Hellfire

Chapter 6 of Act 3 of "Obsidian and Flame"

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If you’re new to The Môrdreigiau Chronicles, welcome! You might find the Glossary helpful for some of these words. Colons indicate the sea dragon’s thought communications.

Obsidian and Flame chronicles the story of Panawr, a sea dragon prince with a deadly secret, and Arddun, who possesses a useless gift and has no desire to marry a prince. When they come together, sparks fly, but they grow aware that something more is at stake than the throne. Can they save their home, Caer Morgana, or will their quest be in vain?

Arddun taught Panawr how to churn sea-rice. For the first time since his infection as a young man, Panawr ventures out of Caer Morgana into the ocean. His father found out about that, him being healed, and his romance with Arddun. Cynwal begged for forgiveness and Arddun used her Gift on him. Or did the Gift use her? Can it save the Caer from destruction?

Panawr and Arddun entered the royal dining room hand in hand, finding the Esteemed Eigr, his father Rhydderch and his half-sister Morfudd already seated. Morfudd had claimed Panawr’s usual seat, next to his father. She glared at him, daring him to protest.

:Our apologies for being late,: Panawr thought to those in the room, gripping Arddun’s hand. They paused at the foot of the table.

:Sit by me,: the Esteemed Eigr patted the table to the right of her. :Cynwal and Indeg will not be joining us tonight.:

Panawr and Arddun took their seats across from Rhydderch and Morfudd. :Is he not well?: Panawr asked.

The Esteemed fixed her glare upon Arddun, but confusion softened her expression. :Did you do something to him, girl? He has been utterly undone by your forgiveness.: She leaned back in her ornate chair. :I swear I saw a glow.:

Rhydderch patted her hand. :My dear, it was a trick of the light.:

Eigr winced. She waved the servers into the dining room. :I will inform Cynwal later, but you should both know the council is pressuring me to resign.:

:But you are looking so much better,: Morfudd protested.

Eigr managed a smile. :It’s kind of you to say. I have convinced them to delay this until the next time I fall ill. Cynwal needs time to recover and to shine once more. The Chief Healer has doused me in magic and potions. I can maintain my health for some time.: She pinned her step-children with a look. :You both need to support your brother.:

Morfudd and Panawr folded their arms, glowering. Arddun suddenly saw the similarities between them and their father. They glared at each other, waiting for the other to speak first.

Panawr relaxed, letting an arm drop to his side, where his fingertips traced a line along Arddun’s hip. :Even if Cynwal recovers in time, I will not support him. This shouldn’t be a biased election.:

:I agree.: Morfudd leaned forward and stabbed her forefinger at her brother. :But you don’t need to win any more, do you. You’re healed.:

Panawr’s expression evened. :I started on this path. I’d like to see it through to the end. There is more at stake than my healing.:

:Is that why you poisoned the Council’s mind against me?: Eigr fixed a dark look upon the prince, including Arddun in it.

Arddun picked up a rice cake. :Perhaps we could eat?: She shared a commiserating glance with Rhydderch.

:Don’t deflect, Arddun,: Eigr advised, her lips thinning. :And don’t get in the way. A draig môr could get hurt.:

In her lap, Arddun’s hands formed fists.

:Was there anything else?: Panawr asked. :I invited Arddun here to make our relationship official.:

:What’s so great about Wyddel’s daughters?: Eigr muttered, meaning to be heard.

Both Panawr and Arddun managed pained, polite smiles.

:I have so many questions,: Rhydderch thought with an easy smile. :But if you have brought her to us, son, your intentions are … long-term?:

Panawr gazed at Arddun, letting his mask slip, displaying his adoration. She blushed, returning the unspoken love. :They are,: Panawr said, :but it can keep until after the election.:

:Wise.: Rhydderch nodded and applied himself to the meal. :If you want votes, you’ll need several families willing to invest their daughters with you.:

:There’s been no interest yet.:

Morfudd chuckled. :I’m not surprised!:

:But now that you’re healed…: Rhydderch leaned forward and claimed Eigr’s hand and her attention. :We could host a ball for our children? Let them all shine?:

Morfudd pouted. :Let Panawr shine, you mean.:

Rhydderch laid down his fork, turning in his chair to face her. :I do not, daughter of my heart.:

Eigr blanched at the epithet.

Rhydderch continued, :Daughter, you have worked hard since your little setback. Finding a suitable partner for you is long overdue. Someone to add a little gravitas to your vivacity?: He glanced aside at Panawr. :You’re healed now. I think there may be more than a few nibbles.:

:I’ll think about it,: Eigr muttered.

Dinner drew to an end. Morfudd followed her father and Eigr. As they passed over the threshold, Arddun heard Morfudd murmur, :Let him have his moment of happiness. I’ll take it away soon enough.:

Blinking, Arddun realised Morfudd had not meant her to hear this, but Rhydderch had relayed it.

He had included Panawr in his thought too, for Panawr’s grip tightened upon Arddun’s hand.

:Morfudd schemes,: she murmured to Panawr, tucking her arm into his. They strolled in the opposite direction towards the palace gate.

Panawr pulled her closer, arm going about her waist. :She wouldn’t be my sister if she didn’t. I’m ready for her.: His hand smoothed along her side, fingertips brushing the side of her bosom. :Stay?:

Arddun stopped, looking at him. She shook her head, her long dark hair shimmering in waves. :Father expects me.:

:We could slip out into the ocean.: He trailed a finger along her cheek and down her neck. :I know you want to.:

:I want you,: she agreed, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around his waist. :But—:

:Uffarn dân!¹ Your father!: Panawr growled, nuzzling her ear.

Arddun melted against him. :Do you want the sea-rice vote?: she whispered.

His forehead pressed against hers. :Uffarn dân, hellfire, uffarn dân.:

Arddun kissed the tip of his nose. :Walk me home.: She collected his hand. :Talk with Father.:

Panawr resisted her tugging hand. Her questioning gaze searched his face. :I can’t make promises I might not be able to keep.: His agonised expression told Arddun he hadn’t wanted to say even that. The real world of politics kept crashing through the fragile membrane protecting their happiness.

She released him. :I’ll talk with Father. Then tomorrow night, we shall dance as dreigiau môr.:

Panawr swooped in, delivering a kiss that made her gills convulse in delight. :Stay with me tonight. We can save the dragon dance for tomorrow. For I want us to dance and dance … and dance.:

His words left her breathless. She couldn’t refuse him.

The next morning, Arddun stretched, reaching for Panawr. She found an empty bed, already cool. After loving each other, they had whispered plans of venturing into the oceans and completing the dragon dance mating ritual as dreigiau môr. They’d fallen asleep amidst sleepy kisses, her head resting on his newly healed shoulder.

Absently, she scratched at her arm. The act brought her fully awake. The last time she itched had been when she was still growing into her scales.

Blinking, she sat up, raising her right arm so that her sleeve fell back to her shoulder. In the crease of her elbow, she found a perfect black circle, a finger-width in diameter, its interior filled with a mottled purple and green.

Arddun swallowed. She pulled down the cuff of her robe over her arm.

She had healed Panawr, but now the infection had spread to her. Her skin crawled. Had her gift of healing been temporary? Or had she transferred it to herself instead?

Tying her robe, she padded out of his bedchamber and into the main room. Finding it empty, she called out to Panawr, casting her thought into his mind.

:I am in the market,: he responded. :You slept so soundly, I didn’t want to wake you.:

Arddun returned to their bed, sitting on the edge. She had to protect him from becoming infected again, as well as everyone else.

She lifted the end of her sleeve to her mouth. She hesitated. Her robe functioned as an extra layer of skin. She inhaled and bit down.

She swallowed her shriek of pain. Shaking, she slipped her forefinger through the bleeding gash.

Once she ensured her finger fit, Arddun licked away the blood, allowing her saliva to close the small wound. She had no gift of healing, and although she had heard of spells to use in an emergency, she had never been taught them.

:Arddun, where are you?: Indeg called in thought.

:In the palace, Panawr’s chambers.:

Indeg sighed. :Please, could you come and see us. I think it would help Cynwal.:

:I’ll be there soon.: Once the bleeding stopped, she tucked her damaged sleeve inside the other and, arms folded, headed to the Golden Prince’s quarters.

Indeg met her at the door. :What have you done to him?:

Arddun took in her sister’s fury, the hands clenched into fists, rising ready to hit her. Her brow creased, confused. :What do you mean? I forgave him.:

:The healers have been working on him all night and he won’t stop.: She dragged Arddun by the arm across their suite and into the bedchamber.

The healers saw them enter. They bowed and exited, promising to return with the Chief Healer and others. Their departure revealed Cynwal curled up in a corner, his arms around his legs. He rocked back and forth, shaking and sobbing.

Arddun’s gaze widened. :He’s been like that since yesterday morning?:

Indeg nodded and shook her sister by the arms. :What did you do?:

Arddun extricated herself, fearful that Indeg’s hand had landed near her infection site. :Let me see.:

She crouched in front of Cynwal. He ignored her, moaning and sobbing. She caught fragments of words but could only make out a few.

Murder. Dead. Hate. No.

She listened to him for a while longer.

She placed her hand on his forearm and he startled into stillness, hiccuping one last sob.

His brown eyes, bloodshot and raw from incessant tears, blinked at her without comprehension or recognition.

:Cynwal,: Arddun thought at him, soft and gentle. :It’s me, Arddun.:

He shrank back, throwing his arms over his face. :No! No! Dead!: He flung back his head and howled.

Startled, Arddun lost her balance. She scrambled to her feet. :I didn’t do this.: What had that golden glow done? Just thinking about it changed the chroma of her vision. Blinking at the light, she heard herself say, :He needs to forgive himself.: Her hand rested on Indeg’s shoulder. :You need to forgive him too, dear sister.:

The golden light didn’t fade from her vision until she found herself out in the hall. Taking a steadying breath, she went in search of Panawr.

She headed to the main palace entrance, which led into the Royal Quarter and from there to the rest of the caer. Panawr hadn’t said which market he visited.

She greeted the guard by the portcullis, who instead of smiling, bristled and blocked her way.

:Arddun ferch Wyddel!: The call resounded across the gatehouse.

She turned to see who demanded her, pasting on a polite smile.

Which faltered. A cadre of royal guards pointed spears at her.

She frowned at them, confused. :What’s going on?:

:We’re arresting you—:

Her thought flashed to Panawr at once. :’Ware! I’m being arrested.:

:Can you run?: came his swift reply.

Arddun glanced over her shoulder at the palace doors and the guards. :No. What’s going on? Why do you want me to run?:

:Gut instinct. Morfudd may have moved sooner—:

Arddun stopped listening, slipping her forefinger into the hole in her sleeve. She didn’t want anyone handling her to fall ill. Guards surrounded her. :Why are you arresting me?:

:The Esteemed is dead.: One guard informed her. Another hushed him.

Arddun’s knees almost gave way. :What? How? When?:

:You should know.:

Arddun examined the guards around her. She saw a few faces she recognised from her campaign to save the Four. She made eye contact with one of them. :I’m innocent. I will go quietly.:

The guard’s gaze kept even with hers. :We are doing our duty. It’ll be for the Council to decide.:

Arddun nodded, sending messages to Panawr, her father, and to Indeg to alert them.

Only Indeg responded. :I know.: Her response chilled her. They had just been together and she had said nothing? Had her request for a visit been a ruse to keep her separate from Panawr?

The guards hustled her back inside the palace.

:Why didn’t you warn me?: Arddun asked Indeg.

Her sister entered the hall. The guards paused. :Warn you? You broke Cynwal beyond repair. Murdering the Esteemed is not that much of a stretch. You’ve been against her since your accident.:

:It was no accident. How are you my sister and not know I find life sacred?:

:Not you, Panawr. You turn a blind eye to his every evil machination.: Indeg turned her back, stalking away.

:No, he wouldn’t!: Arddun shook. The guards led her down a flight of stairs. She stumbled down a step. One of the guards caught her by the elbow. She snatched her right arm away, terrified that she’d infect him.

Down in the palace’s dungeon, a guard opened a grille door and pushed her into the cell.

Panawr lay still on the dungeon floor. He hadn’t answered any of her thoughts since she’d been taken.

She ran the few paces to him, kneeling and checking him for injury. She felt something sticky at the back of his head. She pulled back her hand and saw it stained with blood.

She adjusted her seating, leaning against the wall with his head supported in her lap.

The black spot in the crook of her elbow burned but Arddun gritted her teeth, enduring the pain. She prayed to the Lady for healing, for rescue, for Panawr to wake. Eventually, she dozed.

When she woke, her gaze flew at once down to him.

His dark eyes blinked up at her and he managed a smile. :Are you hurt?: his thought grated.

She smoothed hair off his forehead. :No, I recognised a few of the guards. They have been kind, but firm. What happened to you?:

:Surprised from behind. I didn’t expect Morfudd to act so soon.:

Arddun swallowed, her gills shuddering. :What if they meant for us to hear Morfudd’s words? To make us think we still had time?:

Panawr captured her hand, bringing it to his lips. :Oh, they did. Father meant to warn us and Morfudd knew he would. Do you know why we’re here?:

Arddun blinked. How did he not know? :Eigr is dead. You’ve been accused of murder, and I as your accomplice.:

Panawr closed his eyes, grimacing in pain. :My siblings have taken me out of the running.:

Arddun gave a gentle shake of her head. :Morfudd. I saw Cynwal this morning. He’s not behind this. He’s deeply unwell. Indeg thinks I broke him. That at least was no ruse.:

With a grunt, Panawr sat up and leant against the cell wall beside her, shoulder to shoulder. :Maybe my dreams and nightmares are just that, and I don’t need to pursue the title any longer.: Panawr claimed her hand, drawing it rest atop his thigh. :We cannot be executed, Arddun. To be sent into exile with you would not be a bad thing.:

Arddun found she couldn’t smile, terrified of passing through the caer’s membrane, of reinfecting him, infecting anyone else around them. She took a deep breath. :How are you so sure we’ll be found guilty?:

:When have I had the time—:

Her gaze widened. :While I was at my father’s …:

:You would think that of me?: Panawr pushed her hand away from him. He rose, pacing. His hand rose to the tender spot at the back of his skull.

:You had Morfudd imprisoned. You planned to humiliate Cynwal and it ended up so much worse than that. I’m not ignorant of your heartless streak, Panawr.:

He rested his forehead against the cold metal grille door. :I never intended for the baby to be lost.: He turned and faced her. :Why do you throw these things at me?:

Arddun let out a shaky sigh, bringing her knees to her chest and hugging them. :Because I am not blinded by my love for you, Panawr. I see you, faults and graces all.: She laid her chin on her crossed forearms. :It makes no sense. You needed more time to build support. In a few weeks, you would have had the votes.: She lifted her head, meeting his tortured gaze. :For once, Panawr my love, you lack the motivation for such a despicable crime.:

Panawr grimaced. :I thank you, I think?: He sat, crosslegged, opposite her, his robe falling to one side, revealing his knee and thigh. :I spoke of certainties because Morfudd will have it all planned. Our supporters will be detained and unable to rescue us. The witnesses will be prepared. Our word alone will not shake the Council. It will be exile for us.:

:I…I can’t go into exile.: Arddun bit her lower lip, unable to meet his gaze, his beautiful dark eyes that saw all of her just as she saw all of him.

:It won’t be easy, I admit,: Panawr sought to reassure her but his thought sounded a little puzzled by her reaction. :But we’ll have each other — and so much freedom to live as we want.:

Arddun bowed her head, letting her hair fall forward to conceal her face. :You don’t understand,: she thought miserably. :I can’t.: Tears streamed down her cheeks, melting into their watery atmosphere.

:Arddun, what is it?: He reached for her.

She leaned back, unhooking her finger from the hole in her sleeve.

I’m so sorry, you guys. Two more episodes to go.

What resonated or sparkled in this episode for you? Any questions? Come share them in the Comments section on the app/website.

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1. uffarn dân (oof-arn dahn), hellfire