Garden of Silver

By Arnella Hobler

After escaping the capital together, Ivy and Drystan are now fugitives and have taken refuge in the wilderness. As tensions are brewing between them following the events in the capital, Ivy questions whether she can trust him. But a secret mission is soon underway, and allies are few. In her quest to prove herself worthy again to the Mother Goddess, Ivy sets off to find the mythical place called Arden. With Drystan by her side, she must travel both the woodlands of Mórceath as well as the far seas to the empire of Miras - and there are plenty of obstacles on the way.

In this second instalment of the Leaves of Holly trilogy, Ivy faces her greatest challenge yet. It is a journey of sacrifice and intrigue - but also of love and trust, loss and grief.

Will she succeed in her mission?
And how much is she willing to sacrifice for it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books on Demand
• Release date: May 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9789180804288

Arnella Hobler

Arnella Hobler has dreamed of becoming an author ever since she was old enough to read and write. This dream finally came true with the release of her debut novel Leaves of Holly in 2021. Arnella lives in Sweden with her husband and their ferocious Pomeranian. She has a BA in History and loves all things old, especially porcelain. Apart from writing, she also enjoys drawing, walking in nature and exploring old castles. For news and updates, check out her YouTube channel Arnella Hobler or Instagram @arnellahobler.

Book preview

1

A Dalliance in the Past

Seventeen years prior, a teenage Elúnedin entered the Emperor’s private gardens. Her eyes scanned the crowd as she walked arm in arm with her brother, Arion. It was a particularly hot autumn night in the capital, which also happened to be the third night in a row of celebrations for the Emperor’s birthday. The siblings walked passed the same nobles and vizier families as were always present. Most of them were busy watching the magicians performing extravagant tricks causing sparks, flashing lights and colourful smoke around the whole garden. Elúnedin and Arion didn’t stop to join them. She steered her brother by his arm, continuing her search. Arion gave his sister a playful look.

‘Looking for someone special?’

‘Perhaps,’ she replied casually.

He rolled his eyes as they walked along the garden path towards the Emperor’s pavilion, silently nodding at acquaintances they passed. Elúnedin slowed down once her eyes finally found her target; he was standing with a group of viziers by a grand fountain.

‘I will be back in a moment,’ she whispered to Arion, and before he could protest she had let go of his arm and was heading in the direction of the fountain. The young man had seen her approach, and he quietly removed himself from the group to meet her.

‘The stars shine bright tonight,’ he said as she approached, followed by a respectful bow.

She gave him a courteous nod in return, retaining their eye contact. At first glance, she knew she looked similar to the other noblewomen of Miras – but her striking blue eyes, a feature inherited from her Fionnall father, were something that she knew set her apart from all the others.

‘I’m sure they do. If only we could see them for all the sparks and smoke,’ replied Elúnedin in flawless Mirasi, gesturing towards the magicians.

‘You may mock our traditions, but not all of us are fortunate enough to have real magic in our land.’

She smiled, not knowing what to say. Ardeshir had that effect on her; he was the most handsome young man she had ever met. He was tall, and despite being only eighteen he had a strong jawline with a short, well-groomed beard. His black hair was neatly combed to the side, not a single strand out of place. Then there was his voice. Deep and smooth, Elúnedin had to stop herself from quivering whenever he spoke. This was their third meeting, and she had thought of little else the whole day in anticipation.

‘I hope you’ve found your stay here satisfactory so far?’ he asked as he gave her his arm.

‘It has always been satisfactory,’ she answered as she took it, and they began walking about the area. ‘I have come here nearly every year since I was a child.’

‘In some ways, you still are.’

Elúnedin straightened her back.

‘I would argue that fifteen is closer to adulthood than to childhood...although it depends on the person.’

They passed a group of whispering and giggling girls, mostly daughters of viziers and other nobles. Elúnedin rolled her eyes at them in an effort to separate herself from that which she deemed silly and shallow.

‘That is true,’ answered Ardeshir, also giving the giggling girls a judgemental look. Elúnedin smiled. She had always felt older than her years and made a conscious effort to be perceived that way. It pleased her enormously whenever she felt successful in doing so.

‘I believe your brother is trying to get your attention,’ said Ardeshir, and Elúnedin turned around. Arion was signalling for her to accompany him to the Emperor’s pavilion.

‘I must go and greet the Emperor, my parents are waiting. ’

Ardeshir turned as if to walk away from her, and just as he passed her shoulder, he said in a low voice, ‘There is a fine carp pond on the eastern side of the garden. Will you join me in admiring it afterwards? ’

Elúnedin gave him a smile at the corner of her mouth, and left without confirming his request.

She and Arion went with their parents to greet Emperor Miraldir, their uncle, and Isme, his wife. After the usual pleasantries were over and done with, they re-entered the gardens where they were offered pomegranate wine by a server. They both grimaced as they had their first sip.

‘As usual, this is too acidic. I miss our own wine,’ sighed Arion.

‘Can I ask you a favour?’

Arion raised his eyebrows inquisitively.

‘Will you help me keep mother and father away? I’m off to meet with Ardeshir

Arion groaned.

‘Why him, though? He’s not even a real lord...’

Elúnedin gave him a sharp look. ‘His family may not be noble, but they are among the wealthiest in Miras. Far wealthier than many real lords.’

‘Yes, but still...’

‘Have you forgotten how I covered for you on the ship over here when you met up with that kitchen boy? I never make any judgemental remarks to you.’

‘Shhl’ said Arion, his face reddening. Elúnedin knew she had hit a sensitive subject, but she wasn’t afraid to use all means necessary to get what she wanted.

‘Fine, I will help you. But what will I say?’

‘Thank you, dear,’ she said and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Just say that I’m off with Mirina and the other girls.’

‘They would sooner believe that you’re off on a fishing trip...’ Arion muttered in response, but his sister was already moving between the guests toward her secret meeting.

Elúnedin made her way through the garden towards the eastern orchard. She passed many lanes of orange trees before she found it; the grand magnolia tree that she knew had the carp pond behind it. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned the corner.

She approached the pond, finding the area seemingly deserted. She stood by the edge, her hand resting on the cool marble surface. Within seconds, there were footsteps behind her. She did not turn.

‘You made me wait,’ said Ardeshir’s deep, soothing voice as he came up behind her. Elúnedin suppressed the pleasing effect it had on her.

‘Perhaps I should have kept you waiting a bit longer/ she answered playfully.

‘You tease me. As much as I enjoy it...’ he said as he placed his hand on her waist and leaned closer to her cheek, ‘I think I have waited long enough.’

Elúnedin gave in. She turned around, unable to resist any longer. He kissed her assertively, his hands firmly gripping her waist and neck. She curved her body to meet his as close as possible – this was getting very real, very fast. Her heartbeat was in her throat. She couldn’t tell whether she was even ready for this, as all she could think of was to not let him know that this was her first kiss.

The sudden sound of voices approaching made them freeze and listen. Apparently, they weren’t the only ones to sneak off for a private meeting. With one last look, Elúnedin broke away from him and walked off in the opposite direction. No matter how much her whole being was longing for him, her reputation must always come first.

2

Refuge

Ivy looked around in the darkness, anxiously hoping that there would be some kind of sign or mark to help guide them to the cave. The trees cast long shadows, as though shielding the riverbank from unwanted visitors. Peering through the thick foliage on the left side of the bank, Ivy finally spotted something that seemed out of place there; a limestone rock.

‘There!’ she said, pointing at the white stone. ‘That must be it.’

Drystan nodded and began rowing them towards the bank. Ivy felt dizzy after disembarking, having spent several hours in the unstable river currents. They hid the boat in a bush, and Drystan rolled the limestone rock into the river to remove any hints of their whereabouts.

Ivy began examining the cliff walls along the shore, and it didn’t take long before she found some loose foliage which, once shifted, revealed an opening.

‘Here it is.’

They entered with some uncertainty. It had a narrow tunnel leading into a cave, from which came the unmistakable smell and sound of a campfire. Drystan gestured for Ivy to get behind him. He retrieved his crossbow from his back before leading them further inside, towards the flickering orange light at the other end.

‘Who’s there? Announce yourself.’ he said, his voice echoing along the cold, damp walls.

As they entered the heart of the cave, they found the refuge that had been prepared, along with a man lying on fur bedding on the floor.

‘Cadel!’ said Ivy, darting past Drystan towards him. ‘I’m so relieved you’re alive!’

‘I would have announced myself, but I knew not if you were friend or foe,’ replied Cadel as he tried to sit up but fell back with a grunt, grimacing as though in great pain.

‘You’re injured,’ said Drystan as he removed his pack. ‘We have some medical supplies, let me help you.’

Cadel looked at him with hesitation, and then back at Ivy who was busy taking off her cloak and putting it over his legs. Eventually, he nodded.

‘I took an arrow in the shoulder as I fled...I could use some help with the wound.’

He looked pale, as if he had lost a lot of blood. Ivy had never seen Cadel as old, but the lines on his face were distinct now, clearly showing his true age as much older than she had initially thought. Drystan retrieved a flask of water and supplies from their bags to clean, stitch and dress the wound.

‘Tell me how...how you got out,’ asked Cadel with another grunt as Drystan began working on his wound. It had a pungent smell to it from not having been properly cleaned for several days.

Ivy went on to tell him of Elúnedin; how she had bargained with Corren for her freedom and gone on to present Ivy with an ultimatum – that she could either cooperate with her or remain imprisoned.

‘It was Drystan who rescued me, with the help of Cathren and a few other Dalmorians.’

‘Cathren...did she escape, too?’

‘Yes,’ replied Ivy. Cadel’s breathing became more strained. Ivy wasn’t sure if she should talk about Mora. She still had trouble getting the image of Mora’s death out of her head, and she was sure it was even worse for him. Based on the tension rising from his silence, she decided to leave it. She went on to assist Drystan with the wound, and by the time they were finished, the campfire had almost died out.

‘I will go and collect some more firewood,’ said Drystan as he put away the supplies.

‘I can do it,’ said Ivy, but he had already risen.

‘No, it’s safer for you in here,’ he said as he put on his hood and fastened the crossbow onto his back. ‘I won’t be long.’

As Drystan’s footsteps faded into the tunnel, Ivy helped Cadel move closer to the dying fire.

‘I’m glad he values your safety above his own,’ said Cadel.

‘Yes...at least of that, I have no doubts,’ said Ivy.

‘Where will you go from here?’

Ivy hesitated before she replied. She tried to determine if Drystan was still within earshot, but only hearing the flowing river outside, she concluded that it would surely block their conversation from being overheard.

‘I need to get to a place called Arden,’ she said carefully. ‘Do you know where it is?’

‘Arden?’ Cadel repeated, seemingly surprised. ‘I have heard of it...but I don’t think it’s a place you can just go to, it’s scarcely more than a myth.’

‘Well, I’ll need to find it nonetheless. Do you know anything at all about it?’

‘It is said to be a sacred place, one where the magical and divine resides. But that is all tell-tale – children’s stories. I doubt anyone would be able to find it – if it even exists. Maybe ask an elf, a wayfinder, to be exact. I wish I could be of more help.’

‘So, to find an elf – I suppose we would have to go to the Market? ’

‘That is usually where they gather,’ answered Cadel, and his expression turned troubled. ‘I have to ask you – and you must forgive my imprudence – but do you trust the Dalmorian Prince?’

Ivy contemplated her answer for a moment.

‘I want to, but only time will tell, I suppose.’

Cadel’s troubled look deepened, and Ivy decided to change the subject.

‘What about you; what will you do now?’

‘You are my Queen; I will do as you command. If you need my help in anything at all –’

Ivy looked down at the fur beddings they were sitting on.

‘I don’t feel like I’m in any position to give commands at the moment,’ she said, just as she heard Drystan re-entering the cave. ‘But if you want my opinion, I think you should focus on healing for now.’

Cadel scoffed.

‘I must have a purpose. That is what I’m used to, to work day and night if needed and serve my liege the best way I can. But now, I’ve spent days in this cave with nothing but my own misery for company. I might as well have died that night, too...’

His voice broke off, and he looked at Drystan as he put more wood onto the fire. Ivy suspected that he was uncomfortable with his presence.

‘Give me an assignment,’ he said with decisiveness, looking back at her. ‘It would be my greatest honour to serve you, and it would keep my mind occupied.’

The pain reflected in his eyes made Ivy’s heart swell with sympathy. She knew she could never tell him the truth now; how she had lost her status as Heir and was only stalling as she tried to find a way to get it back. If she had been honest and told him as soon as she had found out – then they might never have gone through with the plan of saving Queen Derwenna...and Mora would still be alive. If she told him now, it would be impossible for him not to blame her. Ivy took a deep breath, pushing away those unpleasant thoughts.

‘Once you’re healed, you should return to Port Casleán. I heard from Head Scholar Gweneth that Lord Cadmon is struggling in his new position as High Lord, and I’m sure he could use your support.’

Cadel bowed his head in affirmation. There was a slight tingling sensation in her gut as Ivy gave him the assignment. She felt satisfied knowing how helpful it would be for Cadmon to have a loyal kinsman back at his side.

They went on to share a modest meal consisting of dry biscuits and tea, and then they took turns keeping watch in the tunnel throughout the night as the others slept. It was a quiet night apart from the usual sounds of the forest; the crickets and flowing river, an occasional owl, gusts of wind ruffling the leaves.

Ivy slept badly, plagued by intense nightmares of her captivity. That damp, cold cell and its crushing darkness had made such a strong impression that Ivy was convinced it had all been a dream – that Drystan and Cadel were nothing but her delirious imagination holding on to hope.

Ivy woke with a start at the crack of dawn. Disoriented and clammy, she didn’t immediately recognise her surroundings. For a moment, the image of the cell still lingered on her consciousness, but then her gaze found Cadel sleeping close by and Drystan sitting alone in the tunnel. Relieved, she dried off her face with her cloak.

The light in the cave was completely changed; during the night the warmth from the fire had made it feel safe, even somewhat cosy. But now the fire was out, and the grey light of dawn had replaced it with a sense of coldness and urgency.

Drystan handed Ivy a set of fresh scouting clothes from the bag. They were made of a fine, mossy green wool with the Dalmorian crest embroidered on the chest. She accepted them gratefully, and after washing themselves in the river and eating some biscuits, Ivy and Drystan helped Cadel with his wound again to make sure it was healing properly. Then it was time for them to depart, and Cadel managed to stand up as they said their goodbyes.

‘I wish you a safe journey to Port Casleán, and that I will see you again someday, wherever that may be.’

Cadel took her hand and bowed his head.

‘You have your task, and now I have mine. I feel certain our paths will cross again.’

Drystan then held out his hand, and Cadel shook it respectfully.

‘I know you don’t think much of me, or my kin,’ said Drystan, ‘but I can assure you that we are allies.’

‘I did not, at first. But you have helped me in my need, and you are keeping Lady Ivy safe when I myself cannot, and for this, I owe you my gratitude.’

He bowed his head to him as well.

Ivy and Drystan went on to fetch the boat from the bush and put it back in the water. As they were putting all the bags inside, Drystan turned to her.

‘Are you going to tell me where we are going?’

There was tension in the air as he spoke. Ivy wondered if he had heard her conversation with Cadel from the previous night.

‘Well... first of all, we need to get to the Market.’

He sighed and nodded, pushing them away from the shore with the oars and beginning to paddle upstream. Ivy was relieved that he didn’t ask any more questions, but she knew she couldn’t hide it from him for much longer. In many ways, she did trust him, but when it came to finding the Monarch Stone she was more wary. The last time they spoke of it his features had turned dark and vengeful. He had a desire for it that she couldn’t comprehend, and it had been strong enough for him to reveal her and Cadel’s plan to free Queen Derwenna. Yes, she thought, she had good reason to be careful.

After a few hours, they concluded that they must be close enough to the road, so they hid the boat again in a bush and continued south on foot. They stopped a couple of times to scout before they found it; the main road that connected Dún Cordoire with the Market. As it would be too risky to travel by the road itself, they continued slightly to the side, but remained within full view of it. Ivy had learned her lesson never to stray too far from the road, at least not without a guide.

It was a slow walk with tree roots and undergrowth hindering their steps. As they walked in silence, Ivy sensed an awkwardness between them. She knew he wasn’t happy with how secretive she had been about their plans – and neither was she. She had always been honest with him before and it hurt her to hide things from him now.

As if he had sensed her thoughts, Drystan finally broke the silence.

‘I understand why you may feel hesitant to trust me again, given everything that happened back in Dún Cordoire. I would be hesitant, too.’

They were walking side by side, and Ivy turned to look at him. He did not meet her gaze, however, but continued peering forward, scanning the surroundings for hidden threats. She had a feeling it was difficult for him to admit this, and decided not to push the issue.

‘Let’s just give it some time,’ she replied and turned her own gaze back at the forest floor.

They continued walking like this, but at least the silence wasn’t as pressing anymore. After a while, the sound of horses approached from behind.

‘Hide,’ said Drystan, and with his hand on her back they both crouched down behind a large tree trunk. This sudden fear seemed to put all of Ivy’s senses on high alert. She hardly dared to breathe, as if the smallest of movements would give them away.

They watched as a group of horsemen passed in great haste. They looked like rangers, and wore both Cordoire as well as Dalmorian crests. Ivy and Drystan exchanged looks. It appeared as though they were heading for the Market, too. But that was a problem for later.

They continued even more carefully than before. Every little sound made them stop and hide, and with every passing hour, Ivy became more and more paranoid. What would happen if they got caught now? What if someone was watching them from the forest, quietly spying in case they let slip some valuable information? Ivy shivered and pulled her cloak closer to her body.

Darkness fell, and they were forced to stop for the night. They gathered some branches and foliage to use as makeshift shelter and managed to settle in just in time for the forest to cover them in complete darkness. Ivy thought of that awful event that had been her last time spending the night in the wild like this, and how different it felt this time. Wrapped in her woollen travelling cloak, she curled up next to Drystan who put his arm around her. His embrace felt warm...and safe. Exhaustion quickly came over her, and she was asleep within seconds.

It was early dawn when she awoke, and Drystan was already up and digging through their supplies. Ivy yawned and stretched her arms, her back aching from too many nights in a row of sleeping on hard ground.

‘Good morning.’ Drystan handed her a biscuit, which she accepted without a word. ‘Tired?’ he asked. ‘I would’ve thought you slept quite heavily...given the snoring.’

Ivy gasped.

‘I do not snore,’ she said curtly, and Drystan gave her a cheeky smile. This small exchange seemed to lift the tension that was simmering between them, and Ivy was happy to see something of his old self again.

They went on to dismantle the shelter and cover their tracks as well as possible, and by the time daylight began to peer through the treetops, they resumed their journey southward.

3

The Pretender Heir

It was one more day of arduous hiking before they finally reached the Market. The closer they got, the more difficult it became as there were numerous guard patrols to avoid. Ivy recognised the guard station close to the entrance, it was similar to the one that had stopped the caravan she had travelled with to Port Casleán. They watched it from their hiding spot in the forest. A barricade stopped any travellers from entering before they had announced their identity and purpose, and the guards were handing out scrolls to anyone that passed through.

Drystan gestured for Ivy to follow him. Keeping their hoods over their faces, they moved carefully around the outskirts until they found a hiding place in the southeastern corner where they waited for sundown.

‘Well, we’re here,’ said Drystan as he inspected the thick bushes around them to make sure they were covered. ‘What comes next?’

‘We need to hire a wayfinder to help us get to the next location.’

‘A wayfinder?’ he repeated with a puzzled look.

‘An elf, you know, like Halbert at the palace only a little more...rough around the edges,’ said Ivy, realising that Halbert probably wasn’t the best comparison.

He gave her a sceptical nod.

‘I’ll go and find one, it’s not safe for you to move around with all the guards,’ he said.

‘You know they are most likely looking for both of