The Other Side of Midnight - The Fulfillment

By Karen Rivello

(Book Three) A king will die, another will emerge; two worlds will battle, one will have to start over. As Death converges on the land of Midnight it will draw all the cursed of the dark realm to its side in a final battle along with the black dragon. The elves of Waters Edge will also have to battle the unexpected as the Nel’laf converge on their ancient city. As war ravages both worlds, the prophecy plays out its hand as those whose fate has been drawn and sealed try desperately to return one of their own to his rightful place. All the while, the stone of Dalbhach cannot be conquered nor subdued for one’s own purpose lest it take him, which Legña had discovered long ago, and the human king has now discovered, all too late. As the elves struggle to protect their kingdom, they discover their pendants have lost their power; have they also lost their beloved king? Can both elves and men fight along side together after so many years of mistrust? And who will be king when all is said and done?< Less

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312914711

Book preview

The Other Side of Midnight - The Fulfillment

The Other Side of Midnight

The Fulfillment

By Karen Rivello

Copyright Claimant:

Karen G. Rivello, 1961-

Date of Creation: 2013

Standard copyright

Type of Work: Text

Registration Number / Date: TXu 1-892-844

Nov. 28, 2013

Title:  The Other Side of Midnight – The Fulfillment

Description: 1v

ISBN: 978-1-312-91471-1

Cover photography by © Anyaivanova | Dreamstime.com

Title: Moon Over Sea 

Cover design work by George and Karen Rivello

All rights reserved.

You can find Karen’s other books at her website http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/visualenrichment

Books in the series:

The Other Side of Midnight – The Prophecy

The Other Side of Midnight – The Journey

The Other Side of Midnight – The Fulfillment

The Other Side of Midnight – The Return (pending)

The Other Side of Midnight

(An Elvin Prophecy)

‘A hundred years shall pass away ‘til the harvest moon shines bright, to lead her back to Waters Edge to the other side of Midnight.

Now Spring and Summer have come as one, darkness rears yet trembles. Then Autumn brings the Lily home and the armies stand assembled.

Life will be decided in the throes of wars fought hard, so the heart will be the keeper of the gate the light will guard.

To turn back now will seal the pool and never more rise the mist. The worlds to be divided for the fate of loves first kiss.

To restore the pool the heart must sink deep within its depths, and then the One will be revealed atop the thousand steps.

The prophecy has been foretold of They with Elvin blood. To bear alone the heart of light until the waters flood.

Those who come to see the truth will be as once before, Then Darkness shall be taken and the valley be restored.

The mist will once again arise and the trees shall all take flight, taking back the land they left in the darkest vales of Midnight.

Once the heart has fallen the gate will close to all, to the other side of Midnight no more shall come to fall.

One will stand, the other will fall; the heart will take its rest. It brought them back to the land of lore, the land that bore their quest.

An Elvin Prophecy

The Heirs Prophecy

Through life he lives in silence; through birth he claims the right,

Paralleled in another world, she too will claim the night.

When blood of blue is fired, the steel will take its shape,

Leaving blade and maiden sired, no more the blood escapes.

When fire of blue meets scales, then fire of breath meets steel;

Though only one will know the truth, and never death to feel.

Both dragons will fight as warriors, yet only one does breathe the air,

The other is wielded by a stronger arm, the sting to lay him bare.

CHAPTER ONE

In the early morning hours as the mist still glided along the grounds of Waters Edge, six elves dressed in traveling clothes assembled around the silver pool. Five Elvin warriors and a lone elf maiden were the only ones who were to go back to the land of men to release Legña, the Elvin prince who betrayed his own, who was somehow taken prisoner by the human king. There was no fanfare, no waving crowds or special goodbyes, just a somber looking group consisting of King A’sos, Kezia, and the royal guards to see them off. It was to be kept as secretive as possible so as not to give the enemy cause to discover their plans; that was why only six were chosen, and only those whose destiny it was to fulfill the ancient prophecy. April had not even been able to see Mary or Eva to say goodbye.

Kezia embraced April, "Be brave my child, for all is not lost. When you want to give up, just remember that fate has already been written, we just have to fulfill it. Strength may come from the most unsuspecting places, so don’t discount anything, or anyone.

April wasn’t so sure that was a comforting statement or that she understood it and her half subdued smile showed it; fate had already been written? She was confused and she was more than afraid to go back to the world of men. What would they find? Would they be discovered before they had a chance to complete their task? And if they were discovered, that meant certain death, didn’t it?. Also, would she still possess the Elvin powers she had just discovered?

A’lior bowed to his great grandfather, lord of the elves, and then to Kezia as he kissed her hand, hoping it would not be the last time he saw his grandmother. The others bowed in respect and then stepped up to the large pool. Kezia had warned that it might not take them to Mount Nūr so they must be on their guard and ready for anything as they entered the human world. The warning was well noted.

Kezia also reminded the small group of Mary’s encounter with the humans, Remember the human called Red, he could be a valuable person if you happen to find him.

A’lior nodded at the advice, but couldn’t see how a human could help them and unconsciously discarded the comment. He turned and entered the pool first as Jeru came up behind and then Au’tem, followed by Ba’rak, K’niwdooh, and finally April, who glanced back one last time before stepping down into the cool water of the glistening pool, which was far more beautiful than the cold dark cave, with its dark shallow pool of cold water.

This experience was much different than the first time as she was not plunged into cold darkness, but rather cool water, and was then engulfed by a blinding light, and when she emerged it was into a large cold cavern, and she was dry. She found herself trembling, though not from the cold, she quickly looked around and found the cave to be empty. Where had everyone gone? Was this the right cave, and where was it?

She jumped at the sound of footsteps and jerked around to see the small group of warriors coming back into the cave. Relieved, she sighed at the sight of the elves. She found her relief humorous though, that she would actually find comfort in being around elves now; it was still very foreign for her.

They had taken stock of their surroundings and supplies and had replenished those things they could find close by, such as herbs and other medicinal properties they would more than likely need on this journey, but hoped they would not. There was also an ample supply of dried meat and vegetables; and plenty of Summers wine, which made April smile half heartedly at the part her family played in all this; she was tired and just wanted all of this to be over. She could not remember how many months had already passed since this all started.

April marveled at what they had already accomplished and wondered about the difference in the amount of time that it took to travel through the pools. How long had they been here before she had arrived, even though it was only a few seconds that separated their departure from Waters Edge?

It was decided that Ba’rak would scout the surrounding area, looking for any signs of life, or otherwise, and report back the mood of the land. It was of the utmost importance that they locate Legña as soon as possible, and this would be the challenge as they didn’t expect him to be flying around as a dragon; though they hoped his Elvin magic would draw them to him.

The elves watched as the large raven took to the skies, heading west towards Dūrin and the castle of King Ërrin; that would be the most likely place Legña would be, but if it wasn’t they did not want to be risking their lives for nothing.

K’niwdooh stood guard first, wanting to be alone to think about the things Aŕil had shown him. Could he possibly change the outcome of fate? He knew there was a reason she wanted him to come though he couldn’t, at this time, understand what use a fox could be when they needed flyers. Maybe his cunning as a small animal would come in handy.

K’niwdooh jumped as April placed a hand on his shoulder, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle you. You seemed so far away and troubled in your thoughts. Would you like some company?

K’niwdooh smiled at her thoughtfulness and stated, It seems that I am curious as to why the Spect…I mean Aŕil, would want me to come along. He gave Aŕil the respect of using her real name.

Well, she is an Elvin princess, is she not? K’niwdooh nodded his head in agreement. Then she must know that you will be very useful on this quest. And if for no other reason, you are a dear and trusted friend among strangers. She smiled at the bittersweet statement as she glanced over at A’lior, who was now watching them. She turned back to K’niwdooh with slightly flushed cheeks and he clearly understood her discomfort, for he had suffered it also at his prince’s hand. The two sat quietly together for a while, losing track of the hours that passed by, until April spotted a speck over the tree line.

Look, she pointed out towards the trees. The small group gathered and waited until the speck came into focus causing them all to breathe a little easier as they soon recognized Ba’rak.

Unfortunately his news was not favorable, Legña was indeed at Dūrin, but kept in a room that had one small exterior window that was only big enough to fit a small pie through and he was heavily guarded. They would have to wait for an opportune time to rescue him; but would he be willing to help them help him. It was a very steep gamble but one they must take. Jeru insisted that they have an alternative plan if the latter were to be the case. Someone must be in charge of getting April back to Waters Edge if their plan did not succeed.

Well of course it must be you my lord, you are the one she must marry, the royal prince, Jeru reminded him.

Well she just has to marry a royal, that could be you lord Jeru, A’lior teased.

You forget I am already married, my lord, Jeru smiled, one wife is all I can handle, or want; and I’ve just gotten her back. A’lior nodded in mock humor.

For that matter, it could be me, Ba’rak stated without realizing it was only a jest.

Both A’lior and Jeru looked quizzically at the simple-minded elf, imploring by their looks that he explain himself but he clearly could not.

Well, I am cousin to the queen and that makes me a royal, when he realized what his statement must have implied he tried to recover his mistake, "but I didn’t mean that I would marry her, or want to marry her; even though she is very beautiful. But I’m not saying I wouldn’t want to marry her…she’s not ugly… again his words stumbled out incorrectly. I…I mean no disrespect your highness…but…I…oh I don’t know what I mean." Ba’rak had been talking so fast, trying not to indict himself with his words that at this point the poor flustered elf quickly sighed and walked towards the entrance of the cave for a breath of ‘uninhabited’, fresh air, mumbling to himself.

A’lior was amused but cautiously observed the difficult to read look on April’s face. What was she thinking? Was she so displeased at the thought of having to marry him? A twang of guilt and the smallest prick of regret were held down by a huge weight of pride. A’lior cleared his throat and reminded himself, ‘I am the pure one here, all Elvin and not a drop of human blood runs through my veins, as it does in hers’. He returned to the business of preparation to focus his mind on something not so invading, eventually pushing aside the recent feelings that had surfaced during the journey through Midnight.

They would leave in the cover of darkness and no sooner, though all felt the need to be on their way, yet none were too eager to do so. Every precaution needed to be taken, especially not knowing what dangers they would face, and knowing the pools had been compromised made them very nervous as to what else from Midnight had made its way into the world of men.

The next question was whether or not to travel in their animal forms, or to stay under cover of trees until they were ready to reveal their presence, for their dragon forms would surely draw unwanted attention, until needed that is. All agreed that staying hidden as long as possible was best. They would travel by night only until they reached the lowlands and then reassess their safety at that point; though they were sure it would still be safer to travel in their Elvin forms, hoping to pass themselves off as only travelers passing through this land.

April had a restless time trying to sleep in the middle of the day, though it was most necessary if they were to travel all night. She tried positioning herself in the back of the cave but the dank smell of the moist dirt floor gave her senses no rest so she moved to the other side next to the wall, even though it was a bit chillier and farther from the fire.

Eventually she dosed into a fitful sleep, dreaming of the black dragon and King Ërrin entertaining a rather large assembly at Dūrin, and the entertainment was somewhat to be detested; the torturing and burning of elves.

*

Kezia awoke, trembling with the visions of the night still weighing heavy, her breathing matching her racing mind. Why so much hate? Did Legña truly hate his own kind so much that he would trade them for power? Yes, his greed and lust for power and control of all outweighed everything around him, even life, which meant nothing to him anymore. He had sacrificed everything dear for that which was black; poisoning everything and everyone around him that he could. Yes, Legña was the embodiment of hate itself.

Kezia stood, though weakened by the visions, and managed to walk to her silver basin. She stirred the waters and gazed in, waiting for the blurred image to clear, and when it did, she stood speechless as a tear rolled down her cheek. Would these images truly come to pass?

*

Aŕil stood transfixed to her pool, as she knew Kezia was also, and gazed in; anger filling her very being because there was nothing she could do about it. She would make him pay if it was the last thing she ever did.

*

As dusk approached, the small group of elves stood at the entrance to the cave waiting with dulled anticipation at their task. No one could know the outcome of what awaited them, but all felt the apprehension that hung thick in the air.

April wondered if the heart would work for her in the human world, and not wanting to wait until the last minute, she decided to try something. If they’re going to be looking for elves, shouldn’t we disguise ourselves?

That’s why we’re traveling by night, princess. We can’t very well fly around as our dragons’ now, can we? The whole idea is to stay hidden. It was clear that A’lior was agitated.

What if we were to blend in, as…humans? April wasn’t sure if that idea would set well with A’lior since his hatred of them was so obvious.

And how are we supposed to do that, we do not have the power of A’lōin with us, A’lior stated.

No, but we do have the ‘Heart of A’lōin’. I would like to see if it will work for me now and not when I most need it. Are you willing to let me change your Elvin ears for human ones? she smiled as she asked, looking at K’niwdooh.

Well I’m game; it can’t hurt to have one more advantage on our side, K’niwdooh then looked over at A’lior for his answer.

If you call that an advantage, and I don’t see how the ‘Heart’ will work here with A’lōin being so ill, the irked prince threw back, and how do we know what effects using the heart will do to our king’s weakened state? There was no response but just the uncertain look on April’s face. Do what you will and let’s be off, night time is upon us.

As the small group stood around April, A’lior with his arms crossed in front of his chest, she held up the pendant which started to faintly glow a bluish color as she began to speak in her newly acquired Elvin tongue.

Heart of A’lōin grant my desire change our visage to hide us from our enemies. Immediately a bluish white flash of light engulfed them and then faded away, leaving all with now stubby, flat, human ears.

Ba’rak reached up and felt his ears and laughed, I always wondered what they would be like.

A’lior was not amused by April’s sudden knowledge of the Elvin ways, it was more of an unfounded jealousy; he turned away, grabbed his pack and headed for the fresh night air. Au’tem smacked Ba’rak in the chest with the back of his hand.

What? Ba’rak stated truly baffled and rubbing his chest.

Well, let’s be off, K’niwdooh stated, waiting for April to gather her pack. They fell in line with the others who were already heading out into the meadow at a good pace. K’niwdooh came up last, watching the shadows by the faint light the moon offered, for any movement, as he remembered their last trek through Midnight. Every shifting shape and subtle change in shadows would be scrutinized, taking no chances in an unfamiliar world; especially one whose hatred of elves was long standing.

*

A man shivered as he huddled between two rocks next to a dark lake, in a dark world. Red looked around waiting to see if all was safe but not really wanting to be the one to check. How would they ever get back to their own world? The few men who had listened to him were now crouching behind the same rocks, trying to peer into the darkened expanse surrounding the lake, but the mist that was now rising from it made it almost impossible.

Red had managed to guide the rest of Dūrin’s army who had survived the sneak attack of the Nel’laf, to his position, giving them a head count of three hundred and fifty-seven men including his own small scouting party, if the count was accurate.

There had been no sound or movement from the rocks where the attack had taken place, but Red was not too eager to leave the safety of the shadows just yet. The few who had not listened to him now lay strewn around the water’s edge where they had fallen just short of escape, their bodies pierced with black arrows. The smell of death still permeated the dank air but there was something else now that caused the men to wonder what else would take place.

The smell of something rotten drifted across the water and lay heavy across the land. The humans would not understand this, but those of Midnight clearly did, and it caused them great concern. They had all fled back to the ruined castle that had always given them security. Would it now though since the balance had been altered?

The absence of the dark lord had allowed the curse to hasten its effects on the land, and now that which was closest to the castle and had been slowly dying, was now dead. It would only be a matter of time before the whole of Midnight fell into the same fate, never to be cleansed, thus negating part of the prophecy. Unfortunately the only one to know this was Aŕil, as death always made itself known to her, and she had no way of communicating this to A’lior. The fate of those cursed now lay directly in the hands of King Ërrin and those sent to retrieve that which had been taken.

With nerves completely shattered and the adrenalin now gone, the remaining men sat quietly in the same positions from an hour ago when the air had become still from noise. Though they were hardened warriors, this destitute world had played upon their fears and left them vulnerable to the eerie darkness. No one wanted to move for fear of something plunging wickedly into their heart. Red knew they would eventually have to move or die where they sat; he opted for the first thought.

Well, I suspect that with the odd lightening of the sky, it would appear that this is morning here, and since we can’t very well stay hidden behind these rocks, we need to see if we can make it back into our own world.

Derek was the first to speak, Well I for one don’t want to die in this God forsaken place, especially hiding behind a rock.

The others began to nod their heads in agreement. So, one by one, they started to move towards the openness of the lake, still hugging the edge of rocks that gave them the feeling of safety they so eagerly desired. When nothing transpired at the first sounds of water rippling, those still on shore made a mad dash into the black lake, not wanting to be the last man to leave, and clearly not even concerned with where their horses had gone to. In the quiet darkness after the Nel’laf had fled back to the ruined castle, the Elvin horses had gathered the horses from the human world and drove them on towards the safety and freedom of Waters Edge.

Even with the sense of urgency, Red managed to keep his own friends and some of the others from joining the mêlée, thus sparing them the unfortunate demise of some who were unwittingly drown in the return to such a small pool of water that would only relinquish its contents by a forceful whirlpool. Those scrambling to get out were done so on the backs of others just entering the cold waters from Midnight.

When the waters finally calmed, Red and the others ventured in, only to be met on the other side by the floating bodies that were used as stepping stones to freedom. Startled by the sight of these dead men now forever caught between the two worlds, Red’s party exited the pool as quickly as possible and left the cave immediately, the haunting sight none to pleasant and never to be forgotten.

The small group was quite surprised to see that about a hundred of the soldiers had remained, surmising that they felt no allegiance to a king that would have left them in a strange world to die all for greed and power. He also estimated that about a fifty or so had drowned, leaving another hundred or so possibly returning to their king with news.

Red contemplated his next move as he carefully placed his hand on his sword, Well, since your still here, am I to assume that you hold no allegiance to King Ërrin?

A stout, seasoned warrior with jet black hair and dark eyes came forward and nodded his head, also acknowledging the rest of the men, You assume right. We hold no allegiance to Ërrin. The lack of the word king did not escape Red’s attention as he understood the insult. We used to live ‘peacefully’ between the mountains to the north of here in a small settlement; we didn’t bother anyone and we took care of our own. Nigh on to two month ago we were forced to leave our families and join King Ërrin’s army, though none have seen a gold piece for the service forced upon us. It was at the threat of our families being killed that we surrendered our wills, though only after we were a furlong out did the smoke of our homes burn in our nostrils, and the screams fill our souls. We hold no homage to this…king. We seek only justice.

If hatred and venom had to be embodied, this was it. The looks on these men’s faces said more than Red could imagine, or wanted to know. He nodded in understanding. My friends call me Red, he stated as he extended his hand in friendship.

The gruff looking man assessed Red very thoroughly and took his hand, Red, the shadow, your name precedes you. My friends call me Jabez. It looks like we have a dragon to kill. And with the looks on these men’s faces it told Red he would not have to convince them when the time came.

This new forged army had little when it came to weapons and clothing necessary to make this quest for those who were lacking; they would need to replenish their supplies soon, which is why they helped themselves to the new surplus of weapons and such of the dead that were still floating in the pool wouldn’t need anymore. They were carefully dragged to the edge with a sturdy stick and then stripped of there belongings. And though Red wasn’t sure what the next step would be, it was certain they would head out in the morning towards Dūrin.

Red set up three watches, making sure no one fell asleep so those who were resting could indeed rest. Fortunately the dawn brought no mayhem and the men felt secure enough to build a fire to have a decent breakfast of skewered rabbit and wild grouse eggs. It was almost unnatural at the bounty of rabbits they caught, but no one questioned the meal, they were just thankful for it. It wasn’t until they set out and entered the woods that they realized why the bounty of rabbits had been seeking shelter in the open meadow.

The others who had decided to go back to their king had met with a most grizzly death. There was blood strewn everywhere a man could set foot. Torn clothing gave only a small hint as to what might have taken place here; it wasn’t until Jabez found a print in some moist dirt that told a more telling story.

Upon entering the woods they must have been overtaken by a pack of unusually large wolves, which seemingly had the upper hand with a surprise attack. Red seriously doubted any of the men had escaped, though he had to admit he was regretfully glad. Their presence here would then be unknown, giving them a small advantage, and he welcomed it.

Red didn’t have to tell anyone to stay alert or close, and no one left a space large enough for a wolf to come between them and the man in front of him; the last man, was two men, side by side.

*

With King A’sos and his army now helping to fortify Waters Edge, Kezia felt a strong desire to check on the safety of King A’lōin, especially now with no communication she desperately needed to know if all was well. She had been advised against it by her father who offered a grim scenario of her capture especially since no one really knew if Legña’s spies were still lurking about, but she was determined to go; the king’s safety was paramount. So, on an evening thick with fog, Kezia set out on a moonless night accompanied by a handful of stout warriors she was entrusting her life with, and Jo’Ash, whom she felt would be a vital person to have along.

Their journey would not be as long as the first group that carried the sleeping body of King A’lōin, though that didn’t mean that the journey would be any less dangerous or they could let their guard down. Kezia was still just as nervous now as she was in sending her beloved up to S’elcarim. Also, by making this trip a twofold reason she felt justified even with being advised against it as others could accomplish the task without her; they were to replenish the food for the others who were still guarding their king as well as enough for them, to last a month out if need be.

Without even the smallest sliver of moon to guide them, they headed towards the looming mountain to the north of Waters Edge, facing off with a cold wind that threatened to make their trek even more difficult. Even with Legña in the world of men, it still wasn’t known exactly what mischief was magical or natural, and how he gained his knowledge of their doings. They would have to treat this journey as any other, dangerous; and Kezia was rudely reminded of this when she inadvertently tripped over some small, loose rocks on the trail and almost fell into the dark abyss below. She received only a small scratch on her arm, but none-the-less, at the insistence of Jo’Ash she was forced to go much slower than she wanted to.

King A’sos wasted no time in making changes in the positioning of the remaining troops from Waters Edge with his own. He knew the elves were tired and in need of rest, but more than that they needed a boost to their morale. Since war was not eminent for the time being he had suggested these warriors take the rest they needed. He knew they were good in battle, but he wanted his own elves on the bulwarks if necessary. None felt slighted; it was standard in any war time procedure, and this decision would prove to be a very wise one, though he also needed to find something for the bored dwarves to do besides eat and drink to their hearts content. Having drunken dwarves around was not a very pleasant affair.

*

A’lior’s small group was traveling on the same path that Mary and the others had taken to get up the mountain, though now the snow was deeper; there was more than just a few feet on the ground. If the brevity of the situation was not what it was, April would have found this journey much more enjoyable. There was a harsh crispness in the air that warned of an early winter, but at the moment it was invigorating. The cool breeze kept the sweat from dripping down her forehead and filled her with a sense of careless freedom. She had not felt like this since this dreadful journey had started;