The Remembered (Elements II)

Chapter 36

Nearly a week passed before Pablo heard more on his sister. This time, he was in the throne room, just starting the weekly meeting with the townspeople. With a sigh, he leant back. Catriona, as always, was foremost on his mind, distracting him, keeping him awake at night.

“Your Majesty?”

Startled, he looked at the servant with the distinct feeling that he had been addressed more than once. “Yes?” he replied, feeling guilty.

The woman pointed, and he followed her finger, catching his breath. Isla was in the doorway, and he stood up.

“Isla?”

She inclined her head. “Come with me,” she said, her strong, distinctive voice echoing around the room. As it did, all the people gathered there ceased their talking, turning to look at her in awe.

He hesitated. “Isla, I can’t.”

“If you want news of your sister, you will.”

It was the turning point, he knew. If he didn’t go with her, he knew that the people would spread the word that he didn’t want news of Catriona. Yet if he went with her, he would be abandoning the time he’d promised the people. He suspected that was why she’d chosen this particular time.

Before he could speak, Korith stepped up to his side. “Your Majesty,” he murmured. “If it helps, let me deal with the people. Go to your sister. She needs you.”

He listened, trying to stop his anger making the decision for him.

“Still, you hesitate, Pablo. I’m disappointed.”

He turned red, embarrassed. “Isla…”

“Make up your mind, bach tywysog. I don’t have time to waste.”

He winced. When he had been younger, and Isla had taken care of them, he had been proud of the name, and had made sure that every servant had known what it meant. Now, it didn’t seem like such a good idea. But what made him decide wasn’t the words of his advisor, or his anger. It was the person he caught sight of behind Isla, staying close to her.

He made up his mind, and stepped down off the dais, going to meet her.

“People,” he called, his voice carrying easily through the silence. “Korith will listen to you, and help you. I’m afraid a more pressing matter has come to hand.” He turned to his advisor. “Korith, any that are urgent, I will see to.”

The mage bowed his head, but Pablo caught the look of approval in his eyes. The decision made, the young king strode towards the water elemental, worry clear in his eyes.

“Isla, is she…?”

“She is safe, and well.”

At the words, the townspeople began to cheer. They all loved the princess, and had been nearly as distraught as Pablo had been at the news of her disappearance.

“Come, Pablo.”

He followed the elemental, glancing back at the rejoicing people.

She took him to an empty room, with only servants in there cleaning. They made to leave at their entrance, but Isla shook her head.

“It is alright. You may stay.” She turned to him and motioned to one of the chairs. “Have a seat, Pablo.”

He did, not taking his eyes off her. “Isla,” he begged, not caring about the servants still in the room. “Where is she?”

“I can’t tell you.”

His anger returned, and he stalked to a window, not wanting to blow up in front of the servants. “Why?” he growled, battling his anger.

“Because she is terrified, Pablo. She needs to heal before you come.”

Abruptly, his anger drained, and he leant against the windowsill. “Even me?” he whispered.

“Especially you.”

“Why?”

“You are male. It will take time for her to adjust again, and it is a process that cannot be rushed.”

He closed his eyes, mourning for the sister he knew wasn’t going to come back the way she had left him. He heard movement behind him, and then Isla’s hand was on his shoulder.

“Un bach,” she said softly. “Do not despair for her. You have the men responsible, don’t you?”

He nodded. “They’re in the dungeon,” he replied. “I haven’t dealt with them yet.”

“Good. Wait until she is back and is able to tell you some of what happened.”

“When will she be back, Isla? I miss her. I don’t know how I’ve managed.”

“It is entirely up to her. Let her heal in her own time, fy bachgen.”

“You have her mare, don’t you?”

“Yes. The mare is fine.”

At last, he stirred, and turned to look at her; the person his sister considered her mother. “Thank you, Isla,” he whispered. “For everything.”

She smiled, and turned herself. With a single hand movement, she sent all the servants scurrying out of the room. “Come in, my dear,” she said quietly.

Confused, he turned to face her, frowning slightly, but she didn’t let him speak. Movement at a side door caught his attention, and he looked over to see his sister coming over. She headed straight for Isla, and the elemental put an arm around her shoulders, clearly comforting her.

“Cat?” he whispered, wanting to gather her into his arms and never let her go. However, from what Isla had said, she would hate it. So he waited.

His sister nodded, but he could see her trembling.

“I won’t do anything,” he whispered, and slowly moved to his chair again, settling into it. She was giving the impression that anything would make her flee, never to return, and he didn’t want that to happen at all.

“Pablo,” Catriona said, barely audible. She took a tiny step forward, but then looked at Isla. The elemental nodded slightly, letting her go.

“He’s your brother, meinwen. He has been worried sick.”

Catriona nodded again, and slowly edged herself nearer. Pablo ached for her – she had clearly been scarred by whatever the men had done to her. Finally, she was standing in front of him. He still didn’t move, letting her decide how close she wanted to be to him.

She lifted a visibly shaking hand, and rested it on his. He turned his hand over, and gripped hers, lightly at first, and then tightly. It was all the movement he made. A tiny smile crossed her face, but she pulled away, fear entering her eyes. She retreated to Isla, hiding her face.

Pablo licked his lips, unsure what to say now. He looked at Isla for help.

“There is nothing you can do, Pablo,” she said quietly. “For now, just being here is enough.” She looked down at his sister, shaking like a leaf. “Ready to go home, sweetheart?”

Catriona nodded, not looking at her brother again, and Isla led her out. As she did, Pablo rose, concerned.

“Isla…please. Tell me something.”

She glanced over her shoulder at him. “She is not in this world, Pablo. You will not be able to find her until she is ready to be found.”

He nodded, stopping where he was, and watched them leave his sight.

Translations:

Fy bachgen – my boy