Entangled web of destruc.., p.14
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 14
“Sorceress, please accept my apologies,” Kyle says as he steps away from Cora. “I meant no disrespect.”
“Nelia, you can’t be here,” Charnell interrupts as the watchmen sound the trumpets. “Kyle, I need you to take Cora and leave the castle through the hidden passage. You know where it is. There should be hidden horses and weapons, as in our training sessions. Whatever happens, do not stop, and I will reconnect with you later.”
Nelia interjects, “I can protect her.”
“Kyle, go!”
“I am not going anywhere without my parents. Where are they?”
“We will ensure their safety. Please go with Kyle.”
Kyle watches Cora, looking around frantically with tears streaming down her face, and a movement catches his attention as two armed men enter the street. Their time has run out. He wraps his hand around hers, and they run toward the opening, at the other end of the alley. The striking of the swords fades in the distance as they get further away.
31
Nelia
Splintered Vale
Nelia firmly pushes Charnell back after the threats have been eliminated.
“You sent my daughter away. I could have protected her,” she cries.
“I did what I thought was the best decision in the moment. We cannot bring war upon Splintered Vale.”
“No, I don’t know this,” she says as she starts to walk away, and he grabs onto her arm. “I can’t deal with anything else.”
“I would never have put your daughter or the prince in danger. We had no choice because there were unknown powers at play. For all we knew, both the warlock and Richard were involved.”
She sniffles, trying not to cry, but she can’t control the tears. The power of grief and hopelessness is crippling her thoughts as she tries to make sense of what is happening around her. She refuses to make eye contact with him, knowing she will only cry much harder, and controlling her composure will help her through today.
“Nelia, look at me.”
“Release me!” Turning around, she pulls her wrist free as their eyes lock. The darkness churns in her blood like nothing she has ever felt before; the burning and increasing pain of the energy from the black magic is overwhelming. “You have no idea how angry I am at you. I am begging you to back off.”
Charnell is caught off guard by another scout who has snuck up behind him. He attempts to block the attack but stumbles backward over a body and collides with the ground, crying out in pain.
Nelia turns to face the attacker. Without being provoked, she flicks her hand, sending a powerful blast of wind, knocking the man several feet back. However, he keeps his footing and comes after her. Taking a few steps forward, she sends another blast of wind, hitting the man in the chest, and he stumbles back a few feet, but that doesn’t stop him.
Charnell gets to his feet to intervene, but branches of darkness pin him against the wall.
Blocking out the calls from Charnell, Nelia reaches for the sky, conjuring a storm above Splintered Vale. Blue jagged streaks of lightning escape her fingers toward the sky. An explosion roars above the castle as a blustery wind enters the grounds, rolling through the streets and entering the alleyway, creating a vacuum that pulls debris out with it.
Darkness takes hold of her.
“Nelia!”
Turning, she sees Alexander entering the alleyway as several knights move people out of the markets. She grins, turning away to see the attacker running away. Flicking her hand, she attempts to send a bolt of lightning, but Alexander intervenes, pushing her hand, which sends the electrical charge crashing into the wall of a nearby building.
She regains control, sending a whirlwind toward Alexander that pulls him out of the streets onto the roof.
“Nelia, you need to stop,” Aurora calls out from the shadows.
“Your presence is nothing but a premonition from my conscience to intervene.”
“Maybe so, but I am here to stop you from hurting people. You need to get control of yourself and send the darkness away. Allow me to heal your pain.”
“Pain. What do you know about pain? My daughter runs for her life because you failed to protect her.”
Nelia casts a blue voltage toward Aurora, who blocks the attack, and she counters by sending a whirling fireball. She dodges the attack and swirls around, sending another voltage of energy, which is deflected once again.
She clenches her fists, gazing at Aurora.
Aurora reaches for the sky, syphoning the energy from the raging storm, and a cyclone of power wraps around her. A surge of energy spins toward Nelia from all directions, slamming into her. She is knocked back several feet and lands on the ground.
“Do not get up!”
The magic loops around Nelia, securing her to the ground.
“I call upon the Winifred ancestors to extract the darkness from you and contain it in my family pendant.” The pendant turns black as shadows wrap around the sisters.
Nelia attempts to fight, but she can’t, and a shattering scream strikes Aurora, and she does not shift her position. The energy drawn from Nelia spins toward the pendant, and Aurora is forced to step back as the force collides with the crystal, almost shattering it.
Aurora waves her hand, casting Nelia into a deep sleep.
NELIA WAKES UP TO SEE Charnell sitting in her room. She can’t recall what happened, and her head is pounding. When she sits up, the room spins, and she grabs onto her head to try to ease the sharp, stabbing pain, but it doesn’t work. Nausea overcomes her. She pulls a pillow to her stomach.
“You have been sleeping for a few hours. Aurora said that would be normal after everything that occurred yesterday.”
“For some reason, I can’t recall everything or why you are here in my room.”
“Alexander and I surely do remember you trying to kill us. You were out of control.”
“I traveled down to the markets because something was leading me there.” Closing her eyes, she tries to unravel the events, and everything floods back, as if she were reliving it over again. Tears rush down her face.
“I was grieving, but what I did was uncalled for.”
“I think we can both forgive you, but you inflicted a lot of damage in the city, and I don’t think our queen is going to be as forgiving, especially since the prince left with your daughter.”
“My head is hurting so bad.”
“It’s a side effect from the dark magic being drained from you. It may last a few days while you recover, but you will be fine.”
“I need to see Constantina.” She attempts to stand up, but everything around her spins, and she sits back down, placing her hands on her face.
“I am leaving shortly for Orchard Ridge to search for the prince and Cora.”
“Can Aurora not locate her?”
“It’s not that simple. It seems only you and the warlock can sense her presence, if she uses her magic. However, if she doesn’t siphon it, she is invisible. Aurora said it was unlike anything she has ever encountered, and she is seeking guidance from the Elders.”
“Let me come with you.”
“I cannot allow that, by order of the queen. Besides, you need to heal.”
“Charnell, I am sorry,” she says.
“Me, too.”
After the door closes, she curls up on the bed, cradling the pillow as vivid images of the incident come flashing back. The energy from the black magic was magnificent and powerful on a scale she had never felt before. Tears stream down her face, and her chin trembles from the heavy sobs as she tries to fight back her emotions. Grief is too powerful, pulling at her feelings and destroying her self-control.
32
Richard
Broken Rest
Rebeka and Rike Williams arrive at Broken Rest the following day after they were kidnapped in Splintered Vale. Richard stands over the family, his head aches, and nausea engulfs him as he takes another drink of wine, not giving in to the sickness from the all-night drinking spree. All he wants is answers from the family, so that he can return to his day at the brothel.
“Where did you get the girl?” he asks, slurring his words slightly. “Who brought her to you?”
“She is our daughter,” Rike says, holding hands with his wife. “We did not take her from anyone.”
“Do you have our daughter?” Rebeka asks.
“You don’t know where she is?” He almost laughs, but he controls himself as he stares down at the two kneeling before him. “Let me enlighten you. She fled Splintered Vale with the future king, my nephew, who we are searching for as we speak, and we will find her.”
“Can I speak with them?” asks the warlock, but Richard ignores him.
“What do you want with her?” Rike asks.
“My accomplice seems to think your daughter has the power he needs to rule The Vale, but I am skeptical, so he needs to prove it to me.”
“You are wrong about our daughter,” Rebeka replies.
“That, my dear, is where you are wrong.” He gets closer, saying, “How do you think we found you? It wasn’t by luck, but more of a magical tracking or whatever it’s called. Warlock can you join us?”
“Yes, that is quite accurate, Your Majesty,” warlock says.
“Warlock, I now give you permission to do what you do best,” Richard says.
Richard gets out of the way to allow the warlock to interact with Rebeka and Rike, as he decides to pour a glass of water instead of drinking more wine. Perhaps, he should sober up and review the recommendations from city leaders regarding the repairs needed for the castle and other necessary maintenance. There are a lot of masons in the town whom he could pay to help fix some of the castle’s structure, but a lot of it is too-far gone for repairs.
The warlock places his hands on Rebeka’s temples, closes his eyes, and chants.
Richards sways to his right, almost losing his balance, but grabs onto a chair nearby. Fatigue and weakness are affecting him, and he can’t recall the last time he slept. It really doesn’t matter, because he can’t sleep. The shadowy figure is everywhere, in his dreams and waking hours, watching, taunting, and reminding him that he is unwell.
“High Priestess Aurora brought my daughter to this family at birth. They are fully aware that she is the descendant of House Winifred.” The warlock heaves as he clenches his hands. “Your Majesty, you can get rid of them.”
“What do you two have to say?”
“If anything should happen to my wife or me, you will have more trouble than you will ever imagine. I am Sir Riccardo Fearghal, a descendant of the Keepers of The Vale. Any harm to me, my wife, or our daughter will bring the wrath of the—”
“You bring empty threats; the brotherhood is obsolete,” Richard says. “You and your wife will spend time in the tower, until we no longer need you.”
“You are not authorized to keep us captive, nor you, warlock,” Rike warns. “We are citizens of the Hidden City and Splintered Vale.”
“You underestimate me. Take them away,” Richard orders as he grabs onto a walking stick to steady himself.
Neither of the parents fights back as they are escorted out of the room.
Richard’s fatigue is gaining strength as he decides he needs to go to bed, but he also wants to continue engaging in the events he attended last night. With heavy eyes, he attempts to focus on a being standing in the shadows and realizes it’s the shadowy figure making his appearance again. Waving the being away, he turns to engage with the warlock for a moment.
“Can you sense where your daughter and my nephew are at this moment?”
“It seems that magic, other than mine, is being summoned, which is making it difficult for me to narrow down the location, but never fear, I will find them both.”
“Keep me posted, as I am retiring to my chambers. If you hear anything about the Keepers of The Vale, please inform me immediately, because we do not have time for a war.”
The warlock responds with a slight grin.
33
Kyle
Ravendell
Three days have passed, since they left Splintered Vale.
The shadows of the Forbidden Forest wrap around them as they attempt to flee the five scouts tracking them. It has been a daunting few days, as the weather has been unpredictable, with rain, cold nights, and a lack of shelter posing a significant challenge. Kyle’s body aches from sleeping on the hard ground, and the fatigue from the restless nights is getting to him as he tries to focus on the path.
The scouts outmaneuvered their escape, surrounding them and blocking their path to flee.
A man, presumably the leader, halts his horse, saying, “We have orders to bring the girl back to Broken Rest without harming you, Kyle. However, your uncle did give us permission to use as much force as necessary to ensure that she comes with us.”
“She is under my protection, and any attempt to capture or harm her will be a threat to House Ainsworth.”
“We don’t serve you,” he shouts. He pulls his sword, waiting for Kyle’s next move.
Kyle surveys the surroundings, thinking of a way to get out of the situation, which he could do, if he were by himself, but protecting Cora is causing him some difficulties. A cool breeze stirs the foliage on the ground, twisting it in the air as he taps the hilt of his sword, watching the heavyset man gaze over at him. His body is covered with reminders of prior battles, and a scar on his right cheek is visible.
A fast movement frightens Cora’s horse; he bucks, knocking her off, and Kyle quickly comes to her aid.
“Watch out!” she warns.
A thinner, gray-haired scout swings a polearm, almost hitting Kyle, but he dodges the swing a moment before the collision. He sidesteps another swing as he moves further away from Cora, allowing her to be grabbed by the commander, who drags her toward his horse, but she doesn’t go quietly, kicking him in the shin and biting his arm.
Another man joins the fight against Kyle.
“Let her go!” Kyle deflects a thrust from a sword as he evades another pole’s swing.
“You have no idea what you are doing,” says Cora. “I beg you to release me.”
Kyle takes down one of the men as another takes his place, and he watches Cora fighting with two of the attackers now. While he is distracted, his opponent lunges toward him, striking his arm, and Kyle retreats momentarily, cringing in pain before counterattacking. He cuts through the air, taking out another enemy, and he quickly blocks a slash from a sword.
A powerful blast of wind propels Kyle and his adversary several feet forward into the air. The forceful collision with the ground makes it difficult for him to catch his breath as his chest tightens, and he tries to figure out what happened. Realizing he could still be in danger, he scrambles to his feet and retrieves his sword, which was thrown a few feet away.
Cora stands alone.
“What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she says.
“Where are the scouts?”
“I saw one of the men running the way we came, and the others I don’t know,” she says, her voice calm and facial expression empty. “Can we get out of here?”
“Let me find our horses.”
The ground starts to quake as something heads in their direction. There is nowhere they can hide as the sound of thundering hooves approaches, with a large moose entering the clearing. A bright light encircles the beast as it transforms into a priestess druid. Her green eyes stand out against her long white hair and her earthy-colored armor.
“You both need to come with me,” she says.
“We can’t do that.”
“The druids of Ravendell made an alliance with House Ainsworth of Splintered Vale and House Winifred many years ago. We can provide you with protection and guidance to help you navigate the Forbidden Forest. Please, join me in Ravendell.”
KYLE AND CORA FOLLOW Sylora into the capital city of Ravendell.
The large city is nestled between the deserts of Needle Point Chasm and the snowy mountains of the Stormy Peaks in the southern part of the Forbidden Forest. Many factions around the realm have sought haven among the druids over the years, and alliances have been necessary for peace. A vast array of resources, including land, farming, hunting, fishing, and a shipping port for trade, empowers the town to flourish.
The large towers provide visibility not only for tactical surveillance but also for spiritual purposes, offering a glimpse of the world. The bulky ships can be seen throughout the city, their massive sails fluttering from the breeze off the Soulless Sea and their masts reaching toward the sky. The steps leading to the main building seem endless as they continue to climb toward the entrance, where the leader, Elena Bellarose, a high priestess druid, awaits their arrival.
Inside, it is inviting, open, and calming as they journey to the meeting room. The hallway is lined with white marble floors and features white stone columns wrapped in gold strips. Elena greets them. Her long, green hair and eyes that match stand out against her brown dress, which flows to the floor, and the sleeves are decorated with white lace and matching ribbons intertwined in her braided hair.
“Kyle, Cora, it’s nice to finally meet you. Welcome to our home.”
“Elena, my father’s writing speaks highly of you and your alliance with our kingdom.”
“I only had an opportunity to meet with him a few times over the years. He was a great leader. What brings you in this direction?” she says.
“We fled Splintered Vale to protect Cora because my uncle is focused on abducting her. We encountered several of his men in the forest before Sylora arrived to escort us here,” Kyle warns. “The Grandmaster of Arms will meet me in a few days at a meeting location.”
“Cora, my dear, you must have a lot of questions, and we will do our best to help you understand. You both must be exhausted. Please allow Sylora to show you to your quarters above the gardens. It’s a small suite with a beautiful view of the surrounding flowers, wildlife, and a pond featuring a waterfall.”
“Nelia, you can’t be here,” Charnell interrupts as the watchmen sound the trumpets. “Kyle, I need you to take Cora and leave the castle through the hidden passage. You know where it is. There should be hidden horses and weapons, as in our training sessions. Whatever happens, do not stop, and I will reconnect with you later.”
Nelia interjects, “I can protect her.”
“Kyle, go!”
“I am not going anywhere without my parents. Where are they?”
“We will ensure their safety. Please go with Kyle.”
Kyle watches Cora, looking around frantically with tears streaming down her face, and a movement catches his attention as two armed men enter the street. Their time has run out. He wraps his hand around hers, and they run toward the opening, at the other end of the alley. The striking of the swords fades in the distance as they get further away.
31
Nelia
Splintered Vale
Nelia firmly pushes Charnell back after the threats have been eliminated.
“You sent my daughter away. I could have protected her,” she cries.
“I did what I thought was the best decision in the moment. We cannot bring war upon Splintered Vale.”
“No, I don’t know this,” she says as she starts to walk away, and he grabs onto her arm. “I can’t deal with anything else.”
“I would never have put your daughter or the prince in danger. We had no choice because there were unknown powers at play. For all we knew, both the warlock and Richard were involved.”
She sniffles, trying not to cry, but she can’t control the tears. The power of grief and hopelessness is crippling her thoughts as she tries to make sense of what is happening around her. She refuses to make eye contact with him, knowing she will only cry much harder, and controlling her composure will help her through today.
“Nelia, look at me.”
“Release me!” Turning around, she pulls her wrist free as their eyes lock. The darkness churns in her blood like nothing she has ever felt before; the burning and increasing pain of the energy from the black magic is overwhelming. “You have no idea how angry I am at you. I am begging you to back off.”
Charnell is caught off guard by another scout who has snuck up behind him. He attempts to block the attack but stumbles backward over a body and collides with the ground, crying out in pain.
Nelia turns to face the attacker. Without being provoked, she flicks her hand, sending a powerful blast of wind, knocking the man several feet back. However, he keeps his footing and comes after her. Taking a few steps forward, she sends another blast of wind, hitting the man in the chest, and he stumbles back a few feet, but that doesn’t stop him.
Charnell gets to his feet to intervene, but branches of darkness pin him against the wall.
Blocking out the calls from Charnell, Nelia reaches for the sky, conjuring a storm above Splintered Vale. Blue jagged streaks of lightning escape her fingers toward the sky. An explosion roars above the castle as a blustery wind enters the grounds, rolling through the streets and entering the alleyway, creating a vacuum that pulls debris out with it.
Darkness takes hold of her.
“Nelia!”
Turning, she sees Alexander entering the alleyway as several knights move people out of the markets. She grins, turning away to see the attacker running away. Flicking her hand, she attempts to send a bolt of lightning, but Alexander intervenes, pushing her hand, which sends the electrical charge crashing into the wall of a nearby building.
She regains control, sending a whirlwind toward Alexander that pulls him out of the streets onto the roof.
“Nelia, you need to stop,” Aurora calls out from the shadows.
“Your presence is nothing but a premonition from my conscience to intervene.”
“Maybe so, but I am here to stop you from hurting people. You need to get control of yourself and send the darkness away. Allow me to heal your pain.”
“Pain. What do you know about pain? My daughter runs for her life because you failed to protect her.”
Nelia casts a blue voltage toward Aurora, who blocks the attack, and she counters by sending a whirling fireball. She dodges the attack and swirls around, sending another voltage of energy, which is deflected once again.
She clenches her fists, gazing at Aurora.
Aurora reaches for the sky, syphoning the energy from the raging storm, and a cyclone of power wraps around her. A surge of energy spins toward Nelia from all directions, slamming into her. She is knocked back several feet and lands on the ground.
“Do not get up!”
The magic loops around Nelia, securing her to the ground.
“I call upon the Winifred ancestors to extract the darkness from you and contain it in my family pendant.” The pendant turns black as shadows wrap around the sisters.
Nelia attempts to fight, but she can’t, and a shattering scream strikes Aurora, and she does not shift her position. The energy drawn from Nelia spins toward the pendant, and Aurora is forced to step back as the force collides with the crystal, almost shattering it.
Aurora waves her hand, casting Nelia into a deep sleep.
NELIA WAKES UP TO SEE Charnell sitting in her room. She can’t recall what happened, and her head is pounding. When she sits up, the room spins, and she grabs onto her head to try to ease the sharp, stabbing pain, but it doesn’t work. Nausea overcomes her. She pulls a pillow to her stomach.
“You have been sleeping for a few hours. Aurora said that would be normal after everything that occurred yesterday.”
“For some reason, I can’t recall everything or why you are here in my room.”
“Alexander and I surely do remember you trying to kill us. You were out of control.”
“I traveled down to the markets because something was leading me there.” Closing her eyes, she tries to unravel the events, and everything floods back, as if she were reliving it over again. Tears rush down her face.
“I was grieving, but what I did was uncalled for.”
“I think we can both forgive you, but you inflicted a lot of damage in the city, and I don’t think our queen is going to be as forgiving, especially since the prince left with your daughter.”
“My head is hurting so bad.”
“It’s a side effect from the dark magic being drained from you. It may last a few days while you recover, but you will be fine.”
“I need to see Constantina.” She attempts to stand up, but everything around her spins, and she sits back down, placing her hands on her face.
“I am leaving shortly for Orchard Ridge to search for the prince and Cora.”
“Can Aurora not locate her?”
“It’s not that simple. It seems only you and the warlock can sense her presence, if she uses her magic. However, if she doesn’t siphon it, she is invisible. Aurora said it was unlike anything she has ever encountered, and she is seeking guidance from the Elders.”
“Let me come with you.”
“I cannot allow that, by order of the queen. Besides, you need to heal.”
“Charnell, I am sorry,” she says.
“Me, too.”
After the door closes, she curls up on the bed, cradling the pillow as vivid images of the incident come flashing back. The energy from the black magic was magnificent and powerful on a scale she had never felt before. Tears stream down her face, and her chin trembles from the heavy sobs as she tries to fight back her emotions. Grief is too powerful, pulling at her feelings and destroying her self-control.
32
Richard
Broken Rest
Rebeka and Rike Williams arrive at Broken Rest the following day after they were kidnapped in Splintered Vale. Richard stands over the family, his head aches, and nausea engulfs him as he takes another drink of wine, not giving in to the sickness from the all-night drinking spree. All he wants is answers from the family, so that he can return to his day at the brothel.
“Where did you get the girl?” he asks, slurring his words slightly. “Who brought her to you?”
“She is our daughter,” Rike says, holding hands with his wife. “We did not take her from anyone.”
“Do you have our daughter?” Rebeka asks.
“You don’t know where she is?” He almost laughs, but he controls himself as he stares down at the two kneeling before him. “Let me enlighten you. She fled Splintered Vale with the future king, my nephew, who we are searching for as we speak, and we will find her.”
“Can I speak with them?” asks the warlock, but Richard ignores him.
“What do you want with her?” Rike asks.
“My accomplice seems to think your daughter has the power he needs to rule The Vale, but I am skeptical, so he needs to prove it to me.”
“You are wrong about our daughter,” Rebeka replies.
“That, my dear, is where you are wrong.” He gets closer, saying, “How do you think we found you? It wasn’t by luck, but more of a magical tracking or whatever it’s called. Warlock can you join us?”
“Yes, that is quite accurate, Your Majesty,” warlock says.
“Warlock, I now give you permission to do what you do best,” Richard says.
Richard gets out of the way to allow the warlock to interact with Rebeka and Rike, as he decides to pour a glass of water instead of drinking more wine. Perhaps, he should sober up and review the recommendations from city leaders regarding the repairs needed for the castle and other necessary maintenance. There are a lot of masons in the town whom he could pay to help fix some of the castle’s structure, but a lot of it is too-far gone for repairs.
The warlock places his hands on Rebeka’s temples, closes his eyes, and chants.
Richards sways to his right, almost losing his balance, but grabs onto a chair nearby. Fatigue and weakness are affecting him, and he can’t recall the last time he slept. It really doesn’t matter, because he can’t sleep. The shadowy figure is everywhere, in his dreams and waking hours, watching, taunting, and reminding him that he is unwell.
“High Priestess Aurora brought my daughter to this family at birth. They are fully aware that she is the descendant of House Winifred.” The warlock heaves as he clenches his hands. “Your Majesty, you can get rid of them.”
“What do you two have to say?”
“If anything should happen to my wife or me, you will have more trouble than you will ever imagine. I am Sir Riccardo Fearghal, a descendant of the Keepers of The Vale. Any harm to me, my wife, or our daughter will bring the wrath of the—”
“You bring empty threats; the brotherhood is obsolete,” Richard says. “You and your wife will spend time in the tower, until we no longer need you.”
“You are not authorized to keep us captive, nor you, warlock,” Rike warns. “We are citizens of the Hidden City and Splintered Vale.”
“You underestimate me. Take them away,” Richard orders as he grabs onto a walking stick to steady himself.
Neither of the parents fights back as they are escorted out of the room.
Richard’s fatigue is gaining strength as he decides he needs to go to bed, but he also wants to continue engaging in the events he attended last night. With heavy eyes, he attempts to focus on a being standing in the shadows and realizes it’s the shadowy figure making his appearance again. Waving the being away, he turns to engage with the warlock for a moment.
“Can you sense where your daughter and my nephew are at this moment?”
“It seems that magic, other than mine, is being summoned, which is making it difficult for me to narrow down the location, but never fear, I will find them both.”
“Keep me posted, as I am retiring to my chambers. If you hear anything about the Keepers of The Vale, please inform me immediately, because we do not have time for a war.”
The warlock responds with a slight grin.
33
Kyle
Ravendell
Three days have passed, since they left Splintered Vale.
The shadows of the Forbidden Forest wrap around them as they attempt to flee the five scouts tracking them. It has been a daunting few days, as the weather has been unpredictable, with rain, cold nights, and a lack of shelter posing a significant challenge. Kyle’s body aches from sleeping on the hard ground, and the fatigue from the restless nights is getting to him as he tries to focus on the path.
The scouts outmaneuvered their escape, surrounding them and blocking their path to flee.
A man, presumably the leader, halts his horse, saying, “We have orders to bring the girl back to Broken Rest without harming you, Kyle. However, your uncle did give us permission to use as much force as necessary to ensure that she comes with us.”
“She is under my protection, and any attempt to capture or harm her will be a threat to House Ainsworth.”
“We don’t serve you,” he shouts. He pulls his sword, waiting for Kyle’s next move.
Kyle surveys the surroundings, thinking of a way to get out of the situation, which he could do, if he were by himself, but protecting Cora is causing him some difficulties. A cool breeze stirs the foliage on the ground, twisting it in the air as he taps the hilt of his sword, watching the heavyset man gaze over at him. His body is covered with reminders of prior battles, and a scar on his right cheek is visible.
A fast movement frightens Cora’s horse; he bucks, knocking her off, and Kyle quickly comes to her aid.
“Watch out!” she warns.
A thinner, gray-haired scout swings a polearm, almost hitting Kyle, but he dodges the swing a moment before the collision. He sidesteps another swing as he moves further away from Cora, allowing her to be grabbed by the commander, who drags her toward his horse, but she doesn’t go quietly, kicking him in the shin and biting his arm.
Another man joins the fight against Kyle.
“Let her go!” Kyle deflects a thrust from a sword as he evades another pole’s swing.
“You have no idea what you are doing,” says Cora. “I beg you to release me.”
Kyle takes down one of the men as another takes his place, and he watches Cora fighting with two of the attackers now. While he is distracted, his opponent lunges toward him, striking his arm, and Kyle retreats momentarily, cringing in pain before counterattacking. He cuts through the air, taking out another enemy, and he quickly blocks a slash from a sword.
A powerful blast of wind propels Kyle and his adversary several feet forward into the air. The forceful collision with the ground makes it difficult for him to catch his breath as his chest tightens, and he tries to figure out what happened. Realizing he could still be in danger, he scrambles to his feet and retrieves his sword, which was thrown a few feet away.
Cora stands alone.
“What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she says.
“Where are the scouts?”
“I saw one of the men running the way we came, and the others I don’t know,” she says, her voice calm and facial expression empty. “Can we get out of here?”
“Let me find our horses.”
The ground starts to quake as something heads in their direction. There is nowhere they can hide as the sound of thundering hooves approaches, with a large moose entering the clearing. A bright light encircles the beast as it transforms into a priestess druid. Her green eyes stand out against her long white hair and her earthy-colored armor.
“You both need to come with me,” she says.
“We can’t do that.”
“The druids of Ravendell made an alliance with House Ainsworth of Splintered Vale and House Winifred many years ago. We can provide you with protection and guidance to help you navigate the Forbidden Forest. Please, join me in Ravendell.”
KYLE AND CORA FOLLOW Sylora into the capital city of Ravendell.
The large city is nestled between the deserts of Needle Point Chasm and the snowy mountains of the Stormy Peaks in the southern part of the Forbidden Forest. Many factions around the realm have sought haven among the druids over the years, and alliances have been necessary for peace. A vast array of resources, including land, farming, hunting, fishing, and a shipping port for trade, empowers the town to flourish.
The large towers provide visibility not only for tactical surveillance but also for spiritual purposes, offering a glimpse of the world. The bulky ships can be seen throughout the city, their massive sails fluttering from the breeze off the Soulless Sea and their masts reaching toward the sky. The steps leading to the main building seem endless as they continue to climb toward the entrance, where the leader, Elena Bellarose, a high priestess druid, awaits their arrival.
Inside, it is inviting, open, and calming as they journey to the meeting room. The hallway is lined with white marble floors and features white stone columns wrapped in gold strips. Elena greets them. Her long, green hair and eyes that match stand out against her brown dress, which flows to the floor, and the sleeves are decorated with white lace and matching ribbons intertwined in her braided hair.
“Kyle, Cora, it’s nice to finally meet you. Welcome to our home.”
“Elena, my father’s writing speaks highly of you and your alliance with our kingdom.”
“I only had an opportunity to meet with him a few times over the years. He was a great leader. What brings you in this direction?” she says.
“We fled Splintered Vale to protect Cora because my uncle is focused on abducting her. We encountered several of his men in the forest before Sylora arrived to escort us here,” Kyle warns. “The Grandmaster of Arms will meet me in a few days at a meeting location.”
“Cora, my dear, you must have a lot of questions, and we will do our best to help you understand. You both must be exhausted. Please allow Sylora to show you to your quarters above the gardens. It’s a small suite with a beautiful view of the surrounding flowers, wildlife, and a pond featuring a waterfall.”
