Lost Souls of Gloria

Chapter One

Laughter filled the hall of Castle Columba. Candles with their wax melting and forming puddles on the aged oak tables lit the hall in muted warm light. We danced, drank, and celebrated the joining of house Uneti and Columba.

My father made a diplomatic decision and had taken the hand of Mother Uneti in marriage. Her beauty and grace well-rumored in our kingdom had rung true, her dark hair fell long and straight, with silver ribbons fed into braids that framed her sharp yet elegant face.

They sat at the head of the main table positioned in front of two crests sewn on a singular tapestry – a tree strong and old, set behind a dove, woven in the finest white and green silk. The tapestry had been made in haste to symbolize the joining of houses. The Uneti – strong and old – bore true to its name, graced with many war victories but few alliances, a stark contrast to our House Columba, which rarely subjected our citizens to war, instead devoting our lives to record and council. The hope for the union was to build a new house, one that could fortify the nation and bring stability to the lands long drenched in blood and conflict.

I sat at the table one step down from my father, with him and Mother Uneti in my line of sight but not in focus. I wished I could enjoy the overflowing wine and dance like the soldiers, twirling our council maidens along the stone floor to the beat of our house drums. But it would soon be time for my exit.

I glanced over at Griffon, my twin, as he laughed loudly swinging an Uneti soldier in his arms. He'd always been the outspoken one between the two of us, I couldn't help but smile thinking of what the future held for him. He was set to leave in two days, traveling to the crystal wall to provide counsel for the ongoing battles, an honor for someone so young, we had not yet had our twenty-fourth birthday. Tonight would be his last celebration until the war against the shadow walkers was concluded. With hope, the alliance of our two houses would promote a swift conclusion to the decade-long battle.

Sensing my time at the celebration coming to an end I rose, hoping to escape while there was just dancing. my pearlescent blue gown brushed my ankles, reminding me of the opulence this night carried. Occasions warranting dresses such as this were rare in house Columba. Our typical dress was that of dark, thick cotton pants and tunics made to functional and unassuming. Men and women all wore the same. Tonight however, we wore our best, long-savored gowns and suits only brought out for the most indulgent occasions.

House Uneti did not seem to share in our conservative ideals. Often appearing in battle dressed in jewels and ornate silver armor blessed by Druids to repel shadow walkers and move with their bodies like cloth. This night, Mother Uneti wore that same armor along with the rest of her house but unlike the rest alongside her gems, strands of pearls encased her chest like a corset, the ends trailing down to her hips.

Father noticed my rising from the table and stood, calling to me loudly, the mule wine clearly already dulling his senses. so much for my getting away. He laughed loudly grasping my shoulder and pulling me into a warm embrace.

"Rejoice my child for the future is here," he smiled, looking down on me with adoration that could often be found in his eyes, drunk or not. I couldn't help but smile back. "You seem in good spirits father, I do hope you continue after I retire!" His smile dropped slightly and Mother Uneti also stood, grasping his arm she looked at me. The grey of her irises caught my attention, reminding me of a hawk eyeing its prey. "Do stay child," she suggested, "I believe the festivities are just beginning."

Knowing exactly what she meant did not persuade me in the slightest to stay. Upon the witching hour, when the clock makes its final stroke at midnight, tradition dictated the joining of houses would be officially complete. It was celebrated by drinking the Druids' wine, said to free oneself from any restraints, showing that mutual trust had been gained from the union. This tradition usually ended in shed clothing and very physical contact. Even though the wine itself didn't cause people to lose their self-control, it was said to create a uniquely euphoric sensation allowing persons subjected to it to indulge in their deepest desires.