A Forgotten Promise

Chapter One

I entered the temple’s over-large main meeting room, almost choking on the fumes of sweet incense burning at the door to keep evil spirits at bay. My eyes were drawn, as always, to the baffling artworks lining the walls, depicting scenes from our history, most of which were lost in myth and mystery. When I was little, I had often sat and played beneath these images as my tutor taught me their meaning. I smirked, how things had changed since then! I tore my eyes away from them, almost stumbling when I saw that a full elder-council had been called. They were sitting, grim faced and silent judges of my untold crimes, at the end of the room behind a colossal oak table. My entire body tensed and I barely fought the urge to run. The combined might of the elders sank around me making it hard to breathe. What had I done that was that bad? I thought my father had summoned me alone to correct some behaviour he deemed wrong, but this was something else. I searched and found my father near the other end of the grand table looking very grave. As always I could gleam nothing from his features, there was no outrage or surprise at seeing me. Quite the contrary he looked calm. There was an absence of anything.

Welcome Annabelle-child, the head elder said waving me forwards

He had been my godfather, but such was the shame I brought when I returned to my people, he had distanced himself from me in every way possible. I could not even blame him anymore. I did not blame anyone but my father for what had happened to me. I took a few steps forwards and bowed deeply.

Do you know why you have been called?

I shook my head, feeling my muscles tense in apprehension.

The young Natiine prince has reached adulthood, my father announced, it has been decided that you will be offered as his bride. Your experience in the human realm and your royal birth make you suitable. It is our hope that our great oath will finally be fulfilled,

For a moment I did not fully understand, who cared about the Natiine prince? In another lifetime, my interest would have been sparked by the mere mention of a human’s name, but now I cringed away from the thought, smothering the miniscule spark of interest that remained. My interest in and empathy for humans had cost me dearly.

What do you have to say? asked my father sternly breaking me from my thoughts, it is a great honour, do you not think?

I nodded, my mind quickly understanding the situation now it was moving again. I was to be offered as a bride to the human prince without his knowledge. It was part of a long standing and almost forgotten treaty between the humans and my kind. Long, long ago our two people fought over everything possible. Our lands bordered the Natiine realm in the west along the Boer mountains. We had amassed huge tracks of land through our conquests, but the Natiine kingdom stood protected from our warriors by a ring of mountains. Our ancient king saw this battle was not to be won, so to save face he offered his first daughter to the human king as his bride and in return, the humans offered peace. The treaty was supposed to be the end of the inter-race wars, but Our royal daughter was killed mysteriously. The human king was blamed and it looked like war might break out again, when it was discovered that Lord Mikeal, Our late King’s brother, murdered the poor girl and plotted to kill both kings and take both thrones as his own. My own father had been involved in discovering the plot, but he never spoke about it. I looked at him wondering if he felt anything about that time, but his grim face did not let me read anything from him.

Personally, I had little faith in such an oath, the humans had long forgotten about it and we had fallen from our previous grace to become part of their fairytales and myths. My outspoken feelings on this subject were why I was in this position of shame. I had maintained we were better off encouraging trade and interacting with them as equals, but the elders, like the majority of my people only saw humans as beasts, little better then the animals who shared their lands. It was better, they argued to keep our distance and maintain the purity of our line. Such old-fashioned views had no place in this time of great need—we were people of shadows and neglect. Even from the inner sanctum of the temples, I could small the reek of decay that was our people’s once great name!

I took a deep breath stalling so that I could gather myself. I had to put on a brave but calm face, but I couldn’t! My mind refused to follow any logical path, my last experience with the human world had seen me declared insane and unfit to hold title, and perhaps I was after years locked in the convent with no real companions to speak to. It was true that bit by bit I had won back something like my former life. I was not allowed out of the temple, but within the grounds, I had free reign. I could go where I wanted and do what I wanted, in between prayer, lessons, and mass. It was not much, but I knew such things had stopped me from going truly mad. I glared at my father; I blamed him for this! Was it not enough I had been stripped of my titles and lands and forced into a convent? Was it not enough that before I had reached my full blossom I had been torn down and made to suffer disgrace and shame for my beliefs? AND now after everything, they wanted me to be meek and amenable and do as they asked, even though it went against what I believed. My father looked away; even now, he would not meet my gaze! Did I dare make a comment? Did I dare pass judgement about the latest injustice?

Do you understand? one of the elders asked

Aye, I said finally, bowing my head in submission

It would do nothing to be rude or contrary. The elders held more power in one of their small fingers then I did in my entire body. Choose your battles! I heard the ghost of my old tutor in my head and knew he was right about this. I would bide my time, nowhere did it say I had to be amenable to the prince.

You say nothing child, the high priest asked rising to his feet gravely

I tried to keep the smirk from my lips as I spoke, Naturally I am honoured by such attention and regard, but I must consider my oath to the temples. I am not free to marry any man, be he mortal or immortal,

We have decided to absolve you of this oath, you are free from the obligation you had to the temples, the head priest said

Again, I tried not to smirk. How generous the elders were being this afternoon! I suddenly saw how I could turn this situation to my advantage. If I was no longer a priestess then when I returned would I be free?

I have only one request, I said raising my head to meet their gaze,

I saw the sudden alarm ripple across each face, before the owner slid his mask back into place. I was not ashamed to admit it gave me a distinct pleasure to see it.

If the prince should refuse me, I said, I am free to go about my life as I so chose and will have my dowry lands back to me as is my birth right. The previous complaint against me will be removed from my record and I will have my titles and duties returned to me,

Agreed, my father, said before anyone could speak, and if he should marry you, your dowry lands will pass into his hands as your lord and master,

I nodded trying not to smile. The human prince would never accept me as his wife. I would make sure of it! I was as good as free! Did they not see that?

‘No,’ I thought looking at father’s closed expression, ‘Father thinks my fascination with all things human will sway the bargain his way’.

It was a delicious irony that his treatment of me would be the downfall of his plan. A few months in the prince’s company would do me little harm and was a fine price for what I would receive.

The only thing that remains is for you to give me your blessing, I said bowing my head to hide my joyous expression

I was dismissed from the room as soon as the priest had finished his blessing. It was all I could do to not to run from the room dancing with joy. The doors shut immediately behind me, almost catching my heels. It seemed the elders did not want to offer me a chance of returning to argue.

Outside my only companion, Alexia was waiting; to anyone who did not know her, she looked bored, but I saw the flickering of anxiety in her eyes as she stood waiting next to the impressive guards.

What did they say? she asked rushing to my side as soon as I was free from the shadow of the door

I have been released from the temple, I said feeling sensation return to my fingertips and joints.

What? Why? she asked as I lead her away from the door

I am to be the prince of Natiine’s bride come next dark moon, I said softly with a chuckle

What? Alexia said laughing, why you? No offense,

I shrugged, I hope you will come and visit me in a few months time,

She frowned and I smiled at her confusion, I will be at Sommersby by then,

They have given you your lands back? she asked her eyes widening

I nodded, only if the prince should dislike me,

Alexia raised her eyebrows as she digested this information.

Just don’t get carried away, Alexia, warned

I frowned, what did she mean by that?

Anna, I know you. You will fall under their spell like you did last time. Guard yourself against them,

I will not, I protested, I was interested in them and their ways. I think I have learnt my lessons on this have I not?

Alexis raised an eyebrow, the way she did when she did not believe what she was hearing and smirked,

So you would have me for what? she said changing the subject

I want you as a friend. I will send for you once I am settled in Sommersby,

Humans are so fickle it will not take long, she said finally wrinkling her nose, they follow their instincts like all beasts,

There is nothing wrong with that, I said

Alexia rolled her eyes and I was sure was about to point out that that was close to siding with the humans, when we were interrupted

Lady Annabelle, said one of the guards, Your father wishes you go to his house immediately and prepare yourself for the rite of passage into the human realm,

I bobbed a short curtsey to Alexia and left with the guard. I did not return to my rooms to collect any of my things, where I was going I would not need them. A prayer book in ancient Jilliian is hardly going to be helpful with my dealings with a Nattiine prince. The guard led me to the doors of the compound. He did not take me by the arm but I suspected father had instructed him to do so if he had to. At this hour only the doorman was about, the hall was empty and quiet because everyone else was in prayer. I wondered if they were praying for me to be successful. I smirked, even old Abbott Paulis would know better than to waste ointment and prayer on that! Better, they pray for rain or something useful. With a heavy sigh, I thanked the guard and left the compound without a backwards glance. I had expected him to follow me out and make sure I went to my father’s. For a moment, I considered fleeing, but where would I go that father could not find me? I shivered remembering his anger the last time he had had to drag me home. I did not have the courage to face it a second time.

‘I’m such a coward,’ I thought trudging towards my father’s house

The street outside the temple compound was deserted. Anyone with any sense was inside their homes. I looked up at the sky, cursing softly, the sun was high and strong, despite it being autumn. I kept to the curb, sheltering in the shadow of the walls of each family compound I passed, my echoing footsteps my only companion in the hot dusty street. I could have magicked my way there but I preferred the walk. It helped me to order my thoughts, which were ranging about everywhere.

‘I am almost free!’ I thought happily, a few months with the human prince to prove to the elders I was doing my duty and then I could return to my true home. Sommersby was the only place I had been truly happy. It had been given to me when I was born and from the age of three, until I came of age, I had lived and ruled it under my steward Lord Becket, returning to my father or mother’s house every year for festivals and feast days or to flee invading Moorish. I loved the golden sunlight though the trees and the soft warmth of the old crumbling buildings. I smiled, loosing myself in happy reflections of my future, the changes I would make to the old house and gardens. I could set up a small convent and Alexia could come and be my priestess. It would not be like it once was, but it could be close. My golden childhood had ended when I came of age and took a tour through the human lands, as was the tradition for my people. What I had seen had cemented the idle thoughts and theories I had had about humans into beliefs, beliefs I trumpeted from every place I could, until my father silenced me by declaring me mad and locked in the convent. Eventually I had taken the oath of a priestess because it gave me more freedom then being an invalid. In addition, it had been a slight victory over my father who had been trying to marry me off to anyone who would have me.

My father’s house was set back from the cliff edge, the roof and some tree tops the only thing you could see over the high walls. I had no trouble walking there; the track to the gates was now well worn. As I walked past the walls, I looked up, they were at least two stories high, but the outer layer was cracked open exposing the brickwork underneath. It would be an easy task to climb them if the gates were shut, but it was unlike my father to let his home go to such ruin. The gates stood wide open as though someone had seen me coming, but I saw no men on the walls or anywhere in sight in the garden. That was strange, was the threat of attack so minimal father had fired his guard? The Moorish hunted us throughout my growing period. Numerous times, I was moved from my estate to my mother’s or my father’s because it was more secure, as an heir I was always a target. I frowned; perhaps father had found a way to kill the Moorish. I had been isolated in the temple for such a long time I was not sure, but surely gossip that great would have made its way inside. I cursed softly; such ignorance was not going to serve me well. I entered the compound, my hands raised to the side just in case, but no one challenged me. The gatehouse was empty and the gardens looked wilder then I remembered. I walked down the path searching for some sigh of life. I rounded the corner and there stood the house. It had the same foreboding look it had always had. Four rows of wide windows looked down on the path I stood on. They still reminded me of black empty eyes. I shivered slightly, feeling the weight of the years press down on me. It was then that I noticed that the roof was missing a few of its black tiles, and the closer I looked the more run down the house seemed. It was no longer the proud house I once known; the windows were dirty, the paint was chipped around the frames and some of the masonry was cracked. I frowned; did anyone live here anymore? The walls were one thing but this was different. The father I knew was very meticulous, his house was his castle and he made sure everyone was aware of that!

The door was wide open so I entered the house, feeling like an intruder and yet knowing every kook and cranny of this old house. Inside smelt musty and dank, I flinched back as movement deep within made me jump. What on earth was going on? It felt like a ghost house. This place had never been so quiet, whenever I had visited as a child there had been plenty of servant and slaves moving around the house, in addition to the various sisters of my mother and of course my mother and father. I crept forwards along the dark corridor, running my finger along the wooden panels to keep my place. It felt damp under my fingertips and I dreaded to think how many years of muck and filth I was wiping off. Most of the doors along the wall I was walking were shut and the rooms within them dark and the furniture covered in dustsheets and silence. I passed each room, knowing what each had been; the wet room, study, dining room—what was going on?

I found the stairs and climbed them, looking for my old room. I found it shut up, dust sheets over everything and a thick layer of dust over everything. I wrapped my arms around myself feeling disturbed to see it all like this, but this was not my room anymore.

So you are back I see, my father’s voice said making me jump

Yes father, I said turning and curtseying slightly

You took your time, I see you prefer the human mode of transport over your birth right still,

I said nothing; I had been trained in silence since I was young. My father and I rarely agreed on anything and he always got the last say regardless of what we were speaking of, being both a male and older then I was. It was a hard habit to break even though I had promised myself a long time ago not to let him bully me.

It is time you left this world behind you and grew up, he said looking around him, a great honour has been bestowed upon you. It would not to you any good to skirt your duty or think you can fool me,

I know father, I said not daring to look up

I know you will do your duty well, he said with a sigh, "heaven knows the troubles we had with you, but in this I think… I hope you will find your place. You had experience dealing with these… humans, which will make you better able to disguise yourself and besides that think of the glory if you were the one to bring us out of the shadows again,"

I will try and bring honour to our name, I said softly resisting the urge to start an argument

I should expect so! It will not repair the damage you have done with your wilfulness, but perhaps in time people will come to forgive your youth,

I nodded still not trusting myself to speak

Very well, follow me then, he said walked away without another word

I followed him through the house to the library where he left me without another word. I walked around the room, glad to see this room at least had not changed in the slightest. The walls were lined with books and the old leather chairs stood by the empty grate. When I was little, I was not been allowed in this room, it was a room for adults, not children. I loved sneaking in here and sitting among the books, pretending to entertain guests. I was so lost in the memory of then I did not hear my mother enter until she spoke.

You are looking well, she said

I nodded and curtseyed deeply, I am very well mother, and you?

I am better than most days, but then I am old, she said nodding, Now let me look at you, she said holding my chin up slightly, the temple cooks are feeding you properly?

They are hardly likely to let me starve are they? I said rolling my eyes, I eat what the others eat. When I was thrown into the temple I gave up the right to special treatment from anyone,

Oh Anna, how can you say such things? You are my only daughter, my mother said softly; The Ancesters know I only wanted what was best for you,

I shook my head, with an impatient sigh. Any other time I might have argued but somehow I was not in the mood to fight her. My spirits flagged at the thought of why she was here, of what was to come.

Father said you were to get me ready,

When the moon sets over the mountains it will be time for the ceremony that will convert you into one of them. You will have a body like them and have to care for it as they would, but you can survive on little food like you do now for a time, but eventually you must eat or else you will die like one of them.

Why don’t you call them by their names? I asked shortly, They are called humans,

They do not deserve names, even the one they gave themselves, My mother snapped

I was taken aback by the anger in her voice but did not ask the cause of it. She would never tell me even if I asked.

You cannot interfere with their ways or the events that are happening around you. NO exceptions! she added when I opened my mouth to interrupt, your father is going to send you as close to the prince as he can and will cast some spells to make him want to keep you around, after that it is up to you,

This will not work, I said turning away from her

It must work, you are the last royal daughter left, my mother said so softly I barely heard her

Why not use one of the other girls? I asked, Surely anyone would be willing,

The high priest found a copy of the original treaty and it specifically states the girl must be of royal blood. That is why the last offerings were not accepted,

Yeah that’s why, I said sarcastically, it couldn’t be that the humans have forgotten the oath, the treaty and even our very existence!

Watch your tone, mother said sharply,

We stood for some time in silence. Ever since my cousin’s death at the hands of Lord Mikeal, I had been the heir and the hope of my people. That’s why it had been such a scandal when I had disobeyed my father. You would think that considering my position, they would listen to me, but no I was just a silly little girl and now I was older, I was a mad woman. But that was all about to change!

You may be right, mother sighed, if you are our entire future is darker than we thought possible.

Its father’s fault things are the way they are, I said crossing my arms, I told him we should treat with the humans years ago,

You think things are that simple? mother asked shaking her head, use your brain girl! I opened my mouth to argue but my mother shook her head again, It is time to get ready. Come you must bath and prepare yourself,

She led me to the bathhouse, which I was happy to note was not as shabby as the rest of the house. I bathed while she took each item of my clothing and burnt them, muttering prayer over each one. Once I was finished bathing, I dressed myself with a thought.

You will still have a measure of your powers in your new form, but they will be hard to reach, mother said as she wrapped my hair, you will be able to do simple things like summon clothes to your form. She sighed and then added, But knowing you, you will find a way to open up all your powers to you. She ignored my sigh and continued, You will be given a small proportion of their warmth and ability to feel pain and suffering. This is to allow you to blend in with them. Don’t be alarmed if you feel physical symptoms which have no apparent meaning; these are the things they call emotions,

Care to give me an example? I asked sarcastically pulling away from her I knew more than she did about such things. We both knew it!

"Your father says a human he once meet told him that when they are sad or in pain, water falls from their eyes and their insides ache," Mother said ignoring my tone

I scowled at her; she spoke like she did not believe what she said. Mother shrugged, seeing my expression and glanced out of the window.

It is almost time, she said shortly, I doubt I will see you again regardless of the outcome.

I knelt and she kissed my brow stonily and left, leaving the door wide open behind her. I frowned, it was not unusual for the two of us to fight and part angry with one another, but this time it felt like a mistake to do so. I shook my head; I was being silly of course. No one else, not even my mother would have felt bad about such a parting. Besides, I would be back in no time and invite her to Sommersby to apologise! I waited until in felt ready and then followed her out into the garden.

The first thing I noticed was the crowd, which had gathered. There was a strange atmosphere; it filled the air like electricity. I could not remember the last time all my people had gathered in one place at once. The sense of power made the hair on the back of my neck rise. I felt a great sadness, there were fewer then I had expected and there was a stronger sense of decay than ever before, like rose past its full bloom. It was not quite withered but it soon would. I looked closer at the crowd and wondered where all the people my age were. There seemed to be none younger than a century old. I refused to get distracted by that and looked for clues of what to do. I then spotted the many torches that had been placed around the garden. Moths and bugs flew over the flames creating strange shadows that passed over the gathering. I took a small step forwards and a small tunnel formed as the crowd parted to let me through. I took another step, uncertainty filling me, but then I saw my father and a group of elders waiting beside a small fire and went to them.

Enter the fire and be born again my child, my father said gravely stepping forwards and gesturing towards the flames I stepped into the flames un-alarmed. My flesh could not burn and so I had nothing to fear.

I renounce my godly form in the name of my ancestors and those still to come. In its place, I seek on a human body as my own. I pray to you Anika, dear ancestor of mine, to give me the scope to feel as they do, scope to hurt as they do, I said echoing words spoken by the high priest that were clearly for me to say. May the The Ancesters bless and keep me safe,

As I spoke the words, a sudden flash blinded me. I covered my eyes and felt myself lifted from the ground and spun in the air so I lost all sense of direction. I floated for what seemed like an eternity and a moment at the same time and then, I felt the ground reform under my feet and the light faded. I opened my eyes to find myself standing alone by a different fire. I felt different, more stable and permanent then before. The air went around my body instead of through it and I could feel the coolness of the air and the heat of the fire. It was like a distant part of me was feeling these things. If I concentrated enough I could feel what my body felt, but it was like looking through murky water, only the impression was seen or felt. My hands ran themselves over my new body, taking in the softness of my skin and the warmth at my chest. Once my fascination with my new form faded, I realized I was no longer in my father’s garden. I was alone in a wood, with only a cloak and a small satchel as my companions. My clothes were warm and made for travel. I had sturdy boots and thick leggings; over this was a long skirt, a thick tunic and a cloak, which reached my knees. These were human clothes I thought drawing my cloak closer around me as the chill of the air had settled into my flesh. I did not like its bite, but I suspected I could distance myself from it if I chose.

I peered into the gloom but could see no one at all, I wondered if the spell had failed and my blood turned cold. Perhaps The Ancestors had cursed me and sent me to this wilderness to roam for centuries until death found me at last. I shook myself, chasing nightmares away from my mind. For starters, I did not believe in such things and secondly, father never messed up a spell. Trees filled my vision in every direction so I had no idea, which was to turn first. Looking for inspiration, I opened the satchel. Inside was a small knife, a coil of rope, a full water skin, some herbs, a loaf wrapped for a journey and some dried meat. I felt my human body twinge at the sight of the food and realized I was hungry. It was strange to feel a need for food, even a slight one like now. I chewed on the dried meat without enthusiasm as I examined the camp. There was a small pile of wood to feed the fire and what looked to be a rolled up blanket. I wrapped it around my shoulders as sat closer to the fire. My mother had said my father would put me as close to the prince as possible, so he had to be somewhere close, or was my father just trying to get rid of me? I would not put it past him, put I had the feeling that things were more desperate then he would admit. He needed me in this madness.

I threw some more wood on the fire, cursing the coolness, when I heard something coming towards me, thinking of wild beast I drew my knife, setting the blanket aside and rose into a fighter’s crouch. Three horses rode into the clearing and stopped suddenly upon seeing me. Their riders were three men, all dressed in armour, with wild beards. I rose slowly, but did not put up my knife—I did not know who they were yet!

Who are you lady? the first man asked in Natiine, walking his horse up to me cautiously, are you a witch from these woods?

No I am a simple maiden, I replied in the same tongue, relief making me sheaf my knife.

These men had to be part of the prince’s entourage. If I was lucky, they would lead me straight to him.

What are you doing here? the same man asked braver now

I considered for a moment, wondering how to get them to take me to the prince. I had read many tales of human men coming to the rescue of women in distress perhaps that was the best angle to use.

My guards left me while I was sleeping, taking the horses and supplies with them. Please help me, I said filling my voice with what I hoped was sorrow and desperation

The men regarded me closely with distrust in their eyes, but then the first one sighed and dismounted.

We will take you to our prince and he can decide what to do with you, he said beckoning, do you know how to ride?

I nodded, trying not to roll my eyes at his question, remembering that most human women did not know how to ride. I climbed into the saddle twisting my skirts out