Hila and Mordecai 3
Last Sunday, I left you with the promise of telling you how Lost Kingdom fits into Hila’s story. This is going to require two stories. The first of these is called Crystal Clear.
The lake lay crystal clear upon the morning. Only the mountain’s reflection marked its surface. Hila knew the secrets hidden in its depths. Mordecai’s silence spoke his grief at the lives lost on its shores.
A wolf’s howl bit the air.
“Our host awaits.” Mordecai flew to lead the way.
The following story, Severed, filled in an important piece of Hila’s history, as well as tied Lost Kingdom into her story.
Hila’s feet knew the way, though she had not set foot on this mountain since her ninth naming day. She faltered in her step, though no branch or rock caught her foot. Why had she let Mordecai lead her here, rather than returning to the front? She should be healing the wounded, easing the dying.
We are called here, Hila, her familiar thought to her. The owl flew, just ahead, leading her on.
Hila shrank from the thought, even as her mind traveled back ten years, to a day she had done her best to forget.
“Father, they come.” Myrdal wheezed through lungs laboring from his run from the Watch.
Mother’s eyes entreated Father to hide the children, though she spoke not a word.
“We will greet them as is fitting,” Aram said, looking to both his children and his wife. “Jessana, we will not shirk from this duty.”
“But the twins are all we have. Who will guard the kingdom if they are taken?” Jessana, eyes moist, addressed the children. “Hila, Myrdal, prepare a tray for our guests.”
Hila took her twin’s hand, squeezing it. “It will be all right, Myrdal. We will be fine.”
They entered the kitchen, both knowing Hila lied. She felt the witches before she saw them. Myrdal did not. Her power had always been stronger than his, though she took pains to hide it from him. She waited until they became visible through the window.
“We’d best rejoin Mother and Father.”
“Aye,” was Myrdal’s only reply. Lips tight, body stiff, he picked up the tray they had prepared and followed his sister into the looming future.
The witches, three, as always on a trek of discovery, entered without knocking. Two women, one dark, the other fair, both young, and a man of indeterminate age, marched straight toward the twins, without greeting Aram and Jessana.
“You are not surprised,” the dark witch addressed Hila. It was not a question.
Myrdal shot his sister a confused look. He did not know. Not yet. Hila had been unable to tell him. The pain of the knowing shrank her lungs so she could barely breathe. Yet she answered.
“I have felt your call. But my brother…”
“He has the spark, but not the flame.” The witch glanced at Myrdal, then away, dismissing him. “You are called, Hila.”
“My brother and I are stronger together.” It was hopeless, she knew, but still Hila could not give in without trying.
“Only you.”
“Hila.” Myrdal’s voice cracked and faltered. “What is this? What have you kept from me?”
Myrdal’s hurt at her betrayal broke Hila’s heart. But she could not have told him. She had not been able, herself, to face their impending separation.
“I’m sorry Myrd. I have felt the call for at least a season. I waited for you to feel it too. I didn’t want it to be true…”
The dark witch spoke again. “Hila, we must depart. Are you ready?”
“No.” Myrdal gripped her hand, his own damp with sweat. His fear spilled into her, threatened to overwhelm her.
“At least stay to refresh yourselves.” Jessana gestured weakly to the forgotten tray.
Aram, his face a mask, pulled his wife to him. “It is best she leave quickly. She is no longer ours.”
Hila’s heart shattered as her parents turned their backs to her. Myrdal, unable to adhere to custom, clung to her as both cried and the fair witch parted them forcibly. Hila could still hear her twin’s wailing pleas as her feet carried her beyond the confines of the village that was no longer her home. She felt his anguish for months.
Coming back to herself, Hila fought for composure. How could she face Myrdal now, after all this time? This was a mistake. She should turn around. She had just resolved to do so, when a massive grey wolf appeared before her on the path.
Mordecai’s thought came. This is our way, Hila.
Terrified of where that way would lead, Hila nonetheless stepped forward to greet the wolf.
Next Sunday, we’ll meet a new character and a new twist. I hope you’re enjoying learning about Hila and Mordecai through my discovery process!
Glad your back to Hila and Mordecai. I enjoyed these stories before, am enjoying them again, and am looking forward to the new additions.