The Price of Hope

Leyade stared at her in utter astonishment. She had never imagined that someone so unhurried could lose her temper like that. On the other hand, after hearing herself described as ‘the first elf she happened to come across’, she rather enjoyed seeing how Silas had infuriated Fayla simply by telling the truth.

Silas waited patiently for Fayla to at least stop shouting. He drew breath to speak, but the queen interrupted him.

“Fayla,” Queen Elira said, “this is a trial. You cannot lose your temper like that.”

Her reprimand was stern.

“But, Queen Elira…” The fairy with fuchsia hair tried to protest, but the queen raised a hand to silence her.

“I will hear no objections. If you cannot calm down and conduct yourself as the occasion demands, you will lose your right to ask questions.”

The warmth left the queen’s kindly eyes, and her ever-present smile vanished. Her tone was commanding, and even the butterflies that usually perched on her crown scattered in alarm. She was an imposing presence, and it was clear that she would not tolerate such behaviour.

The members of the Council were watching Fayla in surprise. They were not quite as astonished as Leyade, but when the queen reprimanded her, they all looked away to avoid drawing her displeasure themselves.

The fairy sulked, then gave a long sigh and relented.

“Very well, Queen Elira. I apologise for my behaviour,” she said, her apology sounding rehearsed but sincere.

The queen watched her for a few moments before continuing.

“See that it does not happen again.”

Then she turned back to Silas, who was watching her solemnly, though a hint of surprise showed on his face.

“Please, Silas, answer the question,” the queen said, her usual expression returning.

“Of course, Queen Elira,” he replied, somewhat subdued and caught off guard by the exchange. He cleared his throat and looked back at Fayla. “Yes, Councillor Fayla. She knew exactly what she was giving her.”

Fayla frowned at him.

“That makes it no better!” she retorted, folding her arms. “Besides, my question was whether you know what she has given her,” she insisted, pointing a finger at him without uncrossing her arms.

The half-elf nodded without hesitation.

“Of course.”

There was no doubt or surprise in his expression. To him, it was obvious what the weapon was.

Leyade watched them, utterly lost. What was going on? Why had Fayla reacted like that? What was so terrible about giving her a sword? And what on earth was a ramal? The questions tumbled over one another in her head, making it throb. The elf huffed, doing her best not to interrupt and straining all her senses to catch any clue that might explain what it was.

“Are you certain? Do you know what that entails?” the fairy pressed, her voice grave.

Silas sighed before answering. He stroked Elindra’s chin and spoke as though Fayla had already asked him a thousand questions.

“I do, Councillor. And although only one question is permitted, I will tell you that I know what it is, I know what it entails, and I understand your reaction. But I will make sure it does not become a problem.” He watched her for a moment before continuing. “I know you trust me.” He paused, meeting her eyes. “So I trust that, if I give you my word, you will have no objection. Will you?”

Silas spoke deliberately, making sure she understood the weight of his words.

Fayla regarded him in silence. She glanced at the other councillors before answering.

“That is true.” Her wings fluttered slightly. “You had better keep your word. Otherwise…”

She left the threat unfinished and sank into her seat, defeated.

As soon as Fayla sat down, the queen spoke.

“Very well. That concludes the questions.”

Queen Elira rose gracefully from her throne. The butterflies danced back to her crown, and Neila settled on her shoulder. Her beautiful, iridescent blue wings spread to help her rise, stirring her dress and lending her an ethereal air.

“Thank you, Silas Linarion, representative of Kiany, spirit of small animals. Your testimony has been enlightening. Despite the difficulties we have encountered…” She paused, casting a glance at Fayla and Selwen. “…you have given us enough to reach a decision.”

The queen stood out against the gathering dusk. Leyade gazed at her as though she were an oil painting. The sight was beautiful, yet it frightened her too. She wrapped her arms around herself. Perhaps it was the evening chill, or perhaps the clothes they had made her wear, but her skin was cold, and she was trembling.

There were no more options. It was now or never. The moment of truth had come.

Had the half-elf’s intervention helped at all? Or had he actually made things even worse?

With a knot in her stomach, Leyade looked straight ahead. This was the moment of truth, the time to fight. She had a second chance to save her people. After all, not everyone escaped death.

Elindra glided from Silas’s shoulder to Leyade’s and settled there. She gently nudged Leyade’s cheek with her little head. Surprised, Leyade could not help smiling. Encouraged by the dragon’s gesture, she raised a hand and carefully stroked her head. To her surprise, although Elindra’s skin looked rough, it felt softer than she had expected. Her scales were smooth as water beneath Leyade’s fingers, and not nearly as cold as she had imagined.

Silas smiled in amusement at the sight. Elindra was always affectionate towards everyone, especially anyone who seemed sad or worried.

The queen rested her hands on the lectern and looked at those gathered before her.

“This time, we need not take any further time to deliberate. We had already reached a decision, and I know all your views. I shall therefore consider this testimony as further evidence informing my verdict.”

The queen remained thoughtful for a few moments before continuing.

“Leyade Tíanladastra,” she said, making the hairs on Leyade’s neck stand on end, “my verdict remains unchanged: you are innocent.” Queen Elira’s voice was firm. “However, what follows from that verdict has changed.”

She paused. Leyade stared at her, wide-eyed. Was this what she had been waiting for all this time?

“From what Silas has told us, it seems that Kiany has faith in you and trusts you enough to give you the weapon in question. Despite our reservations about that decision, she has seen something in you that I, too, can see.”

The queen’s words fell like an ember within Leyade, kindling a fire of hope.

“I see your ability to save lives, to show what you feel without fearing the judgement of others, and to endure. For that reason, I have decided neither to send you to the human kingdom nor to erase your memories of Kiany and the sword.”

Before the queen had quite finished speaking, Leyade could no longer contain her joy.

“Really? Thank you so much, Queen Elira! You’ve made me so happy! As soon as I leave, I’ll learn to use the sword, and…”

“I did not say I would give you the sword, Leyade,” the queen interrupted gently. Even so, her words felt like a jug of cold water thrown over Leyade. “At least, not without conditions.”

The elf stared at her in bewilderment.