The Heir of Barrad

By Veronika J. Stevens

Every Elf has the magical ability to communicate with animals, except Teeka Bezem. For thirteen years she has been insulated by her family to protect her from Elves who believe she is an abomination. So it is that she is sent to work as a maid for the healer in the local human village. Soon, Teeka discovers Esmeralda has used a spell to keep the Fairy Queen barren and now plans to murder the King. If he dies without an heir the gate to the Fairy land will open. There, a race of murderous aliens waits for the moment they can enter and destroy Teeka’s world.

Teeka fears what will happen to her if it’s learned she has been working for a witch; yet she is caught by her desire to be loved by her own. In an act of loyalty, she courageously entrusts the Elf Lord with her secrets. Teeka is stunned when he believes her, more stunned when he includes her in a procession traveling to the Palace and utterly undone when she discovers she is the key to saving the world. A magical creature without magic, Teeka is the perfect vessel into which the Fairy Emperor can pour his magic, but will it be enough to defeat Esmeralda and save the world from The Beings?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Veronika J. Stevens
• Release date: Jun 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476497006

Veronika J. Stevens

Veronika Stevens is a kittehslave who cranks out books only when allowed a reprieve from those duties. She lives in Cleveland, OH, where she serves at the pleasure of Bobby and Wesley.

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THE HEIR OF BARRAD

VERONIKA J. STEVENS

Copyright 2013

Smashwords Edition

This book is available in print at most online retailers

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For Wendy

Part I

Chapter I

The child has no magic.

No, it can’t be, Pari argued.

The Elf Lord lowered his chin and moved his hands behind his back. See for yourself.

Pari crouched on the floor and watched his only child play with the puppy the Elf Lord had brought with him. The dog, which was nearly taller than she was, began to lick her face and the girl started to cry and pushed him away. Pari furrowed his brow, knowing a child with magic would have communicated with the animal telepathically, but he pressed ahead anyway.

Teeka, make the puppy stop.

Teeka cried harder and tried to get away from the dog. Pari used his magic to order the dog to sit and he obeyed. Pari hung his head as Teeka’s mother buried her face in a linen handkerchief.

Pari stood. How did this happen?

The Elf Lord took a deep breath. I don’t know. It never has. There has never been an Elf who couldn’t communicate with animals.

What if it’s not all animals? What if it’s just dogs? What if it’s just this dog? Inaya cried.

The Elf Lord shook his head. She’s had two winters, he said. The sheep, the cattle, the cats, the dogs, the birds, the horses… You must remember we did not discover this on our own. The animals told us. He paused, considering the girl who was now patting the golden lab on the head. I’m sorry.

What will it mean? Pari asked his voice rough and low.

The Elf Lord shook his head again, choosing his words carefully. I can’t tell you that either, he said. It is known in the village. Elves believe there is witchcraft involved. They believe the child is cursed and will bring misfortune to us all. The Elf Lord watched as the girl wrapped her arms around the puppy and thought of the fears he had heard in the past week. She will certainly need protection. The Elf Lord stood quiet as Inaya broke down into sobs. Seeing her mother cry, the child grew upset and wrapped herself around the woman’s legs.

The Elf Lord could not take his eyes off the toddler. She looked like a perfectly ordinary Elf child – white hair, green eyes, and pointed ears. She was charming and cute and despite that, without magic, the Elf Lord worried she would be shunned and teased. With certainty, though, he knew she would also be feared.

He was new to his position, having only served as the Elf Lord for a year and a half. Still young and uncertain of his authority, he worried now that he would make a mistake. He wanted to do what was right, what was in the best interest of this child and her family, but there had never, in all the history he had studied, never been an Elf without magic. Who knew what would be right? Only hindsight would reveal whether or not he fulfilled his responsibility to this child, to her parents, to all the Elves. He mulled it over, watching as the girl clung to her mother’s leg. He thought through the options and considered bringing her onto his staff, but then thought better of it. The girl would fare better in the village. At the Manor House, she would be at the center of Elven society and the spotlight would not benefit the situation.

Mama, the child cried, stretching her arms to her mother. Pari turned away, leaning his hand against a shelf on the bookcase behind them, his head lowered. But Inaya picked up the child, rubbed her back and soothed her.

When she is old enough, we will arrange for her to work as a maid or an assistant in one of the local stores, the Elf Lord decided. You do not need magic for that.

Pari stood and cleared his throat. Yes, milord, he said.

She will not have an easy life, the Elf Lord said, his voice laced with sadness.

No, Pari agreed, shoving his hands into his pockets. I suspect none of us will.

Inaya began to cry again and Teeka patted her cheek. Mama no cry, she said and wrapped her small arms around her mother’s neck.

The Elf Lord felt his heart break a little as he watched the child rub her mother’s back just as her mother had done when she cried moments before. What a sweet girl, he said to himself.

Chapter II

Benci, you have to, Teeka implored. Benci threw his boots at her and ran down the hallway; Teeka picked them up and chased after him.

TEEKA! HURRY UP! her mother yelled from the kitchen.

Benci! I’m going to get into trouble if you don’t put your shoes on!

Benci stopped at the stairway and turned back to her. Good! he yelled.

BENCI! Teeka swore and chased him down the stairs.

I don’t have to listen to you, he said as he ran down the hallway at the base of the stairs. You don’t even have magic.

Teeka! her mother called in a voice rough with irritation. Teeka dragged herself down the stairs and turned down the hallway into the kitchen. Why doesn’t Benci have on his boots yet?

Teeka hung her shoulders. He won’t listen to me, she whined.

Honestly, Teeka, he mother sighed, taking the boots from her. Benci, come here. Benci obeyed and sat on the floor while his mother put on his boots. If you can’t even help me with your brothers and sisters then I just don’t know what use you are.

While Inaya shoved his feet into the boots and tied them, Benci made faces at Teeka. After she had been born without magic, Pari and Inaya considered not having more children, but decided foregoing the large family they had planned was foolishness. In the end, they had five: three girls, Teeka, Savi and Katta; followed by two boys, Benci and Pak. Benci and Savi took after Inaya’s looks – small, round faces with light green eyes, soft noses and curved lips. Pak took after no one in the immediate family and instead resembled Inaya’s father. He had strong features, a hard jaw, very dark eyes and a long, straight nose. Katta’s looks reflected both parents; she had Pari’s warm coloring but Inaya’s features. Only Teeka favored their father; she was, in fact, the spitting image of Pari. Teeka made an insulted noise in her throat as Benci stuck his tongue out at her.

Inaya stood up. Stop acting so put upon, she scolded her.

From his seat at the table, Pari grunted. Girl needs to work.

Teeka twisted her dress in her fingers and hung her head as Savi and Katta giggled, and Pak sneered at her.

Well, at least get started on the dishes, her mother said, wiping Pak’s face.

Teeka began gathering breakfast dishes from the table and putting them in the sink.

A good job; that’s what she needs, Pari continued.

What kind of work is an Elf-girl with no magic going to get? Inaya asked him.

She can be a maid.

She’s a terrible maid, Inaya replied. Half the time I have to go behind her and re-do her work.

Well, it will teach her then, won’t it?

Teeka clenched her jaw and stacked the plates next to the sink. I don’t nee— she stopped short, knowing any protestations would only garner her father’s anger.

It was too late. You don’t need? Pari asked, raising his voice. What don’t you need? You would do well to mind your manners and do as you’re told.

Teeka’s eyes began to water and the suds in the sink went blurry. The dish she was holding slipped out of her fingers and fell to the floor.

Oh, what have you done now? Pari cried.

I’m sorry, Father, Teeka mumbled, apologizing for breaking the dish, for being in the way, for not having magic. Teeka went to the cupboard, got out the broom and cleaned up the mess. She put the broom away and returned to washing the dishes as her parents discussed her future.

Pari, do you really want her to work for another Elf? Why, the whole village would know our shame in a week.

Everybody already knows she doesn’t have magic.

Inaya leveled her chin at him. I wasn’t talking about that.

Well, we won’t let her work for Elves, then. There are human villages nearby. We’ll get her a job in one of them, Pari decided.

You should speak to the Elf Lord about it, Inaya told him.

At the mention of his name, Teeka’s mind began to wander. She had seen the Elf Lord in person only once, when the King brought his new bride to the village.

Seven years ago, the King paid a visit to the Fairy villages in the South and fell head-over-heels in love with one of the Fairy Princesses. She was beautiful; her dark, emerald green hair shimmering as it moved in the wind. Her eyes were deep lilac and shone with a playful light that captured the imagination of everyone who saw her.

The King was betrothed to the Princess of Visten, the neighboring land across the mountains, but fell so deeply in love with the Fairy Princess that he shocked everybody and cancelled his engagement. The King of Visten was insulted and threatened war, but the King of Barrad made amends to him and his subjects with large numbers of the best animals, two-hundred cord of the best lumber, untold baskets of fish and a good deal of gold.

Nearly two years later, wearing a gossamer gown of deep purple silk and lace, the Fairy Princess became Queen in a grand wedding attended by royalty from all over the world. The celebrations lasted months as the King and the Fairy Queen traveled the land, visiting every village within the boundaries of the kingdom.

Teeka saw them for one moment during their visit to the mountains. When they paraded through the main street of her village with the Elf Lord. Everybody dressed their best and the Fairy Queen smiled and kissed the children. Teeka, wearing a special dress for the occasion, spilled cocoa all over herself moments before the parade began and her father kept her to the back of the crowd. She struggled, jumping and craning her neck in an attempt to see over the heads of the much taller Elves in front of her. She caught a glimpse of the Fairy Queen’s dark, vibrant green hair and that was all. The Elf Lord, however, saw her leaping and straining to see over the crowds and gave her a special, tender smile. Teeka’s heart fluttered and she blushed to the tips of her pointed ears as his eyes held hers.

Now, she thought of him. She ignored her parents’ harsh words as they argued about whether or not to impose her on the Elf Lord and instead imagined the softness of his lips and the warmth of his eyes. She nearly dropped another dish.

How is she ever going to marry if we keep her tied to my skirts?

Marry? Pari asked, his voice incredulous. You know she can’t marry. He shook his head. The best we can hope for her is that she will find some suitable labor as a maid or a helper with the humans.

Then speak to the Elf Lord, Inaya insisted.

I don’t want him to know our troubles, he said.

He said he would help us with her.

He did, Pari conceded. But that was years ago. He is far too important an Elf to bother with the likes of her.

Inaya sighed as they heard another dish crash to the floor. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips together in a severe line. Get her out of my hair, she told her husband in certain tones before moving Teeka away from the sink and ordering her to go make the beds.

Teeka headed down the hallway, but stopped at the bottom of the stairs, listening as her father relented. All right, he said to his wife. I’ll head up to the Manor House this afternoon and see if the Lord is willing to help.

Teeka’s heart fluttered. She felt sick and excited at the same time. He was going to speak to the Elf Lord about her! Teeka ran up the stairs to make the beds. She had seen the Manor House. It stood on the highest peak in the foothills and overlooked the village, but Teeka had never been there. She had never known Elves could go there. She thought it required a special invitation. But her father was going to go! Her father was going to climb up the road that curved around the mountain, he was going to enter the rooms the Elf Lord moved through every day, and he was going to speak to him! About her!

Teeka envied her father then, envied his freedom, envied his ability to come and go as he pleased. She was kept from other Elves. She did not go to school because she had no magic and lessons in how to work with animals would not serve her. She was not allowed on ski trips or sledding parties with other Elves her age. She was not allowed to attend the celebrations or the festivities the Elf Lord threw for his villagers because her father said she was an embarrassment and he did not want her to shame him in front of other Elves.

Teeka lived a solitary life, surrounded by her family. She slept in the attic on the same bed she had had since she was three, though the mattress was as hard as slate, her legs now dangled off the end and she could barely roll over without falling off. She wore her mother’s old dresses and shoes. She worked as her mother’s helper, though she was often informed that she did not even do that right.

Teeka pulled the covers over her sisters’ beds and collected their dirty clothes into a pile. Her mind raced between wondering about the Elf Lord and wondering what it would be like to work for humans. She had seen humans in the street when running errands for her mother, but she had never spoken to one and, certainly, she had never been in a human home. All she knew about them was that they were big. The human men stood high over her father and Teeka was even smaller than he was. She stood in front of the mirror hanging on the back of the door and studied herself. She had a slight frame and a slender build. Like all Elves she had pointed ears, white-blonde hair and green eyes – hers tending toward hazel. Her mouth was wide and her nose was large, like Pari’s. Her hair was dull and constantly tangled no matter how often she brushed it. Teeka was small, even for an Elf, and she was not beautiful. She was not graceful. She did not think she possessed the mysterious innate charm of other Elves. She was clumsy, her stubby fingers forever dropping things or knocking them over. Worse, she had no magic. She had no purpose. She was, as she was often told, useless.

Teeka stared at herself in the mirror, disappointed with what she saw and wishing things were different. She wished she were tall, elegant, and lithe like the Fairies were said to be. She wished she could make her father proud. She wished she could come and go, and spend time with other Elves. Mostly, she wished she had magic.

Sometimes, she imagined she did have magic, that it was hidden in her and just waiting for the right moment. One day, she would be cleaning and the family cat, Sparkle, would speak right to her. There would be words where now there was just silence. Teeka saw the cat curling up for a nap on Katta’s newly made bed. Sparkle was mostly white with black spots on his head and on his back. Teeka watched as he made himself comfortable, desperately trying, as she always did, to communicate with him.

Why won’t you talk to me? she begged him, but the cat ignored her and rested his head on his paws.

Teeka’s mother called from downstairs and she jumped. She kicked her sisters’ dirty clothes into the hallway and ran to her brothers’ room. She threw the covers over the beds, picking up the toys Pak and Benci had left out as she went and dumping them in their box. Then, she gathered all the dirty clothes from both rooms in her arms and ran with them downstairs, calling out an apology to her mother as she went.

Chapter III

A heavy white blanket of snow covered the village in the foothills of the mountains where Teeka and her family lived. After promising to go see the Elf Lord, her father had gone to work. The children had gone off to their lessons at the school in the nearby village of Slimin, but Teeka, as always, stayed behind to help her mother. She was chopping onions and carrots for dinner when her mother realized she was out of sage. Teeka hated going to town, where Elves stared at her, pointed and whispered, but Inaya insisted so she bundled in her mother’s old cloak, tugged on her worn, clunky boots and headed to the store with the coins her mother had thrust into her hand.

Just a bundle of sage, Teeka, Inaya said, handing her the money. Nothing more. Teeka nodded and tucked the money away in her pocket. She headed out into the bright, clear, cold day to run the errand.

Their house stood at the end of a lane just off the eastern end of the main road in the village. Teeka’s father and uncles had built the three storey home when her parents had married. They had spent the last fourteen years filling it with children. The house and the large yard surrounding it, complete with Inaya's garden and the chicken coup, sat on the side of a hill and on clear mornings, Teeka could see all the way to the Manor House from her small window in the attic.

Teeka rounded the corner and headed up the hill of the main road through the village. The road was wider here and carriages and horses had left tracks in the fresh snow that had fallen overnight. Teeka followed the tracks, staring up at the Manor House in the distance as she walked. Her feet were cold and already wet and she shoved her hands deeper into her pockets to keep them warm. Her nose ran and she sniffled and looked up at the Manor House again.

It was a sprawling structure of red brick set against a brilliant blue sky. There was smoke coming from each of the four chimneys and Teeka imagined the Elf Lord sitting at an ornate desk, papers surrounding him as he issued orders to his staff. She smiled to herself, imagining what it would be like to his Elf Lady. She imagined the incredible dresses of silken ribbon the Fairy Queen’s own tailor would make for her. She imagined dancing in a grand ballroom at the Palace with the Elf Lord, his arm wrapped tightly around her as he spun her around the floor.

Teeka was so lost in the beautiful fantasy she nearly walked into the path of a horse. The rider yelled at her and Teeka moved to the side of the street, making her way to the shop. She stomped her boots outside and opened the door, a little bell jingling above as she entered. The store was busy. Elf-women stood in small clusters talking to each other as they picked at the apples, pears, squash, potatoes and other fruits and vegetables in the baskets and bins. More Elf-women stood by the desserts. There was a small group of them gathered around the specialty breads and two or three more at the butcher's counter. Teeka ducked her head and started walking to the section in the back where the shopkeeper kept the spices. She felt their eyes on her and heard their sharp whispers, and though her face burned red, she ignored them and kept her head down.

What do you want, girl? the shopkeeper asked from behind his counter as Teeka walked past him. He wiped his hands on his apron and stared at her coldly.

Teeka stopped and turned to him; she chewed her lip and stammered. His name was Waron and he was always mean to her. Mother needs a bundle of sage, she finally said.

Over there. He stopped wiping his hands and pointed to the spices at the back of the store. Teeka crossed the room. Waron kept the spices in an old hutch. Above, there were bottles of spice powders and seeds and on the counter below sat the bundles of leaves wrapped with string. Teeka stood with her back to them and inspected the sage. She could hear their voices, but could not make out their words. Yet, she knew they were talking about her. Whenever she came into the village the Elves talked about her. She did her best to ignore them and concentrated on finding a good bit of sage that would please her mother. She moved a bundle with wilted leaves aside and found beneath it a better choice. She brought it to the counter and Waron told her the amount. She gave him the coins as the women pretended not to stare at her. She took her change and put it in her pocket. Careful not to bruise the leaves, she wrapped the sage in a cotton cloth she had brought with her and slipped it into her other pocket.

She minded her manners, said thank you, and left to make her way through the cold toward home. Outside the sun reflected off the snow and blinded her. Teeka squinted hard against it and headed down the road, her breath escaping in little puffs when she exhaled. She passed a group of boys who turned as she walked by them.

Hey, the tallest one said, that’s that girl.

What girl? another asked.

The girl with no magic, he answered.

Teeka held her breath and kept walking.

Hey, stop, he said, running to catch up with her. What’s your name?

Teeka, she said, turning around. Teeka came only to his elbow and she blocked the sun with her hand as she looked up at him.

Is it true you don’t have magic?

Teeka studied the boys as they gathered around her. They were all taller than she was and all but one of them looked stronger, too. She bit her lip. She was afraid. No one talked to her. She lowered her head and nodded, thinking how angry her mother would be if she were delayed.

No magic, one of the bigger boys said with awe. How do you talk to animals?

Teeka shrugged. She knew she would make her mother angry if she dawdled. She knew everybody in the village thought she was dangerous. But she never talked to other Elves, did not know any of the children in the village and was eager for interaction. I don’t, she said.

The boys looked to each other with surprise, which quickly faded into disgust. I heard my dad talking about her, the skinny one said, his voice cold and cruel. He says she’s a freak.

Teeka looked up at the boy. He had a large nose and chapped lips. I’m not a freak, she argued, her heart pounding in her chest.

What do you call it? the tall boy asked.

It doesn’t mean anything. I just can’t talk to animals, Teeka said and turned to walk away.

The tall boy walked beside her, taunting her. I think you’re a freak, he said. Don’t you think she’s a freak? he asked the other boys. As the boys agreed and began asking each other what they should do about her, Teeka quickened her pace, realizing too late she was in real danger. Some of the villagers were on the street and Teeka thought about calling out to them when the tall boy crossed in front of her and forced her to stop.

I don’t think I like the idea of a freak living in my village, he said, his eyes narrowed to little slits.

Teeka's fists balled in her pockets. She was frightened but determined not to show them her fear. She looked up at him and stood her ground as he tried to stare her down. I have to get home, she told him.

She moved to step around him, but grabbed her arm and flung her back. Teeka fell in the slick snow, landing on her back. Before she could get up, they started pelting her with hard, icy snowballs and chanting, You’re a freak! You’re a freak!

Teeka curled into a ball and covered her head as hot tears sprung to her eyes. She knew the adult Elves on the street were watching the boys torment her. She knew none of them would come to her rescue. She knew no one would help her. Suddenly, one of the boys kicked her hard in the ribs and Teeka sucked in a sharp breath of cold air as the pain thudded through her. Soon, all the boys were kicking her and Teeka was crying, pain searing through her, her sobs catching in her throat, her nose running down her face.

WILLEN MEINA! YOU STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!

Teeka did not recognize the girl’s voice, but the kicking stopped. She continued to cry, huddled in the wet snow, her body hurting too much to move as the girl came to her rescue.

How dare you hurt an Elf! And a child! the girl yelled at the boys. Teeka felt her move beside her. You should be ashamed of yourself. I’m going to tell my mother and your father and the school stable master about this!

Aw, c’mon, Maitia, the tall boy whined. She’s a freak.

She’s an Elf! Maitia insisted angrily. How dare you harm another Elf! Go back to school! All of you! NOW!

Teeka heard the boys walk off and relaxed a little knowing it was over. She crouched in the snow, trying to stop crying.

Hey, the girl said, kneeling down beside her, are you okay? Maitia stroked Teeka’s tangled hair and took a handkerchief out of her pocket, handing it to her.

Teeka sat up and took the napkin, wiping the snot from her face and drying her tears. She stole a look at the girl. She was lovely. Her white hair was soft and long and curled at the ends. She had fine, delicate, bird-like features. Her skin was the color of pale pink roses and her soft green eyes sparkled with intelligence and humor. T-T-Thank you, Teeka stammered as she stood. Teeka brushed the snow off her now-wet coat, dress and stockings. She thanked the pretty girl again and turned to go, certain her mother would be angry for the delay.

Wait, the girl said, you dropped this.

Teeka turned back as she unwrapped the sage. It was bruised and broken. Teeka began to cry again. I haven’t any more money, she wailed. Mother’s going to be furious!

Come, Maitia said and took her hand, leading her back to the shop.

The girls walked into the warmth of the store. Mr. Waron, Maitia said matter-of-factly as she tossed the bruised bundle on the counter before him, we need more sage. Willen Meina and some of his friends attacked this poor girl and her sage is ruined. Maitia walked to the back of the store, selected another bundle of sage and brought it back to Teeka. She wrapped it in Teeka’s piece of cloth and tucked it into her pocket. Waron made to argue, but Maitia stopped him. If it’s a problem, I’ll just ask mother about it, she said.

Waron gave in. Of course, Maitia, for your mother, he said.

Maitia nodded. I’m going to walk her home, Mr. Waron, but when I get back, I’m going to need everything on this list. She took a note out of her pocket and handed it to him. "Be sure it’s ready by