Mystical Mirror: a Land of Mistasia Novel

Queen Kraylan Keegan sobbed. Tears streamed across her face and landed on the colorful quilt atop her bed. She held her fist tightly against her chest, as close to her heart as she could keep it. Inside her hand, the queen held the last piece of him she had. It was a gold ring he had given her the day he last visited - the day he promised to return to her. It was the last time she ever felt his touch.

That day, Queen Kraylan felt heartache. She longed to be with the one she loved more than life itself. That day paled in comparison to the agony she felt at this very moment. The only thing she could do was cry. It kept away the anger, the rage that boiled with in her. That feeling and the power it created had always caused her panic. She was a peaceful elf at heart; however, she knew deep down this monster would someday rear its ugly head. Queen Kraylan hoped that the tears would drowned the beast, or at least wash it out to calmer seas within her soul and allow her the time to mend her broken heart - the time to regain her courage to fight the beast on her own.

She lifted her head and shuddered as she gasped for air. It entered her lungs with such force, reclaiming the space that had been vacated when she learned the news of her love’s demise. Now, she opened her eyes for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. The room was dimly lit and cast in heavy shadows. A few candles burned along the wall beside her. The tears remaining in her green eyes distorted her vision slightly causing the objects around her to appear differently.

Maybe they are different now? She thought. My world has changed forever. Nothing is as it was before.

The queen slowly raised from the bed, which was now saturated with her tears. She still held her hand close to her chest. Now, standing at the window, she watched the world before her. The winds from Michi Mountains seemed even brisker than usual tonight as though they were sent to chill her aching heart. Strands of her thick red hair clung to her wet cheeks. She brushed them aside and swallowed hard in a feeble attempt to regain her composure. Another deep breath and she could feel her heart beat slowing.

My Queen, called the concerned voice of her commanding officer, Atom Kaval. He had been the only one at her side when she felt that horrible sensation of her love’s death. Atom patiently awaited her response from the hallway, just outside her door.

She didn’t respond as she opened her hand to reveal the ring. It was so large in her palm.

My Queen?

Gather a party, Atom. She turned to him, eyes red from weeping.

He was stunned by her appearance but didn’t show it. He was a gifted warrior and had been trained to keep his emotions in balance during battle. This battle, however, was far different than those he had ever fought before. It was devastating to witness his leader, his mentor, his chosen queen, so utterly distraught. Emotions lined up like warriors ready for battle at the frontlines, but he held them at bay.

A party, but where are we going? Atom feared where she might send them in her current state.

Cadieux Castle, Atom, she replied, wiping away the tears.

Atom glanced at the queen clutching something to her chest. He wasn’t aware of the treasured gift inside her hand. He nodded his compliance but wished to speak. He hesitated. It was not respectful to question the judgement of the queen; however, he was fully aware of the willingness of the Keegan Warriors to act upon her wishes. They didn’t understand the state she was in, and Atom needed to trust that her motives where pure and level-headed.

My Queen, may I enter?

Queen Kraylan nodded but stiffened her posture. She knew what was coming.

Atom only took a few steps into the queen’s chambers before stopping, feet together. He stood taller than most elves. His figure was imposing in almost any room. Atom wore the uniform of the Keegan Warriors: A dark brown chest plate and boots, yellow pants and shirt with short sleeves, and dark green wrist bands and shoulder guards. His blade was kept on his left hip in a leather sheath. Atom felt his nerves getting the better of him. He would set to any task that Queen Kraylan gave, but it did not mean he was without reservations.

I offer my condolences, as I cannot understand what this loss truly means to you.

The queen turned her head to the side and closed her eyes. The roar of the beast returned.

I cannot conceive the struggle you must face, Atom hesitated. He took a moment to choose his words carefully to not offend. The queen continued to avoid eye contact as she struggled to compose herself. However, I do not believe that warring with our brethren from Cadieux is advisable during this…time.

Silence.

The air began to bring in snow through the open window. It fluttered around the queen’s slender frame. Atom stood patiently, awaiting her response.

I do not wish to go to war with Cadieux, Atom, she spoke faintly. Her words seemed to barely escape her lips but floated on the winds to Atom’s ears. War will only cause more pain and death. That is something that I do not wish upon anyone in Mistasia. There has been far too much of that in recent times.

Queen Kraylan lifted her head and opened her eyes yet still looked away from Atom. He had long been a friend to her, even before the elves of Keegan proclaimed that she would be their queen. Unlike Cadieux, this land chose its leaders from worthy candidates, usually warriors, not familial lineage.

Atom stood firmly at attention, when the queen turned her gaze upon him, and took two steps forward. The wind rustled her hair giving her an angelic appearance. Tonight, Queen Kraylan did not wear her customary uniform. Instead, she wore a flowing pale yellow gown, which danced about her slight frame as she walked.

No, my friend, I intend to form an alliance with Cadieux.

An alliance? Atom was stunned by this revelation. The elves of Michi Mountains had remained hidden for so long, self-ostracizing themselves from the Land of Mistasia and their distant cousins to the south. Why form an alliance after all this time, My Queen?

Queen Kraylan stepped closer and extended her arm, placing a hand upon his cheek. She half smiled and her eyes welled with emotion as she gently glided her thumb across his smooth skin.

To turn their eyes blind.

Atom suddenly felt something he hadn’t before in her touch, a raging flame. It warmed his cheek and caused him to pull away. The monster deep within had awakened and for a split second had overtaken her heart. The queen gasped and turned away, returning to the frosty winter breeze at her window.

You mean to deceive them? Atom questioned with more resolve than he had ever mustered in her presence. He approached her cautiously, like she was an uncontrolled flame dancing before him. Reaching for her with an unsure arm, Atom wished to comfort his queen…his friend.

I…I do not… Her breathing was erratic and labored. Her lungs felt closed off. Doubled over, not in pain, but in an attempt to maintain the burning inside her, Queen Kraylan Keegan was succumbing to its call. The monster within was winning this battle. No longer was the frigid sting from winter’s cold winds going to temper the beast.

I do, Kraylan spoke. Her voice much stronger than before. I plan to bring Cadieux closer to mask my true wish.

And what is it you wish, My Queen?

Kraylan was unrecognizable when she turned. She was still the same in color and size, yes, but her face was different. Her eyes were dark and intense, no longer full of pain but anger and revenge. Her mouth once supple and inviting was now rigid and curled with a devilish smile.

I know where the answer hides, she spoke while she moved, forcing Atom to back away. Cadieux hides it from us, but we will infiltrate them and cause them to lower their defenses. They will believe that we are their allies, and then I will retrieve it.

Retrieve what? Atom found himself retreating. She had slowly backed him into the corner.

She leaned in and whispered into his ear, The Gossamer Pen.

LAND OF MISTASIA

CHAPTER 1

55 Mistasian years later…

Queen Merran Cadieux stood before her open window, embracing the warm sun upon her face. Her eyes were closed and head tilted back slightly as to fully enjoy the bright glow of the morning. She could feel the warmth overtaking her. It moved through her with effortless precision until even her toes no longer felt the chill so common in Cadieux Castle.

She inhaled deeply, accepting the warm breeze coming from Soder Blue, the magnificent ocean, just south of the castle grounds. She exhaled with contentment.

Today will be a good day, I believe, she thought.

Queen Merran opened her eyes, placed her hands upon the stone window sill, and leaned out. The grounds behind the castle bustled with farmers eagerly preparing the fertile soil for the newest seeds to be planted. The long winter had left, and the Land of Mistasia was once again prepared to bear fruits and vegetables for its hungry dwellers.

The queen changed her gaze, once again looking to Soder Blue. The beautiful blue waters matched her eyes. In the distance, the water was a dark blue at its deepest point. Closer to shore, the water was raucous, with large white heads crashing into the cliffs along both sides of the Elven-made inlet that led toward the castle. It was an irrigation spot for the farmers and had allowed these ingenious elves to prosper off these lands.

Good morning, My Queen! A stern, yet-friendly voice called.

Standing in the doorway, sword at her waist and bow over her shoulder, was Grace Tallon, the queen’s lifelong friend and leader of the Elven Warriors that protected Cadieux Castle.

The queen smiled widely as she turned from the window, Good morning, Grace. The farmers work in earnest!

Yes, My Queen. They have been awaiting the spring for far too long.

Why, Grace, you say that as if the winter lasted for centuries. Queen Merran collected her crown from atop her dresser and placed it upon her head perfectly centered, checking it within the mirror before her. The crown was slender with metal that crisscrossed at the front and held a single amethyst gemstone in its center. The queen’s pale yellow hair appeared to cradle the crown as though it were family.

This last was harsher than most, Grace replied while inspecting the tip of an arrow she had removed from the bag upon her back.

The queen placed a hand upon Grace’s shoulder. Well, that is of the past now. We must look to new beginnings, she replied as the two friends stood before each other. Queen Merran, now with her crown on, matched Grace in height.

The queen exited her room. Grace followed, not quite at her side, just a step behind, but closer than anyone else in the kingdom would ever dare. Grace Tallon, though not royalty in Cadieux, was nearly treated as such. She had privileges that none besides the queen herself had, including nearly being treated as an equal to the queen. Grace, however, never coveted such a title. She merely dutifully served the queen - someone Grace considered to be her closest friend - and in return, the queen showed Grace a level of respect rarely shown to a common elf.

They continued down the wide hallway which was adorned with symbolic artifacts of the Cadieux family’s history, save one - the wretched Cragon Cadieux. He was the queen’s uncle, former king, and the elf that was responsible for her parents’ disappearance. Those artifacts had been removed and now dwelled in the deepest, darkest corridor of the castle. All remnants of his existence had been expunged from the castle in a vain attempt to forget the troubling past that all those living under his reign had endured.

Speaking of new beginnings, has our latest ambassador arrived? The queen kept her posture - hands crossed at the waist, back stiff, and chin up - as she walked, but her eyes glanced in Grace’s direction.

Yes. Yes, My Queen, she has. Grace struggled to hide her irritation. The Elven warrior was known to be quite temperamental, but she usually saved that for every other elf in existence, excluding Queen Merran.

The queen resisted the urge to smile. It wasn’t that she enjoyed her friend’s torment, but it had become somewhat of a guilty pleasure for the queen. The alliance with the Keegan Warriors from Michi Mountains had brought a new group of elves into their midst. It had been quite some time now since they had begun sharing military leaders, but Keegan Castle seemed to frequently exchange their ambassador. Grace, on the other hand, had left the same poor soul in the blustering colds of the north for nearly twenty-five years.

By now, he has probably defected. Queen Merran giggled at the thought in her mind.

The queen could sense that Grace wanted to vent. They had discussed this very topic, at length, at the exchange of every ambassador in the past, so the queen was prepared for today’s conversation. In fact, she was relishing the opportunity to goad her friend.

This new ‘ambassador’ has reported to you I assume? The queen questioned, awaiting the inevitable. Her bright blue eyes twinkled with delight at the sight of Grace’s agitated state.

Yes, Grace’s voice held a hint of disgust. I sent her to the armory.

The queen raised an eyebrow.

I want to know if this one can at least handle a bow without hurting herself! Grace balled up her fists. Her strong, toned arms were held straight down at her sides.

Grace had found issue with every single Keegan warrior that Queen Kraylan had sent to be stationed in the castle.

"Grace, do you believe that we should end our alliance with Keegan Castle? Should we send away her ambassador and close the gates? The queen again found herself resisting a smile.

No, My Queen, Grace paused.

Oh, no. Here it comes. The queen could feel Grace about to have a bout of verbal diarrhea.

Why can’t they send us a competent warrior? Instead, we receive these injury-prone buffoons. I bet she is downstairs right now being attended to by the medical staff for impaling herself on an arrow!

The queen stopped at the end of the hall. The corridor split before them. She turned to Grace, retaining her regal posture and smiled.

Grace, I greatly appreciate your training methods and the time you spend with your troops. However, you are too hard on them. They have always feared you more than revered you. And you are someone that they…I… have the utmost confidence in. The Keegan Warriors are a different line of elf. They have weaknesses just as we do. Do not so hastily discount them. We have, as of yet, fortunately not had to see them in action.

But, the last guy punched himself in the face and knocked out three teeth on his first day, Grace replied.

The queen laughed, Yes, but he did make you smile.

Once, Grace said. As she shook her head, her stark white hair fluttered around her like the wings of a bird. Besides, I was only smiling because I visualized myself as the one who did it.

Grace, Queen Merran playfully scolded.

They walked out into the courtyard and the warmth of mid-morning. Grace squinted her hazel eyes against the brightness until her eyes adjusted. She led her queen over to the training area, stopping frequently as the queen addressed the elves along the way. Queen Merran was truly connected to her people. She loved each and every one of them. Grace was truly amazed by how the queen referred to them all by name.

Grace stood patiently awaiting the queen to finish her conversation with the local bread maker and his wife. She monitored a young set of elves that stood near the archery yard. The young elves were dashing about playing a game of tag, carefree and oblivious to the dangers around them. They are far too close. Where are their parents? Grace wondered, as she inspected the courtyard. No one stood ready to shoot an arrow, so Grace turned her attention elsewhere. The queen finished with her conversation, and they again moved on.

Standing near the archery yard was the Keegan warrior they sought. She looked thicker than the elves in Cadieux. Dark hair flowed down to the middle of her back in a single braid which started near her neck. She had deep red lips and dark green eyes. This young elf was strong and taller than the female elves of Cadieux. She was even taller than some of the males that had gathered around to meet her.

The elves stood about as they laughed and smiled. Grace grew irritated that the new Keegan ambassador had drawn so much attention. She found it unbecoming of her warriors to be milling about and ignoring their duties. It made her dislike this new ambassador even more.

One of the Cadieux warriors noticed the queen. He began to bow when he noticed Grace. His smile quickly vanished as he swatted the elf beside him, whose smile vanished too. The whole group came to attention.

You are all dismissed! Grace barked and her Elven warriors bowed to the queen and then hastily scattered into the courtyard. They all had specific tasks for the day; Grace was fully aware of each and every one of them and wouldn’t hesitate to verify their completion. That was why her warriors feared her. They knew at any given moment, ‘Commander Tallon’ would put them in their place. She believed it was her job. I am not their friend. I am their leader, someone they have to go to battle with, not have drinks with at the alehouse. Grace had been watching her warriors return to their tasks, not realizing the scowl that she had upon her face. When she went to resume her conversation with the queen, she paused, noticing Queen Merran staring at her.

The queen gave Grace a ‘that-is-what-I-was-speaking-of’ face and then directed her attention to the newcomer.

My Queen, this is Lura Skurk of Keegan Castle, Grace introduced.

I am Queen Merran Cadieux. She held out her hand, palm down, as a greeting. The new arrival didn’t hesitate to return the gesture. Lura’s hand was quite large by comparison. The queen was shocked by Lura’s powerful grip. She pulled away abruptly due to the discomfort. Lura noticed immediately that she had used too much force and began to speak when the queen interjected. It is a pleasure to have you here at our castle.

Thank you, Queen Merran. It is an honor. Lura bowed gracefully. She still wore the uniform symbolic of a Keegan Warrior: brown chest plate and boots with snug yellow pants, shirt, and dark green cuffs, collar and waist. It helped to distinguish Lura as a visitor.

I will let you get back to your practice. I must mingle. The queen bowed slightly, so she wouldn’t lose her crown. She smiled at Grace while gently rubbing her hand. Well, she is most definitely powerful. Watch the grip though, the queen warned, as Grace listened to her thoughts using telepathy, the gift of mind speak that not all elves possess. The queen and Grace had communicated in such a fashion for so long it had become second nature.

I guess that it’s a start, Grace replied. She turned her attention back to her new ambassador. Grace blinked for a moment and then glanced upward to meet Lura’s eyes. Grace snorted. She is big!

I apologize for being brief with you early. I had to attend to the queen.

I understand, Commander Tallon, Lura replied with a slight hint of a smile. She was eager to be on this assignment. It was a grand opportunity to prove her worth to her queen, Kraylan Keegan. Those chosen for the chance to discover Cadieux’s secrets would be richly rewarded.

How is your practice going? Grace wanted to see Lura in action.

I haven’t actually had a chance to shoot yet, Commander. I was introducing myself to your warriors. I figured since I will be here for some time I should get to know them. Lura was nervous. Commander Tallon’s reputation was well known. She did not put up with disobedience, so not following her first order was not exactly in Lura’s best interest.

She thinks she’ll be here for ‘some time’? None of the previous ambassadors have been here longer than a few months. They all run back home crying about being homesick. It is very strange how the Keegan Warriors don’t seem to have the stomach for ‘real’ work. I guess we’ll see just what they sent me this time. Grace thought.

Okay, then. Why don’t you take a few shots now? Grace instructed. Do you have training with a bow?

Yes, I was a hunter, Lura replied as she positioned her wooden arrow upon her bow. She raised her weapon and set her sights upon the target.

Grace watched carefully. Her form is correct. She appears to know how to handle… Grace had a sudden panic. Playing too closely to the targets were the same two young elves from earlier.

Wait! Grace cried as she dashed for the children.

Lura released the arrow. It shot true for the target but far too close for Grace’s liking. The Elven warrior flashed her blade and sliced the arrow in two as it soared past. One half of the arrow hit the target in the upper right corner; the other piece narrowly missed the young boy’s head. It slammed into the stone façade of the courtyard, ricocheted up, and pierced a wooden carriage nearby.

What were you thinking? Grace scolded with the tip of her sword brandished toward Lura. You could have killed them!

The children’s mother cried out and wrapped her arms around the boy.

Grace spun around and barked at her as well. Why aren’t you watching your children?

The mother gathered her two whimpering elves and dashed into her small wooden shop where she had been working.

When Grace returned her gaze upon Lura, a host of elves had now gathered around the newcomer. The queen moved through the crowd quickly. Lura Skurk stood motionless. Her eyes fixed upon Grace, uncertain what to do next. She, however, did not cower.

My dear, what happened? The queen asked with a consoling touch on Lura’s shoulder.

She made a poor decision, Grace replied.

Everyone’s attention turned to Lura. She had lowered her bow and held it sharply at her side, almost attempting to hide it from view.

I’m sorry, Queen Merran. I didn’t notice the children. I was too focused on the target. Her heart raced. She was terrified at what Commander Tallon would do. Don’t make me return to Keegan Castle. I wish to remain here!

The queen rubbed Lura’s forearm, Alright, my dear. You need to be more aware of your surroundings, especially before firing an arrow in my courtyard.

Yes, Queen Merran, Lura said but continued to hold gaze with Commander Tallon, who glared at her with a curiousness in her eyes.

The crowd began to disperse as Grace stowed her sword. Her white hair covered half her face as the wind blew in from the main gate. Her one visible eye targeted Lura. The Keegan warrior held her breath. Please, say something. Say anything! Lura had to admit that when she had received this assignment, she was more than a little concerned about meeting her new commander. She just witnessed firsthand the speed and skill that Grace could exhibit and the temper she was famous for.

If you want to remain here, Warrior Skurk, I suggest you mind your surroundings. I do not care if you are from another planet…if you injure one of these elves, you will answer to me. Do you understand? Grace flatly questioned, as she removed the bow from Lura’s hand.

Yes, Commander Tallon. Lura felt her mouth hang open, but no words escaped. Now, is probably not the right moment. She thought.

What is it? Grace barked, sensing that there was more coming from her newest ambassador.

Lura swallowed hard before continuing. That was amazing! If you don’t mind me saying so. She replayed Grace slicing the arrow in two within her mind over and over again.

Grace was slightly taken aback by the statement. She had just reamed the young elf in front of a large group. Even her own elves didn’t respond well to that, let alone the weak, as she believed elves from the north were. She had actually made the last elf cry the first day he arrived. She is amazed? They have sent me a loon.

Amazed by what? Grace questioned.

How you cut that arrow in half! Lura screeched at bit, causing Grace to wince. Your speed! Your accuracy! It is stunning. Can you teach me? Lura’s giddiness revealed her age. She was younger than any other ambassador Keegan Castle had ever sent.

Grace eyed the new elf with apprehension. Something is not quite right with this elf. She should be afraid of me. Yet, she stands here in awe and asks me to teach her. You can’t teach skill. You either have it or you don’t. And this elf does not have any common sense. Grace looked back at the target and the half-arrow wedged into the upper corner. However, if I hadn’t cut that arrow she may have actually hit the edge of the target and not the boy’s face. Grace took a deep breath before she turned to face Lura Skurk.

No, but you can stay in Cadieux. Grace curtly replied as she walked away.

CHAPTER 2

The snow had receded from the castle walls by nearly three feet, allowing a pathway for the queen to walk. Queen Kraylan’s feet were bare. She loved the tactile sensation of the grass upon her bare skin. It was soothing and familiar. The wet blades snuck between her toes with each step. Of course, her feet were also covered in a thick layer of mud from the moist dirt below the grass, but that was just a minor inconvenience.

The remaining snow at her right side was ‘old snow’. It was dingy and tarnished by the long winter, mixed with mud and debris. After coming to a point where a large branch protruded out from the snow and blocked her path, she stopped. She removed a hand from behind her back and waved toward the branch. It shuddered and lurched upward but came back down in the same place. Displaced snow fell on the grass at her feet. A chill began to race up her right leg. She noticed that snow had landed on her foot. She kicked it away with a quick flick of her ankle, and then set her attention back to the branch in her path.

The queen steadied herself, widening her stance and placed one foot behind her. She had her arms at her sides with her hands facing upward in a lifting position; however, she was nearly a foot above the actual branch itself. She closed her eyes and inhaled calmly. Her long red hair flowed down along her neck and nestled between her shoulder blades. Squatting down slightly, she began to lift the branch using her power of sorcery. Queen Kraylan Keegan was the most powerful sorceress in Mistasia. She felt the strain of the branch’s weight upon her arms and chest, but it was no match for her power. These occasions were the few opportunities Queen Kraylan had to utilize her craft.

The branch broke through the snow and left a ten-foot long gouge in the drift. It wasn’t just a branch but a fully grown tree with its root structure still intact. The dead tree cracked as it hung in the air. Queen Kraylan opened her eyes. She was surprised by its actual size. Well, that explains my strain. She thought as she heaved it into the distance. I thought I was getting out of shape.

That was impressive, Atom announced.

The queen spun on her heels. She held a scowl on her face. What? She barked.

My Queen, I meant no disrespect.

You have disrespected me by interrupting my solitude, Queen Kraylan growled.

Atom, commander of the Keegan Warriors, sighed softly. This was not ‘his’ queen. The true queen that the elves of Michi Mountains had risen to the throne so many years ago for her prowess in battle and determined leadership was not a vengeful and secretive elf. Even her beauty had begun to fade as she deepened into callousness: Her skin held a slight tinge of gray, lips were no longer so supple, and the whites of her eyes were reddened along their edges.

Atom himself was not the same either. He alone had to bear the torment of knowing why she was so different now. Atom had been at her side through it all. He was there that fateful night when Cragon Cadieux arrived in Keegan Castle. Atom knew what the queen held captive in the dungeons. He knew that the day Cragon died, Queen Kraylan lost her battle to the monstrous villainy hidden deep within every sorcerer in Mistasia. She had fought it for so long, but ultimately, her heart became too weak to sustain the battle. Atom was there when the true Queen Kraylan Keegan succumbed to ‘its’ call.

I came to bring you news, My Queen; however, I will await you inside. Atom bowed and began to walk away.

Atom? The ‘true’ queen’s voice returned, as it would on occasion. The softness was calming for him. Atom smiled, his eyes closed tightly as he imaged her beauty. He turned to face Kraylan Keegan - his queen.

She appeared different when he turned back toward her. It would not last for long. Atom knew this, but he cherished the moments when they came. The two stood within reach of one another, but it was as though a barrier was set between them. She was emotionally lost, probably forever, and yes, he loved this elf that stood before him now. He always had, but she had never returned the gesture even before Cragon, so he had learned to love her from afar.

I’m sorry. I do not know what comes over me. She avoided his eyes. You come bearing news from Cadieux? Has Farran returned?

* * * * *

The queen returned to the castle in haste. Atom and Farran Meydel awaited her within a hidden passage held beneath the eastern tower. This meeting was held in utmost secrecy. Farran had arrived at Maynard Pass at the foot of the Michi Mountains just after dawn this morn, yet he awaited the cover of night to descend into the castle grounds and contact Atom as instructed. Farran had yet to see his wife and children with whom he had no contact since being assigned as ambassador to Cadieux Castle.

Queen Kraylan arrived wearing a dark-brown hooded cloak. It dragged