Chapter Six. Tumultuatio. (Confusion.)

Frost and Enalia shot up out of their deep slumber as their door was swung open quite suddenly. The french style doors banged off the walls and echoed a loud noise throughout the room. Herona was standing there, tears running down her rosy cheeks, her hair and clothes telling them she had just gotten out of bed. She was breathing heavily and Enalia looked curiously at her husband. "Ona.. what's wrong?" Frost finally said, moving out of the bed to her side. "You..." Herona started to say, her voice raspy from crying. She was now looking at Enalia, ignoring the fact that Farberost was standing a few inches away. "You... brought him...how..?" She gasped out, exasperated from crying. Now it was Enalia's turn to look at her sister strangely. "Ona?" She was just as confused as her husband had to be at this point until a tall figure appeared around the corner. Aleron stood there to their complete shock, with a solemn look on his face. Frost and Enalia wrapped themselves in robes as quickly as possible and headed to the bibliotheca, where they told Ona and Aleron to meet them.

The two stood as Enalia and Farberost entered, Ona and Aleron looking quite grave. "I have been expecting you two for quite some time." Aleron was the first to speak. This put a look of confusion on all of their faces. "You see.. when you arrived at Regnum Mortuom -" Frost interrupted Aleron by holding up his hand and a look of dismay lingering on his face. "So you were expecting us to come to Regnum Mortuom?" Aleron nodded and continued despite his brothers protests. "You see.. you two have a power together. Far stronger than one I have seen in a long time, brother." Aleron paused, collecting his thoughts. Both Lia and Frost looked at each other, then back at Aleron. Herona sat quietly next to Ale, listening intently. "Our father forbid me to leave Regnum Mortuom, as I could never return once I left. I had turned away from him and secluded myself into the dark room you had found me in." All nodded in response, waiting for him to continue, but still very confounded. "He had forbidden me to contact either of you and refused to do it himself. So I waited very patiently until you finally came to me. All I needed was to capture some of your power, your very essence in a sense, to use it to free myself from Regnum Mortuom." Now everyone's mouth hung agape as they stared blankly at Aleron. "So you're saying..." Enalia began, but Aleron reached out and held her hands in him. "I'm saying, you freed me. Both of you." His eyes shot between Frost and Enalia. "By visting me, by embracing me with Frost nearby, I was able to bind a spell that is very powerful. Powerful enough to release me from death. But Regnum Mortuom is not death completely, though. We are given this realm for a very serious reason. A reason that is not passed down or shared, but learned from the studies inside the realm itself. Studies that are dangerous, but useful in a time of need." Before Aleron could continue any further, Roland had appeared in the doorway. His face drained of all color as he looked from Aleron to Herona to Enalia and Farberost, then back to Aleron. "I.. I am deeply sorry for.. my intrusion. We have just gotten word Helron will reach Isuli by nightfall." The look on the four's faces said it all and Roland quickly departed after sending more befuddled glances Aleron's way. 

Frost ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed his palms against his forehead, attempting to relieve any stress. Enalia paced around the bibliothica rubbing at her temples while Herona was now mounting a horse to travel back to Isuli. "This.. this all is happening too fast." Lia sighed with besetment. Frost made his way to his wife and rubbed at her shoulders in a calming manner. "We will get through this." He said reassuringly, squeezing the muscles in her biceps and gazing at her lovingly. She smiled weakly and fell into his chest, sighing again.

Aleron had extended his thanks to the High Court for meeting with him on such short notice. Roland who was the head of the High Court, simply looked bemused. He was happy to see Aleron, but at the same time was very weary to hear just exactly what had happened that made it so Aleron stood in front of him now. "You may all very well know, I had died some time ago." Most of the High Court nodded, some were lost in thought and it was very easy to read on their faces, others sat there listening closely, just as edgy as Roland was. "I was instructed by your king and queen to relay a message to you, though. I am back by their doing and also mine, so please do not worry." Ale's eyes grazed the faces of the nine that made up the High Court and Nemphus that had decided to join mid sentence. "You also know of the relationship between Livish and I." Everyone's faces went pale at that, even Aleron's. "I will be instructing you on what to expect from him, even the unexpected. You all will relay that to the defenders of this great kingdom." The High Court nodded in agreement. "We will convene in a few minutes at the bibliotheca." Alerona finished and headed out of the room, leaving the High Court to discuss among themselves while Nemphus caught up with Ale just as the door closed behind them to the now chattering room.

Chapter Five. Tenebrae. (The Darkness.)

The rushing waters of the waterfall soothed and calmed every nerve in Enalia's body. She sat over looking the edge right beside the wide falls. It dropped maybe one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet, plunging into a lake below where the water fed off into a river that wound its way through a thick forest. Enalia relaxed her shoulders and stared out into the thick cover of the forest trees. Most was quiet besides the insects that were on the move. The bright moon hung heavy in the sky and the dark blanket of night was thick above her. She gazed up at the astra, admiring them for all their beauty and comfort they held for her each nocte. Thoughts clouded her mind this night though as they have in the past and she was sure in the future they would as well. Foot steps across the wet grass told her someone approached and she glanced over her shoulder as a tall figure came into view. Frost sat on a nearby rock and gave Enalia a slight nod. A small smile formed on her lips as she gave for just a moment to her drowsiness. "What shall we do, dilectione mea?" Frost finally questioned Enalia. She simply shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, running her fingers through her hair and trying to come up with any sort of answer for her husband. "It is going to be a long time before we see peace again. I fear for our people, our home, our safety and our lives. But such is war, right?" Now it was her looking for answers from him. They went back and forth for awhile, discussing the plans over and over again and finding no reason to change what was already put into effect. "I wish Aleron was here with us." Enalia finally said what they were both thinking. Frost moved towards her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "As do I, but I must tell you something.." He paused, not sure how to word what he was about to say. She looked at him quizzically, but let him continue. "Maybe.. there is some way we can get in contact with him. Maybe he is in residing in Regnum Mortuorum with my father." Now Farberost had released his wife's shoulders and sat facing her. He cupped his hands around hers and stared into her eyes. "Come with me, mea Regina." His words were like silk that wound and echoed their way through her entire body, taking hold of her very being as they began to shift into another realm.

The long hallway that was lit with the golden glow of armor and light appeared before them. Enalia's mouth hung agape as she tried to grasp what she couldn't get her mind around. Was she really here? Was this really happening? The next moment her hundred questions were answered as Dario strolled toward them, brimming. Before even thinking, Enalia screeched and ran toward her father in-law and threw her wide spread arms around him. A goofy smile was plastered on Frost's face as he chuckled in delight at the whole situation. Dario had wrapped his arms around the queen and hugged her tightly. "My dear, it's been to long." He spoke softly into her ear. She held fast to him for a moment, but decided it was best to let go eventually and let Frost have his turn at a greeting. After escaping the tight embrace, Dario patted his son on the back and led them into the happening common room. They took a seat in front of the warm fire as others around them gathered, welcoming them with warm smiles and hugs. After the greetings were made, Farberost didn't waste any time in asking about Aleron. Both him and Enalia were on a mission and needed to find out all they could. Dario's face looked grim after they had mentioned his name. "He cannot accept what has happened to him, my son." Dario shook his head and looked at his son with sadness in his eyes. "What has happened to him, father?" Frost asked curiously, wondering what could have gone so terribly wrong. "I told you, he cannot accept what has happened to him. He passed into this world in confusion and has lived in his own world ever since.." Dario paused and sighed, trying to catch his train of thought as it ran off with grief. "Ever since Livish had turned on him." He finished and now both Enalia and Frost hung their heads, taking in the information. Sadness enveloped them like a heavy curtain and weighed on them greatly. Dario had placed his hands over both of theirs, "You may see him if you'd like, but I fear it will not be pleasant." Both of them looked up in surprise and nodded quickly, though not expecting much at this point.

"Aleron?" The silence was deafening in the pitch black room as Dario called out into the room. "Aleron?" Again there was no response, but his own echo and the silence. "Aleron..." This time Enalia had called out with sadness in her voice. Nothing was visible in the blackness that consumed this dreary room they were standing in the doorway of. "Ona...?" A scratchy and cold voice responded finally. "It's me, Aleron... Enalia." Frost held fast to Enalia's hand, but she moved forward, releasing herself from his grip. "Aleron... it's Enalia." She spoke again, hoping for a response. "Lia.." The rusty voice whispered. "Lia... where are you?" Enalia moved deep into the blackness, her eyes now adjusting. "I am here, Aleron. I am here. Come to my voice." There was sounds of foot steps coming from across the room closer and closer to her. "Lia.." The rough voice said softly and Aleron reached out to grasp her wrist gently. As soon as he touched her, she instantly grappled him into a hug. "My love." She cried softly into his ear. Aleron had now wrapped his arms around her completely, holding and caressing her back. "Where is Ona?" He whispered back to her, still clutching her snug against him. "She did not join us this trip, Aleron. There is a lot going on back home." Enalia responded back quietly. "Back home... Isuli?" Aleron questioned and she shook her head. "Estenia. Although I fear Isuli is in just as much danger. That's why we came, Aleron. There is a war coming and Livish is with them." This time, Aleron recoiled and backed up out of Enalia's reach. She reached out, but it was no use, he had receded back to a corner of the black room. The deafening silence came once again and tears began to stream down her pink cheeks, saddened by the state of Aleron. "Where am I?" Aleron called from across the room. "Who's there?" He asked suspiciously. Dario waves Enalia over to him and shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry Enalia, this is the state he has been in since... well..." He began to guide Frost and Enalia from the room, but Enalia protested. "I do not want to leave him just yet. I will stay a while longer." Dario nodded and continued to escort his son from the darkness. Enalia entered her and Frost's chambers later that night, though he was already off in deep sleep by the time she had arrived. The next morning they would awake and their lives would change forever.

Chapter Four. Bibliotheca Prodigia. (Library of Wonders.)

Herona scurried down the hall quietly. At this time of night, the castle was still. Nothing but the faint flicker of candles dared to move. As she crept around each corner without a sound, she wondered when and if she would get the chance to see the thousands of books that lined the enormous walls of the castle. Enalia had told her about the room when they were children, but this was Herona's first time actually seeing it. She decided to give in and finally enter the library where she gasped in disbelief. Thousands and thousands of books, notes, papers, abundant and everywhere. Some were sprawled on the floor while others were displayed on tables or stands. The more important looking books were sealed in glass cases and adorned with jewels and family crests. She had never seen such beautiful written work or art work for that matter. The designs on the cased books screamed royalty, not that she wasn't. Isuli's library was similar, but didn't hold as much history and the book collection was smaller. Herona brushed her fingers across the first row of books sitting on the seemingly never ending, towering book case that wrapped around the entire room. A small fire on the far back wall dimly lit the room along with the moonlight streaming in through the enormous windows that stretched up to the castle ceiling. As Herona walked around the room, admiring all there was to be admired, she knew she just had to pick up a book and see what was inside. Her first instinct was to grab just any old one, but one bejeweled book glimmered in the moonlight and caught her eye. It was sitting on the desk in the far left corner, a few paces in front of her. The dark wooded desk had scrolls and papers sprawled all across the top of it, along with stacks of books and some laying open. Herona ran her slender fingers across the scrolls, papers and books, idly glancing at them. Her eyes were glued to her real prize, the book that promised something more than studies.

Both of Herona's hands folded over the top of the old book and splayed out over the jewels and thick cover. She folded her small fingers around the edges and clutched it between her palms and fingers. Her eyes glittered with awe as she stared at the book and made her way over to the small sitting area in front of the fire place. She plopped down on the chair that faced the fire, but squeaked when her body collided with something hard and human like. Herona turned to see the dark form of a man sitting on the chair she had chose for herself. A low grumble like chuckle filled her ears and she smiled as Farberost sat there chuckling at her. "My wife." He muttered and she smiled sheepishly, embarrassed that she had not seen him there. Herona was one of the kings consorts, one of higher rank and also Enalia's sister. She was an incantatorum with long, black waves for hair, but in the daylight it would be golden blonde. She wore calf high leather boots and black cloth leggings with a brown, rough leather vest. Beneath that was a brown cloth shirt that hung down to her thighs mid way. Herona giggled, still grasping the book tightly and holding it to her chest. Frost stood and guided her to the soft fox fur rug that was laid out in front of the fire. They sat and she opened the book slightly, letting her fingers trail across the first page that held the hand written latin of her people. Frost watched her curiously and grinned in amusement. "My mother gave that to me when I was just a boy." He said softly. Of course, it was almost over two hundred and fifty years ago that he was a boy.

Hexelle's lived a very long time, as did Ulrane and Incantatorum. Most Hexelle's, Ulrane and Incantatorum didn't have children until they were at least three hundred and most lived well past seven hundred. Frost cupped Herona's chin and lifted her face so that he could gaze into her snowy eyes. "I know you have been lonely after Aleron passed, but I am always here." Even though his face as stern, Herona could hear the love in his voice. She placed the book to the side and wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head in his shoulder. Frost lifted his arms to wrap them around her back and rub slowly, comforting her with each loving stroke. Aleron was Herona's first husband and king of Isuli, also Frost's brother. He was killed by one of his most trusted friends and leading general of Isuli's army, Livish. After the fall out, Livish had disappeared, until now and Herona was severely worried. Livish was one of the oldest and deadliest Ulrane throughout the land and Herona knew what kind of havoc he could wreak if ever given the chance.

Farberost rocked Herona in his arms and continued to hold onto her tightly, hoping to comfort her. Herona pulled back and looked into Frost's burning red eyes. They looked just like her sisters, only his red flames held no pupils caused by his age. She cupped his face in her hands and pressed her forehead against his lips, where he placed a small kiss and made her sigh, relaxing her just a little bit. Frost placed his large hand over the front cover of the book Herona had pulled out. He picked it up opened it to the very first page as she had. He slid one of his hands over the page and smiled, letting memories of his childhood flood back into his mind. "Stellatam Spiritus." Frost said quietly, his gaze catching Herona's. "It was my favorite book as a child. It's about my sister and her purpose." He handed her the heavy book gently and placed his hand on her shoulder, "It will be alright, Ona." His tone was comforting, smooth and unwavering. She nodded and pressed her lips together in a small smile. "I hope you're right." Herona replied and opened the book once again. She began to read and Frost stood, patting her back quickly, "It will be my dear. You will see." At that, he turned and left her alone by the flickering fire, though nothing could warm the chill that now weaved its way through her.