It has been a long day. Between narrowly escaping an ogre and fighting a pack of goblins I am exhausted. My feet protest beneath me as I march forward carrying the majority of our belongings on my back. I don’t understand why we haven’t just settled ourselves in a large city. There is no denying that my mother, Selena, is the best healer in the Eastern Province. I turn my head and watch my mother as she treks behind me through thick marshlands never uttering a single sigh of complaint.  

         The moisture in the air is so thick that it clings to every inch of my body. My dark hair glues itself to the periphery of my face and the humidity tightens my wavy hair into curls. This is the climate I have grown accustom to, the Eastern Province is a peninsula surrounded by the sea and covered in lush forest.

         My eyes scan our surroundings. The sun is dangerously low in the sky; we need to quicken our pace. We walk as fast as our tired legs will carry us until the forest abruptly opens into a clearing. I let out a sigh of relief. There is a large pond that flickers with beautiful teal hues. Directly across from the pond, a towering waterfall conceals a path leading directly to the city of Meridian and its neighboring towns.

         We carefully walk around and behind the waterfall. Luckily the tunnel through the mountain is relatively short and we quickly immerge as the sun flickers above the horizon.  I catch my breath as my eyes take in the beautiful seascape. Meridian is a coastal city that appears to blend into the ocean. I know we will not be entering the city but I cannot help myself. We have traveled and seen every inch of the Eastern Province except for its capital.

“Mother, couldn’t we just pop in for a quick visit. We are so close, it would hardly take any time at all.”

“Avila, I’m sorry but we cannot. We have a lot of work to do. Now come on, tonight we will be staying with a family in Celeste. Their daughter has black fever, we must make haste.” My mother’s big hazel eyes gaze at me apologetically. Every time I look at my mother I can’t help but think about my father. There is no denying that my facial features are carbon copies of my mother’s. However, that is the extent of our resemblance. My mother is tall and willowy with perfectly straight chestnut hair paired with a set of matching chestnut brown eyes. I on the other hand am fairly short, athletic, and curves form on me no matter my diet and exercise. It is my eyes though, big and grey—they almost look silver when the light hits them at just the right angle, that always make me wonder. I have never seen eyes like mine.

I sigh. Black fever is serious. We better hurry before it is too late.

********************

 

I watch as my mother gracefully glides around the poor girl’s bed. I aid my mother as best as I can, but I am nowhere near as competent at healing as she is. My mother skillfully gathers some herbs from ours bag, carefully using the pestle and mortar to grind it into the perfect consistency. She boils some water and steeps the tea for precisely two minutes and twenty-two seconds.

“That should help,” my mother says gently to the girl. The girl smiles as her lips part and she downs the tea. The girl closes her bright blue eyes and falls into a deep sleep. My mother collapses in the chair next to the bed and motions me towards the door where I am ushered into a small room. I plop myself onto the creaky bed and lay staring at the ceiling. It is clear from the state of the house that we will not be receiving payment for this visit. We will accept food and board, but that is all. I admire my mother—she has the kindest of hearts.

As I lay with the scratchy blankets pulled up to my neck, I hear voices coming from the hall. There are two people talking, a woman and a man. I presume they are the parents of the girl my mother is treating.

“Did you hear the news from the grand council?” His tone is laced with fear.

“Of course, dear. We can only pray that a wielder of light magic is found. I cannot believe that it has been twenty years since the prophecy. I am not sure how much longer we have. There are rumors that dark magic is growing in strength and numbers.”

“Do you think a wielder of light even exists? I thought it was just a fable.” The man retorts.

“I must believe one does.”

Their footsteps echo as they walk beyond hearing.

I am vaguely familiar of the prophecy of which they speak. We spend most of our time in rural towns and villages, places where gossip seldom spreads and even more rarely is it ever believed. I let myself drift to sleep.

 

“It is too early”, I sigh, as a flickering light dances across my closed eyelids. Reluctantly, I open my eyes and see a bright light casting a warm glow over the bedroom. I quickly jump out of bed and pad over to the window. Peering out, I suck in a breath of surprise.  Sitting on the windowsill is a fire sprite. Sprites are believed to be the purest form of magic and are so rarely seen that many do not believe they exist.

 

**************************

 

I remember the first time I saw a sprite. My mother had been summoned by King Alexander to act as head healer at the birth of princess Mia. I had never seen my mother so anxious in my entire life. I wasn’t sure if it was because we were visiting royalty and my mother wanted to make an impression, but my mother had completely changed her look. Between the hair coloring and makeup, I hardly recognized her. I was playing in the great water gardens of the summer palace. I had plopped myself down on my belly on the moist grass and gently stroked the surface of nearby pond. I watched as ripples danced across the water in response to my touch. That was when I saw her—she rose gracefully from the water. Her turquoise hair flowed down her back like a cascading waterfall, her body aqua and translucent blended seamlessly into the water, and her eyes were as dark as the deepest oceans. She spoke in a beautiful lyrical tongue I did not understand.

         “What are you trying to tell me?” I pleaded.

         “Who are you talking to?” asked a voice. I turned to see a boy stepping out from behind a statue, probably a year or two older than me. I guessed he was about ten. I wondered how long he had been watching me.

         “To her, obviously.” I said as I turned to point at the pond.  Only, she was gone.

The boy looked at me and smirked. “There is no one there. Who are you?” He demanded.

“And why should I tell you?” I said defiantly.

I watched as he flicked his wrist in a circular motion and water jumped from one fountain to another.

“Are you a wielder of water magic?” I hadn’t truly looked at the boy until that moment. He stood proudly, and although he was hardly older than me I could see he was strong. His eyes were a deep teal framed by thick dark lashes and his lips were pulled into a grin. I had never seen someone perform magic before. I watched as he projected water from the pool behind him towards me. I could see the magic pulling at the water, shaping it, and manipulating it. I saw its strength and its weaknesses. I pulled at them unraveling and ripping the bonds a part. With glee, I watched as the water that was aimed at me collapsed mid projectile onto the boy. I giggled without mercy as I watched the boy, now wide-eyed with confusion.

“Avila! It’s time to go,” called my mother. I ran towards her voice. I turned to take one last look at the boy. I was almost certain I heard him half-whisper my name.

*******************

 

         I cannot believe a fire sprite is in the heart of the Eastern Province. The Eastern Province is known for its abundance of water magic and rarely is fire magic seen here. At most, a child born with fire magic may be seen in the southern most border of the province. It is hard for fire magic to exist in such a wet climate.

         The fire sprite has charcoal black hair that floats, as weightless as ash, around his head. His eyes are amber and he is ablaze with light. He begins to sing a song so beautiful my heart aches. He beckons me forward. I do not know what I was thinking; I had no control over what happened next. I am so quick to change from my nightwear into a pair of tight wool hiking pants, a silver tunic, and my traveling boots. I quietly tip toe my way down the hall and silently slip outside.  The sun has barely risen above the horizon; I guess it is no later than 4am. The fire sprite’s voice echoes loudly off of the walls that border the streets. As his voice rises in volume, so does my urgency to oblige him. I follow him without a care in the world as he leads me to Meridian.

         My heart skips a beat as I step through an archway of water that leads into Meridian. I want to take it all in, but my feet will not keep still. The ground is covered in thick glass, the ocean moves unabated beneath it. Flowing fountains adorn every street corner. No matter how much I try to slow down, the fire sprite only quickens his pace until my surroundings become a blur of blues, greens, and greys. The sprite takes a sharp turn and I follow colliding with something hard, I brace myself against a building wall to stop myself from falling.

         The lyrical voice stops. I look frantically around for the sprite, but he is nowhere to be seen. Instead, I stare into a pair of beautiful turquoise eyes. I feel a wave of disappointment and dread washes over me as the magical spell that I was under shatters.

         I try to compose myself as questions race through my mind.  I hardly have time to think before the man interrupts my train of thought.

         “What are you doing here?” The man asks. His voice is heavy with authority.

         “I was just going for a morning run,” I half lie. After all, I was running. I am breathless and my cheeks are flushed. I feel it was plausible explanation.

         The young man in front of me is probably a couple years my major. He is dressed in training clothes, which do nothing to conceal his strong physique. He stands proudly, his lean muscles bulging through his attire. Although he is not wearing the royal gear, I am fairly certain he must be a royal guard.

         His eyes carefully examine me. “Do I know you?” He asks.

         The question took me by surprise.

         “I highly doubt it. This is my first time in Meridian. I do think I would remember meeting a royal guard.”

         His eyes widened in surprise. “I never said I was a royal guard.” He eyed me suspiciously.

         “It’s an easy guess. If you want to go unnoticed you might want to wear something… a little less form fitting,” I said averting my eyes to the ground and trying fruitlessly not to blush. “Also, you need to relax a little. Your stance if far too stiff.” I quickly added trying to change the subject.

           He crossed his arms across his chest. His mouth opened but quickly shut again as the ground beneath our feet began to shake. The glass split in two. I leap towards the man, but not quickly enough as I feel my foot slip. I shut my eyes and brace myself as I begin to fall into the crevice that was quickly forming on the ocean floor. I feel the magic before I see it—it is swirling all around me. I quickly open my eyes and watch the complex strings of magic pulling at me. I quickly reshape them, strengthening them. The water below me shoots up and propels me towards the man, who holds out his arm and pulls me to safety. I am drenched, my clothes are painted to my body. Like a wet dog, I try and shake off some of the water.

         “An earthquake in Meridian?” I ask perplexed as I wring out the water from my hair. “How is that possible?”

         The man looks deep in thought. “Quickly, follow me!” He orders—he does not wait for me to answer. I tail him effortlessly as he runs through the city. We are both surprised to learn that the earthquake had not spread into the city. We quickly come full circle back to our starting point. The crevice extended a mere five feet in length. As he surveys the fissure, I notice a small girl a meter away huddling beside a fountain decorated with a tall statue that is swaying dangerously towards the child. I scream and point at the girl as I ran towards her. I feel the man pulling at the water in the fountain, but he is not fast enough. I swiftly weave his magic into a fast and efficient jolt of energy that sends the water flying towards the statue and knocking it away from the girl. I feel his eyes on me, but I do not turn to look at him. I pick up the girl in my arms and bring her to safety. I do not know if he can sense what I was doing. My mother had warned me that manipulating wielder’s magic is prohibited by law. I knew I was putting myself at jeopardy, but it was risk I was willing to take if it meant saving a child’s life.

         “Please, follow me,” the man declares ominously.

         “I think I better return to my mother.” I say firmly, stopping two feet from the palace gates.

         “I’m sorry, but you will be following me to the palace. There is no doubt the king and queen will be interested in meeting you.” The tone of his voice left no room for negotiations.

         Although I am not entirely sure why this man is convinced the king and queen must meet me—I have a strong suspicion that I do not want to find out.

         “Alright,” I say without argument, hoping my face does not betray my true intentions.

I proceed to follow him towards the gates as I watch his every move.  I am aware that I will likely only have one chance and I am not going to miss it. He turns his eyes forward for a split second—it is all I need. I run. I feel his magic chasing me. His magic moves like an array of meticulously controlled strings in the air.  I pull at the strings until their power is lost and their energy is sent in all directions. I dart down the streets, which are brimming with the everyday hustle and bustle of a large city. It is easy to disappear into the crowd. I can see him cursing as he feverishly scans the mass of people piling into the streets. I quietly make my exit down a deserted road. 

2: Chapter 2

I throw etiquette aside and instead of knocking, I push open the doors to the house we have been staying in. My mother is pacing nervously down the hall. When her eyes fall on me she smiles, pressing her hands tightly against her heart.

         “Avila! Where have you been?” She whispers nervously as she surveys the empty hall for any spectators.

I quickly close the space between us with three large strides and gently take her arm, pulling her into the bedroom. I sit her down on the bed and the events that unfolded that morning tumble out of my mouth. I explain everything from the sprite, to the earthquake, and the man’s determination to bring me to the king and queen. I wait for my mother to speak—she does not. Instead she silently leaves the room and is back as quickly as she has left. All of our belongings are packed into two large backpacks. She hands me one and swings the other onto her back. Luckily, the inhabitants of the house are too caught up by their daughter’s miraculous recovery to notice our departure.

         My mother’s silence bothers me. Every passing minute eats away at me. I am burning with questions that need answers. I know they would have to wait until we reached the safety of the surrounding forest.

         The moment my feet pass the threshold into the seclusion of the trees, I turn to face my mother.

         “Mother, I have a feeling you know more about what happened today than I do,” I say heatedly.

         My mother never lies; instead, she is skilled in the art of dancing around the truth. Her face does not betray her.

         “Mom, please!” I plead.

My mother takes in a large breath. “I just want to keep you safe. Can you trust me when I say that I am trying to do what is best for you? I promise you that I will tell you what I know.” Her voice is sweet and sincere. She looks at me with wide eyes, eyes that plead with me to accept her words without questions. I do not know how she does it, but I cannot find it in my heart to argue with her.

         I sigh. It would have to do for now. I know we don’t have much time to loiter around. My mother and I know these forests better than anyone, of that I am sure. I can’t count the number of hours we have spent scouring every inch of the forest collecting rare vegetation for their healing properties. Most fear the forest, but it is our home. This world is full of both good and bad magic. The trick is to know how to avoid the bad.

         We make haste to cover as much ground as we can, careful to choose the paths less travelled to avoid being seen. We make light work of the mossy terrain and before we know it the sky darkens into an inky black. We seek shelter under a large tree whose dense leaves form a canopy above our heads shielding us from the rain. I dig into my backpack pulling out a large handful of assorted fruit I collected while we hiked. We were both too ravenous to speak as we shoveled down the food.

         After dinner, I make the mistake of lying down. The mossy ground is soft and warm making it too easy for me to drift off to sleep. My mother begins to sing, her voice is soft and beautiful. I recognize the song at once; it is a song my mother has always sung to me. A song from her past, a song her mother sang to her as a child. My eyelids close. There is so much I need to say to her and so much I need her to explain. My curiosity wars with my need for sleep, the latter wins.

         I feel the light of the morning sun warmly caressing my face. I gladly open my eyes. My mother is already awake, busy collecting food. The forest is always so beautiful at sunrise. I am forever amazed that no matter how thick the forest is, light always manages to find its way through. I watch as the sunlight dances across the forest floor.

         The cracking of branches far off in the distance pulls me out of my reverie. As I search for its source, I feel a ripple of magic propagating towards us. My mother’s hand presses against my shoulder.

         “How did they find us?” I whisper.

My mother stands tall and clenches her fists at her sides.

         “Get behind me now!” She commands. I do not hesitate to obey. I watch as the figure cuts through the forest, effortlessly swinging his sword.  As he comes into focus, I recognized him at once as the man I met in Meridian.

         His full lips pull into a smile as his eyes take us in.

         “You will be coming with me.” He declares it with absolute certainty.

         My mother stands firmly, “I do not think so,” she says. Magic swirls out from her fists and the earth shakes beneath our feet. Pieces of earth rise from the ground creating a wall around us. She wields her magic like an artist—beautiful strings pull at the earth, not one is out of place. I gawk, I had no idea she could wield magic. I feel my chest tighten as the realization that I do not know my mother washes over me.

         As the last piece of earth seals us in, I catch a glimpse of the man pulling water from his surroundings, and thrusting it at the wall. Unable to see the attacks of our assailant, I cannot manipulate his magic. I can hear the water crashing into the wall like waves upon the shore.

         “It appears we have reached a stale mate,” my mother says calmly. The man does not respond as water continues to pound at the unyielding earth.

         We stay like this for many hours. My mother continues to talk to the man, but never gets much of response other than the occasional grunt.

         “What is your name young man?” My mom asks in a last ditch attempt to start a conversation.

         “Adreanus Argyris,” he states proudly.

My mother’s arms fall to her side and her eyes gloss over.  

         “Son of Gaios Argyris?” My mother whispers, her voice barely audible. The relentless attacks cease.

         “How do you know my father?” His curiosity clearly piqued.

         “He was my dearest friend.”

         “I don’t see where this leaves us.” He says and for the first time there is uncertainty in his voice.

         “If you are anything like your father, I will strike a deal with you.”

         “What kind of deal?”

         “First, give me your word that you will not attack when I lower these walls. I give you mine that we will not flee.”

         “I give you my word.”

         I eye my mother suspiciously, how does she know that we can trust this Adreanus? Before I can voice my concerns, my mother releases her hold on the walls and they descend back into the earth.

         My mother eyes the man. “You are his spitting image. I cannot believe I did not notice it sooner.”

         “The deal?” Adreanus asks, shifting nervously on his feet.

         “You will take us back to the castle. However, you will not inform the King that my daughter is a wielder of light magic.”

         “What?” Adreanus and I say in unison.

         “I am a wielder of light magic?”

         “You expect me to keep this from the King?”

 

         “I’m sorry, my darling. Perhaps I should have told you sooner, but I did what I thought was best. I was protecting you. Gaios and I were the only ones who knew your secret. There is corruption amid the Grand Council and we feared that revealing you to them would be very dangerous. Gaios and I had a plan, but then…” Tears brim my mother’s eyes and cascade down her cheeks.

         “He died,” Adreanus finishes.

         “Gaios was the greatest scholar of the Western Province. Light magic is so ancient that very few know its power and how to wield it.”

         “Of the Western Province?” My mother had never straight out told me she was from the Eastern Province, but everything she had ever said and done had led me to believe she was. Until now, I had no reason to question it. All the dots begin to connect in my mind.

         “Please, mother.” I can barely spit out the words. Selena, Lena, they are too similar to be a coincidence.

         “You are not the lost princess Lena of the Western Province?”

         My mother buries her face in her hands. My legs give way underneath of me and I collapse onto a nearby rock, the weight of my mother’s words knocking the wind out of me. I release a breath I wasn’t aware I’d been holding. My entire life was a lie. I can feel tears burning the back of my eyes, tears that I refuse to let surface. Confusion, anger, and grief consume me. There is something building inside of me, unbearable pressure builds as it fights to break free from its source. I cannot take it. The excruciating pain coursing through me makes time stand still—every minute feels like an eternity. I brace my head between my legs as I pray for it to stop. The world around me blurs into blinding strings of light that shake with my every breath. My surroundings come crashing down around me. Trees plummet to the ground and the earth shakes beneath me. Dizziness and fatigue hit me hard, as the world around me turns black.

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

3: Chapter 3

I am pulled back into consciousness by something cold and wet pressing against my temple. I cannot even find the strength to open my eyes. My chest aches as my lungs expand beneath my ribs. Every inch of my body feels battered and bruised.

         “Will she be alright?” His voice is monotonous, concealing any sign of emotion.

         “Yes.”

         “What happened back there?”

         “Gaios and I sealed her magic. It prevents her from creating her own magic, as light wielder she could still manipulate other wielder’s magic. It was supposed to be temporary, I’m surprised it lasted this long. The seal has been broken. It must have been extremely painful,” my mother’s voice catches in her throat. She sobs quietly as tears splash onto my cheeks. My heart instinctively tightens in response to her anguish. My mother feels deeply and strongly, however, she only ever lets herself express her emotions briefly.

         “Light magic has power over all matter. It is beautiful and deadly. If the wielder cannot control their magic destruction is inevitable,” her voice is somber.

         Despite my best efforts, I cannot fight the darkness that carries me to sleep.

 

***************

         I do not know for how long I have slept. I feel someone shake my shoulders, gently at first, but with each passing minute the urgency grows. My body protests and it takes all my will power to pry open my eyes. Adreanus’ green eyes stare back at me.   

         “Can you walk?” His eyes examine me.

I look around in a daze trying to get my bearings.

“Please try,” he demands. His hands lift me to my feet and as he releases me my legs buckle under my weight. I grasp onto his arm for support. I feel him pull away from me instinctively, but he quickly repositions himself next to me.

It only takes me a few seconds before I am comfortable enough to walk without his support. I search the grounds for my mother—she is nowhere to be seen.

         “My mother…” My throat is so dry it hurts to speak. My cheeks pink as I make the realization that I must have been sleeping with my mouth open.

         “She is on her way,” he reassures.

         Although I am exhausted, I feel it at once.

         “Dark fay!” I exclaim with urgency. Adreanus’ eyes widen for a brief moment.

         “Yes, that is why we decided to wake you. I’m surprised, in your state, that you are so quick to sense their approach.” I decided to take his words as a compliment despite the non-congratulatory tone he spoke them with.

         “What happened to me?” I ask as I assess my condition. I notice thick bandages wrapped around my chest. With every breath I feel an intense stabbing pain searing through my ribs. Dark purple bruises paint my skin.

         “A tree fell on you,” he says in a matter of fact tone that does not fit the context at all. A roaring laugh escapes my lips and I clasp my ribs tightly in pain. The look of bewilderment on Adreanus’ face does nothing to stop my laughing.

         “Please,” I choke out the words between breaths. “It hurts to laugh.”

        

         My mother appears at my side from behind a large tree trunk. “I warded this area with earth magic. It should slow them down, however, we must move quickly.” My mother nervously steps towards me. I can see she is questioning herself. I pull my mother into a tight hug. Despite everything I love her more than anything in the world. I feel her body relax against mine as she lets out a sigh of relief.

         Adreanus clears his throat. He is pacing unable to hide his impatience. He turns on his heels and we follow him deep into the forest. My mother supports me as best as she can, but the rough terrain is just too much.

         “Adreanus, would you please help?” My mother pleads in defeat. Adreanus nods his head once and supports my other arm. His hands are warm and his hold is surprisingly gentle. I slip in and out of consciousness as my body drags itself through the forest. My foot rolls over a large jagged rock and I tumble into Adreanus’ arms. My head rests against his chest and I feel his heart rate quicken—I suspect in frustration. To my surprise he does not move me from my position, instead, we trudge on through the forest, my head against his heart.  We walk until the sun’s last light beams flicker above the horizon and the forest darkens as it is bathed in silver moonlight.

         “Night Shadow!” My mother calls out as she abandons me to Adreanus. Relief washes over me. Night Shadow is extremely rare, we had only ever come across it twice before, and its healing properties are unmatched. Night Shadow only blooms at night in the light of the moon. I cannot believe our luck. As soon as the dark silvery petals are handed to me I shovel them into my mouth. The taste is so terrible that I have to fight the urge to spit it out. With a large gulp I swallow it. The effects are almost instantaneous. A surge of warmth floods my body, I feel my ribs tighten and release as the bones heal. My bruises fade from purple to brown until they are no longer visible. The fatigue that clouded my mind is lifted.

         “Thank you,” I mumble as I pull away from Adreanus. “I owe you one.”

         We do not travel far before a swirling mass of black encircles us as black fay drop from the trees. Adreanus slides his sword from its sheath and adopts an offensive stance. I pivot to face my mother, hoping to catch her attention. She is already one step ahead of me. She pulls two swords from our bags and tosses one of them in my direction. I watch the spinning flash of silver and skillfully catch the sword by its hilt. Adreanus’ face betrays his surprise.

“I’m sure you are well aware of the Western Province’s reputation. We are warriors and I’ve taught my daughter everything I know.” My mother declares with pride.

         I squint my eyes trying to count their numbers, their silhouette blends into the darkness of the night. Dark fay are the polar opposite of sprites. Whereas sprites are the embodiment of good, dark fay are entirely evil.  I blink my eyes as their outlines suddenly become clearly defined as silver light, as if by my command, gravitates towards the fay.

         “There are five,” I mutter as I position myself directly across from one. The most my mother and I have ever encountered at once was two. It is very unusual for dark fay to travel in such a large group. Their ill nature makes it nearly impossible for them to engage in any form of teamwork.   

         “I see four,” Adreanus counters.

         “Trust me,” I grind out, “there’s one hiding in the shadows to your left.” My warning couldn’t have come any later as the fay barrels into Adreanus. I watch as he narrowly escapes and with a silver flash his blade penetrates deep into its abdomen. A strangled scream escapes its lips before it dissolves into a dark fog that dissipates across the ground. Adreanus flashes me a smile. “You are quick to repay your debt.”

The remaining fay let out a blood-curdling cry as they close in on us. I watch as dark magic weaves its way through the trees towards my mother and Adreanus. I attempt to manipulate their magic. My mouth opens in shock as my body glows with light, intricate filaments flow from my body and collide with the dark strings. I scream out in pain as the dark magic absorbs my light and drains me of energy. I break the connection as quickly as I can but the damage is done. I remember my mother’s words, I should have control over all matter, but why can I not see the world as I did before—magical energy ready to be manipulated. I gauge my condition, my muscles ache and I feel weakened, but I am not defenseless. 

A fay comes running at me, I crouch low to the ground my sword ready. Before it can attack me, my mother summons nearby vines and sends them hurling at the fay, wrapping and entwining themselves around its body. Its red eyes gleam at me from its prison and its razor sharp claws are making quick work of the vines. I shift my weight forward as I lunge and push my sword deep into its body. The shrill cry haunts me. No matter how evil the being, I always try and avoid killing it if I can. I release my sword from its body as a black inky substance trickles down the blade and coats my hand.

I scan the area. My mother is fighting one on one with a large fay that towers over her. Adreanus is skillfully holding his own against the last two of the group of fay. I notice that Adreanus’ magic is never perfect, I decide to tighten up the loose ends solidifying a spiral of magic which fires a jet of water so strong it tares through one of the fay. I catch a glimpse of my mother and see she is cornered, I run towards her but my arm feels weirdly heavy. I look down and a gasp escapes my lips—my arm is entirely wrapped in the black substance. I do my best to ignore the now numbing sensation that is etching its way to my core. With the last of my energy, I sneak up behind the fay that is too distracted by the prospect of victory to notice me, I raise my sword above my head with both hands and send it soaring down into the fay.

My mother’s eyes are horrified as she looks at me. The blackness is swiftly crawling over every inch of my skin. I feel the world around me coming in and out of focus. Dread fills me as I realize what is coming.

“There are more,” I whisper, the words barely forming in my mouth.

“Quick, you must take my daughter to emerald lake,” her voice demands.

“What about,” my mother cuts him off before he can finish his sentence.

“Take her or she will die. I will manage the fay. Once the lake heals her, you must journey to the Western Province. Everything you need to know about light magic lies in the Royal Palace’s library. Here, take this.” I watch as a brown blur streaks my vision as my mother tosses something to Adreanus. “That is a key and directions to a secret room where the information is hidden. Adreanus, your father would be so proud of you.”

I am suddenly weightless as Adreanus lifts me in his arms. I push and claw at him trying to escape. I cannot bare the thought of leaving my mother.

“One last thing, confide in my daughter, your secret will be safe with her.”

I feel his body stiffen, only for a second, and he begins to run. I want to scream and shout but no words come out. I spend hours fruitlessly trying to break free from his hold, I do not stop until the numbness devours me. 

4: Chapter 4

Point of View: Adreanus

She is relentless. I try to tell her she is wasting her energy, energy that she should be conserving, but I do not think she is even aware that I am talking to her. I clench my teeth as her nails dig into my chest. I have never met someone whose stubbornness rivals my own. Her mother must love her, despite the half-truths—I understand the importance of secrets. I have kept one my entire life. I want to believe Selena will survive. Not only for my own selfish desire to obtain more information about my father, but mostly because I wouldn’t wish the loss of a parent on anyone. 

 

Emerald lake is a one-day hike from here. I am not sure we will make it in time. I have absolutely no idea what is happening to her, I have never seen dark magic have this effect before and I have seen many soldiers battle with the fay. I push my legs as much as they will allow. Running has always been my solace. My mother died during childbirth and my father died when I was four. I had barely enough time with him to make memories. The little memories I do have I hold onto for dear life. King Alexander and Queen Cora of the Eastern Province took me in after my father died. My mother, Amelia, was from the Eastern Province and was one the greatest wielders of water magic. She was trained at the Spirits along with Queen Cora, and they became best friends. The Queen loved me and raised me like her own. I can’t say the same about the King. Whenever things got hard, which was often, I would run. I would run as far as my legs would carry me, until my lungs burned, and my heart pounded.

 

I set her down against a tree. Her body is entirely covered in darkness and her heart is beating dangerously slowly. I huddle next to her, hold my hand close to her lips and feel the slightest movement of air—she is still breathing. I feel my heart race a little as my eyes focus on her lips, there is no denying she is beautiful. There is something unexplainably familiar about her, and then I realize I do not even know her name. With the never-ending sequence of events, it never occurred to me until now. 

I don’t allow myself to rest for more than five minutes before I lift her small body with ease and take off into the dense woods. The moss beneath me is moist and absorbs the impact of my feet, relieving my joints of the pain they are accustom to from running on the glass streets of Meridian. My muscles ache and my head spins with fatigue, but I know I am close. As a future guard of the Eastern Province, I have studied map after map of our province. Finally, I see the landmark I was searching for. A jagged rocky cliff erupts from the ground not too far ahead. At its base is Emerald Lake.

The water of the lake is so still it resembles a sheet of green glass. I place her gently on the ground for a brief second as I throw the large backpack her mother gave me and strip off most of my clothes. I lift her and walk towards the lake. When my feet break the threshold of the water the stillness shatters. Rolling bubbles encircle my legs and the lake appears to be alive with magic.

I feel my mouth drop open and my eyes watch in disbelief as a figure rises from the lake. Her body is bare and her skin is as translucent and green as the lake. Her hair is turquoise and tumbles down her body. I do not believe in sprites, and yet there she is. The Queen would often recite ancient stories of sprites to her daughters and me. I listened enchanted but always wrote them off as fiction.

She glides across the water towards me. My muscles instinctively tighten. I attempt a retreat, but my feet are glued to the sandy ground.

“Hello, son of the elements.” Her voice is lyrical and the cadence suggests her native tongue is entirely foreign to our own.

“Who are you? And what do you want?” I call out. She smiles and approaches confidently until she is within arm length.

“You may call me Sirena. That is what your kind has always named me. And as to what I want, I want to heal her for she is the purest of lights,” she raises her hand and points towards the girl, a cascade of water pouring from her outstretched arm.

Sirena guides my arms so that the girl floats just below the surface of the water as I support her from underneath. Sirena runs her hand from the girl’s forehead across the length of her body as cascading water flows over her. The inky black substance dissolves into the water and sinks to the bottom of the lake. She is sickly pale at first but as Sirena’s sings a song, in a language I cannot understand, the surrounding water glows and colour returns to her cheeks.

“Let her rest and she will awaken again. Be warned, although there are many like myself who will do everything to protect her, there are equal in numbers who wish her harm. Farewell son of the elements.” Sirena disappeared into the water with a soft splash.

I lift her out of the water and lay her gently in the warmth of the sun. Her clothes cling to every curve of her body, I avert my eyes uncomfortably. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and I have seen my fair share of pretty women. There is something about this girl. I have always been careful to distance myself from women, always keeping to the shadows. It must be the same with her. For, I do not have a heart that can be freely given. I lay in the sun, hoping my undergarments are quick to dry.

 

 

 

 

5: Chapter 5

I fight against whatever is holding me. I know it is important, but I don’t know why. It is hard to remember anything before the darkness. It feels as though an eternity has passed since I last saw light. The darkness eats away at me, filling me with sorrow, desperation, pain, fear, and grief. I wish every breath were my last, because with every breath my body fills with more despair. I want to scream in agony, but I have no voice. Every second crawls by. I think I might go insane. I am slipping now; I feel my life flickering on the brink of death. I want to welcome it, but my body holds on. A voice is pleading with me, “just a few more seconds, you can do it.”  Despite wanting to let go, I hold on. Then, I feel it, something beautiful and pure pulling away at the darkness. I see light dancing to the rhythm of an enchanted song, and I follow it as it leads me out of the abyss. 

 

Warm sunlight caresses my skin and my cells hum with an unyielding desire to fight and to live. My body yearns to move. My eyelids are heavy but I will them open. The light burns as my pupils adjust to the brightness of the sun. Through squinting eyes, I see a beautiful green lake that shimmers with the reflection of a large bouldering hill. I cautiously raise myself into a sitting position. I instinctively survey my surroundings. Strings of light weave around trees, dance upon the water, and swirl in the air, I blink and they are gone—I must have imagined it. I turn my head to my left and my lips part as I let out an inaudible gasp. Resting against a tree is a man dressed in nothing but his undergarments. He is beautiful. His lean muscles expand with every breath. I catch myself starring and quickly avert my eyes. I notice a bag sitting beside a tree to my left, I quietly pad over and rummage through its contents. My hands find a sword, which I unsheathe, and I resolutely walk over to the man. I hold the sword an inch from his chest.

“Who are you?” I demand.

His eyes spring open and his jaw drops when he looks at me.

“What… What are you doing?” He stammers.

I don’t know. The realization takes me by surprise. I can’t remember anything. The sword remains steady, everything about it is familiar to me, how it feels in my hand, its weight, its length and yet I do not know why. I try and call up a memory, but nothing comes. I can’t even remember my name. I evaluate my situation, if this man meant me any harm would he have left me unrestrained by the lake? That bag clearly contained my belongings. This man feels comfortable enough to be wearing his undergarments in my presence. Are we married? I glance done at my finger—no ring. Regardless, this man is likely the only clue I have to my identity.  

“It seems I have a case of amnesia.” I say calmly as I lower my sword.

The man hastily retrieves his clothes as I gaze at the lake.

“What do you remember?” He calls from behind me.

“Nothing,” I say, gulping down my fear.

“What about your name?” He asks.

“I don’t know,” I admit, reluctantly. “What is my name?” I ask hoping it might jog my memory.

His face is blank. I can see he is internally debating his answer. His eyebrows lower into a deep frown.

“Just remember I could have easily lied to you right now. Instead, I am going to tell you the truth. I don’t know your name, we only met a few days ago and you never mentioned it.” His voice is flat and unbetraying of any emotion. 

I consider his words, my hands tightening their grip on the hilt of my sword. There is nothing about my situation that is straightforward. My options are either to trust this man or wander the forest aimlessly.

“Alright,” I concede, “Tell me everything that has happened since we met. But first, I am going to change into some dry clothes.” I trudge over to the backpack careful not to turn my back to the man.

“Would you mind turning around?” I say sternly, crossing my arms over my chest.  He mutters an apology before turning to face the lake. I peal off my clothes that cling to me like a second layer of skin and hang them over a tree branch to dry. I pull a turquoise t-shirt over my head and hop into some grey hiking pants. I lace up my shoes, which were sitting neatly beside my bag. I wring out my unruly dark hair and use my fingers to comb it back into a high ponytail.

“Ok, I’m done. Now, spill.” I demand as I tread over to him. I plop myself down in the sand as I run fingers through the fine and warm grains.

“My name is Adreanus Gaios,” he introduces himself. He proceeds to tell me of how we met and the events that unfolded since. I listen to his every word and I watch his face carefully for any signs of deceit. It is clear to me that Adreanus is well rehearsed in hiding his emotions. However, this does not prevent me from noticing subtle facial expressions, a slight twitch of his lips, a furrow of his brows, or a twinkle in his eyes. Although the story he tells is unfamiliar, my heart tells me otherwise. Its rhythm follows the story quickening, slowing, throbbing, and aching.

“Your mother demanded she stay behind so that I could save you.” He attempts to maintain an unwavering voice, but I can hear some pain behind his words.

“I left your mother, as she requested, and journeyed here to heal you in the lake.” My heart cannot take it. I feel tears burning in the back of my eyes. Words escape my mouth before my mind can even process what I am about to say.

“How could you?” I scream. “How could you leave her behind like that?” I try so hard to stop the tears but they will not be contained. I feel the water glistening down my cheeks. His hand reaches for me, but quickly falls to his sides. My mind cannot remember, but my heart clearly does. A wave of despair comes crashing down and smothering me. I try to catch my breath, as I blink away the tears. Once again the world around me is transformed. Waves of light dance around me, my pain drawing them in towards me. Adreanus leaps forward, kneeling in front of me, and he places his hands on my shoulders. His face is inches from mine and his eyes stare into my own, pleading.

“You must focus. Try breathing, slowly and deeply.”

“I can’t!” I gasp. I watch, horrified, as trees and rocks began to gravitate towards me. He nervously takes my hand in his, I do not protest, and he places it against his chest.

“Feel me breath, let me help you,” his voice is tender laced with concern. His guard is down and I see him for who he truly is. I feel his chest beneath my hand expand as his lungs fill with air and slowly the air escapes from his mouth as he exhales. My breathing begins to slow as it aligns with his. My hold on our surroundings is released as my emotions are controlled.

I look into Adreanus’ eyes, noticing the pattern of green and blue specs that ring his pupil. I feel his heart racing against the palm of my hand. For a brief moment he looks at me in such a way that I feel butterflies in my stomach. He quickly pulls his hand from mine and retreats back to where he had been standing.

“Will you be coming to the Western Province?” He grinds out.

I am shaken by the coldness in his voice. “Yes,” I respond. My mother believes we are heading there and consequently it is my best bet at being reunited with her. I refuse to believe anything has happened to her.

“Well then, get your stuff and let’s go,” his voice impatient.

 

6: Chapter 6

Each day that passes blends into the last. The leaves change from green to yellow with the end of the season. Every day we walk for hours hardly uttering a word, the seclusion wears heavy on my heart. I have tried for weeks to befriend my companion, but he does not cordially engage in any form of conversation. The few times he speaks his words are blunt and without emotion.  To keep my mind busy, I focus on harnessing my powers. At first it is almost impossible to call upon it. My powers seem to be entirely ruled by my emotions. Every time Adreanus is particularly awful and I lose my temper, I see the strings of light.  I decide to concentrate on the changes that occur at those times. I have spent the last few days goading Adreanus, willing him to make me snap. Sometimes it works, but other times it ends with me clutching at my sides dying of laughter leaving Adreanus with the impression that I am going crazy. It is not long before I can pin point the change, my anger pulls at a veil until it lifts and when it does the world around me changes. It takes a lot of practice, but I learn how to lift the veil without the emotional turmoil. I am now able to see light magic at will, but I do not dare to try and manipulate it.

 Every night I lay awake, trying to conjure up a memory from my past, but I am never successful. Sometimes images come, but they are always too blurry to decipher. It is only my memory of autobiographical events that seems to have been affected, whereas my memory of facts, concepts, and general knowledge remains intact.

By foot, it will take us far too long to reach the Western Province. I cannot bare Adreanus’ coldness much longer. For the past month I have been collecting a large assortment of healing plants—how is it I can remember the names and properties of every plant we cross but I cannot remember my name? I have been lucky. The changing of seasons represents a magical time where rare plants bloom and bare magical fruit. We will stop in Lagua and I will perform some healing tasks as well as selling my harvest at the market. Together with the savings in my backpack, we should have enough to buy a horse.

I see the lights of the city up ahead. Adreanus is hiking far ahead of us. I clear my throat to get his attention. He slows and stops, turning to face me.

“Adreanus, I am going into Lagua to do some business. The journey is too long on foot.”

 “I have no money. I left the palace rather hastily and certainly did not expect to be gone for so long.” This is the most I have heard him say in a long time.

“I have a plan. Just trust me, alright?”

“Do I have a choice?” he sighs.

“Nope,” I say smiling ear to ear.

“So stubborn,” he mumbles angrily.

 

****************

We reach Lagua in the early afternoon. The city is humming with the coming and going of people. Somehow I know just what to do. I confidently walk down the busiest streets introducing myself as the daughter of Selena, a name I only know because of Adreanus. I am overcome by a confusing wave of emotion when I see that her name is recognized and well respected. It doesn’t take long before I have an adequate list of patients to treat. I make my rounds, hoping that my healing skills are sufficient.

We stay for two nights, setting up camp outside of the city to save on the cost of board. Adreanus accompanies me during my visits. Although it is clear that he intended to sit in silence and observe me, I put him to work despite his objections. The first two days are filled with treating common and uncomplicated cases such as burn wounds, goblin bites, and fay rash. I make a fair sum, however none of the ailments warrant large payments. On the third day, I sell the remainder of my supplies at the market. I believe we should have enough for a horse.

We hear by word of mouth that Falcore, who lives at the top of the valley, is the Lagua salesman we are looking for if we wish to buy a horse.

Falcore wants far too much money, and I really do not want to delay our journey any longer to collect more funds. Despite our bantering, Falcore will not budge on the price.

“These are the finest horses in all of Lagua. I should know—my son, Archibald, races them on the tracks.” Falcore flashes me a smile.

 “How about a wager?” Adreanus asks, clearly aware that the salesman is the betting type.

“What kind of wager?” He asks, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Allow me to choose a horse and I will race him against your son. If I win, you will sell me the horse for half the price. If I lose, you will receive payment and we will leave empty-handed.”

The man rubs his hands together hungrily.

“You have yourself a deal,” he declares a little too enthusiastically. Adreanus better know what he is doing.

 

Adreanus hops the fence and carefully examines the horses. My eyes are on the largest black horse, the one Adreanus just walked right past without giving it a second look. Instead he gently pats the mane of a medium sized chocolate brown horse. He whispers into the horse’s ear and the horse neighs cheerfully. Adreanus places his boot in the stirrup and gracefully swings his leg over the horse.

The salesman does not look pleased. He grumbles as he disappears into his house and reappears with a young man, his son. Archibald has slick black hair and large chestnut brown eyes. He has a smaller than average build, the ideal size for a jockey. He is classically handsome, but something about him rubs me the wrong way. As he crosses my path, he eyes me up and down and winks at me as he places his hand on my waist.

“After I win this race, why don’t you join me for a drink in town? I promise to show you a good time,” he purrs. I fain a smile and bat my eye lashes much to the chagrin of Adreanus whose face is now etched with anger. The young man pompously continues on his path, except I casually stretch out my leg at just the right moment and send him awkwardly falling into a shallow pool of mud.

“Oops!” I exclaim through smiling lips. I hear Adreanus let out a chuckle—it is the first time I have heard him laugh. As I look in his direction, I catch a glimpse of a smile that etches dimples into the hollow of his cheeks.

 

Archibald mounts the largest horse and pulls on the reigns steering the stallion towards a path heading into the woods.

“This route is a five kilometer loop. Whoever reaches these stables first is the winner. It is as simple as that,” Falcore claims dishonestly. I am beginning to regret the deal Adreanus has made on my behalf.

         Archibald and Adreanus approach the starting line and with the blow of a whistle the horses gallop off into the distance disappearing into the forest. I pace back and forth nervously, unable to stand still. I pull up the sleeve of my shirt and glance down at my watch. If the horses are traveling at, let’s say thirty kilometers an hour, then they should finish five kilometers in as little as ten minutes. After fifteen minutes have gone by I begin to pick up the pace, leaving a shallow trench in the ground. My heart is calmed by the sound of hooves approaching. I look up and am filled with dread as I see Archibald emerging from the trees ahead. Adreanus is not far behind, but they have very little distance for him to take the lead. I watch in awe as Adreanus pushes his horse so that they are now neck and neck.

         “Wait,” I whisper in an inaudible voice. Archibald is wielding earth magic and using it, poorly, to manipulate the ground beneath Adreanus’ horse. I open my mouth to yell out accusations, but close it instead. I have a better idea. I redirect his magic, causing a large mound of dirt to expand below his own horse’s hooves. Archibald is utterly bewildered and unable to avoid the obstacle. Adreanus uses this to his advantage, guiding his horse forward surpassing his opponent. Adreanus reaches the stables first. He dismounts the horse victoriously. Unable to contain my excitement I run over and throw myself into his arms.

         “We did it!” I breathe into his ear.

         It takes Adreanus a moment before he shifts me from his arms. Adreanus is smiling, again. “We, is right. Correct me if I am wrong, which I hardly ever am, but I believe you had something to do with that incident near the finish line.”

I shoot him a grin. “He was cheating. Using earth magic to slow you down.”    

Adreanus nods, “he was using it the entire race. Otherwise it would not have been so close.”

 

Archibald is furious and storms off cursing. Falcore is not so keen to follow through on our bargain. I watch as his eyes flicker from Adreanus to his sword and back again.

“A deal is a deal,” Adreanus says firmly. I count out the money we owe and hand it to Falcore who huffs as he stuffs it into his back pocket.

Adreanus tugs on the reigns of the horse as we make our departure.

“Might I suggest we use some of your money to make some additional purchases?” Adreanus asks, shifting uncomfortably. I suppose, as the ward of the king and queen, he is not accustomed to being in a situation where he does not have a large sum at his disposal.

         I agree that stocking up on some supplies might be a good idea. I nod my consent.

         I stand on the outskirts of the market with the horse while Adreanus shuffles around the market attempting to haggle. I get the impression he has not had much practice. Everything about him is too stiff and he comes across as arrogant and not amiable. He returns with a woman’s wool jacket and two wool-blankets.

         I scoff, “I’m pretty sure you need a jacket too. Also, you do not even have a change of clothes. Guys are always trying to be chivalrous. The reality is it is impractical. Give me a minute.”

         I am much better at haggling. A smile here, a compliment there, and I manage to get a couple outfits and a jacket for a killer deal. I prance over to Adreanus, proud of my success. I pack up the items and fasten the bag to the horse.  

         “I think we will name you Felix, my faithful companion,” I whisper into his ears as I run my hands down the length of his neck.

         “Any objections?” I ask redirected my attention to Adreanus who is watching us. He shakes his head no, not bothering to speak. I sigh. I thought maybe his guard was finally down, I guess I was wrong.

Adreanus mounts the mare and holds out his hand. I take ahold of it and he pulls me up behind him. I blush as I realize I am going to have to hold on to him, tightly at that, if we are going to make good speed. I awkwardly wrap my arms around his waist and I feel his body stiffen beneath my hold. We gallop towards the forest, as Lagua fades in into the distance.   

7: Chapter 7

The terrain is changing, the air is less moist, streams and lakes are more disperse, and the mossy ground is replaced by rocky earth and fungi. We are getting close to the Western boarder. Travelling by horse has saved us weeks of travel time. The days are getting shorter and the nights are beginning to get frigidly cold.  

We walk, as Felix happily trots beside us—we are careful not to overwork him and always provide him with several breaks throughout the day. As I watch him, my skin begins to tingle and goose bumps cover my arms. I feel my hand instinctively reach for the hilt of my sword. Something is coming.

“Orgres!” Adreanus belts out from behind me. I turn and see he is kneeling on the ground examining some meticulously covered tracks. The fact that they have hidden their tracks concerns me; orgres are not the brightest of creatures.

The earth beneath our feet begins to shake—they are close and are approaching at an alarming rate. There is no outrunning them now. Felix cries out as he rears, standing up on his hind legs. I carefully place my hand against his back humming calming words, which relax him.

“Go, Felix. Run to safety. We will come looking for you,” I say, tapping him lightly on the bum and hoping he understands me. He seems to protest at first, but I do not allow him to stay. I smile apologetically at Adreanus. Felix may have been able to help us out of a sticky situation, but I did not want to risk him getting hurt.

Trees begin to part as two lumbering orgres head towards us. I suck in a breath of surprise as I notice something dark sitting on the larger ogre’s shoulder.

“A dark fay!” I exclaim. “That explains the hidden tracks. An ogre would never be clever enough to do that.” The dark fay leaps from it’s shoulder and a second dark fay joins it as they make headway towards us leaving the slower moving ogres trailing behind them.

 

 I take my stance next to Adreanus, if we are going to survive this attack we are going to have to work as a team.

“We will have to work as a team,” he says, reading my mind.

“Yes,” I agree.

        

Perhaps it is because we have spent the last several months together, but Adreanus and I fight exceptionally well as a team. I see the subtlest of changes in his form and I anticipate his movements. We make full circle as we fend off the dark fay until we find ourselves standing back to back. A sharp piercing pain shoots through my left shoulder as I feel a talon rip through my skin. I whirl, holding my sword in my hand, and connecting the sword’s end with the fay’s chest. It toppled over, a howling inhuman grunt rushes from its throat. A black ink like substance seeps from the wound as it collapses to the ground. 

I watch as the two ogres tare neighboring trees from the ground and begin to swing them haphazardly upheaving half of the forest with every swing.

I pull at the veil that conceals the magic and colourful filaments of light transform the scene in front of me. I delicately pull at the magic collapsing the earth beneath the two ogres approaching on my left.  Deep rolling grunts escape their mouths as the earth swallows them whole. I watch as one pulls itself out of the crater as it grabs onto a large tree root. Magic tugs at the root as I send it flying into the abyss along with the ogre. The exhaustion that accompanies my every use of magic weighs me down.   

Suddenly, I feel something grab my shoulder causing me to gasp, only to see Adreanus at my side. He pushes me to the ground and that is when I notice the dark fay lunging and thrusting a black dagger towards the very spot I had momentarily been standing in only now Adreanus stands there in my place. I watch as the dagger digs deeply into his abdomen. He lets out a blood-curdling scream and falls to the ground as a dangerously large amount of blood stains the forest grounds. I feel rage coursing through my body as I send light magic hurdling at the dark fay. I instantly feel as if I am being drained of all my energy. I immediately cut off the connection between my light energy and the darkness that consumes it. Instead I lift my sword and hurl it at the fay, who, confused by the previous display of magic faltered for just long enough for my sword to impale it directly in its back.

 

With the little strength I have left I run to Adreanus’ side, throwing myself on the ground next to him. My hands are pressing on the wound, preventing his blood from escaping. I watch as his eyes come in and out of focus. It should be me, not him fighting for his life right now. Why did he sacrifice himself like that? Tears burn at the back of my eyes; I blink and allow them surface. But I do not have time for hysterics; if he is going to survive I have to think fast.

Keeping one hand on his wound at all times, I throw off my jacket and strip off my light cotton shirt, the cold air nipping at my bare skin. I fashion my shirt into a bandage and wrap it tightly around his chest. I leave his side only for a moment while I retrieve my bag. I dump its contents on the ground next to him as I look for anything that might help. I curse myself for selling the majority of my healing plants.

I combine a few plants into a tincture and place it on the wound. I grind my teeth as I watch him arch his back in pain.

“I know it hurts,” I whisper sympathetically, “but I promise it is helping.” The tincture should stop the bleeding and hopefully neutralize the poison.

I watch as his eyes gloss over. “You must stay awake,” I plead.

 

In his condition I will not be able to move him alone. In any case, I do not know in which direction to travel—we are so far west that I am unfamiliar with the location of any nearby city. I slump down on the ground next to him and rest the back of my hand on his forehead. He is hot. I pray I was fast enough, if the poison made it to his heart—I can’t even allow myself to contemplate the consequences.

I rummage through Adreanus’ bag and find clean clothes. I strip off his cold and wet bloodied attire. His eyes meet mine and I feel my cheeks redden as I survey his body for any other wounds. I can’t help but notice how beautiful he is. I quickly yet gently dress him in the clothes I had just purchased in Lagua. If the situation had been any different I probably would have been saying, “I told you so”. I wrap our wool blanket tightly around him. I had completely forgotten my own state of undress. I wiggle on a shirt as the reality sets in. I feel my heart accelerate as a wave of panic passes over me—what the hell are we going to do? Then I hear him, he neighs with delight as he trots towards us. I leap to his side and gently pat his main, “Felix, you have saved us,” I whisper in his ear.

 

8: Chapter 8

I make haste to rig a stretcher out of branches. I carefully transfer Adreanus from the ground onto the flexible twigs and cringe as I watch his body flinch in pain. Felix is happy to help and skillfully chooses the flattest routes as he gently pulls Adreanus on the stretcher as we make our way towards the western setting sun. I walk along side Adreanus. I know how to push his buttons and I take advantage of this to keep him awake.

I am exhausted from the battle but I do not dare set up camp for the night. My eyes search the horizon looking for any signs of a nearby town. My feet begin to stumble beneath me as the fatigue overwhelms me. Felix nudges me and I climb onto his back.  Adreanus is struggling to maintain consciousness despite my persistent banter.

We ascend the acutely steep forest ground until we reach its peak. My lips part as I gasp in surprise. A large valley divides the forest and growing in this valley are the largest trees I have ever seen. Light flickers and dances from the trees. I know where we are.

I jump from Felix’s back and run to Adreanus’s side. His eyes are closed. I call out his name but he does not respond. I shake him, gently at first, but more forcefully as he does not respond.

“No! Please, you are going to be ok. Do you hear me Adreanus? There is no way in hell that you are going to give up. I’m not going to let you!” I call out.

I hop back onto Felix and lead him as quickly as we can safely travel down the ridge and into the valley. A wall of trees surrounds the city. I do not slow our pace as we approach the gates.

         The sun has lowered past the horizon darkening the sky and limiting my vision. I can barely make out the single guard standing in the entranceway. Our advances are haltered as she eyes us suspiciously. I do not have time for this.

         “I am the daughter of princess Lena. I require a healer immediately.” I say with as much authority as I can muster.

         “Impossible,” she says faltering only for a minute before regaining her composure. She holds out a sword pointed directly at my chest.

         “Not impossible. Now, you may choose to believe I am lying. However, your opinion in these matters has no importance. If I am the King’s and Queen’s only granddaughter and you deny me passage and do not immediately treat my companion who is quite literally on death’s bed do you really want to accept the consequences of your actions?”

         As we were now standing only a foot away from the guard I could see her contemplating my question.

         “Very well. I give you my word that I will have a member of the guard immediately bring your companion to our healer and I will personally escort you directly to the Queen and King.  Are you ready to accept the consequences of your actions?” She says as the corner of her lips draw up into smile.

         I nod. I have no idea how I am going to convince anyone I am the heir to the throne when I cannot even remember my own name. The important thing is that Adreanus is going to be ok. I watch as the female guard shakes the earth beneath our feet and within seconds two more guards flank her to her right and to her left.

         “Please escort the wounded directly to Helena. He is severely injured and needs immediate attention.” She says with authority.

         The two guards stroke Felix who protests against their touch and retreats to my side.

         “Felix, it is ok,” I hum in his ear. “Please you must go. Adreanus’s life depends on it.”

         Felix reluctantly follows the guards as I watch them disappear into darkness.

 

         “Your majesty, if you would please follow me,” she says, her every word dripping with sarcasm. I could hear her holding back a snicker. She holds up a torch to lead the way and I watch her tall figure disappear down the path. I walk wide-eyed as I take in my surroundings. Everything about the city of Veena enchants me. The trees are a beautiful rich hue of just the right combination of red and brown. I can’t help but allow my fingers to graze the surface of the rough bark as we weave through the city. Lights flickered from the windows that were carved at all levels in the trees which towering out of sight.

         As hard as I try I cannot focus on what I was going to say to the Queen and King. Instead, I could only think about Adreanus and whether he was ok. My heart ached in my chest and I could feel tears fighting to break free.

         We stop in front of the largest and most beautiful tree I have ever seen. The guard I had been silently following whispered to a guard posted outside of the entrance who stepped aside to let us pass. As I pass the threshold and enter into the palace my heart races. It is breathtakingly beautiful. I am led up a set of intricately carved wooden staircases and into a dimly lit room.

         “Stay here. Do not even attempt to escape. There is no turning back now. I will return momentarily with the Queen and King, to whom you will have to answer to.” The guard swiftly leaves the room.

         My legs were buckling beneath me. Exhaustion hit me hard and I collapsed into a thickly padded sofa. My eyes close of their own accord.

        

         Soft glowing light flickers across my eyelids. I hear voices whispering.

         “We should have woken her last night,” protests the man.

         “She looks just like Lena. I couldn’t wake her. She was exhausted. Maybe she is telling the truth?” the woman replies hers words pleading with hope.

 

I want nothing more than to stay asleep. Instead I find myself prying my eyes open. The room was now brightly lit as beams of light stream through the window. I scan my surroundings and with a start I jump in my seat as I watch two sets of eyes staring into my own.

 

         Their faces send waves of emotions crashing through my body, emotions I do not understand. Their formal and regal attire tell me that they are the King and Queen.

        

“Where’s Adreanus?” The words come out of mouth before I can even think about what I am saying.

 

         “The boy? He is fine. It will be a week at least before he has made a full recovery,” said the King, no trace of emotion in his voice.

 

         “Do you know who we are?” The woman asked.

I nodded my head. “Queen Fiona and King Liam.”

        

“That is correct. Now child, tell me what is your name?” Asks Fiona.

 

What a terrible way to start. It was such a farfetched tale—a girl with no name claiming to be a lost princess? But there was no way around it. I decide to tell them our story. A very abridged version and of course I had to leave a few things out like my abilities over light magic.

        

         “Impossible,” refuses the man as anger trickles through his stoic façade.

        

The woman circled me examining every inch of my body. “When I look at you it is as if I am looking at Lena. Every part of my soul wishes to believe that what you say is true, but we cannot accept your story at face value. I want to spend one day with you and if you cannot convince me that you are my daughter’s child…”

 

“Punishment,” bellows the man behind me.

 

I can imagine the heartache, hope, disappointment, and anger. I suspect I was not the first to make such claims.

 

“As you see fit.” I concede. “But may I pay visit to my companion first? I must see that he is alright.”

 

“Of course,” said the queen. “Follow me.” The king disappeared out the door without taking a second glance in my direction.

 

         The queen is tall with straight chestnut brown hair that was braided and falls gracefully down her back to her waist. Her soft rounded face frames a pair of large golden brown eyes, a straight nose, and full lips. I follow her outside of the palace, accompanied by two guards, down branching paths until she came to stop and motioned me into a tree that looked the same and yet entirely different from the rest—it was as if the bends and turns of the branches grew with purpose.

 

Fiona raps her knuckles on the door, which swings open immediately with a loud creak. Behind the door stands an old woman. She is tall and willowy with russet brown hair striated with wispy grey strands pulled into a tight bun that sat on top of her head. Her lips pull into a wide smile and despite her age she radiates with youth. 

 

“Good morning mother,” Fiona said happily as she enters.

“This is the young man’s travel companion.” She motioned in my direction as I peep out from behind Fiona.

 

“Could it be?” The woman took two graceful strides closing the distance between us and pulled me into a tight embrace. She pulled away only to hold my face in her hands inches away from her own.

 

“Mother! You cannot be certain.” Fiona protested.

 

“Of course I can. You know it is true.” Her hands had not released my face.

 

“Ummmm?” I stammered uncomfortably redirecting their eyes on me.

 

“Of course, follow me child,” Helena said smiling ear to ear as she dropped her hands away from my face.

 

I followed Helena from one room to another. Tunnels were constructed to connect neighboring trees to create a large infirmary. Helena came to an abrupt stop in front of a large arched doorway.  Peering in I saw a figure lying on a bed, I immediately recognized the mop of messy dark hair, the full eyelashes resting on a pair of chiseled cheekbones, and the sharply pointed cupid’s bow of his full lips. My heart skipped a beat. I knew I cared for his safety but there was something more to what I was feeling. I hesitantly walked in his direction picking up speed as I drew nearer to him. I sat on the floor next to him and gently placed my hand on his arm, his body instinctively reacted to my touch and his eyes opened meeting my gaze.

“Thank you,” he half whispers.

“No thanks necessary. You saved me. I only thought it fair to return the favour. Although I think it is about time we stop taking turns being the hero and almost dying,” I replied nudging his shoulder. I watch as his cheeks rise into a smile as he lets out a chuckle. He grabs his ribs in pain. “You should laugh more often. Maybe not when you are recovering from a life threatening injury.”

 “May I look?” I asked motioning towards his abdomen. I didn’t wait for a reply. I gently pulled his shirt up to reveal a deep gash extending from his right hip to above his belly button that was carefully coated in a thick and clear gel-like substance. I stroked the gel with a single finger careful not to touch his wound. I inspected the gel, rubbing it between my index finger and my thumb and cautiously smelling it.

“What kind of sap is this?” I pondered out loud. “It appears similar to the sap of the rare Nexus tree of the Eastern province. We use it to purify and heal wounds, I suspect this sap has similar properties?”

Helena took a few long strides and lowered herself next to me.

“It is a sap. It comes from this very tree,” she said motioning to our surroundings.

“You are a healer?” She asked beaming from ear to ear.

“Yes. At least I think I am.” I add.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it would appear that I am suffering from case of amnesia. I was very badly poisoned by a dark fay. Adreanus saved my life by healing me within the waters of Emerald Lake. When I awoke I was unable to remember a thing.” I explained. “Despite all my efforts I have been unable to summon a single memory of my past.” I whispered in defeat.

Helena’s dark and gentle eyes crinkled with delight. “Of course child. I know just what to do. I will return momentarily,” she called as her mahogany robes swished out of the room. Fiona’s eyes met mine and I saw the smallest hint of a smile before she disappeared after her mother.

         Adreanus and I were alone. I could feel his eyes surveying my every move. Somewhere between saving my life and me his I had begun to fall in love. I was in love with the real Adreanus—the one I only saw when his guard was down. There was the twinkle in his eyes when he thought I was not looking, his sideway glances, and his caring and kind nature that he tried to conceal. The realization hit me hard and for the first time I did not know how to act around him. I didn’t dare look at him in the eyes for fear he would read my feelings for him. As much as I knew I could love him he was not ready to let me into his life.

         “Do you know the consequences of claiming to be the daughter of the lost princess Lena?” Adreanus whispered.

         “Not exactly. But I am their granddaughter, right? So I have nothing to worry about,” I said nonchalantly still not meeting his eyes.  

 

Adreanus grunted as he tried to move himself into a seated position. I reflexively moved my hand to motion him to lie back down just as he raised his own hand next to his hips to prop himself up, which resulted in our hands meeting. His skin was soft and warm; I could feel his pulse racing in response to my touch.  My cheeks burned as my eyes searched for his and once our eyes met I found the twinkle once more. His lips pulled into a genuine smile only for a second before his face quickly turned serious.

“The consequences are severe. Did you know that EVERY heir of the Western province has been a wielder of Earth magic?” Adreanus whispered.

“Now that you mention it…” The importance of his comment was very clear. How was I going to convince them that my mother is Lena if I cannot control Earth magic?

“You will have to use light magic to resemble Earth magic.” Adreanus stated with absolute finality.

“But… I don’t know if I can do that yet.”

“You will have to. Please, you must do this.” His eyes pleaded. I nodded only then realizing that my hand was still on top of his.  I pulled away my hand placing it in my lap instead.

“I can and will do it. Now lie back down or you are going to hurt yourself,” I say with resolution.  He stubbornly agreed and the moment his head touched the pillow he was asleep.

 

 

9: Chapter 9

I watch as Helena and Fiona enter the room. There is no denying they are mother and daughter, they both walk with a beautiful elegance that I can't help but envy.

Helena hands me a vile of golden fluid. “Drink this, it should help jog your memory,” she says with a grin.

I place the vile beneath my nose and am pleasantly surprised by the aroma of sweet flowers and citrus fruit. I hesitantly press the vile to my lips and drank its contents in one swift chug as I throw back my head. Warmth instantly trickles down my throat making its way throughout my entire body.   

“How do you feel?” Aska Helena surveying me carefully.

“Warm. Still no memories though,” I sigh.

“If you will follow me,” Helena says motioning me away from Adreanus’s bed. I feel rooted to the spot.

“Don’t worry Adreanus, son of Gaios Argyris, will be fine.”

Fiona gasps. “Son of Gaios?” Her eyes dart to the bed. “He is his spitting image. But I know for a fact that he is the ward of Queen Cora of the Eastern Province.”

“Have you not heard? Queen Cora has announced that he is missing.” Helena says with a triumphant smile.

         “Now, please if you would follow me child.” Helena is hardly able to contain her excitement.

         We return to the palace where I am led down halls, up staircases, through connecting tunnels from one tree to the next. The palace is a labyrinth. I allow myself to follow without paying the slightest attention to where we are heading. Instead, I focus on trying to remember something, anything. We are climbing a spiral staircase that seems to have no end until we stop outside of a sage green door.

        

         Fiona hesitates before opening the door. Her hand quivers as her fingers grasp the doorknob turning it ever so slowly. She motions for us to enter. Helena strides in and I behind her whereas Fiona remains at the door. Sorrow is painted across her face. The room is entirely bordered by large windows on all sides. Glowing and warm sunlight dances around the room—it is the most beautiful room I had ever seen. The décor is breathtakingly enchanting. Sheer golden curtains run from the ceiling to the floor, there is a large bed made from a living tree that blossoms with lavender coloured flowers and long willowy branches creating a canopy around the bed, the furniture is chiseled from various different rocks, and surfaces are decorated with earthen clay sculptures.

         “Where are we?” I ask, my mouth unable to close as it hung open with awe.

         “This room belonged to my granddaughter Lena. Perhaps you will remember something now.”

         I feel as if I am trespassing. Maybe Adreanus has lied to me? What if Lena is not my mother? I can not remember anything. I try and try and still nothing. I delicately walk around the room careful not to disturb a thing. As I circle the room, I notice a painting of a younger King and Queen and a girl about my age. I stare at the image. It is like looking in a mirror, only the girl’s eyes were darker and her hair lighter than my own. I feel my heart quicken—I know this girl. Blurry images dance across my eyelids as distant memories attempt to escape from a deep abyss.  That is when I notice a small circular music box carved out of wood, intricate and ornate designs adorning the circumference. My fingers stroked its surface.

         I turn to Helena. “May I?” I ask, as I pinch the key of the music box between my index and thumb.

         Helena nodds. I turn the key three full times before releasing it. A soft and beautiful melody that sounds so familiar escapes from the box. As if the music has a spell on me words flutter from my mouth of their on accord. Before I know it I am singing the most beautiful song, my voice velvety and soft is a perfect match for the melody. I watch as Helena beams and Fiona stumbles into the room with her hands clenched at her chest as if unable to catch her breath.

         Images flash before me, every memory seems to come all at once and with them every associated emotion. It is overwhelming; I can feel myself losing control, light magic overpowering me. Energy tugs at my insides demanding to be set loose. I bit my lip hard. The taste of metal and salt fill my mouth informing me I have drawn blood. I let out unspoken screams commanding the magic to stop. As if suffocating a fire I concentrate on quelling the magic within me. The last flicker of magic dissipates before I collapse to the ground.  Well that was an improvement. At least I did not pass out.

 

         “Are you alright?” Fiona asks perched at my side.

         “Yes, I remember everything!” I say my eyes burning with the effort of keeping back tears.

         “My name is Avila. My mother is Selena, only I suppose you know her as Lena.”

         Fiona smiles. “And the song?”

         “My mother sang it to me every night for as long as I can remember.”

         “And I sang it your mother, and my mother to me.” Tears brim the rims of Fiona’s eyes and trickle down the landscape of her face. She makes no attempt to hide her emotions.

         “You are my granddaughter, of that I am certain. I think I knew the moment I saw you. I am afraid that convincing your grandfather will not be so easy. You have to understand since your mother vanished your grandfather has built an impenetrable wall around his heart. Breaking down that wall is no small feat. I do not think it will help your case that the reasons for her departure are still unclear.”

“My mother kept many things from me all to protect me. She fled for the same reason. My mother does not believe Gaios died of natural causes and she felt that those responsible for his death were also after her and me. She was pregnant at the time.”

“We were not aware she was pregnant. We did have our suspicions about Gaios’ death. I just don’t understand why she would not confide in us.”

“Mother did not even confide in me until she was forced to. I hope you will understand that I cannot stay here. I must return to look for her.” The emptiness that fills my heart in her absence is overwhelming. It has always been the two of us against the world.

         “I can’t lose you when I just found you,” Fiona’s voice is unwavering.

         “I will not stay when my mother needs my help,” I counter with equal conviction.

         “My daughter’s safety is of course my priority. I will send out a search party immediately. All information my guards acquire will be shared with you. Lena sacrificed herself for your safety, do not make light of that sacrifice by throwing yourself back into danger.”

         “Alright. I promise I will stay until your guards pick up a lead. I will not sit back and do nothing if my mother needs my help.” I concede.

         “Sounds like a deal,” Fiona says through smiling teeth. “Leave your grandfather to me. I am going to have a long discussion with him and hopefully he will see reason. As for you, please rest. It has been an eventful day. I was never as gifted as my mother or my daughter in terms of healing, however, I know the effects of the amnesia serum you consumed. It will take a few days before you are fully recovered. Not to mention recovering from your travels and the wounds you have obtained in battle.”

         “I would like to return to the infirmary and check on Adreanus,” I admit. “I am sure I could rest there.”

         “As you wish. I expect both of your presence at dinner. I would like to thank the young man who helped bring my granddaughter home. I will also send word to Queen Cora and inform her that Adreanus is safe and upheld his duty as a royal guard in bringing home my heir.”

         Fiona presses her lips to my forehead and wrapped her arms around me holding me tightly before gracefully exiting the room. It was oddly comforting. In so many ways Fiona reminded me of my own mother.

         As I exit my mother’s room I can’t help but take one last peek over my shoulder trying to take it all in with one single sweep of my eyes.

         “Avila, perhaps I should call on a guard to assist you. You are in a weakened state and…”

         I can’t help but cut her off. “I am fine,” I insist.

         “Stubborn just like your mother and grandmother,” she huffs.

         “And great grandmother?” I tease.

         “Stubborn, me?” She says feigning indignation.

This time around I try and pay attention to the route back to the infirmary only to find it impossible. Exhaustion takes over as my feet beneath me stumble down a step. Helena reaches out but she is not fast enough. I begin to fall down what looks to be a never-ending staircase. This is not going to be good. I brace my arms in front of my face hoping to absorb some of the impact as I wince with anticipation. Instead of a blow I feel two warm arms skillfully wrap themselves around me, one beneath the nape of my neck and the other behind my knees.  I look up into a pair of golden hazel eyes.

         I hear Helena rushing down the stairs her robes rustling behind her. “Eilif! Thank goodness! I can not thank you enough.” Helena places her hand on my arm.

         “Are you alright Avila?” She asks examining me with the analyzing eyes of a skilled healer.

         “Yes, I am fine,” I say entirely not used to being in such a vulnerable position. I squirm uncomfortably in the man’s arms.

         “Thank you but you can put me down now,” I say trying to sound sincere despite my discomfort.

         “Of course,” the man says as he gently puts me back onto my feet. My legs wobble and I stumble back into his arms. Seriously? This is embarrassing.

         “Avila I think it is about time you stop letting your stubbornness interfere with your safety. Eilif will you escort my great granddaughter, the princess, back to the infirmary, please?”

         Eilif’s eyes widen in surprise. He bows his head as he eyes me up in down with curiosity. Eilif is tall with long thick light brown hair that messily frames his face softening his square jawline. His grins at me, “it will be my pleasure,” he says wrapping his arm behind my back and beneath my armpit supporting the majority of my weight. I fumble as I adapt my gate to match his. Helena flanks me on my right and we slowly and awkwardly make our way back to the infirmary.

         “You know this would be a lot easier if you just let me help you,” sighed Eilif as I still attempt to carry as much of my weight as I can.

         “Easier for you maybe,” I counter. 

         We make it back to the infirmary not a moment too soon.

         “I’m sure I can make it to the bed alone,” I say stubbornly.

         “I doubt it.”

         “Fine,” I concede scornfully.

I am doubly embarrassed at the prospect of essentially being carried to my bed in front of Adreanus. I do not like to show weakness. As we enter the room, I am surprised to see that Adreanus is sitting on his bed his nose buried in a book. I watch as he carelessly acknowledges my presence with a slight nod of his head although the pull of his brow betrays his concern. I see his eyes carefully jump from the book to Eilif and I every time he believes I am not looking.

“Thank you,” I say sincerely. It is much easier for me to grateful from the comfort of the bed.

“Don’t worry about it,” Eilif says nonchalantly.

Eilif turns on his feet about to exit when his eyes fall on Adreanus.

“Adreanus is that you?” He asks his lips pulling into a smile that crinkles the corners of his eyes.

Adreanus sets down his book. “Hello Eilif.”

I look between Eilif and Adreanus in disbelief. They know each other?

10: Chapter 10

Point of View: Adreanus

 

It has been a while since I have taken the time to read. I forgot just how much I enjoy it—I suppose I inherited my love for books from my father. I used to spend hours imagining what it would have been like if he had not died. I pictured the two of us in our home, here in the Western province, curled up in our chairs reading ancient and thick books that smelt of musk and ink, or debating the powers of sprites, or going on adventures in search of ancient relics in the pursuit of knowledge. I learnt that it was a waste of time to dwell on such things.

         The sound of voices approaching from the hall pulls me out of my reverie and away from my book. I hear her arguing with a man. She is as stubborn as always. Based on the shuffling of feet I am almost certain she is injured. I feel my pulse race, I need to know what happened and that she is all right. It has become increasingly difficult for me to suppress my emotions. I have let it slide on account of my injuries and I know that from now on I will have to do a better job at concealing them. My heart wants nothing more than to let her in but I know it is impossible.

         As she enters the room I am careful to show as little interest as possible. I cannot help but watch her when she is not looking. She looks exhausted; there are deep bags that contour her eyes. I want nothing more than to help her but I keep myself rooted in my own bed. I don’t think I could leave even if I wanted to. My recovery has been slow and all I want is to stretch my legs and get out of bed. My attention has been so entirely focused on her that I fail to notice the man accompanying her.

         “Adreanus is that you?” He asks his lips pulling into a smile that crinkles the corners of his eyes.

I set my book down in my lap. “Hello Eilif.” It has been almost a year since I have seen my former training companion and yet so much has changed because of her.

He takes three large strides in my direction. He throws his large arms around my shoulders and roughly hugs me. I wince in pain.

“Sorry,” he says releasing me, “what happened to you?” he asks finally noticing my bandages. Eilif was never overly observant something he made up for with his unbelievably strength and battling skills.

I decide to be as succinct as possible, “We were attacked by orgres and dark fay on our way here.”

“You are the Royal Guardian who brought Avila home? Way to go, the Western province will forever be indebted to you,” he says his body imbuing gratitude.

Avila? I turn to her immediately. She remembers? I feel relief and fear wash over me. Will she forgive me for leaving her mother behind? It was one thing when she had no memories of her mother, but now the pain must be so much more real. I feel my breath come to a halt. Her lips pull into a smile that lights up her face. Despite all she has been through all the evidence of battle disappears and all I can see is how beautiful she is.

 

********************

My mind races, somehow the name sounds so familiar. A distant memory fights its way to the surface as I see the face of a young girl. She can’t be more than eight years old, maybe a year or two younger than I was at the time. She is lying on the grass outside of the summer palace in a simple white dress. I watch her from afar and can tell she is talking but I cannot make out what she is saying. For a quick instant I think I see something in the water only it disappears the moment I focus my attention on it. Ripples dance across the ordinarily still water of the pond.

I approach her unnoticed as I close the distance between us and I hide momentarily behind a large statue. Stepping out from behind my hiding place I confront her.

“Who are you talking to?” I ask.

She turns towards me and I am at once mesmerized by her beauty.

“To her, obviously.” She says pointing towards the pond at nothing. I watch, as her brows pull up in surprise as she herself sees there is nothing there.   

I am curious and want nothing more than to talk to her and find out what she was doing at the palace. As impossible as it appears I do believe she was talking to someone or something. Instead, I do what I always do. I push everyone away. I fain a pompous smirk and say in a demanding tone, “There is no one there. Who are you?”

I am at once taken back by her response. “And why should I tell you?” She counters.

I can’t help myself. It is my kneejerk reaction to resort to magic in these kinds of situations. Using magic was exhausting at first, but I had gotten better and stronger. I still needed to use my hands to help visualize what I wanted my magic to do. I flick my wrist in a circular motion and water jumps from one fountain to another. I watch as her big silver eyes, eyes unlike any I had ever seen, widen in awe. My stomach knotted, why was I doing this? I sent the water on a perfect projectile towards her only the water collapsed directly upon my head. I stood perplexed as the girl erupted in a fit of laughter.

I hear a voice coming from the palace. “Avila! It’s time to go,” it calls and she is gone.

 

*************

         “Adreanus?” Eilif says catching my attention. I am uncertain for how long he has been talking for or what he has been talking about. I look at Avila from across the room. How could I not have put it together sooner? Of course she is the girl from my memory. I wonder if she remembers that day? Despite my curiosity I have no intention of asking her.

         “The Western province is not in my debt. Avila is among the strongest warriors I know. She would have made it here without me,” I say with conviction.

         I watch as Eilif’s eyes shift towards Avila who is making no effort to conceal the fact that she is curiously listening to our conversation. I immediately notice the blood pooling in her cheeks in response to my compliment.

         “Is that so?”

         I rarely give compliments and I did not intend to repeat myself. “Eilif, I am quite tired. Would you mind if we catch up some other time? Perhaps tomorrow?” I say it as kindly as I can muster. Eilif nods before making his exit.

 

         I turn my attention to Avila who is now curled up under the blankets her head resting on a large fluffy pillow and her dark hair wildly spilling all over the place.

        

         It takes a lot of effort but I spin myself in bed so that my feet touch the ground. Using my arms I carefully lift myself from the bed and begin to walk towards her.

 

         “What are you doing?” she demands as she sits straight up.

 

         “Shhhh,” I whisper. I cautiously cross the room trying to move my torso as little as possible to minimize the searing pain that is extending from my abdomen into my back. She pulls her legs up towards her chest and wraps her arms around her knees. I sit at the foot of her bed.

         “I couldn’t exactly yell what I am about to say to you across the room,” I tell her.

         “Your mother gave me this,” I say handing her the piece of parchment. I have folded and unfolded the map countless times doing nothing more than staring at the scroll of ink and wondering if it will lead me to something, anything that might let me know my father.

         “Tomorrow I am going to find my father’s journals,” I whisper leaning in until are faces are only inches apart.  I was armed with a myriad of reasons as to why we needed to make haste and I am intent on using them should she protest.

Instead she stares me straight in the eyes and says quietly with resolve, “of course we will. You have waited your whole life to know your father. I will not by any means delay you any longer. I too have my reasons. The faster I master my abilities the better. I am very much aware that someone is after me, we have been ambushed far too many times for it to be a mere coincidence. I fear my mother’s safety. I will not sit around and do nothing.”

I watch as she carefully unfolds the parchment and scans the map. “The palace is a labyrinth. We will not be able to find the library without help. You are friends with Eilif, right? I think we will have to ask him to show us the way. We just need to come up with a good excuse as to why we must go to the library.” She folds the map once more and returns it to me.

“I will inform him that Queen Cora has requested that I do some research on dark fay, given their rise in numbers and attacks as of lately. As a future member of the Grand Council of Guardians he will no deny me access.”

Her eyes look heavy with fatigue as she speaks, “sounds like a plan. Now let me get some rest. Queen Fiona has requested our presence for dinner and I just about destroyed the whole palace with light magic when all of my memories crashed through my mind simultaneously.”

“Magic is tightly tied to our emotions. Get your rest as I suspect you will be faced with some challenges in the near future.” I stood up despite my body’s protest and crossed the room to my own bed.

It couldn’t have been more than a minute before her eyes closed and she drifted to sleep. I knew what was in store for. King Liam will not accept Avila as his daughter without a very specific kind of proof. The Queen will delay his demands until Avila is fully healed, however, that will not give her much time. I let my own eyes rest as I too drifted to sleep.

 

*********************

 

         I hear footsteps approaching from the hall. My body screams at me to stay asleep but I pry my eyes open. Avila is awake though she is still curled up in a ball under the thick blankets. Her eyes glisten with old tears that have stained her skin with blotchy red patches. She tries to conceal her sadness by feigning a smile.

         The footsteps have reached the entrance to our room.  It is Helena.

“Glad to see you are both awake. We will all be having dinner in the palace. How are you both feeling?” She asks looking lovingly at her great granddaughter. 

         “Good,” we lie in unison.

         “Well, Eilif is here just in case either of you need any assistance.” We both protest.

         Helena examines my wound and reluctantly declares that I am fit to walk unassisted. Avila is the next to be prodded and poked. Helena does a lot of hemming and hawing as she very thoroughly examines Avila.

         “I’ll be right back,” she calls as she makes her exit. I can’t help but notice how graceful she is despite her advancing years.

         Helena does not return empty-handed. She is holding a sachet. She releases the drawstrings as a thick aroma of salt and chocolate fills the room. She dumps some nugget-shaped concoctions into her hand and she as rolls them around in her palm. She carefully hands them to Avila and instructs that she places them beneath her tongue allowing them to slowly melt.

         Avila smiles, “ are these Gilly nuts? You wouldn’t believe how happy it made my mother when she stumbled upon these in the forests.”

         “That is because Gilly nuts rarely grow anywhere but here,” Helena explains.

         The colour returns to Avila’s face and the deep circles fade from purple to a fleshy golden tone. Avila stares at her grandmother with uncertainty and I wonder what she is thinking.

         The four of us walk at a painfully slow pace from the infirmary to the palace. Unfortunately I am the one who his holding everyone up.  

         “Helena, do you also live in the palace?” Avila asks her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

         “Me? Oh no. I prefer the comforts of my own home, which I suppose is just an extension of the infirmary but it has everything I could ever want. Your grandmother is still adjusting to life as a royal, it was not the way I raised her. She would much prefer to live somewhere quiet. Oh and let me tell you about your mother! She would not stay in the palace for the life of her. She is the best healer this province has ever seen, she needed to be out in the forest and couldn’t bare being held up in the palace.”

         Avila and Helena lead the way as Eilif and I fall behind.

         “How long have you known Avila?” Eilif asks I assume he is attempting to make small chat. I think back to when I met her and cannot believe that somehow just over three months had gone by.            

         “Around three months,” I reply.

         “It is kind of hard to believe that she is the heir of the Western province. Did you meet her mother, could it really have been Lena?” There is something about Eilif’s tone that strikes me as off.

         “I did meet her mother. She is without a doubt the princess. She knew my father. Were you aware that my father was from the Western province and was a member of the Grand Council?” I attempt to shift our discussion away from Avila and her mother.

         “It isn’t a secret that your father is from the Western province, Adreanus. Perhaps she lied.” I did not like were this conversation was going.

         “Have you ever seen her perform Earth magic?” And there it was. Somehow I doubted Eilif was asking these questions entirely of his own regard.

         “Yes,” I lie, realizing it this is not the first time I have been dishonest in order to protect her. “I also witnessed her mother skillfully defend off a handful of dark fay. There is no doubt based on her form and technique that she was trained at Spirits.”

         Eilif’s steps falter. It is clear he was expecting a different answer. His eyebrows furrow and his mouth remains partially open clearly displaying his unease. I take the opportunity to use his present state to my advantage.

         “Queen Cora is concerned about the recent outbreak of dark fay attacks. She has tasked me with the responsibility of researching the history of dark fay. The Western province is renowned for its royal library. I was wondering if you would mind escorting Avila and I to the library first thing in the morning?” I ask not allowing my excitement to surface. Another lie.

         “Uh. Sure, I don’t see why not. I am fairly busy tomorrow. I am available at the crack of dawn if that isn’t too early,” he says.

         “Perfect.”

 

11: Chapter 11

Guilly nuts are used for one thing and one thing only. They are used to replenish the energy of wielder’s of magic. They are especially helpful for neophyte wielder’s who have not yet mastered control of their magic. As I walk alongside my great grandmother I can’t help by wonder what hides behind her knowing eyes. I tell myself that she must have thought based on my symptoms, which now that I think about were screaming magic overload, I had been using Earth magic.

         Our walk is slow. Adreanus’s injuries limit our pace. I peek over my shoulder and see that he winces with every step he takes. In his state he really should be resting in bed.  I slow our pace just a bit more in the hopes that it will alleviate some of his pain.  As we approach the royal dinning quarters I hear Adreanus’s request to visit the library and suppress a smile when Eilif offers to escort us first thing in the morning.

         Queen Fiona sits at the head of a large mahogany table. The King is absent. I nervously shuffle on the spot. Am I supposed to join her at the table? Should I wait to be invited? I realize I have no idea what kind of customs apply to being a royal. I feel my stomach turn. I know part of me always wished to settle down and have a home somewhere instead of being eternal vagabonds. However, this was not what I had in mind.

         Helena links her arm in mine. I hadn’t realized the extent of our difference in size until that moment. She towers over me. She leads me silently to the table and motions for me to sit on the right side of my grandmother and she takes the seat directly across from me sitting to my grandmother’s left. Adreanus sits next to me and Eilif turns to leave.

         “Eilif, please come join us.” Fiona says before he exits the room. Eilif does not protest and I watch as Eilif takes the seat across from Adreanus.

 

         “I’m afraid to say that my husband will not be joining us this evening.” Fiona says regretfully.

        

         Adreanus and Eilif do not look at all surprised. I wonder what they know that I don’t. It does not take a second before all is explained to me.

        

“There is no beating around the bush. Avila, as you will come to learn I am straightforward person, I like to get to the point. My husband will not accept you as his granddaughter until you demonstrate your abilities in a fight. Perhaps this seems a little barbaric, but this is the way of the Earth province. There has never been an heir to the throne who has not exhibited a strong control of Earth magic and battling skills.” Fiona crosses her arms across her chest as she speaks.

Her body language speaks volumes—she is angry with her husband and does not believe I need to prove myself. I smile momentarily but that smile quickly fades as the realization of what is to come sinks in.

 

Crap. Adreanus had warned me and yet somehow I was really really hoping that it would not come down to this. We better find those journals ASAP and I pray that there is something in there that can help me.

Normally I am good at concealing my emotions. However Fiona has caught me off guard and I realize too late that my concern is written clearly across my face.

“I am well aware that you are injured and I have negotiated with my husband to give you five days of rest. Avila, I know you are my granddaughter. You have nothing to fear. We, of the Western province, are born warriors. Now let’s enjoy our meal.”

The tension in the room is broken as food is placed on the table before us. The aroma coming from the platter in front of me is indescribable. After going months with barely anything to eat I cannot hold myself back for even a moment. I throw etiquette aside and shovel the food into my mouth. I peek over at Adreanus who is only doing a slightly better job than I at remaining polite.

The food is amazing. An explosion of flavours, each complimenting the other, fills my mouth. Most of the food I am unfamiliar with. I examine the contents of my plate and vaguely identify at least five different types of mushrooms on my plate, tree syrups, lichen, and all sorts of leafy greens—none of which I could name.

“This is delicious,” I say as finish my last bite of food.

Fiona gives me smile that extends from ear to ear. “Why not help yourselves to some more?” She says looking both at Adreanus and myself.

I notice the beautiful assortment of clay pots and wooden bowl sitting at the center of the table. I reach for the spoon in a large red plot and scoop some onto my plate.

Fiona asks me question after question trying her best to get to know me. At first my unease limits my ability to engage in open dialogue. I often found myself answering with a yes or no putting an end to the flow of conversation. I was not used to opening myself up like this. It was only ever my mother and myself. When we stayed with the families we were healing with we never discussed anything personal, it was always small talk.

“You mean to say you don’t have a home?” Fiona asks her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“Well, not really. My mother is my home.” I choke out the last words biting my tongue to prevent the tears. My mother is gone and so is my home.

“Your home is here,” Fiona corrects me. I think about her words. Maybe one day it can be. But right now my focus has to be on retrieving my mom. Not once have I allowed myself to contemplate any alternative other than she is on her way, she is alive but need help, or is being held up by some inexplicable situation.

         As we talk, I fill my belly until it is full. Adreanus and Eilif join in on the conversation at times. However some of Fiona’s questions are so uncomfortable at times that I am grateful that the two of them spend the majority of the evening talking to one another.

         “Avila is there any men in your life?” Fiona asks and in response blood pours into my cheeks staining them as red as my lips.

         “Umm. No.” I say firmly. “My mother and I never had time for such things,” I add.

           Throughout the night I have not failed to notice Helena’s silent eyes watching me carefully. I have the strange feeling she knows more than what she lets on about why my mother left the palace eighteen years ago.

         As the last plate is cleared from the table, we all rise from our seats.

         “Fiona, if Liam requires that Avila fight she best rest as much as possible. Who has he appointed as her opponent?” Helena asks.

         I watch Eilif nervously cast his gaze to his feet and he shuffles them. I should have guest by his behavior the answer to Helena’s question.

         “Eilif.”

         It’s ok I remind myself. My mother taught me everything she knows and she is a Western province warrior. Well, not everything. Seriously mom you probably should have taught me about magic, I hear my inner voice complain. I am strong. I have fought ogres, fay, outmaneuvered pixies and gobblings.  I’ve got this. My five foot two inches frame stands tall and I meet Eilif’s gaze.

         We say our goodnights. Fiona and Helena do not allow me to depart without tight hugs. Fiona holds me as if she never wants to let me go. A single tear escapes and makes it way down my cheek before I quickly wipe it away before anyone notices. I miss my mother. Helena and Eilif remain with Fiona.

****************

 

As soon as we get back to our room, I hastily close the door and just has I had done the entire walk back to the infirmary, I wrap my arm around Adreanus’ torso and help him walk across the room to his bed.  At first he refused my help but when he found himself unable to move alone despite all the effort in the world he welcomed my help with minimal resistance.

         He sits propped up on his bed and I sit at his feet.

“What is expected of me? Do I have to win? How strong is Eilif? Do I even have a chance?” The questions kept spilling out of my mouth at a mile a minute.

         “You do not have to win but you do have to demonstrate your potential. You have not been trained at the Spirits. It cannot be expected that you beat one of the strongest trainees of the Royal Guardians.”

         My shoulders slump forward—one of the strongest trainees?  I try not to panic. We really need to find those journals. I turn my attention to Adreanus who looks like hell.

         “Are you sure you are going to be up to it tomorrow? The journals can wait if you aren’t.” I say genuinely concerned and willing to postpone our plans despite it being against my own self-interest.

         “I’ll be fine,” he says not meeting my eyes.  He is lying. I should have known better. He should not have gone to dinner tonight. Then I have an idea.

         “Adreanus, will you let me help you?” I ask staring into his beautiful green eyes.

         He looks at me nervously. “What do you mean?”

         “Just trust me,” I push.

         “I do trust you,” he says before he can stop himself. I see regret wash over his face. How is it he is so hard to understand? I have absolutely no idea what is going on in his head.

         “I’ll be right back!” I call as run out of the room and towards the storage cabinets were the medicines are stored. I rummage through the herbs and concoctions looking for something that looks familiar. Many of the medicines of the Western province do not grow in the Eastern province. I can’t help but wonder how my mother did it? How did she teach herself? I find a bouquet of Bergot leaves and head back to Adreanus. I am certain Helena will not mind and I will be sure to replace them in the morning. I had seen a bush growing behind the infirmary on our way to the palace.

         The door opens with a creek and Adreanus’ eyes spring open. He had dozed off to sleep.

         “This will only take a minute,” I say as I grab a mortar and pistil from my bag and begin grinding the leaves into a thick paste.

         “Would you mind if I remove your shirt?” I say shyly.  To my surprise Adreanus laughs.

         “Are you trying to seduce me?” Throughout the months of our travels together I have noticed that Adreanus is a completely different person when he is exhausted. He drops his guard and I think I get a glimpse of the real Adreanus instead of the façade that he always wears.

         “Just wait until you hear my next request!” I giggle as I carefully pull his shirt over his head.

         “And now my request… I sort of need to massage this into your muscles. Will that be ok?” I have done this millions of times without batting an eye. Yet here I am, my hands trembling in my lap as I nervously watch his eyes staring into mine.

         He opens his mouth to speak but closes it just as quickly as he opened it. Instead he gives his consent with a slight nod of his head.

         I coat my hands in the mixture and rub it between the palms of my two hands. I allow it to reach body temperature before I begin. I hold my hands as still as I can as my fingers rest on his chest. I feel his body respond to my touch. I get to work. I rub the paste over the groves of his body carved by his lean muscles. My heart accelerates wildly as thoughts of Adreanus flood my mind. I shake my head just the slightest redirecting my attention to the task at hand. The paste has to be rubbed in just right in order to maximize its effectiveness. I move it around in circular motions as I focus on drawing the poison that has infected Adreanus out of his body. As my hands work from memory I suddenly pull my hands away from his skin in surprise in response to a jolt of energy that passes between my hand and his skin. I finally force my eyes to focus on his. The way he is looking at me makes my whole body tingle as ripples of energy coarse through me. His eyes sparkle with desire and his face is transformed from the hard lines I had grown accustomed to to soft and gentle features that look foreign to me. My eyes are drawn to his parted lips and it takes all of my effort to tear them away from his face.

         I place my hands back on the smooth surface of his abdomen as I work around his wound. I close my eyes trying to stop my thoughts from focusing entirely on my feelings for him. It feels as if my whole body is being pulled towards him, like gravity, as if we are tethered together by an invisible force. I feel waves of energy pass through my body and with each crash of the wave my body aches with a desire I have never experienced before. I force my eyes open and my lips part slightly as I let out an inaudible gasp—I see light magic unlike anything I have seen before. As I look at Adreanus it is like looking into his very essence. I see dark lines running through his body—the poison that has been weakening him. I draw the dark threads of energy out of him focusing on containing them within the paste and my mouth opens in amazement as the darkness leaves his body. The purest energy ripples from my hands enveloping Adreanus in radiant beams of light. We are connected as one. What happens next I cannot explain.

         I feel Adreanus’s hand cautiously reach for my arm tugging very lightly, pulling me towards him. I indicate my consent by quickly wiping off the medicine from my hands and by moving in towards him. His uncertainty dissipates immediately as he pulls me on top of him. I swing my leg over his body as I sit straddled over his hips. His heart sends ripples of light moving with the rhythm of each beat, I watch as his heart rate accelerates in response to my dangerously close body. Our eyes meet and the world around us disappears.

         I am entirely taken over by a force that is pulling us together. Adreanus’s hand runs up from the curve of my back to the nape of my neck, his other hand softly runs along my jawline as he pulls my face just inches from his. Our lips meet. I have never been kissed before. If I had known this was what kissing is like I do not know if I would have waited as long as I did. My whole body responds as his lips move against mine.  My body tingles with desire, unable to get enough. Our bodies instinctively press together as our gentle kiss transforms itself into one of insatiable want. I feel his hands pulling at my shirt. A little voice in my head trying to speak but I cannot hear it. His fingers move barely grazing the surface of my abdomen sending shivers down my spine. I grip the base of my shirt ready to pull it over my head when I hear a clattering bang coming from down the hall. As if a spell was broken the light magic vanishes and suddenly I am very much aware of our situation.

         I swiftly jump off of Adreanus as I straighten out my shirt. I nervously pull back the strands of wavy hair that are dangling around my face and secure them back into my hair elastic.

         “Adreanus… I don’t understand what just happened. Well I do understand what happened. I just don’t understand how it happened.” I whisper the words, as I timidly meet his eyes.  He looks lost for words. His cheeks are flushed and his lips a deep red.

         “I’m not sure,” he says echoing my whisper.

         “I think it was my light magic…” I propose as I replay what unfolded between us.

         “What do you mean?”

         “Well, when I was uhh massaging the medicine into your skin I began to see light magic. I saw this dark substance making it way through your body and I pulled at it concentrating it into the paste. But something happened. We kind of became completely encapsulated in a cloud of white light and then well… then what happened happened.” I was certain that my budding feelings for him probably also had something to do with what happened but there was no way I was going to be sharing that bit of information with him.

         Footsteps approach our door and a quiet wrap echoes in the room.

         “Yes,” I call out.

         Helena swings the door open her eyes dropped towards the contents she was holding in her hands, “I am so sorry. I was looking through my medicine cabinet and things just weren’t where I had thought I had left them. Anyway I ended up dropping a whole container of measuring spoons. I do hope” she stopped mid sentence as her eyes lift from her hands to the scene in front of her.

         If you had asked me five minutes early if I could be any more embarrassed the answer would most certainly have been no. Well, I would have been wrong.

         “We, I mean I… I was just trying to help Adreanus. It was clear he was in a lot of pain. I’m sorry. It was me who moved things around in the cabinet. I will replace the Bergot I borrowed,” I say much too quickly.

         “Don’t worry about it,” she says smiling as she her eyes jump from me to Adreanus and back again.

         “I was just coming to do the same. Although it looks like my help is not needed,” she says taking a couple steps closer. 

         “Very peculiar,” she says. Helena closes the space between her and the bed.

         “Hmmm,” she whispers as she examines Adreanus’s wound, pinches his skin, prods and pokes him.

         “Very peculiar indeed,” she half whispers to herself.

         “Alright now you two get some rest. And Avila you may want to quickly run your shirt under some water, Bergot stains terribly.” She says stifling back a laugh as she exits the room.

         I had not noticed my shirt. It was entirely covered in Bergot.

         “Can we pretend she doesn’t know what just happened between us?” I ask smiling at Adreanus who mirrors my smile.

         “Maybe we should also forget it?” I say hesitantly trying to read his reaction.

         “Yes. I’m sorry for my behaviour,” he says flatly as his softened features harden once more.

         My heart sinks in my chest. I know my actions weren’t entirely my own, but there was something there fueling the desire. Part of me was hoping it might have been the same for him. But who was I kidding? Adreanus couldn’t possibly have feelings for me, could he? I had to know.

         I draw the curtain that separates our beds and strip off my clothes letting them fall into a small pile at my feet. I notice for the first time a silver camisole and matching pants on my bed. I pick them up and the fabric drapes over my hands flowing like water. I pull the camisole over my head as the softness of the fabric embraces me. I step into the pants and cannot believe how comfortable they are. The fabric clings and flares away from my body in all the right places.

         “Adreanus,” I call waiting to hear his voice. I do not have the nerve ask what I am about to ask face to face.

         “Yes,” he responds.

         “Umm…” Just spit it out I tell myself. “Did you feel it? When we kissed I mean.” I couldn’t find a better descriptive word than “it” as it was completely indescribable to me.

         Silence. Followed by more silence.

         Finally a voice fills the void with a quiet but somehow resounding “No.”

         I hide the hurt from my face and draw the curtains open. Adreanus eyes widen in surprise when he sees me.

         “I’m going to let my clothes soak in the sink,” I say walking to washroom that branches from our room.

         I don’t bother to turn on the lights. I turn on the tap, throw my clothes into the sink and look for some soap. I scan the room only to have my eyes halt as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes have never looked so silver and in the darkness they look like to two large twinkling stars.

        

 

12: Chapter 12

“Avila,” my name rolls off of his tongue softly. I don’t think I have ever heard him address me by my name.

         “mhhmm,” I murmur as I roll away from him and pull the soft duvet over my head.

         I feel the duvet slip from my fingers as it is pulled off of me. The cold air is enough to startle me awake.

         “What?” I croak. My eyes are mere slits as they try and adjust to the light coming from the lantern Adreanus is holding inches from my face.

         “Eilif will be here any minute now.”

         I jump into a seating position. “Are you sure?” I feel as if I had only just fallen asleep.

         “I’m sure,” he says using the very same tone as on the day we first met.

         “How are you feeling?” I ask as I scan him for any signs of sickness. I cannot believe how different he looks. It is as if he made a full recovery over night.

         Adreanus leans towards me and in a whisper says, “whatever you did with your light magic worked. I honestly feel as good as new.”

         If light magic can heal what else can it do? I can’t decide if I feel excitement or dread.

         “People will be suspicious of a full recovery at this time. I will have to put on a bit of a show.”

         “You’ll have to be pretty convincing you look like the epitome of good health.”

         “I’ve had lots of practice.” He regrets it the moment he says it. What does he mean that he has had lots of practice putting on a show? I wish he would quit being so cryptic.

         I grab my bag and rummage around for some clothes only to find my only warm clothing, other than those soaking in the sink, is torn to pieces from the battle. I pull the sweater out of my bag to assess just how badly it has been torn.

         “Helena left you this.” Adreanus hands me yet another pile of clothing. I am not used to receiving so many gifts—it makes me feel uncomfortable. As I reach to take the clothes our hands touch and we both recoil.

         “I think we should put what happened between us behind us. This will not be the last time some part of our body touches. We are friends and nothing more.” I lie. My heart aches but I hold my head high and steady not allowing any sign of my true feelings to escape. I am just going to have to get over him, which is really hard when last night happens to be constantly replaying in my mind.

         “Shake on it?” He asks.

         I hold out my hand for him and he takes my hand in his and with a firm shake our hands linger one inside the other for just a moment before we let go.

         A quick knock and the creak of the door as it swings open tells me Eilif has arrived. I had forgotten how tall Eilif was. He takes the majority of the doorway. Why was it that everyone in the Western province seemed to be giants except for me?

         “Good morning, I trust you slept well?” he greets us with a large smile. His eyes fall on me and he immediately blushes.

“My apologies, I will give you some privacy to change. Adreanus, perhaps you might join me in the hall?”

 

I hadn’t given a second thought to what I was wearing. Was it really that intimate that Eilif felt the need to leave?

I pull on the warm woolen violet top adjusting the cowl neck so that it sits just right. The pants are grey and a little long but otherwise comfortable. I make a quick stop in the washroom and brush my hair into a high ponytail. The shirt complements my strong collarbones and elongates my neck. Any trace of fatigue has faded and I am surprised at how pretty I look.

         I meet the others outside of our room. “I’m all ready to go,” I say smiling.

         “Uh, umm, yes,” he says. “If you will follow me.” He seems distracted.

         The three of us trek through the beautiful city until we reach the palace. Adreanus is doing a pretty good job at pretending he has not fully recovered.

         “Adreanus, it looks like you could use some rest,” Eilif suggests.

         “I wouldn’t bother trying. Adreanus is as stubborn as they come.”

         “Oh I know. But I had to offer. I have maybe only met one person whose stubbornness rivals his.” His warm hazel eyes fall on me.

         We would have never found the library alone. There is no doubt in my mind. I can’t count the number of stairs we climbed and descended, the number of enclosed bridges we crossed, and the number of trees we passed through.

         “Here we are,” he says gesturing towards a large open room full of books. The morning sun casts a soft glow across the room and all I wanted to was curl up in one of the large sofas and read a book.

         “Thank you so much Eilif,” I say truly grateful.

         “Uh, no problem,” he says shifting on the spot nervously before leaving. I notice he takes one last look at me from over his should before he exits.

         “Here, let’s set the scene a little,” I say pulling a book off the shelf. I noticed the black talons on the spine of the book and correctly assumed the book was related to black fay.

         “I’ll look for a few more. How about you concentrate on following my mother’s instructions?” I suggest as I wander off between the aisles. After I have collected another five books and set them atop of a desk I scan the library for Adreanus.

         “Make any progress?” I ask when I spot at the very back hidden behind rows of shelves.

         “Yes.

         A large wooden bookcase that is ornately carved covers the very back wall of the library. At first I do not even notice the keyhole. It is Adreanus who sees it. Within the very center of a flower is a tiny dark hole that blends seamlessly into the surrounding petals. Adreanus scans the area ensuring no one is watching before he pulls out the key and raises it to the hole. With the slightest click he turns the key. Nothing happens. I don’t know why but I was expecting the bookshelf to swing open or something.

         Instead Adreanus throws all of his weight on the end of the shelf closest to the keyhole, which slides just enough to create an opening large enough for a person. We squeeze through the entrance not forgetting to grab a lantern from the nearest reading table to light our way. Once we had both passed through the entranceway Adreanus slides the bookshelf back to its original place.

         Every surface is dusted with cobwebs making it clear that no one has entered in a very longtime. The hallway is short and it isn’t long before it opens into a single room.  There are two velvety sofa chairs on either side of a circular table, a set of five sconces on the wall and nothing more. I light the sconces using the flame from the lantern.

         I think back to the parchment Adreanus had showed me and remember there were further instructions for when we entered the room.

         “What’s next?” I ask him eagerly. I feel as if we are hunting for treasure and I can’t help but feel excited.

         “We count floor boards. Starting from the entrance we count to 22.”

         We lower ourselves to the floor, onto a thick layer of dust, and begin counting until we reach a floorboard that looks no different than the rest.

         “Now what?”

         “Well we need Earth magic to remove the board.”

         “What?” What does he mean? Neither of us can use Earth magic. What was the point of this?

         “Your mom says here on the parchment that the board is quite literally rooted to the floor of the library.”

         “What are we going…” I watch as his eyes sparkle at me and realize mid-sentence the meaning of his gaze. It wasn’t what WE were going to do it was what I was going to have to do.

         “I’m not…” Adreanus interrupts me before I have a chance to protest.

         “You can do it. I know you can. At the very least can I ask you to try?” His voice sounds desperate.

         “Fine,” I sigh placing my hands on my hips.

         I steady my breathing allowing my eyes to almost fall out of focus only instead of everything becoming blurry the scene before me becomes crisp and vivid and strings of white light oscillate around the room. I try and focus on the board but it is hard to focus my power on such a small item. It is as if I am a puppet master pulling at the very fabric of matter, the problem is that it feels like I am holding thousands of strings and must focus on only pulling one of them.

         I try and I try but I know the dangers of the tiniest error and I am paralyzed with fear.

         “I’m scared,” I confess in defeat.

         “Avila, you’ve got this.” He says as he steps towards me. I can tell he is internally debating what he is about to do. He stands behind me his body touching mine and gently holds my arms in his hands. I feel warm tingles propagate out from where our bodies touch.

         “I’m going to teach you a strategy I used when learning to control my magic. Close your eyes.”

         I close my eyes. I feel his chest rise and fall against my shoulders and my breathing instinctively matches his. My nerves begin to dissipate as I relax in his arms.

         “Good. Now open your eyes.”

         I try not to let the magic overwhelm me. Adreanus grounds me and somehow I feel I can do it. I focus on the board. I feel the Earth magic that runs through it rooting it to the ground. I manipulate the energy and I recoil expecting the worse. My body presses into Adreanus.

         “You’re doing fine. You have nothing to worry about,” he says misinterpreting my accelerated heartbeat.

         I push Adreanus out of my mind and focus on the task at hand. I feel the roots retracting from the earth beneath the floorboards. It takes every ounce of my strength not to send every floorboard flying across the room. I feel the last root give and sigh with relief.

         I turn on my heels to face Adreanus. “It’s done,” I say triumphantly. I cannot wash the grin off of my face. He smiles at me still holding onto my arms.

         “I knew you could do it.”

         I drop to my knees and with a satisfying creek I remove the floorboard. I reach my hand into the darkness and my fingertips graze the surface of a thickly bound journal. I carefully lift one journal out after the other and pass them over to Adreanus.  There are a total of six journals.

         I dust off one of the sofas with my hand before collapsing into the cushions with a journal propped in my lap. Adreanus follows suit.

         “Can you believe eighteen years ago my mother and your father were probably sitting in this very room?”

         Adreanus smiles. He traces his fingers along the writing in the journal. I cannot imagine growing up without my mother. Every time I think of her my stomach knots and a deep sadness binds my chest making it difficult to breathe. I return my attention to the journal. I need to master my abilities if I want to stand a chance at helping her.

         

13: Chapter 13

“We should probably head back to the library before anyone notices our absence,” Adreanus says reluctantly.

         “I suppose you are right,” I agree pulling myself out of the sofa.

         I pick up my bag from the floor and begin loading it with the journals. I hold out my hand to Adreanus who passes me the journal he had been reading for no more than a few minutes.

         Adreanus extinguishes the torches with his water magic and we make our exit. We walk along the hallway and when we reach the back of the bookshelf we press our ears against the thick wood that separates us from the library. Silence. We both push at the shelf and allow it to inch open very slowly. Adreanus peers through the slightest sliver of an opening.

         “The coast is clear,” he says with relief.

         We quietly push the bookshelf just enough to slip through and quickly close it once more remembering to lock the entrance behind us.

         We sit ourselves back at the desk on which I had placed the books not more than half an hour ago.  My heart is racing. We did it!

         “Do you think its safe to read these here?” I whisper. My thoughts are no. Adreanus unfortunately agrees with me.

         I reluctantly pick up one of the books from the table. The spine is old and battered and the pages stained and tattered. The book looks ancient. I flip to the first page and begin to read. Even the language and syntax is old. I begin skimming through the pages. I allow the pages to brush through my fingers only something cashes my eye. I quickly stop the pages from turning and back track until I find the image that had struck me.

         “What are these?” I whisper to myself.

         I have never seen such a beautiful illustration. The image is of two beings that look like humans only they have silvery wings stretching out from their backs. Why are these images in a book about Black Fay? I quickly read the caption at the bottom of the image.

         “Adreanus,” I whisper in awe. “Have you ever heard of White Fay?” 

         Adreanus closes his book with hurried and quiet thud.

         “Actually, yes. But only just today! My father had mentioned them in the journal I was reading.”

         “Come here,” I motion to the spot next to me. The sofas are so large it doesn’t take much scooching to make enough room for the two of us. I hold the book between us as we read.

Unfortunately the chapter on White Fay is very short, which based on the information is not surprising. Apparently White Fay existed long before any human walked this earth. It is believed, by the author, that they were magical beings who lived for many lifetimes in peace until groups of White Fay began to inexplicably lose their magic and their wings. Jealous of their peers these White Fay learnt that they could harvest a fraction of the magic from other White Fay by removing their wings. By absorbing the energy from the wings, the White Fay literally and figuratively turned dark. This is how the author explains the creation of Dark Fay. The Dark Fay never able to attain the level of power of the White Fay continually sought more magic. A war raged between the White and Dark Fay. The White Fay were victorious. To prevent any recurrence the remaining White Fay removed their own wings and transformed themselves into humans, as we know them today, and the magic from their wings created Sprites. Although most of their power was lost, many of the humans retained some magic over the elements.

“Wow,” I whisper as I finish reading the last sentence of the chapter.

“What do you think?”

“It’s an interesting theory. I am open to the idea but it requires some additional research,” he says eyeing my bag.

“Many people believe sprites are only fables too, but you know they are real,” I say not really sure where I am going with that train of thought.

“I know. It’s strange, if anyone were to make an assumption on my stance on sprites they would have assumed I did not believe in them. The funny thing is that I have always believed in them. Even before I witnessed that one at the Lake that day it healed you.”

“I always seem to find myself face to face with Sprites. Or rather they always seem to find me,” I whisper cautiously. My mother is the only other person I had trusted with this information.

“What do you mean?” Adreanus probes.

“The first time I saw a sprite was when I was eight years old. We were at the summer palace in the Eastern Province. My mother was summoned for the birth of the princess and I was playing in the gardens. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.”

Adreanus’ eyes widen in surprise and understanding washes over him.

“What?” I demand. For some reason I know he is holding something back.

“Well… I… Uh…” He is debating whether or not he is going to tell me.

“You owe me. I healed you. I helped you get the journals. Adreanus you need to trust me.” My voice is pleading at first but by the end of my request irritation takes hold of my voice.

“I was there.” He confesses.

“What?” I replay the memory in my mind’s eye and realize immediately what he means.

“You were that boy?” I say with surprise.

“You used light magic,” he replies stifling a laugh. “I never understood it at the time.”

“When did you figure it out?” I ask confused.

“When you told me your name.”

“You remembered?”

“Yes. It was the first time in a long time that I had lost control over my magic. Believe me, that day is embedded in my memory,” his eyes fail to meet mine. There is something else he isn’t telling me.

 

“What are you reading?” His voice makes me jump in my seat. I don’t know how I did notice his approach. I look up to see his eyes staring at us suspiciously.

Adreanus hands the book over to the King, my grandfather.

“Black Fay, of course.” He says confidently.

“I promised the Queen to complete a full report,” he adds.

The King grumbles as he flicks through the pages clearly looking for something out of the ordinary. He then examines each book on the table. He seems to relax a little, his shoulders dropping

“I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a copy of the report. Dark Fay are also advancing into the Western Province. If you are any thing like your father, I expect you will make some interesting discoveries.” His voice softens at the mention of Guios.

“Of course your majesty,” Adreanus says respectfully.

“You may call me Liam,” he says as he disappears behind a row of books without a single glance in my direction.

 

“Now I have to write a report,” Adreanus sighs.

“Well, I’m sure Queen Cora would appreciate it. It is certainly not without its merits. I will not lie, I have personal interests in learning about the Dark Fay,” I explain.

“You are right.”

 

         We spend the rest of the morning in the library. We divide and conquer the pile of books in front of us faster than I expected. There is no mention of White Fay in any of the other books. But there is a lot of useful information about the properties of Dark Fay magic, how to combat them, and how to heal Dark Fay wounds. I jot down all the important information I gathered on several pieces of paper. As I hand over my paper to Adreanus I glance at his notes. His flawless handwriting is a stark contrast to my scrawling penmanship.

         “Thanks,” he says closing the last book and placing it on the desk.

         “No problem. Can I ask you a favour in return?” I ask meeting his eyes. He nods. I lean in close to him and whisper, “I need help training. If I am going to be pretending to be a wielder of Earth magic and battling at the same time it is going to take a lot of practice. I will need someone to practice on and you know how Eilif battles. Your insight will be invaluable.”

         “Of course, Avila. You didn’t have to ask. I thought it was a given that I was going to help prepare you for the battle. Let’s get some lunch and we will start your training immediately after that,” he proposes.

         “Sounds like a deal. I don’t think I could sit for another minute. Honestly, I am not in the least bit used to all of this sitting. I used to complain endlessly to my mother about never staying in one place for too long and here I am itching to get out and go somewhere!” I laugh at the irony.

         There is a guard positioned outside of the library who escorts us to the kitchen. He eyes me curiously without saying much of anything. As we move from tree to tree, through tunnels and across bridges I surprise myself by recognizing a handful of corridors. The walk is painfully slow. Adreanus still must feign his injuries.

         The kitchen is welcoming. Large windows decorate the walls and allow natural light to hit every corner of the room. I watch as the staff busy themselves with their work. A stout woman sees us at the door and hurries over.

         “Hello Miss. Do you have any requests for lunch?” She says bowing her head the slightest.

         “There’s no need for that! Please treat me like any other person,” I say shyly.

         “Yes Miss. You are every bit your mother’s daughter. Lena insisted the very same.”

         “As for my lunch. Please whatever you have laying around will do just fine.”

         “Hmmm…” She says to herself disappearing into the hustle and bustle of the kitchen.

         She is quick to return holding two clay pots that she hands over to the guard. “I hope you enjoy your meal. It was your mother’s favourite meal.”

         “Thank you, very much!” I say before heading out into the hall.

         “Where would you like to eat?” The guard inquires.

         “If you could lead us back to the infirmary I would really appreciate it.

 

 

14: Chapter 14

I sit with my legs crossed on my bed and the clay pot nestled in my lap. As soon as I open the lid an absolutely delicious aroma fills my nostrils sending hunger pangs shooting through my abdomen. I had not realized how hungry I was. I pick up my fork and dig in.

“This is amazing!” I mumble through a closed mouth full of food.

It doesn’t take me long before I devour every last crumb of my lunch. I set the clay pot on the night side table. I glance over at Adreanus who has also finished eating. I haul my bag onto the bed and carefully remove the journals one by one.

 “Adreanus, I am not going to lie. I am dying with curiosity to read these journals. BUT we spent ALL morning reading in the library and I am a tad antsy to get out and move. I plan on spending no more than another hour reading over this journal,” I say picking up a journal from the pile, “before heading outside. Feel free to join me or to stay. ” I secretly hope he will join me.  Training will be that much easier with an opponent.

“I will come with you. We have plenty of time to read these,” he motions towards the journals, “ and you do not have plenty of time to train.”

“You have no idea how grateful I am to hear that. Thank you, Adreanus.”

Adreanus removes a journal from the pile and fills my bag with the remaining journals. I suspect he is trying to be cautious. Someone could enter at any moment. It won’t be difficult to quickly hide one journal but all of them? That would be a little more challenging.

I open the journal. I at once notice the similarities between Adreanus’s and Guios’s penmanship. “Your handwriting is identical,” I whisper from behind the journal.

At the top right-hand corner of the page I notice the date. My mother was six months pregnant with me. I cannot believe what I am reading. My lips part as I let out a gasp in surprise.

“My mother wielded light magic when she was pregnant with me!” I whisper hurriedly.

“Your magic was transferred to her?” Adreanus ponders curiously. There is no doubt in my mind that Adreanus is an academic just like his father. The sparkle in his eyes reveal his burning desire to learn more.

My eyes dart across the page as I read and absorb as much of the information written in the journal as I can. There are pages after pages of information describing how my mother had to learn how to control her magic. Guios documented everything. As I read I realize that the words on the pages could have been my own—the fear, the overbearing power, the beauty, and the secrecy—I am experiencing it all. Life had come full circle. The life she was living I was now living. I pull out some parchment and scribble out some notes on how my mother managed to control my magic. I fold the parchment two times and tuck it into my pocket. I return the journal into my bag. I stand, stretching my arms towards the ceiling and alternating my weight from one leg to the other.

         As soon as we step outside I draw in a deep breath of cool air and feel my body instantly relax. The sun scatters through the canopy of leaves the warmth of the beams hitting my skin contrasts the briskness of the air.

         “Should we head out into the forest?” I suggest wanting to find a more secluded area for training.

         “I think that would be wise.”

         I lead the way into the dense woods to the north of the city. The trees are smaller with very little space between them; I effortlessly maneuver my way around the trees. My legs pick up speed and before I know it I am running. The cool air runs across my cheeks and I welcome the familiar rhythmic thudding of my heart. I glance over my shoulder and meet Adreanus’ eyes. He is keeping pace, clearly enjoying the run as much as I.

         We run for a good twenty minutes before we find a small clearing that is encircles with beautiful blossoming trees. My legs protest eager to keep running. I survey the area until I am satisfied that no one is within a seeing distance of our location.

         “It’s now or never,” I sigh.

         Adreanus takes his position about four feet in front of me. I know the drill. This is how my mother trained me. Every day without fail my mother would take the very same position of Adreanus and we would train.

         I draw my sword and Adreanus’ his. I wait for him to make his move. I watch the glint of his sword swing towards me and mine meets his with a heavy clang that echoes in my ears. Our bodies mirror one another and gracefully dance around the forest floor.

         Adreanus is always at the slightest advantage. I wonder if he is holding back. His sword grazes my sleeve. I cannot allow my thoughts to distract me. I push forward quickly scanning my surroundings looking for something. I see a large root and a thought suddenly hits me. With a bat of my eyes light magic is revealed.

         I remember the words written on the scroll. I have to feel the energy of the root not just see it. I split my focus onto my opponent and on the root. Adreanus thinks I am losing ground. I see the flash of victory in his eyes. My mind reaches for the root, I feel its energy as if it is my own and I send it shooting out towards his legs knocking him to the ground.

         “I did it!” I call out as I hold out my hand to him. He clasps his hand around my wrist and immediately returns to his feet.

         “So we are using magic, are we?” He says his lips pulling into a sinister smile.

         “Um… Well?”

         “How did you do that anyway?” he asks curiously.

         “It was something Gaios had written in the journal about feeling and not just seeing. It worked, but took a lot of concentration. I don’t think I will be able to keep it up during battle,” I confess.

         “Your form and technique is very strong. I do have a couple recommendations but I think perhaps it would be a better use of your time to focus on your magic. Once you’ve got your magic under control we will resume our battles,” Adreanus suggests.

         I nod my head in agreement. I look around wondering what to do. I am so used to battling without magic that I have no idea what the typical magic strategies are.

         The magic is overwhelming. Every time I allow it to surface the pressure spreads through my body almost instantaneously searching for an escape. It is hard to focus on anything but the task at hand. I funnel the strength that builds within me focusing it on a single tree. I allow my body to feel the sway of the leaves in the breeze. My heart slows following the rustling rhythm of the tree. I watch as all but the light magic of the tree in front of me disappears. I am the tree. I can pull at any thread of magic making the tree bend and the branches part from its neighbours allowing a stream of light to penetrate the thick canopy and cast a glowing light right onto Adreanus who shields his eyes as they adjust to the harsh light. I can’t help the grin that forms on my face.

         “Would that pass as Earth magic?” I call to Adreanus who is still squinting.

         “Yes. Not a bad way to blind your assailant.” He adds.

         “Obviously,” I say as if that were my intention. 

         I spend the next hour or so focusing my energy on different trees, always one or two at a time. Despite feeling drained I feel much better versed in controlling my magic and it slowly becomes easier. Adreanus doesn’t sit still, clearly not wanting to waste any time. Every now and then I shoot him a quick glance. I watch him as he swings his sword with precision and drives it into the earth.

         Feeling a little more confident I decide to focus my energy on the entire row of trees that surround the clearing. Each tree with its own energy I feel my body split, each division corresponding to a single tree. The power within me pulls and pushes as I try and divide it equally among each section. It feels as if my body might break into a hundred pieces. I breathe heavily and pull at the branches as sunlight pours in.  I hold it for as long as I can as my legs tremble beneath me. Like a slingshot the branches throw themselves inward as I lose control. Pink blossoms rain from the sky as they are shaken from their stems.

         I fall to my knees. I find it hard the breath. My body shakes back and forth and I take sharp breaths as it centers itself again. I am acutely aware of Adreanus at my side.

         “Avila,” his voice is soft and his eyes tell he is concerned.

         “I’m fine,” I lie.

         “I think we should call it a day. Let’s head back.”

         “Ugh. We still have a few hours before dinner,” I complain angry with myself. That means I only have four days of training left before I face Eilif.

 

         ***********************************************

 

         The sun is but a sliver above the horizon. Every night we have dined with Fiona and every night I ask her whether there has been any news of my mother’s whereabouts. I am relieved and terrified to hear that they believe she is alive and is traveling south with a group of dark fey. Fortune has it that the surviving dark fay is injured and is moving slowly.  I can hardly sit still for a moment knowing that she needs my help. I quickly lace my boots and throw on a heavy sweater. Adreanus packs his gear and we make our way to very same clearing we had found three days earlier.

         We face each other. I try to give him my most threatening glare but I can only hold it for a second before laughter escapes my smiling lips.

         “Avila!” Adreanus complains.

         “Sorry,” I say regaining composure.

         I have made a lot of progress in the last two days in terms of my control over my magic. However when using my magic on the field of battle I feel it is very disjointed. It is clear that I have learnt the two separately. Although I have already come up with an excuse as to why that might be. I was just going to tell them that my mother forbade me from using Earth magic. I feel like improvements are needed before I face Eilif.

         Adreanus lunges forward and I lean back in response as his body weight presses against me. I feel his breath tickle the hollow of my neck. I squat low shifting my weight to my right and swinging my left leg out onto his weight bearing leg. He falls to the ground for a brief moment. I see the swirls of magic before the water shoots towards me. I dodge it. I pull roots from the ground beneath Adreanus’ feet but he leaps onto a nearby rock.  

         Mid run, water bubbles from the earth quickly coating the ground beneath my feet. I feel myself lose balance and fall into a puddle of mud. My clothes cling to me weighing me down. Adreanus is quick to close the distance between and attempts to take advantage of the situation. In his haste, he doesn’t notice his proximity to a nearby tree. I focus my energy and swing a branch into his back sending him flying into the mud. He drains the water back into the soil and briskly rises to face me.

 Our faces are inches apart. We stand like this for no more than a minute and yet it feels like an eternity. I smile briefly before knocking him to the ground.

“You’ll give Eilif a run for his money,” Adreanus says regaining his feet.

“You know I’m not ready,” I argue.

“You don’t have to win,” Adreanus counters.

“Do you know me? I hate losing,” I say half laughing.

“That really does not surprise me.”

“Again?” I ask.

“Absolutely.”              

         After a few more rounds we make our way back to the infirmary. Adreanus is very grateful that he finally does not have to pretend he is still unwell.  Our laughter fills the halls of the infirmary.

         “Dibs on the shower,” Adreanus calls running over to the shower.

         “Not if I get there first,” I say pushing my past him into the doorway of the bathroom.

         Our body’s meet as we squeeze through the narrow doorframe. I feel his heart hammering in his chest and mine echoes his. His hand grazes my arm and I instinctively lean into his body. My chin tilts up and his down until our eyes meet. My whole body tingles and ripples of energy pulse through me.

         He breaks eye contact. “Go ahead,” he whispers as he leaves the room.

         I close the door much more loudly than I intended. Frustration courses through my veins. Does he or doesn’t he feel as I feel about him? I pull off my muddied clothes and welcome the stream of hot water. I allow it to wash away the dirt, the sadness, the frustration, and the anxiety.

15: Chapter 15

The sun is already high in the sky. For the first time in a long time I allow myself to sleep in. The battle has been scheduled for 2pm. I lay awake warm beneath the heavy comforter. I roll onto my side and notice Adreanus’s bed is empty.

         I reluctantly kick the blankets to the bottom of the bed. I browse my new collection of fighting gear and pick a light pair of chocolate brown pants that do not restrict my range of motion and a warm and snug cobalt blue wool sweater. As I head out the door and pull my hair into a high ponytail making sure there are no loose ends that might impair my vision. 

         To warm up I decide to go for a run to the stables to pay Felix a visit. The city is busy with the coming and going of people. I see many curious eyes fall on me. The rumours of the return of an heir have spread into the city and King has declared that the battle will be open to the eyes of the public.

         I hear Felix’s neigh of delight when he sees me approaching. He canters over rubbing his head against my chest. I haven’t had too many opportunities to visit my trusted stead since arriving and I have missed him. I stroke his mane and rub my fingers gently down his nose. I pull out an apple from my pocket and hold it out for him to eat. I feel myself relax. Time moves quickly and I know that my presence will shortly be needed at the battling grounds.

         Just as I wonder where Adreanus has disappeared to, I see him approaching. We barely share a word and yet I find his presence comforting.

        

*********************

          Every seat is filled. The King and Queen are seated in the very front row and the crowd surveys their every move that is until I make my entrance and all eyes focus on me.

Adreanus faces me holding my arms in his hands; he gently applies pressure, leans in and whispers in my ear.

         “You have nothing to worry about. You’ll do great.” The words barely escape his mouth before he disappears into the crowd. I breathe deeply trying to calm my nerves. I remind myself that my focus has to be entirely on the battle and nothing else.

         I take my place in the center. I scan the battlefield carefully. I take notice of every tree, every rock, every root, and the rising and falling of the earth beneath my feet.  I allow my eyes to shift in and out of focus until I can see the beautiful tapestry of light magic veil my sight. I feel my surroundings. It is clear the grounds have been designed for wielders of Earth magic. My attention shifts to Eilif who is now entering the grounds. I had forgotten just how tall he is.  I feel his magic too and my stomach turns in response to its strength.

         He faces me square on. His eyes appraise me sympathetically. His underestimation of my strength is what I will use to my advantage. He has never seen me battle. I on the other hand have picked Adreanus’ brain and know his weakness—his big size makes him slower on his feet.

         I hear the Queen’s voice bellowing over the crowd and with heavy authority she informs them that the battle will begin and that distractions are not welcomed.  Eilif and I take are fighting stance and wait for the signal to begin. With a deafening blow of a horn it has started.

         I draw my sword. The words of the Queen replay in my mind reminding me that there is to be no attempt to severely injure one another. Our swords meet with an echoing clang and our bodies move in synchronicity. I stay low to the ground making it more difficult for Eilif to meet my sword.

         Our spiralling tracks document our movements across the battlefield. I begin to take note of his style and continue to allow Eilif to believe he has the upper hand waiting for the right moment. Eilif’s reliance on Earth magic increases as the battle wears on. Adreanus and I agreed that it would not be wise for me to manipulate his magic as suspicion might arise. If it weren’t for the fact that my ability to see his light magic allows me to know the intent of his magic before its action is carried out, the battle scene would be a very different one. My anticipation of his magic has left him frustrated and my opening transpires.

         Certain he is about to knock me over with the blow of a nearby branch his stance is relaxed. He isn’t prepared for me to duck and instead focus my energy on pulling roots from the ground and intertwining them around his feet. It takes all of my weight directed at his lower leg to knock him to the ground.

         Unfortunately he quickly recovers. His hazel eyes sparkle in the sunlight staring into me with surprise. From rocks rising from the ground to trees thrusting branches I suspect the forest is as tired as we are. The use of light magic starts to slow me down. Eilif does not make the mistake of underestimating me again.

         I part the trees so that beams of light strike Eilif in the eyes. He is blinded only momentarily as he attempts to jump onto a nearby rock. I grab a hold of the leg of his pants and he slips down the jagged surface. He faces me and swings his sword. I retreat quickly and make distance between us. At this point we are both covered in bumps and bruises.     

         I rack my brain for ideas. I am tired and cannot keep this up much longer. I watch as Eilif approaches. Then I remember a trick my mother had shown me. My back is to a tree. My hand is concealed behind my back and I reach for and snap off a branch. I transfer the branch to my sword wielding hand and thrust it towards him. Hoping he believes it my sword with no intentions to harm him I swing my actual sword towards his chest. Only he anticipates my move! He knocks me to the ground and roots wrap themselves around my body. I struggle to break free. Adrenaline pumping my magic instinctively responds and builds within me. The Earth beneath us shakes and the roots lose their structural support from the soil as they retract into the loose dirt.

         I escape for only a minute before Eilif uses the full force of his body to send me flying towards the ground. I brace myself as I fall but instead of the hard earth soft arms are wrapped around me. I look into the eyes of my assailant. They are apologetic.

         “I HAVE SEEN ENOUGH!” King Liams calls from the crowd the trailing echo of his voice trembling just the slightest.

         He leaves his seat and half runs towards us. I am terrified until I see his eyes. The harsh lines around his eyes are replaced by a softness that transforms his face. The hint of tears wet the corner of his eyes.

         “My granddaughter,” he whispers as he holds out his hand to me. Eilif carefully removes himself from atop of me and King Liam pulls me to my feet. His giant arms are outstretched and I close the space between us allowing my head to rest us his chest. Cheers erupt from the crowd.

         “Can you find it in your heart to forgive an old man?” He asks me hopeful. I feel him hold his breath.

         “Of course,” I reply. He breathes again. 

         The three of us make our way back to the sidelines where Queen Fiona eagerly awaits our return.

         “You aren’t hurt are you?” He asks as his eyes linger on my bruised forehead.

         “I’ll be fine,” I assure him. “I suspect you are almost as badly injured as I am,” I add.

         “Do you mind?” He asks pointing at my forehead. I nod my consent. His fingers gently pull a strand of my hair away from a painful lump that has erupted on the corner of my head. He rummages in a bag that sits on the ground and pulls out a tin. He quickly unscrews the lid and an aroma of familiar spices fills the air. It smells of cinnamon and clove. He gently rubs my forehead and numbing warmth ripples along my skin from the site of contact.

         I instinctively run my fingers along my brow and am surprised that I cannot locate a bump.

         “Thanks,” I say meeting his gaze.

         I search for him. Fiona watches me closely and answers the question forming in my mind.

         “Queen Cora has requested that Adreanus return to the Eastern Province,” she says delicately as if aware of my feelings for him.

         My heart stops. “He has not already left has he?” I demand angrily.

         “I believe he is packing his belongings as we speak,” Fiona says nervously.

         “May I?” I ask already turning on my heels and about to break into a run.

         “Of course!” Fiona calls as I disappear.

*******************

         I am livid. I storm into the room slamming the door behind me. I see him standing by his bed packing his belongings into a travel bag.

         “You weren’t even going to bother saying goodbye?” I demand indignantly my eyes narrowing in on him.

         “I…” He is lost for words.

         “You what?” I say merciless.

         “You know I can accept the fact that you don’t love me like I love you!” I yell out unable to stop the words. My cheeks instantly and successively turn three shades of pink. Adreanus drops his bag. His eyes widen.

         “Yes,” I say my voice now dropping to whisper, “I love you Adreanus.”

         “You can’t,” he stammers.

         “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t feel. What I don’t understand is that you don’t even care enough about me to say goodbye.”

         “I…” Once again he cannot find the words.

         “Fine. Leave. Take your father’s journals with you. I can’t possibly keep them,” I say tossing my bag across the room.

         “But you need them,” he protests.

         “I don’t want them,” I declare stubbornly.

         “Good bye Adreanus,” I say instantly regretting my decision the moment I run out the door. It is too late to turn back now.

         The sun disappears beyond the horizon and the cool evening air nips at my exposed cheeks. My eyes burn with the effort of keeping back the tears that threaten to surface. I swallow hard and run. I do not know where I am going only that I cannot stop. Leaving the city behind me I take refuge in the surrounding forest. I move through the trees flowing uninterrupted like a stream over the waterbed. The forest is silent except for the gentle echo of my feet hitting the forest floor.

         My thighs burn from the hours of fighting and I finally come to a halt in front of a small pond. I perch myself at the edge of the water and grasp my knees tightly against my chest as I rock back and forth. My messy hair breaks loose from my elastic and veils my face. I finally allow the tears to fall. They trickle down my cheeks dropping silently into the pond. With each teardrop the water of the pond dances with ripples.

         I cry for my mother and I cry from a broken heart. As I stare at my reflection by the light of the moon I see a pair of twinkling eyes stare back at me. I blink expecting them to disappear but they do not. I quickly look behind but there is no one there. The eyes stare back at me oscillating as the ripples distort their image.

         From the water rises a sprite. White light radiates from every inch of its skin. I stumble backwards taken back by its beauty. I have never seen anything like it. My brain searches to make sense of the scene before me, he is not a water sprite, is he even a sprite?

         “Don’t cry child,” says a deep voice. With all my encounters with sprites I have never heard one speak my language.

He approaches me curiously as he makes circles around me looking me up and down. He paces rhythmically.

"Why are you crying?" He asks his voice mirrors my own sorrow.

 

Hiding from behind my hair I answer him. "For my mother," I say and hesitate before adding, "and a broken heart." For some reason I cannot lie to this man.

Suddenly an idea hits me. What if I allowed myself to see him with light magic? Despite feeling drained I focus the remaining energy I have left. I pull my hair away from my face and I cannot believe my eyes. The most intricate magic I have ever seen weaves and bends with his every move.  

 

         “Could it be?” he whispers hurriedly. His eyes fall on my own and his steady steps falter.

         “What is the name of your mother?” he asks.

         “My mother?” my voice cracks.

         “Hurry child. Answer me please.” Despite the demanding nature of the words his voice is soft and patient.

         “Her name is Lena. I mean Selena.” I say not hesitating to trust the being in front of me.

         Suddenly I hear someone calling my name. I turn in the direction of the voice and see Eilif appear from behind a tree his face illuminated by the light of a lantern. I spin in my spot expecting to see his twinkling eyes only to find he has disappeared.

         “Avila! What are you doing out here?” He asks me his voice laced with concern.

         I press my index fingers against the ducts of my eyes running them along and up my lash line, erasing all signs of tears.

         “I… Uh… wanted to go for a run?” I say only it sounds more like a question than a statement.

         Eilif sighs. “Avila. You don’t have to lie to me. I have observed you and Adreanus together on many occasions. Of course you are sad that he has departed.”

         “I’m sorry,” I say truly repenting my lie. My whole life seems like lie after lie and I am getting sick of it.

         “Don’t sweat it. Let’s head back?”

         “Sounds like a plan.”

         “You must be starving,” he suggests.

         “Absolutely ravenous,” I concede.  

         I take one last peek over my shoulder hoping to catch a glimpse of the moonlit man. There is no trace of him.