Heart of Kylassame: The Land of Kaldalangra, #2

By Kristi Strong

It has been two years since Rhea found herself a captive in the realm of Kaldalangra and discovered she had the ability to turn a world of terror into a land of hope.

 

She also learned that it may be easier to fight for peace, then to live within the quietness it can bring. She has formed strong bonds with the people of Kylassame and Asimina, yet struggles with daily life in the realm and the permanence of her decision to stay.

 

When a string of tragedies brings Rhea to her knees, Rowan must carry the weight of the realm as distrust and grief spread through the land . As Rhea loses faith in her power and their future, he must help her find the strength to carry on, or lose her forever.

 

Will love and hope prevail, or will the realm become only a world of grief and regret?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristi Strong
• Release date: Aug 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201156466

Book preview

Chapter 1

Albadarl

And then the Malakhor jumped up and killed him, just like that. Decades of tyranny were ended in a single bite!

Three-year-old Kia stared up at her brother in wonder and amazement.  Then what happened?

Kibwe smiled at his little sister. Well, then the Lady dove into the pond, saved our Protector, and then saved us all! That is how Queen Nyssa was able to rise to power. We are really lucky too, because when her father was King of our realm he kept trying to kill everyone. And then there was a High Prince who used to be the heir, but he kept trying to kill everyone too, until he disappeared.

Small, brown eyes grew round with trepidation. Is he the one who made you lose your leg?

Yes, he was. We were outside and he came riding up on his great white horse and took his sword and-

Kibwe, that is enough. Quit trying to scare your sister. A male voice caused the boy to blush and duck his head.

Sorry, Rowan. I did not intend to scare her. I just wanted to tell her the story of Rhea and Queen Nyssa and got carried away.

The man came over and ruffled the boy’s curly black hair. It is an important story to know, but maybe wait until she is a little older to provide the details. Now you two head back home. I can see your parents waving for you.

Yes, sir!

Rowan de Nespa watched the two children scamper, as best as Kibwe could with his crutch, to the waiting arms of their parents and he took a deep breath of the forest air. Spring was upon Albadarl and the excitement could be seen in the faces of every adult and child in the village. Streamers made of leaves and flowers were strung between the branches of trees and cascaded down the sides of the stick huts. Women gathered around the large communal fire pit, excited to openly sit and sing their joy to the day.

Thanks to two years of peace, happiness filled the woodland village and the people flourished. During the reign of King Verikhan, the people had been terrorized and exploited until near extinction. They had a special connection with the earth and her creatures that had been viewed by the greedy residents of the Kaldalangran courts as magic. As magic was seen as evil and dangerous, any member of Albadarl caught outside the safety of their woods met a gruesome end.

He and Rhea had worked hard to bring a feeling of security to the village he had protected for so many years. The people still wore the traumas of the past in their scarred faces or mutilated limbs, but there was hope now as well. He had worked hard with the village of Kylassame, his other home, to bring crutches and wheeled-chairs to the people of Albadarl. They helped the people live a regular life even with the disfigurements; lifting spirits and hastening the healing process for so many.

The people were of a resilient nature, and rose to the occasion of growing and healing once his sister, Nyssa de DamaTalous, became the Queen of Kaldalangra, the realm that included Albadarl. A slow smile spread across his face as he remembered walking his sister down the courtyard of their family’s castle the day she wed the man she loved, Sebast of Asimina.

The Patrons of the court had been appalled and outraged when Nyssa had officially announced her intent to wed the man just one year after the death of the King. Sebast was the ruler of the small village of Asimina, a village that had also been decimated by the actions of the King and those in his court. For his entire adult life, Sebast had lived as an enemy of the realm and been publicly blamed for every ill to befall the court. It was hard on the Patrons of Kaldalangra to give their respect and fealty to a man who, just one year prior, was nearly executed for being an imminent danger to the people and their way of life.

Within those first few months they began to see the goodness that lay in the heart of the man who now carried the label of Duke. Combined, the man and woman made a team of stunning efficiency, and the shackles of the past rapidly fell away both for Kaldalangra and for Asimina.

You are lost in your thoughts, my Lord. Does some matter weigh heavily on your mind this day?

Rowan looked down and grinned at the small woman who stood at his side. I was just thinking about how far we have come, Chasike. It has been a busy two years. He raised an eyebrow. "And why are you calling me Lord? You have not called me Lord in quite some time. In fact, I remember you telling me that just because I now own a castle, I should not be expected to be called Lord while in Albadarl."

The female head of the village smiled, white teeth shining against her dark brown complexion. You are making a commitment today that affects us all greatly, and of which we have been waiting for so long. It seems suited to call you such a powerful word at such an important time, as you have been our protector for so many years. She held back a chuckle at the flash of panic that slid across his face. Do not say you are having doubts now?

Not doubts, just...concerns, I suppose? No, that gives them too much weight. I am just nervous.

Chasike nodded, her tightly-braided, black curls slightly bobbing around her head. Yes, that is normal. She gently patted Rowan on the arm. It is a big step you take today, joining with the Lady of Steinbrekka in front of your people. A small thing, perhaps, to those who hold legal matters or politics above the heart, but big to all of us.

The man took a deep breath. It is somewhat of a big deal politically too, although not a matter which will immediately affect Kaldalangran court life since I am not acting monarch.  While we are going to avoid a large court ceremony, today’s words will be done in such a way as to make her the Grand Duchess of the realm. They will also give her control over your village and also Kylassame. Is it fair of me to put those lives in her hands, in her care? Do those people offer the same trust that I am willing to give her?

A quiet moment passed as Chasike tilted her head to the side and considered his words. You have asked this question at the other village? No, I do not want to know what they say, for I can only speak for my own people. She gestured for the man to kneel down so she could place both of her hands on his face, a gesture of trust and the telling of powerful words for the people of her village.

Rowan de Nespa, protector of my people, you have loved this woman longer than you realize and we knew of that love even before you were aware it existed. We knew you loved her when the two of you first came by our village so many years ago. We were told in visions back then that a good thing was coming, that we must trust the Lady to survive, though we did not know who she would be. Lady Rhea has proven to be worthy of that trust, of the protection of the wood spirits, and of our Lord of the Woods. From the moment she first stepped into Albadarl we willingly placed our lives in her hands with open hearts, along with yours.

Teeth flashed as she smiled again and gave the man a motherly kiss on the forehead. Look around you, Lord of the People. Look at what good has come from giving her your trust and acting as her partner. Imagine what good will come in the future because of the love between you and your lady. This is a good thing, de Nespa. This is something that I am honored to see happen in my lifetime.

Tears began to well in the man’s eyes and he bowed his head. Thank you, then, for your trust and council.

She winked and helped him to stand. Am I correct in my assumption that you received a similar sentiment from every other village in your care? I did notice they all had sent their witnesses for the day.

Yes. Yes, I did.

Then I shall allow you the honor of escorting me to the pond so that I may stand witness as well.

Rich laughter rang from the man as he led his old friend and cherished elder toward the pond.

Rowan stepped onto the mossy bank of the ancient pond and ran a nervous hand through his hair, sighing as he removed the leather thong holding the dark copper locks and re-tied them neatly at the base of his neck. Until he met Rhea he had imagined he would spend the rest of his existence alone as a lesser guard in his father’s dark kingdom. He had spent his adult years secretly ruling the rogue villages and doing all he could to keep them from being butchered or starved by his father, the king. Now that he was here to symbolically lay his heart on a platter, he was feeling vulnerable, a state of being that was unfamiliar and unsettling.

His sister, Nyssa, stepped forward from her position at the water’s edge and gave his shoulders an encouraging squeeze. All will be well, so try not to throw up and remember that this is nothing compared to what the castle ceremony would have been.

Tanned skin turned pale at the thought of a court-appropriate wedding and Nyssa led the man to his spot on the mossy bank. She patted his hand affectionately. Once you see her the butterflies will go away.

Rowan looked around in confusion. What butterflies? I was not aware that there would be butterflies here today.

Blue eyes twinkled as Nyssa laughed at his confusion. It is a saying Rhea taught me. When you feel nervous her people say you have butterflies in your stomach because it feels as if something is fluttering around inside of you.

I see. I think it should be more like horses fluttering around, or stomping perhaps.

Nyssa winked at him and then walked back to her place at Sebast’s side, leaving Rowan alone at the water’s edge.

A horn sounded then and the forest stilled under the call of the crier. Rowan looked up to see a small boat made of reeds and saplings slowly drifting toward him from the opposite side of the pond.

His lips slipped into a smile when he saw her sitting in the center of the boat. When he first saw Rhea, she had been covered in dust and sweat after the fight to escape her kidnappers, of which he was one. Under his father’s rule, people from Rhea’s world were routinely captured for slaves and some internal voice had pushed him to go on that raid.

Now she took his breath away and he saw the joy radiating from her body as the boat moved closer. Her hair, once turned blonde by supernatural forces, now shone a deep auburn that served to enhance her hazel eyes. The waist-long wavy locks had been twisted together into an intricate crown of hair that framed her forehead and delicate flowers had been woven among the strands to give small bursts of pinks, blues and lavenders. A form-fitting, green cotton dress hugged the curves of her body, and he smiled at the small golden animals embroidered along the sleeves. The dress had originally been created to degrade her in front of the realm and had been formed of a sheer fabric. The small animals had been added by the people who loved her as a way to give her protection from the evils that surrounded her. While benign in appearance, special prayers had been added with the animals, which now decorated the sheer, outer layer of the modest cotton gown.

A small tug on his hand caused Rowan to look down and he smiled at the young boy who stood beside him on the shore. Yes, Nastasio?

Nastasio grinned up at the man and pressed a small leather pouch into his hand. Savin said you would start panicking once you realized you had forgotten this and sent me over.

Rowan opened the pouch and stared at the delicately crafted golden ring that lay on the soft leather. Yes, he thought. I would have definitely started grumbling about leaving this. The ring represented the future he wanted to spend with Rhea and the promise of his love. A single band of white gold that supported a thin row of alternating emeralds and sapphires, sized to fit the ring finger on Rhea’s left hand. He tucked the pouch into a small pocket located in his trousers and tried to keep from fidgeting as the boat slowly approached the shoreline.

Chapter 2

Albadarl

Rhea turned to look curiously at Emeku as he brought the small boat to a graceful stop in the center of the pond. Am I expected to swim the rest of the way, Emeku?

The man chuckled low in his throat and smiled. We will not be quite that demanding, Lady Rhea. We will be there soon, but my wise wife asked me to have a word with you before we crossed the final length of the pond.

She nodded and folded her hands on her lap patiently. Chasike is a very wise woman. What is it you wish to talk about?

Emeku placed the oars in their holders and took one of Rhea’s hands in his own, her pale skin a vivid contrast against his dark palms. Rhea, by agreeing to this joining with Lord Rowan, you are also joining with our community. Today you also join with the communities of Kylassame and, to a degree, Asimina. We consider ourselves blessed to have a woman such as yourself enter Rowan’s life, but do take a moment to consider the responsibility that this will place on your shoulders.

He placed a hand on her cheek gently. You made the choice to stay on this side of the shining wall, Rhea, but the option to leave may come again. Every friendship you make, every commitment you make towards the people of this realm, will make it more and more difficult for you to leave. Consider that before you say the words that will forever join your heart to Rowan, his land, and his people.

Rhea closed her eyes at the gravity of his words and tipped her face up slightly, drinking in the warmth of the spring sunlight as it trickled through the trees surrounding the lake. Two years prior, she had made the decision to stay in this realm instead of using the magic given by the Magi Ayewoke to return to her old world with her friend, Matt. Those two years had been rewarding, but not without struggle or hardships. She had worked tirelessly with her friends to rebuild the villages that had been decimated by the former king of the realm and seen more than she ever wished of death, disease, and horror.

She opened her eyes and focused on the tall, handsome man standing at the edge of the pond, looking her way. I made the choice to stay here, so here I will remain. This is my home now. You are not only my friends but family, and a vital part of my life. How could I ever want to leave after all we have accomplished?

The short, well-built man smiled and once again picked up the oars. In that case I will take you to the husband of your soul before he jumps into the pond out of impatience. We certainly could not have the dripping of water from his clothes interrupting the fine music to be played.

What a picture that would make! She lightly fingered the small ladybug stone that hung from a soft cord around her neck. How is it possible that two years have gone by, Emeku? It seems like just yesterday Rowan and I were constantly at each other’s throats and now-

And now you cannot keep your hands off one another in a different manner?

Rhea turned a brilliant shade of crimson. Well, that wasn’t exactly what I was going to say, but I suppose it is accurate, yes.

Emeku shrugged. It is sometimes difficult to see a person’s true nature through the protective walls they must erect. Rowan had a great deal of time to erect thick walls around his heart, time when he could not allow himself to feel, much less reveal those feelings to others. He smiled. You have been good for him, Rhea. He knows he can trust you. He is learning to let his guard down and discover that he will not be harmed.

The small boat gently drifted onto the shore and Rowan stepped to the water’s edge, carefully avoiding the small waves in his soft leather boots.

Hello, my beautiful lady. I trust you had a good voyage? He extended a hand and helped Rhea to step lightly from the vessel to the sandy beach.

I did have a good voyage, my handsome man. Rhea tucked her arm through his as the couple lightly stepped onto the mossy path that led to the Elder Wekesa.

The Elder was dressed in his finery, with his short, gray-streaked hair coiled tightly upon his head. His woven grass pants were covered with lively geometric designs, dyed into brilliant color with various berries and roots of the forest. The tattoos which covered his face and chest had been rubbed with plant oil and shone brightly in the sun, whorls and dots standing out brilliantly from the man’s dark skin.

The couple stopped in front of him and gracefully sank to their knees in respect, cushioned by the leaf litter of the forest floor. Wekesa smiled at the pair and looked over their heads at the crowd that had gathered behind.

Good people, it is with great joy and pleasure that I welcome you to the sacred woods of Albadarl, to witness the joining of Rhea Aralia, Lady of Steinbrekka, and Rowan de Nespa, Lord of the Forest. These two people have done great works for the village of Albadarl and worked tirelessly for the better good of the people. Together they have led the great change of hope and enabled our village to be the thriving, happy community you see around you today.

The elder placed each of his hands onto the heads of the couple. My dear children, Albadarl gives you our blessing for your joining. Stay true to your hearts and let darkness not injure your love. Give one another trust and faithfulness, and believe in the powerful spirits who helped you to come together.

Chasike stepped up and presented the Elder with a soft shawl, lovingly woven from bark fiber and colored in bright stripes from a dye created from berries. Wekesa draped the shawl over the shoulders of the couple.

He gave each member of the couple a kiss on the forehead. I am blessed to be here on this day.

Sebast stepped forward as the Elder stepped back and bid the couple to stand. He was a tall man, powerfully built and dressed in the manner of Asimina. A tan cotton shirt hung to his thighs, and supple leather trousers encased the muscular legs. A simple band of gold lightly sat upon closely-cut brown hair, displaying his position as the husband to the Queen of Kaldalangra.

Rowan de Nespa, what a soul brother you have been to me and my village. For over a decade we have stood together against oppression and evil, and when I took your sister’s hand it was with great joy that now you could never avoid me again.

Both men chuckled and Sebast clapped a hand onto Rowan’s shoulder. I knew this woman was your other half from the moment I first laid eyes on her. Treat her gently, treat her with love. She has a great strength underneath the beauty and a sensitive heart. She is your true half and you will do well together.

He lightly cupped Rhea’s cheek with his palm. What fortune we have had from your existence, Rhea. You came to us in a time of desperate need and thought nothing of your own safety in order to help the women of Asimina. Without your presence at the last butchering, our village would be nothing but dust and bones. You have given us life, a second chance. Combined with this man, you will be a movement of goodness in this realm that can be stopped by nothing.

He gently kissed her cheek before placing a small leather bracelet upon her wrist, and a matching bracelet onto Rowan’s. I am blessed to be here on this day.

Justin stepped forward then as the currently elected leader of the village of Kylassame. His curly red hair had been recently trimmed and he wore a pair of cotton trousers with a loose-fitting blue denim shirt. He took Rhea’s hand in his as he spoke.

Wonderful Rhea, the village of Kylassame will always welcome you home. You came to us as ‘just a friend’ of Rowan’s and left as something much more. He is a man of deep feeling, and under all of that bravado is a man who has a tender heart. Love him with care, and remember that what he shows may not be what he feels. He is our heart, and now that heart belongs to you.

He playfully punched Rowan on the shoulder. What did I say when you first brought Rhea to our village, eh? What was it? Come now, loud enough for all to hear.

Rowan chuckled and raised his voice with a smile on his lips. You told me, ‘I don’t care what you claim, Rowan, that woman is going to be your wife.

That I did, and here we are. You should know better than to doubt my judgment when it comes to couples, you stubborn man. He smiled. You must be good to this woman. She is one in a million and deserving of the greatest love and respect. You have the ring?

Rowan nodded and pulled the small leather pouch from his pocket. From it, he removed the white-gold band that was studded with alternating emeralds and sapphires. His hand shook as it lay glistening in his palm, the slight weight a reminder of the heavy responsibilities for which the ring stood.

Justin nodded. Then repeat after me. I, Rowan de Nespa, gladly join with you, Rhea Aralia and take you to be my wife and companion. I vow to give you nothing but the best of me and love you with everything I have. This ring is a promise and a reminder through any darkness, of the light your love brings to my life and of the loyalty I hereby give to you.

Rowan stared into Rhea’s bright eyes as he repeated Justin’s words, and his hand shook slightly with emotion as he slid the band onto the ring finger of Rhea’s left hand.

Rhea then repeated the words, tears glistening in her eyes as she slid a plain gold band onto the ring finger of Rowan’s left hand.

Justin smiled again, eyes crinkling in the corners. Treat your love with respect and care. I am blessed to be here on this day.

Nyssa stepped forward then, as Justin took a step back. She was dressed in a sky blue silk dress, closely fitted through the chest and waist before flaring down into a full skirt. Sparkling emeralds were carefully set into a simple gold chain draped around her neck and matching earrings hung lightly from her ears. A small circlet of gold sat delicately upon her blonde curls as befitted her position as the Queen of Kaldalangra.

She smiled and took Rowan’s hands in her own. My dear, precious brother- her voice cracked as her eyes welled with tears. She blinked them away and gave a small laugh. It still makes me emotional to call you ‘brother’ openly and without fear of social retribution. What a wonderful gift we have been given thanks to this woman, Rhea. She beamed at the woman.

Nyssa cleared her throat and began once again. My dear, precious brother, it is with so much happiness that I stand here before you and give the blessing of Kaldalangra to you and the woman you love. It may have taken a bit of time for your love to be revealed, but you two were designed to be parts of a whole. You have overcome so many obstacles to find this love that I wish you nothing but blue skies and easy pathways from this day on.

She lightly kissed his cheek and turned to Rhea, taking her hands gently. And you, Rhea, sister of my soul. A woman could not ask for a better companion than you. I do not think I could have withstood the events of that year without your support and love. You are the woman who was always meant to be in my brother’s life, in all of our lives. I wish you nothing but happiness and peace in this union and I hope you know that I will always be there if you need to talk about your pesky husband.

The Queen of Kaldalangra then took Rowans left hand and placed it onto Rhea’s right. I happily bind you together, for now until eternity. Live in peace, live in love. She lightly wrapped a brilliant green ribbon around their joined hands. I am blessed to be here this day.

Rowan turned to Rhea then and lightly caressed her flowing hair with his free hand. I will love you, honor you, and cherish you all of the days of my life. Rhea, will you be my wife?

Rhea nodded as her eyes glistened with unshed tears of joy. I will be your wife. I will love you, honor you, and cherish you all of the days of my life, Rowan. Will you be my husband?

I will be your husband.

The crowd cheered and hooted as Rowan lowered his lips to Rhea’s and they sealed the vow with a kiss. She smiled up at him and entwined the fingers of their bound hands together as they walked through the crowd of well-wishers.

Cassie, Rhea’s best friend from the village of Kylassame, bounded over and hugged her tightly. I am so happy for you two! I can’t believe it has taken you guys two years to finally do this. Come over here and get some food so the rest of us can eat. I am starving!

Rhea laughed and walked hand-in-hand with her husband to the long row of exotic dishes that had been laid out on tables and large tree stumps around the edge of the beach.

One table had the food of the Kaldalangran court, rich poultry and exotic fruits mixed with succulent meats and breads. A large, low stump held the fare of Albadarl, the rich nuts and earthy mushrooms drawing the attention of the members of Kaldalangra who had never been able