Each realm in the primordial plain mirrors one of the twelve basic runes. Of course, there is overlap, but it does not occur in any logical way. In these areas of overlap, you will find the more diverse and intelligent life forms that inhabit the primordial. - Royal College of Lucendia, Lecture on the Primordial Plain. Professor Colleana Profel

Talia's face burned with embarrassment. She reached up to wipe away angry tears before they could do more than make her eyes water. Her brother's and now sister-in-law's wedding ceremony had been hell.

She tried her best to move unnoticed as she approached a side entrance. She wanted to avoid getting dragged into any ongoing revelry. The wedding had taken place in the palace gardens. As a result, it felt like the grounds were full to bursting with attendees and representatives from all the duchies. There had been feasting, dancing, drinking, and even a few friendly and not-so-friendly duels. It had had the makings of a festive and wild night.

If this was Redlake… Talia tried to shake the thought away. It wasn't Redlake, and she wasn't at the Starkeep. Still, a celebration like this would have been incredible if it had been held there. She scratched at her neck, where her dress had been chaffing all day. I'm going to have a sore. Her neck wasn't the only part of her that was uncomfortable.

She pulled at the waist of the dress, trying to relieve some of the pressure. The stupid, gaudy, laced, and ruffled abomination had been the bane of her existence all night. Unfortunately, Talia wasn’t the only tormented soul that night. Liora, Aeliana's younger sister, had been stuffed into a similar dress.

At least her company was more palatable. Liora had been paired with a boy and had acted as more of a babysitter than a wedding attendee. At least she only had to worry about getting her dress dirty. Talia had been dodging rotten breath and a pair of overly familiar hands all night.

Talia passed into the palace's halls. The palace interior was cooler than the gardens, kept that way by magic. She could feel the muscles in her back relax as the voices and music faded, their volume muted by thick stone walls. The events of the wedding had confused her. Aeliana is a piece of work. Talia had been wary of the women since the announcement several weeks ago, but the level of pettiness displayed with her deliberate mistreatment of Liora and herself was enlightening.

How much time did she spend plotting to make the evening horrible for the two of us? It would have taken a surprising investment of time and effort. She's cruel. Talia's eyes narrowed at the realization. Please Ven, send someone to fetch me soon.

Lost in thought, she turned a corner and walked right into what might as well have been a stone column. She bounced off and would have fallen due to her horribly impractical heels if not for a steady and gentle hand clasping hold of her wrist and steadying her.

"Sorry, I—" her voice halted in surprise. As if summoned from the ether by her thoughts, there stood Ven Lovel, mage staff in hand. He was tall and lean; Talia would have called him willowy. His blue eyes were framed by tan hair and a close-cut beard. His face was plain, but the twinkly in his eyes as he helped Talia to her feet lifted her spirits.

It was the man who had read her stories and calmed her when she'd had nightmares. She'd eaten at his table more often than she could count. The man who had cared for her like a father was here.

But what exactly was Ven Lovell doing in the capital?

"Look at you, Tali," She couldn't help but beam as Baron Ven Lovell scooped her into a hug, "Despite your sister-in-law's best attempts to dampen your glow, you still shine like the sun." He placed her down.

Ven's smile faltered. It was a flicker, and Talia could have believed it was her imagination if not for how his eyes seemingly scanning every nook and cranny of the hall. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to get you. Our ship is waiting. Your things are packed and should be aboard before us."

Talia furrowed her brows. "I'm not meant to return to Redlake for another two weeks." Something was off. His eyes wouldn't stop moving. She looked at the staff and blinked in surprise. Ven had two staves. The one she was most used to seeing looked more like an elongated and gnarled root. That staff was covered in engraved runes that glowed a light blue when he used it.

The staff currently in his hand was completely different. It was made of smooth black wood about an inch in diameter and had been polished to a shine. It, too, was covered in runes, runes that glowed an angry red. Metal bands encircled the staff, and at its head, jutting from the top like a stalactite was a red and orange crystal spike. It reminded her of a spear.

That is his war staff. Talia blinked, trying to comprehend why Ven Lovell was carrying his war staff in the palace.

"Talia," Ven's voice was still soft, but there was a hidden urgency, "It's time to go. Can you wait to change until you're on the ship?"

"I can, but…" she trailed off, her mind still trying to process what was happening. Ven looped his free arm through hers and began to lead her through the palace.

"Good, good," he said.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

He's worried. His stiff posture, quick steps, eyes constantly darting about, and the way he placed himself between her and anyone they passed all set her on edge.

It took exiting the front of the palace and seeing a rather plain carriage before Talia mustered the courage to ask. "Ven, what is going on?"

Ven's mouth opened then clamped shut as his eyes fell on the grand double doors of the main palace entry. "Your grace," Ven bowed his head," come to see your daughter off?"

Talia turned to see her father lit by the light in the hall and framed in the doorway. He looked like a giant—a towering monolith as perennial as stone. Ven moved in front of her, placing himself between the King and her. The King’s personal guard and Zara were with him. Talia could feel her own worry showing on her face.

"And where would I be seeing her off to, Baron?"

Ice ran down Talia's spine. It was the King of Lucendia who looked down on them, not her father.

"Why Redlake, of course. It is what we agreed upon," said Ven.

"There must have been a misunderstanding, Baron." The King of the duchies approached his guards, flanking him. "I thought we had agreed you would collect her in a few weeks. I must have missed something." They were feet apart now.

"You indeed must have missed something, your grace," Ven said.

Talia's and the King's eyes both widened in shock.

"Really," asked the King, intrigue painting his voice. "Do enlighten me, Baron, because I vaguely remember the both of us agreeing that some two weeks after the wedding would be ideal."

"We did agree that it would be ideal." Talia could feel sweat beading on her forehead, and the sly grin that Ven had on his face only made her more nervous.

What is he doing? She was too afraid to give voice to the question that was screaming in her head. Ven was walking a tightrope, and for some reason, he was doing it to get her out of the capital.

"Yet you are here," Talia shuttered as the King’s attention focused on her, "spiriting my daughter away before the agreed date."

"I do apologize your grace, but I must correct you," Ven said.

A thin, predatory smile stretched the King's lips. "Oh, have I perhaps errored?"

"We did agree that two weeks from now would be an ideal date, but that is all we agreed to. When I clarified at the end of our conversation, you said after the ceremony. The ceremony is done. The prince has been wed, proper congratulations have been made, and the lucky couple have retired. By morning, gods willing, there may even be another royal heir."

There was a long pause. Talia could see her father thinking, replaying their conversation in his mind. Finally, his smile reached his eyes. The sight was sick and twisted, like a man taking delight in the pain or corruption of others. Gideon Vandrel began to laugh a deep belly laugh that filled the front courtyard.

"Right, you are, Baron." His laughter died down to a chuckle, "Very well. I am a man of my word. She is free to go."

It took every bit of self-control Talia had not to let out a sigh of relief. The King motioned to his guards and Zara.

"Beware dealings with primordials, Baron," Gideon said, "You know better than I how dangerous they are. I would also suggest you not try that trick with me again. I can accept being played that way once. Your next effort, however, will have to be better." Talia shivered as his dark brown eyes turned to her. She couldn't tell if she was imagining it, but it seemed like his countenance shifted. "This will likely be the last we see each other, Talia."

His eyes have softened. Instead of their regular steeliness… They almost look like puppy eyes.

"You'll spend the rest of your childhood at Redlake, in the safe care of the Lovells. I…” Talia's head swirled in amazement. As her father halted, lost for words.

It was the first time in her life she had ever seen her father speechless. Her amazement grew as he tried to speak but seemed capable of opening his mouth and then shutting it.

Finally, with a sigh, he leaned over and took her in an awkward but gentle hug, "Live well… daughter." Then he straightened and stepped back. Her father was gone, replaced by the King of Lucendia. "You are aware of the risks, Ven?"

"There is a reason I am moving her tonight, Gideon," Ven said.

"Actions are being taken on my end, and permanent arrangements are being made," said Gideon.

Talia was confused. First, the two men treated each other with disdain, then came to an accord, and now... now they talk like old friends. She had never heard someone address her father by his first name before.

"Zara," the King said with a snap of his fingers.

"Your grace."

"We will amend your oath of loyalty."

"As you command."

Talia watched as the King instructed Zara on the changes and then finally reswore her oath of loyalty, not to the crown, not to the kingdom, but to Gideon Vandrel and his daughter Talia Vandrel.

"—I will serve loyally for all days to come,” Zara finished. Her oath resworn.

"Good," said the King. "Are you satisfied with that, Ven? One more shield at her side for the rest of her days."

Ven just nodded.

"Very well. That is that, then," The King turned, leaving Talia and Ven alone as he reentered the palace. Zara and his guards close by his side.

Talia was shepherded to the carriage in a daze. Even as they raced through the empty streets, she struggled to understand what had happened. Lost in the whirlpool of thoughts and emotions, she forgot the discomfort of her dress and shoes. Zara is a shield, a shield from what? Her fingers gently brushed over the silver chain around her neck. It struck home then. I’m in danger here.

It was the only reason she could see as for why Ven would take the risk of spiriting her away in the night. Her father had killed entire families for less over the lifetime of his reign. Lost in a daze, the carriage ride passed quickly. The Royal docks were closer than the commerce docks, and reaching them took less than half an hour.

They boarded the ship, and a blaze of activity erupted. She hadn't taken more than three steps onto the regal vessel before it began to move. The bright light of a full moon illuminated the sheep as it drifted away from the docks and downriver, carried away by the gentle current of the Lucent.