**********

"Our chief will be the first to set foot on the new land." Ragnar had said when we saw a shimmering silhouette, floating in the distance. He is an excellent ally, a great counsellor and a loving brother. If it weren’t for him, I would be dead, me body turning to dust or giving life to the crows and other animals back on our land. If not dead, then I would be drowning in a lake of self-guilt and sorrow or wandering in the dark corridor of me heart, not wanting to get out but to walk forever and find no rest, no light. Me sorrow’s rising to the surface, threatening to overwhelm me.

Not now Sif, I tell me-self. Not in front of your people.

The voyage across the sea was long, too long. I lost track after sixty-nine suns and sixty-eight moons. After that, we lost 5 ships to storms and 10 ran away on the night of the 27th moon. I don't blame ‘em, but am grateful that Ragnar, me younger brother, is still by me side. I spare a glance at him and our father is engraved heavily in his features. The lean jawline and blue eyes are the only traits I have of our father. As for me mother, Ragnar and I have her red hair.

Father, mother. Am sorry I….. No. There will be time for that later. Focus on the here and now.

I force me-self to concentrate on the land being unrolled like paper before us. Mountain tops are visible to the west and to the east, the land seems to go on forever.

It looks peaceful. I hope the people of this land are not hostile, but who wouldn’t be if they saw ships filled with many warriors landing on their shores.

I turn to face me warriors. Most of ‘em are me personal bodyguards. Disciplined, strong men and women, each of ‘em trained in the art of the sword and the axe.

I failed ‘em. They deserve better.

I hold me chin up and yell above the roaring waves. “We will get on the land and secure a camping area. Ragnar, signal to the other ships to stay in deep waters, we will tell ‘em when its safe to join us.”

“It would be dangerous to scout with you, chief.” someone said. “What if we’re attacked? They would take you hostage or kill you.”

“I need to see this land for me-self. And dont you worry your pretty little heads about me. They won’t know that am chief unless you tell ‘em.”

And if I die, then I die. The tribe will be better off without me.

“Now, prepare yourselves and do as I’ve said.”

Ragnar cuts through the crowd, making his way to me side and whispering into me ear, he says with his husky voice, “Once we get on land, I am not leaving your side.”

I look into his fiery left eye. His right eye had been greatly wounded as we ran away from home. He now had a piece of cloth that went around his head and covered the injured eye.

“I will allow you to stay by me side, dear brother.” I give him a smile and slap his cheek lightly. “Be careful when we reach the shore. I don’t want to lose you.”

He gives me a playful smile and says, “If you’re so worried about me, then why not leave me behind.”

“I know you wouldn’t listen to me, so I am goin’ to keep you where I can see you and knock you out if I have to.” We laugh and I pull him close from the back of his head until our foreheads touch. Trying to hide my pain and fear, I close me eyes and say, “Seriously, Ragnar, be careful!”

“Don’t worry, Sif. We’ll be fine. We’ve always been fine.” He gives me a reassuring look before walking away. I asked him once, why he tried so hard to save me that night. “It’s because I need you as much as you need me, big sister.” he had said. Ever since we were children, he has always been there for me. When I earned me title, a part of me thought that I would lose him, but he stayed and am grateful that he did. I’d be so lost without him.

“Those green beasts came out of nowhere!” Ragnar had said as he tried to comfort me. He had said things that I already told me-self, even though I knew the real reason we were running away, was because I had failed to lead. I had failed me people, me friends, me family….. me family. Even me children were better vikings than I would ever be.

But why? I ordered ‘em all. I told ‘em to run, to leave me behind. Is this what I must go through as a chief? If that’s the case, then I don’t want this title. When the tribe is settled, I will go into exile.

**********

It has been a while since I ventured out from the vampire lands and into the mountains on the western side of the continent. Usually, when I am visiting werewolf territory, I travel alone, but today is a special occasion. After the treaty between vampires and humans was signed, my father, Count Pavel von Duke, thought it best to go around the continent and ease the suspicions of the fairies, elves and werewolves. My younger brother, Rurik von Duke, volunteered to go east, to the Elven lands. He may have my father fooled, but I know he’s more concerned for the Elven princess than anything else.

Of all the Elven women in that land, he just had to fall in love with the heir to the throne. I sigh and in doing so, I unexpectedly draw the attention of my lovely escort, lady Monica Flaughan.

“What’s eating you?”

You are my dear. How I wish she was like all the other women I have met. The ones who swoon when their eyes lay hold of me, the ones who play the part of a damsel in distress, the ones whose cheeks turn cherry red when I smile. Those are the ones I find easy to hate, but not Monica. There is no deceit in her brown eyes, and her speech is direct and precise. She sees me for me, not for my title. And it's not just her character, that sets my heart galloping like a wild horse, it's the things she does. I had expected to see her wearing a dress, but she hasn’t worn one since we started this journey and am a little curious as to why. Her skill with a spear is captivating. I had a chance to see all the candidates show their battle prowess, and she stood out like a rose among the thorn bushes. Most human women who can stomach combat prefer to be a medic or use the bow and arrow. I have never met one who willingly jumps into the fray.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

Damn it! Say something, but not something stupid.

“Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

“And again I ask, what’s eating at you?”

I now understand you, little brother Rurik. The heart wants, what the heart wants.

“It’s nothing, really.”

“I never thought a vampire was capable of thinking so hard about nothing.” Her smirking red lips taunt me.

“Well, if you must know, I was wondering why you squeeze yourself in the corner of the carriage and sit in silence while your heart beats as loud as a drum.”

Leon, you sly devil. Making her think she is the one with the problem when you’re the love sick puppy, as the humans say. Well done.

“Forgive me for being so noisy, your highness, but its not like I grew up around vampires. Am a little concerned for my well being.”

“You have nothing to fear from me.”

“So you say.”

“What can I do to make things….. more comfortable for you?”

“You don’t need to go out of your way for me, your highness. I'm merely here to serve you.”

“I was made to believe that we were working together.”

She gives a light laugh and says, “Let’s drop the pretences, your highness. We both know that humans are inferior to all the other creatures on this continent.”

“You need to give your kind more credit, Monica. We won the continental war thanks to the help of humans.”

“Were you there during the war?”

“Yes, though I was pretty useless."

"Useless? it's hard to imagine Your Highness being useless in a fight."

"That's because you're thinking of the wrong version of me. Baby Leon couldn't do anything during the war." She laughs. "I was told of how every creature on Kelor fought against the Orcs. If your kind are so inferior, how are they still alive?”

“By luck.”

“Luck didn’t play a part in you being here with me today.”

“Your highness is too kind. Thank you.”

“Please, call me Leon.”

“Very well then. Thank you, Leon.”

“You're welcome.” We smile at each other and suddenly, she seems more radiant than she was yesterday. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but, why are you wearing pants?”

Why on Kelor did you just ask that, Leon?

I can hear her pulse quickening as she looks down at herself. “Is my outfit not…. Is it inappropriate?” she asks.

“No, you look..... good….. Beautiful actually.”

Can someone please stab my heart with a stake.

“Sorry, what I mean to say is, normally creatures wear formal outfits when seeing lords and ladies, kings and queens. I was curious as to your choice of dress.”

“Oh, I see. I plan to change when we arrive at the palaces, but while we are on the road, I thought it best to wear something I can fight in if the need arises.”

She's practical, I like that.

“I understand. But while on the journey, if the need arises, please leave me and my kind to handle it.” She gives me a haughty glare.

Did I say something wrong? Why has her heart’s rhythm changed?

“Can I be candid?” she asks with an innocent smile playing on her lips.

“Please, feel free.”

Her smile quickly vanishes, and a fearful frown takes its place. “You and your kind have never fought the Dark Ones before. You are the least experienced. If anything, you should leave me and my kind to handle it while you do nothing.”

“My kind and I, have been informed of the Dark Ones, and no offence, but you said it yourself, humans are inferior. It takes more than a severed artery to kill a vampire.”

“I knew it. You do think of me as inferior. Everything you said earlier was sweet talk, wasn’t it?”

Hang on! Why are we talking about human inferiority? Didn’t we already settle this? Leon, what’s going on?

“What? No, I don't think you’re….” She raises her hand and immediately my voice ceases to exist, even though my mouth is still wide open.

How did she do that? Is this a spell?

“I think I’ve heard enough of your thoughts, Your Highness. I liked you better when you were thinking hard about nothing.” She stares outside the window as the sun sets.

Leon, clarify what you meant. No wait. I close my eyes and focus on the fast, rhythmic heartbeat in Monica’s chest. On second thought, let’s not say anything but remember that heartbeat. It is a good signal to listen for.

**********

Standing near my mother, I set my eyes on the fairies descending from the sky. I scan the winged group and find A’el among them. She kept close to her mother, Queen Niol.

She’s changed since the last time I saw her.

It was said that only royalty had rainbow wings, but A’el’s wings were a pretty combination of colours and sparkles. Her hair flowing about in the air and as she slowly approaches the ground, she keeps her legs bent in what I always find to be a funny pose. Only the women in dresses did this funny pose. Her eyes are fixed on the ground during her descent and I can't help but remember the silly prank I used to play on her.

I think I should do that again.

“Whatever it is you are thinking of doing, don’t do it,” my mother said. I spoke to her without shifting my focus.

“What makes you think I am….”

“I know my son. And when he has a silly grin on his face, it means he is up to something.”

“It’s just a little fun mother, no one will get hurt. I promise. ”

A’el’s feet were barely touching the ground now.

“Excuse me mother, I have to go now.” I was off before she could say a word. I dashed right up to A’el, caught her by the waist, and swung her around in the air. Her gasp warmed my heart.

“Hello your fairyness, how are you today?” I ask as I continue to twirl.

“De…De....... Deven! P...Put me down, you silly cub.”

She seems embarrassed. Why?

I do as she says. “Calm down, I am only messing with you. I’ve missed you.”

Colour fills her cheeks, and she looks away.

What’s going on?

“It’s good to see you too, Prince Deven.”

Prince Deven? Why is she so formal? Is it because her mother is her? No. We’ve never used formalities for as long as I can remember, and it didn't matter where we were or who was around.

“Yes,” I say. “It’s been quite some time.” I turn to the queen.

“Greetings to you, your majesty.”

“Greetings, little one,” she says as she embraces me.

At least one of them is not acting strange today.

“You have grown well since I last saw you,” she says as she holds me at arm's length, swiping me with her light green eyes. “You should visit me soon. We have a lot to catch up on.”

“Indeed, I shall, Queen Noil.”

The queen turns to my mother, and they share a greeting you would expect to happen between old friends. Mother signals for the rest of us to follow but I feel a hand on my arm as am about to obey her command. Seeing A’el I ask, “Is everything alright?”

“I need to talk to you, in private.” I hear the worry in her voice, but decide not to say anything until we are alone. I took her hand and waited until everyone had gone ahead of us, then I led her to the gardens. I want to take her to a bench, but she pulls me back.

“No it's fine, we can stand.”

“Alright. So what is it?”

She pulls her hand away and begins to play with her fingers while staring at something afar. She was always cute when she did that.

“How is your father?” she asks suddenly looking up at me.

This isn’t what she brought me here for, but I’ll play along.

“He is well. Thanks for asking.”

“And Valark?”

“He is also well.”

She takes a deep breath. “Have you heard of the treaty between the vampire and the humans?” Her tone is serious, even though her voice is shaking.

“Yes, I have.”

“And what do you think we should do about it?”

Where is she going with this?

“I think we should hear what Leon has to say. I’d rather hear his explanation first before committing to any course of action.”

“And why would he explain anything to you? Isn’t a treaty made in the best interest of both parties?”

“You and I both know that our parents can do things that we don't agree with. Maybe Leon is in the same position. I won’t know until I hear it from him.”

She deflats. “You can say that again?”

A’el you are driving my patience with these games

“What did you really want to talk about, A’el?”

She straightens her back and suddenly has an air of authority around her. She looks me right in the eyes. “Our families have been allies for generations upon generations. We’ve come today to strengthen the bond even further.”

“By making a treaty?”

“By marriage.”