Children Of A Clouded Skye

By Talmage Cleverly

Skye was a crazy vagabond faerie princess. Now she's a vagabond faerie princess mother of a teenager. Twenty years after her encounter with the brutal King Cardeness, her son starts courting her old enemy's daughter. To make it worse, the girl is a spy for her father, who is on the eve of starting a war to destroy the growing faerie kingdom and its allies.

While Skye's son must choose between the girl next door and the dangerous stranger, Maelekin's daughter has a favorite in the game and may use every means in her power to play matchmaker, but first she must survive Cardeness's assassins and her own magical recklessness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Talmage Cleverly
• Release date: Oct 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465772008

Talmage Cleverly

Talmage Cleverly has been playing in the made up worlds in his head since a small child. He likes to write about his imaginary friends and make them suffer for his own enjoyment and that of others. He currently lives in Layton Utah with his wife, two kids, and dog.

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Children Of A Clouded Skye

By Talmage Cleverly

Book Two of the Clouded Skye Chronicles

Copyright 2011 Talmage Cleverly

Smashwords Edition

Cover by Talmage Cleverly

Copyright 2011 Talmage Cleverly

All right's reserved.

Build No: SWE1.0

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental.

Other books by this author can be found at the author's Smashwords page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/talmagecleverly

Author's Blog: http://tcleverlylibrary.blogspot.com/

~***~

I'd like to acknowledge those that made this book possible. It's pretty much the same as my previous book. Thank you, Dave and Paul. Without you the world and characters never would have existed. This story is about the children of those ideas we had years ago.

Again, my father has helped tremendously in the production of this book and has my gratitude. And my mother's love for me inspired the fierce loyalty and concern Skye has for her children in the story. Thanks Mom and Dad.

And finally, my wife has supported me and loved me through the whole project. She still is my muse and best friend.

~***~

Table of Contents

Title Page

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Apendix A -List of Family Relationships

Afterward

Chapter 1

Vitalie gazed across the ballroom looking for King Mathanias's daughter, Bella. There were a lot more people at the ball already than he thought there would be.

As if reading his mind, his Mother, Skye said, She's right over there, pointing.

Thanks, Mom, he said giving the diminutive woman a big hug, awkward with her pregnant belly jutting out.

Have fun, Vi, his father, Hunter, called out.

He waved his acknowledgment as he skipped down the steps into the crowd.

Vi! Bella exclaimed as he approached. I was beginning to wonder if you'd fallen ill or something!

He hugged her and said, And miss your party? I'd come if they had to bring me on a stretcher.

She looked back where he'd come from and said, If your mother got any bigger, I think she'd need the stretcher.

Now that's hardly fair. My little sister isn't due for another two months.

Bella's lady in waiting, Havia, asked, Wait? She can tell it's a girl already?

He exchanged a brief welcoming hug with the girl and said, We all can. Boys and girls have different heartsongs. It's easier for us who are Ellana's children to hear it, but some of you humans can too.

Havia sighed and said to Bella, Why is it that only Ellana's children get all of the really neat traits?

Marry me, Havia, and you can have it all too.

Bella punched him in the shoulder and said, You're such a rascal, Vitalie! You used that line on me last time. Only ask a girl if you mean it.

Havia added, And don't do it in front of the other girls you've asked already.

I'll have to be more careful next time, he said. How about a dance instead?

Havia looked at her princess with a look that asked for a way out.

Instead, Bella smiled and said, Have fun you two. I think I have other guests to greet.

Vitalie held out a hand to the handmaiden and she took it with a sigh.

You know, he said as he led her out to the dance floor. Your dress looks absolutely splendid tonight.

Are you just trying to make up for that hacked greeting or marriage proposal or whatever it was?

He asked, Is it working?

She smiled as they began to step to the music. If you manage to stay off my feet, then yes.

He twirled her away from him till only their fingertips held them together and pulled her back in. As she spun toward him, he bent and scooped her into his arms.

I don't remember this being part of the dance! she laughed.

If your feet aren't on the floor, then I can't step on them.

She grabbed the train of her dress and pulled it up and said, Tripping on my gown may as well be the same thing. Why do you act so...

Cute? he asked with a foolish grin.

Crazy, she answered trying to suppress her own smile. Your mother's the same way. Do whatever you want and ignore the social norms.

That would be boring, he said. And I am my mother's son.

It clearly shows, she said.

He spun her around several times and then let her down on the floor again to finish the dance.

Do I really annoy you that much? he asked.

Only when you embarrass me in public. You're really quite adorable, Vi. You pull off the dashing rascal look quite well, and your mother would be proud.

Why, thank you, Havia. You've always been kind and sweet.

The song ended, and she curtsied as he bowed. He noticed an unfamiliar face with black hair and a matching black dress sitting alone in the corner.

Who is that? he asked.

Havia turned and said, That's Usoya, King Cardeness's youngest daughter.

From Retti? he asked in surprise.

Yes. I'm not really sure why she's here. We hadn't sent her an invitation or anything.

I know how to find out, Vitalie said, beginning to walk toward the girl.

You do know that Ellana and Retti don't get along don't you?

He nodded and said, Cardeness did imprison and torture my mother. Which is all the more reason I'm curious to know why she would be here at one of Bella's balls.

She seemed about to say something else but waved him on instead.

He walked up to the young woman who sat quietly watching the crowd.

Princess Usoya? he asked with a bow.

Yes? she asked looking up at him with an impassive expression.

I'm Prince Vitalie from Ellana. Would you care to dance with me?

She stared at his offered hand and said, Our families don't really get along.

So?

So, we shouldn't dance, or we'd cause a scene.

May I sit next to you then?

If you must.

He sat down and said, That is a lovely dress you have on. It makes you seem dark and mysterious.

I'm sure you say that about everyone's dress, she said coolly.

He shrugged, No, most of the other dresses aren't so dark.

I meant the part about the dress being lovely.

He laughed, Oh, right. There are a lot of beautiful dresses here tonight. But yours stands out. Everyone else has a lot of color. Now you, you're making a statement, I told myself. What sort of statement, I wondered. Since I didn't have the answer, I thought I might ask you.

I like the dress, that's all. You do know that my father and your mother have a history don't you?

Oh yes. I'm quite aware of that. But you see, neither of us were alive back then. As long as you don't try to kill me, I'm quite content to not kill a beauty such as you.

Is that a threat? she asked suspiciously.

It wasn't supposed to be.

She furrowed her brow and said, My father's not over it. When the weather’s bad his shoulder hurts from where your mother stabbed him.

Vitalie grinned, My mom's over it, I think. He pointed to where she was dancing with his father, pregnant belly and all. She at least seems happy enough.

Usoya gazed at the two across the ballroom and then said, Yes. She does look happy. That's something I've noticed about all of the kingdoms in the new country, at least here on the east side. Everyone seems happier, more hopeful. Why is that?

Land of opportunity? he offered. I really don't know. Thanks to the fear of our people in the old country, I've never been there. Uncle Maelekin told me once that the new country produces more food and has more untapped natural resources, making our kingdoms more productive and prosperous than in the old country. My mom always says that a full stomach is a key to happiness.

Food makes you happy? she asked doubtfully.

Mom grew up as an orphan and a drifter. She knows what it's like to be hungry. Yes, food makes you happy. You don't seem very happy, would you like me to fetch you some food?

I'm fine, thank you. Though I just might want some fresh air.

He stood and offered his hand, I'll take you outside. Mathanias's gardens are quite lovely, especially after any of our people visit.

She took the hand hesitantly and stood. I was thinking of stepping out alone, but you have seemed to latch yourself onto me.

I promise I won't embarrass you like I do Havia or Bella.

That's very kind of you, she said.

The two walked through the crowd together, garnering stares and whispers as they went. Her bodyguard met her at the door but she insisted that he leave her alone while she was in the garden. The two stepped outside and went to a quiet corner, lit by the moonlight.

Usoya didn't say anything as they walked.

Vitalie picked out a plant in the garden and began singing softly to it. He focused the unseen mist and channeled it into the plant, adjusting his voice to match the plant's heartsong. Within moments a beautiful flower bloomed and he plucked it.

This is for you, he said.

She took the flower and said, So, this is the power of your magic?

Yes. It's really quite useful. I'm kind of sad that most of the people in the old country fear it. You aren't afraid are you?

He heard a slightly nervous tone to her laughter.

She said, Perhaps a little. I didn't know what you were doing. Maybe putting a curse on me?

No, I don't go for the whole curse thing. There are enough people in the world who hate me for no good reason. I wouldn't want to legitimize their hatred. Besides, I don't even know how to curse people. My magic works with plants. He draped an arm around her shoulder and added, So you're safe with me, Your Highness. Would you like another flower?

Usoya slipped out from under his arm and asked, Do you know why I'm here?

You like parties? he asked.

No. They give me headaches. I'm here because you and your parents are.

How nice, he said, wishing he could see her face better in the darkness. Her dark hair and dress made her blend in with the shadows. Although he joked about her intent, there was a serious foreboding in her voice.

She continued, My father sent me here to spy on your family. Since your mom killed the Prince of Marr, he's been more cautious but he really hates what she did to him.

If you're spying on us, then why tell me? Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

The shadow that was Usoya whispered, Yes. My father holds very long grudges. He's sent me to visit all of the new country kingdoms except yours. And what I've found is that everyone that associates and allies themselves with the kingdom of Ellana are happier. Even the peasants walk with a dignity that is lacking in Retti or Crescent Bay.

Mom is quite outspoken about the rights of the poor. She grew up poor. She drilled into my head something that Mathanias's dad taught her, there is no nobility in nobility unless we make it so.

She took his hand and said, My father is a bitter old man. At first I believed everything he said about how evil you people were. But having been out of Retti now, I'm not so sure. I met you just tonight. We're enemies, but you're killing me with kindness.

I'll try to make it a painless death, he said nervously, very aware of how warm her hand felt in his. He didn't expect the meeting would turn into such an intimate tell-all.

She squeezed his hand tighter and said, Thank you. You're too kind.

And it's killing you!

She laughed. Yes! It is. I should go before my bodyguard gets too worried. I just wanted to say that you look a lot more handsome than I thought you would be.

His heart raced. She was spying on him and telling him that he was handsome?

She let go of his hand and began walking toward the ballroom. He caught a shadow of movement from where her bodyguard had been watching from a polite distance.

Usoya! he called out.

She turned and asked, Yes?

Would you like to join me in some nature observations tomorrow? I'm compiling data for a book Maelekin and I are writing on several bird species in the area.

There was a long pause. Yes, I'd like that, she finally said.

I'll pick you up around noon. I'll bring lunch too. Fed people are happy people.

That would be fine, thank you. I'm staying at the Grey Deer Inn.

He smiled and watched the dark shadow turn around and walk back to the ballroom, her bodyguard falling into step beside her.

~*~

You caused quite a stir tonight, Vitalie's father said.

Are you upset about it? Vitalie asked.

His mother answered, Concerned, yes. Upset, no. Our tiff is with Cardeness, not his children.

He sighed. They had reason to be concerned. She was supposed to be spying for her father. He wondered if he should mention that part but decided against it. There would be time enough to mention it later if needed.

She put a loving hand on his cheek and said, Just be careful around her, Vi. Even if she really likes you, her brothers or father might have more sinister intentions.

I'll be careful, Mom. I promise.

~*~

You danced with Skye's son? Jefinan asked in surprise.

No, Usoya said to her older brother. We merely talked.

And what did you find out?

That he's really friendly and outgoing.

Anything important? Anything Father would like to know about?

No, she said with a sigh. She didn't like being Jefi's eyes and ears. And she wasn't even sure why she blurted to the Ellanan boy that she was spying, a fact she omitted telling Jefinan.

She added, I'm tired, it's been a long night, I'm off to bed.

There's nothing at all? We don't want to disappoint Father.

Nothing at all, she answered and began walking out of the room. She didn't feel like mentioning her outing with Vitalie. He'd know soon enough anyway.

Good night, Sis, he said.

Good night, Brother, she answered and went to her room.

Once alone she pulled the flower from where she had placed it behind her ear and studied it in the lamplight. It was beautiful and the only one of its kind, having been grown out of season. She poured some water from the inn's pitcher into a glass and placed the flower in it. She placed the glass next to a small stone horse carved from a black rock. If Jefinan hadn't noticed an out-of-season flower or bothered to ask where her stone horse came from, then he wasn't a good enough spy to be told more about what went on that night.

Besides, she liked the white-haired pointy-eared prince. He just seemed so comfortable in his own skin. He made her smile, even when he was laughing with and dancing with other girls at the ball. She didn't think her enemy could do that to her. But just his being himself, open, honest, carefree, made her blurt out her secret, and he didn't mind. Either he was crazy or stupid, but she liked that.

~*~

Vitalie rode his horse up to the inn. The horse for Usoya followed along behind.

May I help you? the porter asked.

If you could tell Princess Usoya that Vitalie is here to pick her up, I'd be quite happy. She's expecting me.

Yes sir, the man bowed and went to find her. Vitalie climbed down from his horse and waited.

Usoya stepped outside followed by two men. None of them looked particularly happy.

Ready to go?

Yes, she stated flatly. Which horse is mine?

This one, he said pointing while looking at the two angry men.

She deftly climbed into the saddle without assistance and said to the two, Stay and don't bother following me. I will be terribly upset if you do.

Usoya. You are not in Retti anymore. Even if this man means you no harm, others may. I strongly urge that you let me come to protect you.

I said no, Reed. Not this time. She turned to Vitalie and asked, Well, aren't we going?

He nodded and quickly climbed onto his own horse before the knife-filled glares of the two men stabbed him.

They rode through the city and into the country before he spoke. So, I take it they weren't real pleased with your going with me?

You could say that. They're afraid that you'll do something to me.

He smiled and said, I was hoping to give you a fun time.

So, where are we doing this bird watching anyway?

I've been studying them from that ridge over there. I've been coming here at different times of day and different times of the year.

So, the bird thing wasn't just an excuse?

He looked at her in surprise. Was she expecting it to be something else? It really was a bird study.

Um, no, he said. I really am studying birds. We hope to corroborate our findings with some other researchers around the world. We think some of the species are migrating north and south each year but even further south than East Port. That means they might be travelling through the mist at the southern border of the world, which we didn't think was possible. It means that it’s either not that dangerous or there are paths through it. The world is probably bigger than we think!

He grinned with excitement till he noticed Usoya looking at him with a perplexed expression.

What do you think? he asked.

So, let me get this straight. You are watching birds in Sea Haven to prove that they fly south through the mist to some part of the world we've never seen before?

Exactly!

You are crazy. But that's okay. I won't hold that against you.

Thanks.

They left the road and rode through a few fields and then up the side of the hill. They tied the horses to a tree and began laying out the picnic.

As they ate, Usoya asked, Could I see your notes?

Sure. Just don't get food on the pages. He handed her the bound parchment.

She thumbed through it and then looked up at him, Aside from seeing no practical purpose for knowing this much about birds, it's quite impressive.

Thanks, he said as he accepted the book back. So what are you interested in? What do you do?

She thought for a few moments and then said, I like horseback riding, collecting rocks, and playing Tossball.

My mom invented that game, he said proudly.

Whatever!

Yes, she did! She invented it when visiting some miners. It was a variation on the Shuffle Deck game, which she also invented.

The one they play on ships? You're making this up!

No I'm not! Just ask my mother. My dad can corroborate the Tossball invention, and Serisha can corroborate Shuffle Deck.

Right, she said. I'm sure my father would love to hear that. It's one of his favorite games to play too.

My mother will be thrilled to know that even her enemies love her games.

They both laughed before finishing their lunch.

He took his notebook and began making his observations of the area. He frowned as he caught some movement near the road below. He gazed at the spot and then noticed two men, inexpert in hiding.

Hey, Usoya. I think those two bodyguards of yours followed us anyway.

Where? she asked, looking up from a small rock she was examining.

He pointed casually before looking back down at his notebook to jot another observation.

They are so in trouble when I get back. I told them to leave us alone.

When you tell them that, you can also tell them that they picked a lousy hiding spot. They silhouetted themselves against the background and move around too much. It's scaring the birds away.

I wouldn't have noticed them unless you told me, she admitted.

My dad is an excellent woodsman and tracker. He taught me a few things.

Should we try to lose them? she asked.

Sure, as soon as I'm done with my observations. It'll be fun!

He hummed happily as he worked. At first the princess from Retti watched him, then she examined the rocks in the grass and collected a few, then after a while, she was showing signs of boredom so he cut the observations short.

You're done already? she asked in surprise as he began packing.

Yup! I've seen these birds before. What I want to see now is if those two can track us better than they can hide from us.

So, how do we do it? She asked.

Well, I thought we'd ride back down to the road, be nice and visible, and then go up that other side where the terrain is harder and then find a nice spot to watch them struggle to follow us.

They climbed into their saddles and rode down the hill, across the road, and then up the other side. Vitalie then led them down the other side of the hill through the trees and back to the road.

He smiled as he caught sight of the two riding their horses up the hill.

Beside him, Usoya laughed, a little too loudly.

The two bodyguards noticed and turned around.

She snapped the reins and drove the horse up the road past them. Vitalie followed, waving to the two frustrated men as they turned their horses around. They lost the men around a bend and left the road again into the woods. They traveled off the path a ways and ended up back on the road again and rode back to the city, leaving the men wandering around the mountains looking for them.

Ha! That was fun! Vitalie shouted. You should invite them along tomorrow!

I don't think they'd like that, she laughed.

Oh well, I guess that's more time alone for us.

That would be nice. I'll arrange the next outing.

Ok.

~*~

Usoya folded her arms and glared at Reed and Jefinan. They glared right back. A heavy silence filled the air.

You left us in those hills for hours, Jefinan finally said.

No, she said, You left yourselves in those hills for hours. What part of don't follow me didn't you understand?

This isn't Retti, Sister. You could get hurt.

From what I've seen, we have more crime back in Retti than there is here. Now we're here to spy on the kingdom of Ellana. How can I do that properly if you're embarrassingly hovering over my shoulder? How can I win their confidence if you're always bumbling along behind me? If you and dear old Daddy really want to know something important, you're just going to give me some space to do my work. You'll have to trust me.

Jefinan glared at her. She glared back.

I think what your brother is saying, Reed interjected in the silence, Is that he loves you and cares about you. Plotting and spying is dangerous work.

She shifted her glare from Jefinan to her bodyguard and said coldly, "I'm well aware of the danger. If you love me so much that you'll stifle my attempts to help the family then you might as well send me back home where I