through Thame’s head worse than any hangover he had experienced. A soft, pained groan escaped his lips.

Heinrich’s voice sounded from outside the room, “my Prince, we have arrived in Nelia. You’d best get ready.”

Wiping the sweat from his face using the blanket, Thame allowed the bleariness to leave his eyes. “I’ll be out soon.” Thame listened as Heinrich left. When he was sure the older man was gone Thame’s head collapsed onto his pillow. If only I could have gotten some real sleep.

Thame forced himself out of bed and dressed himself. Coming above deck, Thame shielded his eyes from the sun. Curiosity pulled his gaze towards Nelia; he was met with a city built upon a hill. Most of the city buildings was decorated with cloak of greenery. The scent of plant life mixed with the sea air soothing Thame. He spied Heinrich speaking to a man garbed in shiny scale armor and a red cloak. The man’s strawberry blond hair and beard were cut short.

“Who are you to sail the crown jewel of Nelia’s fleet back home?” the man asked as Thame approached.

“Thame Alderstrom, crown prince of Aegarn and friend of Nelia. May I know your name?” Thame offered a hand to the man.

The man accepted Thame’s hand and introduced himself, “Kurt Revell, Sea Master of Nelia and Lion of the Sea.” Kurt eyed the ship. “How did you get the Wavebreaker from Muldah?”

Thame smiled. “The king of Muldah owed me a favor, I wished for the Wavebreaker to be brought home.”

“Then you have Nelia’s gratitude. The chancellor of the city would be honored to speak with the man who brought this ship back to us.”

“I would be honored to speak with your chancellor however after six long years I wish to see my people first.”

Kurt nodded. “As you wish, prince of Aegarn. Enjoy your stay here.”