Isle of Beasts and Shadows (The Forgotten Isle Saga #1)

Chapter 2

They had journeyed through the night to get to Aramore, and Airella hadn’t slept a wink. Dark circles shadowed under her eyes. Her pallid skin was a stark contrast against the cold air.

The soldiers forced Airella to the ground before King William. Her hands bound with a chain, any thought of escape seemed futile. Lowered to her knees, the rain soaked her, sending shivers down her spine. Her waist-length hair whispered icy tales against her back.

The throne room exuded elegance unlike any she had seen before. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls of the throne room, depicting scenes of ancient battles and noble victories. Soft candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. She felt out of place yet strangely captivated by the grandeur.

As she gazed at King William of Eldaraya, his piercing eyes seemed to hold a thousand untold stories, leaving her curious and apprehensive all at once. She quickly averted her gaze.

“What do you want from me?” Airella’s sudden question avoided meeting the eyes of one of such high stature. She did what she could to reduce the shakiness of her words, but failed. She only hoped to return home and care for her mother and Arii, both dependent on her.

“That is no way to address the king, commoner!” The king’s right-hand man interrupted, his golden armor gleaming as he circled Airella, appraising her. With a straight posture and hands behind his back, his gaze bore into hers. “Your father left a mark before his passing, Airella Devereaux. It’s only logical that his offspring, especially the eldest, would possess his strengths and talents. Joining our latest expedition would benefit us greatly. Everyone in the kingdom knows about your remarkable abilities in strength and speed. Your reputation precedes you, resembling your father.” A smug smile played on his lips, his graying dark hair and piercing green eyes sending chills through her.

Airella turned to King William, noting his intense interest in the conversation. Airella felt a mix of emotions swirling within her—a blend of apprehension, curiosity, and determination.

The weight of her unknowing family’s legacy pressed upon her shoulders, intertwining with the intrigue of the royal court. The air in the throne room held a tension that crackled like lightning, each word spoken carrying layers of unspoken implications. As she stood amidst the opulence and power, the gravity of the moment settled upon her like a heavy cloak, marking a turning point in her destiny.

“What makes you think I’d help?”

The words came out far snarkier than she would have liked, but this time, there was no fear in her voice. Airella’s teeth clenched as the first-in-command, a burly man with a scar across his left cheek, struck her across the face with a leather-gloved hand. The impact was jarring, causing her head to snap back, her multi-colored eyes welling up with tears that threatened to spill over. At that moment, the dimly lit room seemed to close in around her, the air heavy with tension as she sank deeper into the murky waters of trouble.

The scar-faced man crouched beside her, his voice booming with authority and a hint of condescension.

“Know your place,” he commanded in a commanding tone. “Show respect to those of higher rank,” his words echoed, his eyes cold and calculating. “We offer you a vital role in our military, yet you resist. This is exactly why women belong in kitchens, not on the battlefield!” He declared, a smirk playing on his lips. “We considered your brother,” he paused, his gaze piercing through her, “but he seems to lack your... abilities,” his voice trailed off, leaving an ominous silence hanging in the air.

“Duran, that’s enough,” King William’s deep voice resonated through the vast throne room, the echoes bouncing off the ornate walls. “Child,” he announced as he rose from his majestic throne, commanding attention with his regal presence, “we have discovered an island of mystical allure, nestled far off the coast of Edros. It beckons to become a treasured extension of our realm, promising untold riches and boundless potential. Not only that, but we hope it can be a safe space for our citizens to retreat if Aurian attacks. However, caution must precede ambition. Before we dispatch our cherished citizens to establish roots, our valiant warriors must venture forth to chart this uncharted territory. The unknown lurks beyond the horizon, and we must tread wisely. Yet fear not, for your bravery shall not go unnoticed. I will grant generous rewards upon you, and your family name will gleam with honor and glory for generations to come,” he concluded with a firm nod, his eyes alight with a mix of anticipation and reverence.

The unexpected turn of events took a back from Airella. His explanation didn’t leave room for her to choose whether to join the expedition; it felt more like a directive than a mere suggestion. The weight of his words hung in the air, hinting at an unspoken expectation of her compliance. She stood there, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

As she gazed up at him, his regal demeanor captured her attention. Despite his age, his features were still strikingly handsome, exuding a sense of authority that demanded respect.

Airella pondered over his proposition. If she agreed to go on this journey, he promised compensation that might change her family’s circumstances for the better. The thought of being able to afford her mother’s much-needed medication sparked a glimmer of hope within her.

However, doubts crept into her mind. How would her family fare without her presence? Could they manage on their own if she left? The idea of providing for her loved ones in a way she never could before tugged at her heartstrings. It was a decision that weighed heavily on her, knowing that whatever choice she made would have far-reaching consequences for those she held dear.

“I... I accept,” Airella stammered, the weight of those words heavy on her tongue.

Her father’s involvement in the King’s Royal Army had always been a mystery to her, but she knew his duties provided for their family. The envy of the village children for her possessions had never bothered her much, as she had grown accustomed to their way of life. It wasn’t until her father’s passing that the reality of their situation hit hard. With the income gone, her mother’s illness only added to the burden. Their cottage, once a place of comfort, now showed signs of neglect. The struggle to put food on the table and afford her mother’s medicine weighed heavily on Airella’s mind.

In a strange turn of events, the offer presented itself as a lifeline. No longer would she need to resort to desperate measures to support her family. If leaving for a while meant securing her brother and mother’s well-being, she was prepared to make that sacrifice.

“That’s truly wonderful news,” he remarked with a genuine smile. “I will arrange for the payments to be sent over to your household. Your father, may his legacy endure, would undoubtedly be proud of your accomplishments.” Taking a moment to tidy up the loose ends, he continued, “Duran, if you would be so kind, could you accompany Miss Airella to the armory? We must ensure she is well-equipped and prepared for the journey ahead, as it promises to be quite arduous and lengthy.”

Duran bowed his head in respect and then turned to Airella. He roughly dragged her up onto her feet by the chains around her wrists, which he then unlocked, setting the girl free. He led her down a series of winding hallways, and eventually, they made it to the armory. Before Airella could go in, he forcefully grabbed her by the arm and pulled her inches away from his face.

“You will do as I say on this journey. Don’t think I’m going to cut you slack because you’re a girl. You’re only here because you carry your father’s superior strength and agility. You’ve yet to prove yourself. You’re still just a woman.” He scoffed, grabbing her face and whispering into her ear with sheer intensity. Shivers ran down her spine as he did so.

All she wanted was to just escape into the armory, then and there.

She reached for the door handle but paused. One question, in particular, kept clawing at her mind, and she couldn’t help but ask.

“What did my father do to make him so important? Why me?” Airella knew her father worked for the king long ago, but never knew what his exact role was. It was as if he had intentionally kept it a secret to keep his family from worrying. Airella had always assumed he had played a small part in the King’s Guard, and that was why they were so wealthy when he was alive. She never asked too many questions. Until recently, everything always seemed to make sense.

Duran took a moment before he laughed, realizing her situation. “You’re quite the sheltered girl, aren’t you? That’s all about to change.” He spoke one last time. “Now, find yourself a weapon and a set of armor. You have an hour before our departure, so make it quick.”

Tears began to stream down Airella’s face out of frustration, confusion, and sadness after she closed the door behind her. Why was she feeling this way? Arii and her mother would be well off with the money they would receive. She only hoped that someone would send a messenger to notify them of her journey. The last thing she wanted was for them to be worried.

She walked to a wall lined with weapons and different types of armor and wiped the tears off of her face. Although there were a variety of options to pick from, she could only find one set of armor that was small enough to fit her. She had difficulty finding the armor because it lacked specific design for a woman and it still exceeded the appropriate size. She removed her wet clothes and slid on the white tunic and leather pants that had been laid out for her. She then slid on the silver chest plate. It was old and rusted, hardly passing the standards to go into battle with. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. From her knowledge, only the higher-ups, such as the first-in-command, wore gold. The rest of the king’s army wore silver.

Now it was time to choose a weapon. She looked over her options, confused at the thought of why King William would think she had ever held a weapon before. She turned her head towards her pile of wet clothes lying on the floor of the armory and saw that a brown satchel was laying next to where her prepared clothes had been. A metal blade peeked from the satchel, and she moved to open the bag to reveal what was inside. Dawnbreaker glistened as if it were speaking to her. It reminded her of a smaller version of an executioner’s axe—it was gold and had two blades on each side of the top of the handle. It was mesmerizing to look at, yet dangerous to the touch. She had always wondered why her father kept an armory full of fine and polished weapons in his bedroom, but now that she knew he had some type of strong connection to the king, she could understand why. After finishing, she used an old leather belt to strap Dawnbreaker to her waist, then walked to a mirror.

Airella looked at her reflection, examining her looks. She could hardly recognize herself in all the armor. She never thought that she would ever find herself in this position. “I’ll be back soon, Eldaraya...” she mumbled, her bright blue eye distracting her as it overpowered her emerald green one. Her hair was completely dry now and fell into loose curls around her waist. She pulled it up into a high ponytail using a strand of old ribbon and then heard a knock on the door.

“We are departing in ten minutes. Board the ship now!” A soldier yelled from the hall. Airella, intrigued by the murmurs swirling among the soldiers, quietly trailed behind him as they made their way to the ship. It didn’t take long for the whispers to reach her ears, carrying the news of an unprecedented journey about to unfold—one where a woman, her presence stirring curiosity and speculation, would join their ranks on this voyage.

As Airella’s gaze swept over the intricately carved wooden ship, she couldn’t help but notice the striking contrast in attire—silver garments adorned the majority except for a select few who sported distinct insignias denoting their elevated positions. Although their numbers were scarce, Airella’s initial hunch was now solidified, confirming her suspicions.

A red-haired man in his mid-twenties approached Airella. His facial features were framed by a light stubble, accentuating his jawline and exuding warmth and kindness. His lips curved into a gentle smile, which added a friendly charm to his demeanor.

Clad in a set of intricately designed golden armor, a shade brighter than Duran’s, he stood tall with a sense of noble pride. He gingerly cradled a weathered wooden box in his arms and Airella barely spared it a glance. Her focus was entirely on the man before her.

“Could it be? Are you truly the child of the renowned Lysander Devereaux?”

“Just call me Airella,” a hint of curiosity filled her voice as she extended her hand to shake his. Her gaze shifted slightly, and she quickly noticed a large scar that rested on the side of his forehead, a silent reminder of a past unknown to her.

“I am the second-in-command,” he announced confidently, a glint of determination in his eyes as he introduced himself, “and co-captain of this grand journey that lies ahead. You may call me Jonathan.” His voice carried a sense of leadership and camaraderie, resonating with assurance.

As he spoke cheerily, his gaze shifted downwards, meeting her curious eyes with a friendly warmth. Airella sensed an opportunity in his demeanor, a chance to inquire about a topic of intrigue.

“You have obviously heard of my father,” he continued, a hint of curiosity lacing his words, “would you mind sharing what you know?” Airella, captivated by the opening he presented, seized the moment to engage in conversation.

“Why, you don’t know? Well, I guess it made sense to spare you the details. I mean, you must have only been a young child when he died, so it only made sense—” Jonathan paused mid-sentence, catching his insensitivity in the making. Realizing his misstep, he quickly apologized. “Sorry.” He hesitated for a moment, waiting for Airella’s nod before cautiously continuing, “Your father gained the nickname The Executioner. He led the Great War on Aurian, but that must have been years before you were born.”

Airella’s expression turned distant, her thoughts swirling with confusion. Her mother had never hinted at such a past, leaving Airella grappling with the sudden revelation. Her mind raced as she struggled to reconcile this new information with her memories. The realization did, however, shed light on the hidden cache of weapons concealed within her father’s chambers.

Her voice trembled slightly as she questioned Jonathan, “Are you certain we are referring to the same Lysander Devereaux? It seems improbable. King William must have confused me with another.” Airella shook her head, a mix of uncertainty and apprehension clouding her features as she instinctively distanced herself from Jonathan’s words.

“The proof is all here. According to what we’ve heard, your strength is just like his once was... even your eyes resemble his. The resemblance between the two of you is uncanny.” Slowly and thoughtfully, he moved closer, his steps deliberate as he reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I would know, believe me,” he revealed softly, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and wisdom. “I was his apprentice.”

“If that’s true, then why aren’t you the first-in-command instead of Duran?” Airella gestured towards Duran from across the upper deck.

“Well, he was second-in-command at the time of Lysander’s retirement from the king’s army,” Jonathan explained, his brow furrowing slightly as he delved into the history of their ranks. “He positioned himself to become first-in-command after your father, following a succession plan that has remained unaltered ever since. This continuity has offered me valuable experience, which has allowed me to effectively serve as second-in-command.”

“Oh, I see,” Airella nodded her head in understanding, her expression reflecting a mix of comprehension and curiosity.

“I was instructed to give this to you,” Jonathan explained with a reverent tone in his voice. “King William commissioned his very own blacksmith to forge it while we awaited your arrival.” With deliberate care, he held out the moderately sized box, its craftsmanship clear in the intricate details adorning its exterior, and gently placed it in Airella’s awaiting arms.

“I have to make sure everything is in order now,” Jonathan continued, a sense of duty in his words. “I’ll be seeing you.”

With a warm smile that reached his eyes, he bid farewell to Airella before turning gracefully and striding purposefully into the bustling crowd of men, each one focused on their task of loading the wooden ship in meticulous preparation for the upcoming journey.

Airella gazed down at the wooden crate cradled in her hands, feeling the rough texture beneath her fingertips. Grateful for her robust strength, she effortlessly carried the weighty burden towards her assigned cabin aboard the creaking ship. Curiosity danced in her eyes as she gingerly placed the crate on her modest cot, the anticipation building within her. With a gentle pull, she pried open the lid, revealing a dazzling spectacle that took her breath away—a set of intricately crafted golden armor tailored to perfection for a woman of her stature.

In that fleeting moment, as the soft glow of the golden armor bathed her room in a warm light, Airella made a silent vow to inhabit her confined space until necessity dictated otherwise. While the gesture of the gift was undeniably thoughtful, it failed to dispel the lingering unease that clung to her in the vast expanse of the open sea, far from the familiar comforts of Alverstone.