A Kingdom of Sand and Dust Read online

  A KINGDOM OF SAND AND DUST

  Book Two of the Magic Awakens Trilogy

  S. K. Smith

  1 – NIALL

  The Hole was as comfortable and welcoming as always. The sound of drunken name-calling and laughter was normally music to his ears, but today, his heart was not in it. The dark and dingy Inn was alive with its usual flamboyance, raucous laughter, jovial music and the occasional scrummage. Yet, this evening, even the smashing chairs signalling another fight had broken out did little to gain his attention. Karl and Theo roared with laughter as they watched the entertainment, cheering with excitement as a young man neatly dodged a broad and drunken man’s sloppy punches. Such amusements were often found at The Hole. Niall glanced up and forced himself to act entertained, it would be expected of him. The younger of the two was dancing lightly around, causing confusion in the much drunker and slower man. This was never going to end well. Niall’s eyes glazed over as he pretended to watch, the men and women around him shouted in encouragement as both men took more chances. After a long dance, finally, the older man lunged unexpectedly and grabbed the young boy with his large fists and pummelled him into the floor, before almost collapsing on top of him. Cheers erupted through the Inn as the entertainment ended. A beautiful young woman strolled out from behind the bar and doused the two brawlers in water.

  ‘You two going to act like animals! You’ll be treated like it!’ She shouted at them, kicking them as they lay unconscious on the floor. Clicking her fingers loudly, several men dragged their lifeless bodies from the Inn to much jeering from the crowds. Niall barely registered the young barmaid who had once instilled excitement and lust. Martha was fierce, attractive and loyal to a fault, she was respected and well loved by all her patrons. The Fiends looked to her and her Inn for shelter and comfort, and in turn protected her from trouble with their own reputations. Occasionally the agreement was tested, as the Fiends’ behaviour usually fended off other business from her doors. Martha chucked a mop to a young boy in the crowd.

  ‘Go on then lad!’

  ‘Clean it up you scrubber!’

  ‘Make sure ye get it all or she’ll have ya!’ The Fiends took it in turns to mock him as he pushed the mop around in distaste. What Martha wanted, she had, especially when the Fiends were around. Niall barely noticed as Theo pulled up a wooden stool and Martha gracefully took a seat. Her frame was curvy, and her face was beautiful, but her expression kept most men from trying. Niall had grown very close to her over the years but over the last few months, things had changed. Martha looked at him, her expression unfathomable. Niall barely met her eyes.

  ‘Martha.’ He greeted her simply. He could not deny how beautiful and intimidating she was. He had loved that. He had never wanted to save a Princess, he always admired how she could take care of herself.

  ‘Niall,’ she replied curtly, her eyes burning his flesh, ‘do you need a refill?’ Niall glanced down into his flagon and noticed it was empty. How long had it been like that? Martha signalled another bar maid to come over, the young, slim blonde excitedly rushed over to fill his flagon, spilling it slightly on the table as she went.

  ‘God sakes girl! Get it cleaned up, what sort of place do you reckon this is?’ Martha cussed. The young girl blushed.

  ‘It’s no bother.’ Niall murmured, for he hadn’t even noticed.

  ‘So, when are you going to snap out of whatever this is?’ Martha asked, leaning closer to him and revealing some cleavage. Niall averted his eyes, his lips tight shut. He hadn’t shared his thoughts with anyone since leaving. He didn’t dare.

  ‘The men have noticed; they don’t like it.’ Martha pressed. Karl and Theo watched the interaction with interest.

  ‘Nothing’s changed.’ Niall replied curtly, his eyes snapping to hers. He resented the idea that the Fiends were turning against him.

  ‘You’ve excluded yourself from every outing, you’re no fun anymore, you are completely different. What happened to you?’ Martha asked, mostly ignoring his answer. Niall ignored her, he couldn’t explain. In truth, he had failed. He had left Ayda and Brielle. His plan was to find more mages to take the pressure of the young Princess, he had hoped to have found something or someone by now so he could return to Ayda. But he had found nothing. Magic was extinct in Calumnia, and no-one old or young had ever heard of it. A yell from behind them grabbed Martha’s attention and she left, with one last glance at Niall.

  ‘She’s right you know.’ Karl murmured to him gruffly, as he placed his tankard on the table before him.

  ‘Where else can we look?’ Niall asked them, ignoring him. Theo and Karl exchanged impatient glances before speaking.

  ‘We have sent birds to every study centre in Calumnia, we have even asked religious houses. Most of the human’s knowledge is kept there, if they don’t know then maybe we were wrong.’ Theo replied gently.

  ‘What do you mean, wrong?’ Niall asked.

  ‘Just because the Elves got their magic back, doesn’t mean that we will.’ Theo explained.

  ‘Maybe the story the others told us was wrong. It was just a story.’ Karl added, slurping at his ale. Niall winced internally at the words; he had been pushing this thought from his mind. He had never heard of his kind having any form of magic, it was only since meeting Brielle and Ayda that he had come to believe in it. Since returning to Oakwood they had sent out feelers to most corners of Calumnia to the most educated, experienced and faithful humans, and they had come back with nothing. Niall had been forced to consider maybe the humans did not ever have magic after all. He had not given up. Although they kept it to themselves for fear of being misunderstood, Niall still believed that magic could return to humankind.

  ‘Do you not worry, that if humans cannot master magic, that we would be inferior to Elves forever?’ Niall whispered quietly. Finally, he voiced his main concern. Theo and Karl looked surprised.

  ‘We had thought this but hearing it from you is another matter.’ Karl nodded, his eyes worried. Clearly, they had already had the discussion as the surprise wasn’t caused by the idea, but by Niall’s confirmation of the concern.

  ‘We have all seen what we are up against, humans currently have no way of defending against it.’ Niall murmured, acceptance flooding through him.

  ‘It won’t come to that.’ Theo shook his head, rejecting the idea that Elle would use her magic against them.

  ‘I’m not talking about Elle,’ Niall explained, ‘if they are able to free magic, Elle would not be alone.’ The darkness of the thought filled the air around them. Now there existed a mere handful of Mages in Myrliar, few of them good. The destruction that had already been caused by their existence was immeasurable, it was inconceivable what level of destruction would be caused by unmonitored Mages who were left unchecked. Niall shuddered as he remembered the Wastes. The rumoured location of the Mages’ War between humans and elves that had been left barren and obliterated by magic. Were they better off without magic? Or were the Elders right to control it? Niall knew that no-one had the gift of foresight and no-one knew the answer. But maybe the answer lay in their past mistakes.

  ‘If magic returns, another war could begin.’ Niall said.

  ‘A war is already beginning.’ Karl mumbled. Theo nodded sadly. Niall remembered the trials that Elle and Ayda were about to face without him. Elle was set on a path that could cost her life. Niall loved her innocence and purity and could not allow himself to believe that she would use her magic for any means detrimental to life. He would not believe that. Sure, she had killed with her magic and lost control, but the next time he saw her (if he saw her) she would be a fully trained Mage. But she was in danger. The Elven Elders were hunting her with their army, The Legion, as her power was to
o strong for them to ignore. They saw her as a great threat, one that needed to be eradicated.

  ‘We are powerless in a Mages’ war.’ Niall whispered, defeat hollowing his stomach. He had seen the incredible power of magic. He and his allies, and even Ayda had been left motionless and vulnerable to it. What use were they in a battle of the Mages?

  ‘You really haven’t been around a lot, have you?’ Theo shook his head. His meaning went over Niall as he scrunched his eyebrows together in confusion.

  ‘The Mages War is small, contained, basically Elle versus the Elders. It has nothing to do with humans.’ Karl said simply, shrugging as if it were some small matter. Niall supposed this was true. No other human would care about the problems of an Elf, he cared because he loved them both. No matter how hard he would try to deny it.

  ‘A new war is coming, a war that affects everyone in this room.’ Karl continued.

  ‘Bryce sent you a letter.’ Theo smiled apologetically as he passed the folded parchment to Niall. The letter had been opened, he glanced at his friends for an explanation.

  ‘You were out of it mate.’ Theo shrugged, signalling for a refill to the slim blonde barmaid he had apparently taken a shine to. Niall peeled open the letter as Theo’s words washed over him. He had been so preoccupied with the Elves’ problems and with finding magic that he had not been present for the woes of his own kind. The Fiends had placed him high with responsibility and he had all but abandoned them, as his unread letter proved. He sighed in frustration as he read the letter. Bryce, the leader of the Fiends had written to warn him about King Devan’s plans. The human King of Calumnia was rallying his army against Myrliar. The humans were going to attack the Elves. Niall felt his mouth drop open. How could the King be so stupid!? Karl chuckled sympathetically.

  ‘Happy to be awake?’ He grinned, his eyebrow raised.

  ‘Why are you laughing? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?’ Niall hissed, flabbergasted.

  ‘There’s nothing you can do.’ Karl said easily.

  ‘The King is sending men to die in a war against mages - without knowing!’

  ‘Nothing we can do.’

  ‘Like hell there isn’t!’ Niall leapt to his feet, glowering at his friend. Niall felt his loyalties were being tested. He was being ripped into two and had no idea what to do. He had promised Elle and Ayda to find more mages to help them, but he also planned on strengthening the human’s position by finding human mages. This had failed, for there were none to find. Now, to hammer his fears home, the King was now foolishly sending men into a magical war, where they had no means to defend themselves. Niall could not stand by and watch as his King waged war on Ayda’s shattered Kingdom, and he could not bear to witness the needless deaths of his own kind. He had to do something.

  ‘Martha!’ Niall called with such authority that the Fiends around him stood still with focus. Had it been that long since he had displayed his own authority? Martha smiled at him in pleasure as she sauntered over. She knew how to move her body, her confidence oozed from her as she placed herself in front of him.

  ‘I love it when you talk like that.’ She winked at him, as the others turned back to their drinks knowing they were not required. Niall ignored her and went straight to business.

  ‘I need to get a message to Bryce – urgently. I know you both have quicker ways of communicating in secret.’ Martha smiled at him as she tipped her head to one side, her curly hair fell over her bosom. She considered him for a moment as if judging his needs.

  ‘Please, Martha, it’s urgent.’ Niall’s voice rang with authority again. He always found he could not be too firm with her, she meant something to him, though he was never quite sure what. Martha smiled as though she had made up her mind and gestured for him to follow.

  Niall followed Martha upstairs, ignoring the wolf-whistling from his Fiends. The wooden Inn creaked as they climbed the old staircase to the lodgings above. Martha slowed down so she could walk next to him. Niall found it incredible that the woman could still smell of light floral perfume whilst working in an Inn surrounded by drunken fools. She really did deserve better, he thought.

  ‘Does this mean you’re back?’ Martha asked lightly, as they wandered through the corridors of the middle level of the Inn.

  ‘I never left, just had a lot on my mind. Things are more complicated now.’ Niall explained, waving the letter slightly. Martha recognised the letter and nodded once. He hoped the explanation would suffice but suspected not, Martha was a smart and cunning woman who knew him well. At the end of the corridor a wooden door was sealed closed. Martha removed a key from her skirt pocket and approached it.

  ‘Wait here a moment.’ She said gently as she unlocked the door and entered. Niall examined the area. He usually stayed in the Inn, preferring to isolate himself from the everyday busy bodies of Oakwood. He had sold his father’s home and cart when he was younger and now relied mostly on his own charm and occasional theft. Niall did not consider himself a thief, he always shared his earnings with others who were struggling and only took from those whose own tables were overflowing. It was an unfair world, and the Fiends did all they could to balance it. After a moment or so, the door creaked open and Martha’s voice called him inside. Niall pushed the door open slightly and stepped into the room. The suite was luxurious, wooden panelling and carpeted floors with a roaring fireplace and comfortable furniture. Niall found himself surprised, as the Inn was not known for its home luxuries and the rooms he had stayed in before were much more basic. By the window, a shadow was stood staring out at the dark town beyond.

  ‘I’ve been waiting for you.’ The man’s deep voice was instantly recognisable. Bryce. Niall was surprised and shocked to see him. Bryce was the leader of the Fiends, and as his second, Niall would have expected to have been summoned, or at least informed of his presence. Bryce usually resided in the Capital with the other Fiends, but for some reason, he had travelled all this way, in secret. Niall glared at Martha, why had she not told him? Martha was not fazed by his attitude but Niall waited for her to leave them in peace so they could talk in private.

  ‘Martha is staying - with my invitation.’ Bryce said clearly, as though reading Niall’s mind. Niall thought to refuse, Martha was not a Fiend, she was a barmaid, how had she developed this relationship when Niall was so easily discarded?

  ‘You have been elsewhere as of late, talk to us.’ Bryce pressed on, leaving his window to stand next to Martha. They were united it seemed. Niall felt uncomfortable, he held high regard and respect for both, but their stance was interrogative, and he didn’t trust it. Bryce was an older man, his greying beard and hair were long and wispy, and his brown travelling attire was dusty and old. Even as leader of the Fiends, you were not bestowed wealth. They were not thieves, they were distributors. Criminals and peasants alike supported them and treated them like family, they were mostly untouchable and untraceable.

  ‘This letter cannot be allowed to be left.’ Niall said calmly, making sure his voice did not betray his emotions.

  ‘No? Why?’ Bryce asked, interested.

  ‘We cannot let the King send thousands of men to slaughter.’

  ‘Noble, but we do not interfere in war. That is our King’s decision.’ Bryce said clearly.

  ‘But the King is unaware of what he sends them to.’

  ‘What does he send them to?’ Martha asked, her expression serious. They were going to make him say it. Gone were the days when Bryce trusted his word and respect, now they were suspicious of him. Months of disappearance without any explanation does that, apparently.

  ‘What happened to you, Niall? You were of such promise, you had passion for the cause. Then you disappear with the Elven Princesses and return a shell of the man you were.’ Bryce sighed, returning to his window. Martha’s eyes found Niall’s and for a moment, a shimmer of hurt sparkled before they were steeled once more. What did she suspect? How did they know of the Princesses? What else did they know?

  ‘We have eyes everywher
e, even in Myrliar. You should know that.’ Bryce whispered quietly, struggling to hide his disappointment.

  ‘Then what do you need to know from me – if you already had me watched.’ Niall spat, his anger rising. If they knew all of this why had they left him alone to struggle through? Why intimidate him and continue the persistent questioning?

  ‘Did you find any?’ Bryce asked quietly. The question confused Niall. Find any – what?

  ‘Come on boy! You know what I speak of!’ Bryce was frustrated and growing angry himself. Niall wondered how much they knew, but the question seemed to be heading towards Brielle. He wondered if he dare tell, but he guessed they already knew and maybe the truth would help his cause.

  ‘None. None within our kind.’ Niall admitted. As he said the words, he knew his secret was out. They knew of Mages, they had known of his struggle and had waited for him to tell them, surprisingly he felt relieved. The old man sighed and rubbed his temple. No one spoke for a few moments.

  ‘You are right then.’ Martha spoke first, her eyes cold and emotionless.

  ‘The King must be warned; we cannot send our nation into war without magic of our own.’ Niall repeated, knowing his battle won. They could not argue this.

  ‘It may be too late.’ Bryce sighed, leaving the room at once without looking at them.

  2 – ELLE

  The door slammed hard. Harder than she had meant it to. The bright lights dissipated. Spent. Elle slumped down into her bed, drained from a hard day of training. She was getting better, but she had still not perfected magic as her clumsy door slamming had proven. Tears rolled down her cheeks silently as they did most days now. So many people depended on her mastering this, and she still couldn’t do the simplest things. Nhima had assured her she was doing well, but Elle could not believe her. It had been weeks, and all she had mastered was the movement of her magic and how to manipulate it. Nothing she had learnt would help her against the Elders and she still wasn’t sure how they could consider her a threat. Elle felt safer now than she had before, knowing that her magic was undetectable in the bunker beneath the Scholar’s private quarters. Scholar Byran had designed the rooms beneath with Ebony Stone, which he had discovered blocked magic and concealed its appearance when used correctly. A gentle knock at the door signalled her sister’s arrival, quick as a flash, Elle rubbed the tears from her cheeks. ‘Hey, how did today go?’ Ayda asked gently as she stepped into the plain bedroom.