Between the Sun and the Moon: The Saga of The Lakes, #2

By Juani Hernández

Life continues after the latest events in the Kingdom of The Lakes, although no one said it would be simple.

Erick is worried about Claire's pregnancy; Agatha is anxious about not being able to give Jordan a child; and Gabrielle must face an unexpected and premature birth, a birth that will mark a before and after in her life... and in everyone's.

Because an ancient prophecy marked the End of Days from the very start of time, and for some, the heir to the Lakes and Asbath is really the Son of Zygygia, the one who will come to destroy the World.

This is what they believe in the distant and unknown Kingdom of Häe, whose rulers will do the impossible to stop the apocalypse that threatens them. They will not hesitate to destroy the Kingdom of The Lakes, their whole world, as long as their own world prevails. And to do so, they will have allies whose desire for revenge can be as deadly as the worst of prophecies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BadPress
• Release date: Dec 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781071578735

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Gabrielle placed the book on the stone garden table to better wrap herself in her cloak, laying her back on the bench. It was a bright and clear morning, announcing the imminent end of winter, although the few days before spring arrived seemed to want to offer battle, because they were cold, without letting in the warm rays of the sun that danced helplessly at the to reach the earth. However, Gabrielle did not dislike the coolness that hit her face, actually comforted her, and marveled that the temperature here was so much more pleasant than in Asbath.

Nicholas had explained to him why, in the name of the kingdom was the answer. The limpid sheets of water that adorned the landscape of her new home tempered the climate. In summer they absorbed part of the sun's heat, refreshing the environment, while in winter the lakes gave them back the warmth that they had been harboring in their waters during the summer season. On his numerous visits to the kingdom, Jordan claimed that it was sometimes more pleasant to take a bath than to be outdoors.

When he thought of his friend, nostalgia invaded him again, not only for the life in which him kingdom had been, but for his presence... that of his loved ones. Days after Jordan and Agatha's wedding, everyone came to Asbath. Nicholas wanted to pay tribute to those warriors who helped him defeat Adamon and who had not yet returned home. At last they would do it and accompanied by their kings, as a testimony of their gratitude.

Once there, there was to much to celebrate. A symbolic ceremony was held to re-crown Nicholas as King of Asbath and Jordan as his viceroy, ratifying Francis' appointment as Captain of the Guard. Gabrielle couldn't help but smile as she remembered Selene, the boy's sister, when she taunted him, claiming that he would finally cease to be Jordan's eternal substitute, just as he had predicted he would say. However, it was evident how proud she was of her brother, and she made it known later when she hugged him, holding back a sob of joy against her chest.

Gabrielle always believed that they were the paradigm of the relationship between brothers, at all times united, supporting and understanding each other. Selene was younger than him a little over a year, and so Francis was his protective paladin. But this did not prevent him from taking care and advising her in a maternal way. Their parents had passed away when they were very young, so it was not surprising that they sought in their union that affection that they had lacked, but their connection went much further, blindly trusting each other and knowing each other as if they were themselves.

Gabrielle hadn't even seen that kind of bond between Nicholas and Agatha, despite being twins. Of course Nicholas would do anything for his sister's happiness, something that had been more than evident in his reaction to knowing his romance with Jordan. But she thought that with Francis and Selene it would have been different, he would have realized everything from the beginning, if she had not told him before. She was a very sweet, innocent and frank girl, perhaps too much, Francis alleged, because in her naivete sometimes she could not understand that so much sincerity could leave her defenseless against bad intentions.

Gabrielle loved to chat with her, both as dreamy as they were, hence the first time they were alone, Selene did not miss the opportunity to congratulate her for finally finding the prince of her dreams, sighing for knowing her own and both laughing.

She would miss her very much, like everyone else. She was happy in The Lakes, of course, being with Nicholas was living immersed in continuous happiness, but there were days that he was very busy with his chores and he did not always let her help him, claiming that he did not want her and the child to tire. However, she did not feel alone, that slight affliction that sometimes surprised her was not loneliness, it was longing... nostalgia for that last summer all together, as a family...

After the celebrations in Asbath ended, Zayev, Ylva and their uncle Richard decided to go home. His journey to The Lakes had been nothing short of unexpected and, especially Richard, he had to resume his business in Breslau. His farewell to Claire was very emotional, being understandable, as he had to separate from his daughter and future grandson. Zayev reiterated to everyone the invitation to his marriage to Ylva, asking Erick to be their best man. Certainly the petition did not surprise anyone in view of the fraternal ties that had arisen between the two men, nor was it surprising the condition that Erick put in turn, that he be the godfather of his daughter, determined as he was that she would be a girl. Gabrielle smiled again as she remembered everyone's joy, but was saddened to think of Claire's departure.

Her separation from Jordan and Agatha well knew it would be short. Jordan came to the Lakes frequently so that he could put things in order together with Nicholas and fairly rule both kingdoms. Agatha took the opportunity to accompany him and visit them. Unfortunately, Claire had not seen her since they separated.

They promised to meet for the middle of winter, but were only visited by Gladys and Trystan, who wanted to check Gabrielle and make sure her pregnancy was going well, which was not happening with Claire's. He had suffered bleeding, one of them very serious, so there was a risk that he would lose the baby and he had to rest. Their visit lasted a couple of days and they left, since Trystan did not want to be away from Meissen too long, in case Claire needed it.

Gabrielle would have liked to visit her, but Nicholas did not think it appropriate. He was concerned about the difficulties Claire was experiencing, and preferred that Gabrielle not take such a long journey. Luckily, a few weeks ago she received a letter from her cousin, telling her that she was feeling much better and that she had returned to a normal life, although she still had to take care of herself.

She sighed feeling her belly. In a few weeks she would see her son's face and emotion filled her thinking about that day. She noticed how he moved inside her, it was a wonderful feeling to feel him grow every day inside her, but that morning he was quite restless. Gabrielle began stroking her bulging belly as she closed her eyes whispering a lullaby. Normally, on the occasions when he felt more nervous, that was enough to calm him down, but now he seemed to be quite upset, because it didn't work.

What are you doing so lonely here, love? Suddenly she heard Nicholas's voice beside her.

Gabrielle groaned in response, drawing a grimace of pain on her face.

If you make your son angry, I pay the consequences, she pointed at him. He thinks you ignore him by claiming that I’m alone, she clarified when she saw his confused face.

Is awake? He wanted to know as he sat next to her.

And pretty nervous, she added worried.

Let's see, he said, gesturing for her to move her hands away.

Nicholas then laid his on her belly and Gabrielle breathed a sigh of relief. The feeling of calm and appeasement that invaded her every time she did it still surprised her, and the baby must have felt the same, because it stopped instantly. He recognizes it by his simple touch, he didn't even need to hear his voice, although Nicholas used to speak to him while Gabrielle gazed at him in awe.

Behave or you will hurt mother, was saying to him at that moment and, as if it were a spell, the boy stopped stirring.

Better? Nicholas asked Gabrielle.

Gabrielle nodded with her eyes closed, resting her head on her husband's shoulder.

Maybe you should lie down a little, he suggested.

Im fine. She shook his head. Maybe he did not like breakfast or, simply, woke up in a bad mood.

It can't be that he has a bad temper with his smiling and affable parents, Nicholas joked, and he sensed the second as Gabrielle's abdomen throbbed forcefully.

He is definitely in a bad mood. She winced.

Then Nicholas brought his cheek closer to her supporting her belly while caressing the area where he had kicked her.

Easy, little one, whispered.

Gabrielle breathed again slowly, relaxing.

Maybe he is huffy because we have not chosen his name yet, suggested Nicholas.

It’s not that and you know it, she claimed entangling her fingers in the soft waves of her blonde hair. He will give me his name when he is born.

Very slowly, Nicholas pulled his face and hands away from his body, straightening up.

I think he fell asleep again, he murmured as he put his arm around Gabrielle's shoulders, pulling her closer to him. With the other hand he took her cheek and sought her lips with his, kissing her gently.

Hi, he muttered away from her.

Hi. She gave him a smile.

I'm sorry it took so long. He apologized. I wanted to read that report as soon as possible.

How is Jordan doing? She was interested.

He is doing a formidable job on the issue of incomes, he explained.

So, what worries you? she inquired, knowing her husband's face well, and smoothing with her index finger the line that was marked on his brow.

The abuse of power by some feudal lords, he said.

It was not a topic that he liked to deal with, but Gabrielle had made him understand after what happened with Balkar that it was best not to keep her out, so he agreed not to avoid any issue, however much he was opposed to doing so.

Perhaps the same bailiffs who deal with the issue of collection could take care of it on your behalf, she suggested.

That's what Jordan has proposed to me, added Nicholas. Although I fear that they will end up becoming true litigation, so we need to send men who are well prepared about our laws. There are Lords in The Lakes who still believe that their simple name grants them all kinds of privileges.

Justice is the only solution in those cases, she recited. As the good king you are, you will surely know how to impart it.

Thanks for your trust, my queen, he kissed her nos, but let's not worry about it now, he asked her. What do you want to do today?

I was thinking we still haven't done that lake tour you promised me once, she proposed with a mischievous look.

And you consider me a good king? he pointed. It seems that I have not been able to fulfill my main obligation.

It was not a reproach, Nicholas. She caressed his face as his gaze turned dark.

Should be, he lamented.

It’s not easy to rule a kingdom, much less two, she added looking understanding.

You and my son are the most important to me, and I don't think I am showing it properly.

Do you think I would be more satisfied if you did not separate from me all day, and that our kingdoms collapsed due to the lack of attention and dedication of their sovereign?

Nicholas pulled her to his chest, hugging her tenderly.

I really don't know what I've done to deserve you, he whispered.

And to deserve you? she asked instead.

Love me like you do, he claimed.

In the same way that you love me, right? argued flatly.

So much so that sometimes I don't know what to do to make you understand.

Well, for now, you can take me for that walk, she joked.

Do you feel strong? he worried.

Gabrielle stood up from the bench cheerfully in response.

Ok, Nicholas accepted, straightening himself. Although this time, I think we should ignore your idea of sharing a mount. It could be dangerous for the child to ride.

It's unbelievable that you still remember that. She shyly bit her lip.

I would never forget it, he denied.

Nicholas... She took his hands as suddenly a shadow clouded his gaze.

Unfortunately there are things that I would like and I cannot forget, he wailed lowering his face.

That happened a long time ago. She brought one of her hands to his cheek. And it was partly my fault for not trusting you and drawing my own conclusions. Let's not talk about it, please, added upon seeing his intention to disagree. Let's enjoy this day, together.

Nicholas sighed deeply.

Wonderful, accepted then with a more optimistic tone. I will ask some boy to prepare the buggy for us, so I can handle the reins and you can observe the landscape next to me.

While they get ready, I can go to the kitchen to prepare something to eat, she suggested, and Nicholas gave her a look of amusement. I can handle myself in the kitchen, reminded her. I have cooked for you hundreds of times.

And that's why I'm going to accompany you, urged her to walk holding her hand. I want to see you on task, it must be fascinating, he smirked at her.

Fascinating I do not know if it will be, but what I do know is that the girls will have an attack when seeing you there, Gabrielle exclaimed, causing both of them to laugh.

They left the garden and entered the service yard expecting to meet someone on the way to the kitchen, they found Bruc, who was leaving it.

Good morning, Bruc, Gabrielle greeted him upon seeing him.

Good morning, Majesties. He bowed slightly.

Has Ivette finished her classes yet? she wanted to know.

Yes, Your Majesty. I just left it in the kitchen, he indicated.

I need a favor, Nicholas replied then. Could you ask a lad to prepare the buggy for us? We want to take a walk.

Of course, Your Majesty, rushed to obey.

Let’s go.

Gabrielle pulled Nicholas, urging him on, who marveled at his wife's spirits.With the advance of her pregnancy she should feel heavy, even awkward, but her impetuousness was the same as always.

As they entered through the back door to the kitchen, they caught Erin and Ivette sitting at the table, happily leaving as they unsheathed vegetables for food. Turning to see who had entered, their alarmed faces illustrated the start of both maidens, who dropped the pods and stood up suddenly, bowing in confusion.

I tould you. Gabrielle looked sidelong at Nicholas.

It was not my intention to disturb you, Nicholas apologized.

That’s unnecessary, Your Majesty, Ivette dissented. Excuse our reaction, we did not expect you.

We want some food for our walk, Gabrielle explained as she headed to the cupboard.

Sit down, Your Majesty. Erin gave her chair to Nicholas, coming to help Gabrielle.

Do you want herbal tea? Ivette offered him.

Yes, thank you. How about classes with the little ones? Nicholas asked, as the girl handed him a jug of clay to fill it with boiling water.

Very well, they learn very fast and...

The thunderous crash of a fountain on the ground alerted them both, who directed their gaze towards the place where that sound came from.

Gabrielle! Nicholas shouted, getting up instantly when he saw her crumpled against the cupboard door, his hands around her belly and the convict convulsed with pain. What's wrong? He held her against his chest. The young woman could hardly breathe.

Your Majesty, you have broken waters! Erin exclaimed, pointing to a puddle on the ground.

That's impossible, Nicholas denied, skeptica. It’s still several weeks before the child is born.

Then Gabrielle cringed against Nicholas again, gasping, clenching her abdomen.

I think it's your son who decides that, she snorted. And he has decided that it is already.

We have to take her to the bedroom, proposed Ivette. I'll make more hot wáter.

Without hesitate for a second, Nicholas, his face twitching, took her in his arms to go to his room, followed by Erin.

I would need you to spread me with your calm now, Gabrielle asked, suppressing her grimace.

Calm down, everything will be fine, he said more to himself than to her, since he needed to gather all his calm. Their son was going to be born already and they were not prepared for it. Trystan had promised to come in the next two weeks to be present in case the boy got ahead, but he had anticipated more than expected.

Laying her on the bed, Gabrielle cringed again as she lashed out at another contraction.

We have to look for a midwife, Nicholas suggested. In some village nearby there must be one.

The pains are very continue, too much... Erin shook her head. I don't think it will be on time.

In any case, we need someone to look for her.

I will tell Nigel, she agreed, retiring from the room. And I'll come right away with the water.

Nicholas sat close to Gabrielle, who was reaching for her hand, gripping it tightly when she found it. Droplets of sweat began to collect on her forehead and they slipped, intermingling with the tears that escaped from his eyes because of the pain.

Don’t worry, he whispered slowly, removing the strands of wet hair from his face.

I'm scared, Nicholas, she mused in a muffled voice.

Everything is going to be fine, he wanted to assure her

Suddenly, Gabrielle closed her eyes, squeezing her hand tightly, shrinking against her belly and holding her breath as a sharp puncture pierced her and, after what seemed like eternal seconds, she collapsed on the bed.

Breathe, he encouraged her by stroking her forehead. Slowly.

Nicholas...

Look at me, Gabrielle, asked him, obeying her. We will get through this, he assured her firmly, wiping away her tears. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you, or the kid, okay?

Gabrielle repeatedly nodded her head and again she was attacked by another contraction, more violently than the previous time, as she could not suppress a scream.

How many times has it happened since I left? asked Erin who entered the room with Ivette, carrying a cauldron of hot water and clean cloths.

This is the second one, answered Nicholas.

Bruc has gone out in search of the midwife, Ivette told him as she put the pot on the dresser and pulled out sheets from the drawers. Your Majesty, I need to check you. She then approached Gabrielle.

Don't be squeamish and formal now, Gabrielle mumbled, fighting the pain. Do what you have to do.

Put your feet on the bed and spread your legs, shouted the maid, lifting her dress above her hip and uncovering it. I am afraid there is no more time for the midwife.

Nicholas stood up and checked out for himself what Ivette was talking about. Tightening his hair nervously, he went back to the head of the bed and knelt down near Gabrielle's face, so she could look at him.

Listen to me, Gabrielle. The baby is going to be born right now...

But...

Calm down, asked her, even though he knew she was terrified. I told you it's going to be okay.

But I cannot give birth alone! she exclaimed in fear.

You're not alone, I'll help you.

Gabrielle screamed as she was assaulted by another contraction.

I can't! he shrieked in pain, holding his abdomen in his hands as if to prevent the impending birth. You have to find someone, Nicholas. The baby...

We will help him to be born, he assured him. We've never done that, but we know what to do, don't we? he turned to the maids for support, and they nodded, yet unsure.

Nicholas...

Now you're gonna calm down, okay? he held her face in his hands, drawing her attention. You're gonna try to control your breathing and push when I tell you to, you understand me?

I’m scared, she repeated, not still believing how the birth had been rushed.

I promise you everything will be fine, he kissed her forehead, but you have to trust me, okay?

Gabrielle nodded in tears and Nicholas placed a kiss on her lips.

I love you, Gabrielle, he whispered away from her.

Then, decisively, he took Ivette's place, in front of his wife's legs, placing his hands on her knees, so the girl rushed forward and took Gabrielle's hand, encouraging her.

Suddenly, the room began to darken.

I want you to breathe and let me know when the pain returns, he said, ignoring the darkness that was becoming more and more intense.

Suddenly, Gabrielle groaned and Nicholas knelt down in front of her.

Push, love, he asked her to obey with a whimper. Damn cloud! he exclaimed as the darkness grew more and more latent.

It's not a cloud, Your Majesty, alarmed Erin running to the window. It's as if a black moon were beginning to block out the sun.

What the hell are you talking about? He shrunk a little bit directing the view from his position to the window. But what...?

Nicholas! shouted Gabrielle as the blackness grew denser and denser.

Push again, my love, don't be afraid, I'm here, he said. Quick, Erin, light the candles!

Your Majesty...

It's an eclipse! he shouted exalted. It will be dark and I need to see to receive my son!

Nicholas... Gabrielle muttered, feeling faint.

You are doing so well, he encouraged her in a calmer voice now, as he watched the maid place candles around him, prematurely. Breathe, and when the pain returns I want you to push with all your strength.

Erin was placing a chandelier next to Nicholas when the dark night flooded the room and Gabrielle's scream rose in the room.

Now, Gabrielle, push! he asked her, letting go of her knees and placing his hands on the entrance to her body, where she was beginning to see the baby's head. Almost there, love, push some more.

Gabrielle grabbed the sheets between her fists, noticing how her nails were digging into the palms of her hands, and raised her head, clenching her teeth and eyelids as a scream ripped her throat, and the pain, her guts... She pushed with all the strength she could muster in her already exhausted body and felt her son pass through it, little by little, in an instant of suffering that seemed not to want to be extinguished, and she did it just at the moment when Gabrielle believed she would not stand it for another second, the same moment when Nicholas felt his hands filling up with his son's little body. He took it by helping him out of his mother, and the baby started crying instantly.

My God, Gabrielle, it's beautiful! he exclaimed, feeling a salty taste in his mouth. He was crying, and he hardly noticed. You were right, he's a boy.

I want to see it, she moaned, almost breathless.

Give me a second, pleaded him meanwhile Ivette and Erin knelt beside him to help.

He pulled a dagger from his belt and cut the cord that Erin was knotting. In the meantime, Ivette was cleaning it with a cloth and hot water, wrapping it with a sheet. Nicholas got up and rocked him for a moment to calm his crying and walked to the head of the bed to hand him over to Gabrielle, who opened her arms, letting Nicholas place him on her chest. The baby breathed a small sigh as soon as he felt his mother's warmth.

Gradually, the light began to break through the shadows and Nicholas looked up at the window in some amazement.

Ilsïk, whispered Gabrielle.

What? Nicholas asked incomprehensibly, sitting in front of her

It'll be called Ilsïk

What does it mean? he asked, curiously caressing her face.

I don't know, but it's what he wants. She smiled. You don't like it?

It's perfect, just like him... just like you. He bent over her to kiss her tenderly. Thank you, Gabrielle.

See how he has the color of your hair and chin, she said, raising her fingers to dry his tears.

But I was right about the color of the eyes, he said, smiling.

It's true, said Gabrielle, looking at the little one. What are you doing there? she asked suddenly as she saw the maidens watching the scene from afar.

Come here, Nicholas asked. I am so grateful for your help.

We haven't done anything, Your Majesty, replied Ivette, as the two of them approached the bed.

This young man has done all the work himself. Erin put a finger on the hand of the baby who took it with a gentle squeeze. It's going to be very strong, said the maid at the gesture.

The candles don't seem to be needed anymore, said Nicholas, realizing that the morning was bright as before, and as quickly as surprisingly.

I thought you said something about an eclipse, Gabrielle said as she watched him turn them off.

Our son has decided to be born at a quite special time. He sat down in front of her again.

Because he's going to be special, she said caressing the back of Ilsïk, who slept peacefully on his mother' s heartbeat.

Chapter 2

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It is said that curiosity is a characteristic quality of youth, as is the desire to live and discover new horizons, and in that boy they shone with dazzling brilliance. However, the teachings of his Master told him that this distanced him from the path of altruism and he could not let himself be carried away by his personal desires.

With a gloomy gesture, he looked up at the sky... His need to understand made him bite his tongue, and so the old man who was watching him with an amused air by his side let him know.

What grieves you so much? he asked him knowingly.

Nothing, Master, the boy hesitated as he stirred the fire of the bonfire with unsuccessful disguise.

It' s worse the lie that you recognize the thing that corrodes your mind, he warned him.

The boy blushed with shame, but made up his mind to talk.

Master, who rules the march of the Sun and the Moon?

The old man gave a muffled laugh, but responded to his concern.

When they created the world, the Gods sowed the heavenly vault with sparks to illuminate it, points of light that constantly shone through the darkness like shining stars. The brightest of these sparks, however, were reserved for the forging of the Sun and the Moon, which were placed in beautiful golden chariots to guide the Day and the Night.

Rapidly the Sun and the Moon travels. It would seem that they are frightened, and would no longer hurry their departure if they feared death, the young man pointed out to the wise old man as he gazed up at the starry sky, alarmed at how quickly time slipped from his hands.

"It is not strange that they are