Entangled web of destruc.., p.15
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 15
“Can you tell me more about what is going on first? I am unsure, if I can sleep with all of this weighing on my mind.” Cora takes a seat adjacent to Sylora. “Can we send word to my parents I am safe?”
Kyle grabs an apple off a table, sinking his teeth into the skin to reach the juiciness. He observes Cora fidgeting and unable to sit still as she talks with Sylora and Elena. The odds of her parents getting out of Splintered Vale are not good, with King Richard’s men searching for both her and them, more than likely. Hopefully, Charnell took care of the threats, and her parents are safe within the castle.
Elena uncovers a crystal ball on the table.
“Place your hand on the orb to unlock what is blocked and foresee what has not been seen.”
Kyle watches Cora’s hesitation as she bites her bottom lip. This is a decision she must make on her own, with no guidance, as the magic can be a little tricky. He has observed similar situations among travelers who frequent The Vale, some of whom make false predictions for quick income. A cool breeze filters into the room from an unknown source, causing chills to race up his back, and he shivers.
Cora places her hand on the orb, and a faint blue aura surrounds the room.
34
Cora
Ravendell
The private balcony suite overlooks the flower garden, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere throughout the room. A bed full of white lace sits in the center, and the curtains sway in the wind as a breeze filters in from the Soulless Sea. Kyle stands alone on the balcony as Cora continues to survey the room, trying to make sense of all the events have unfolded and wondering what tomorrow will bring.
The cold water from the basin filters through Cora’s hands as she washes the dirt off her skin and out of her hair. The last few days have been tiresome, and all she wants to do is crawl into bed and sleep. She hopes that the nightmare will be over soon, but the truth is she will never have peace as long as she is being hunted. The only hope for freedom is to neutralize the threat, and that is something she is not prepared to accomplish.
The silk gown is soft against her touch, and the elegance of the fabric clings to her body as she dresses for bed. Her pale reflection glances back at her from the iron mirror on the wall. Entering the central area, she sees Kyle walking in from outside, his clothes covered in blood and dirt and his hair damp from sweat. The candlelight does neither of them justice, as their beauty is hidden in the shadows, and their imperfections appear to be on display.
“I can sleep on the floor this evening, and you can take the bed, but first I need to get out of these clothes.”
“There are fresh linens in the lavatory.”
He projects a faint smile through his exhaustion and makes his way into the other room.
The bed is larger than she has ever seen or slept in. She pulls blankets off the chaise on the balcony, placing the blankets in the center of the bed to create a wall, so Kyle won’t have to sleep elsewhere. If he were going to try anything, she feels he would have done that already on the other nights they were together alone.
Peering into the other room to talk with him without realizing he is shirtless, she quickly backs away, hoping that he did not see her. Her cheeks flush with embarrassment, and her heart pounds against her chest, which is something she has never felt before. She has seen the young men her age swimming in the watering hole near her town, but this situation is different. He enters the room, startling her thoughts.
“I made a barrier in the bed, if you want to sleep there instead of the floor,” she says.
“That sounds like a plan, if you are comfortable with that idea.”
“Yes, it was my idea,” she says as she climbs into bed. She rolls her eyes, realizing she may have sounded foolish, but this situation is unlike one she has ever encountered.
“Do you want to talk about the orb?”
“Not right now. It’s too complicated.”
She lies with her back toward him, facing the balcony and looking at the stars flickering in the darkness. It seems that he has fallen asleep quickly, because his light snores serenade the room. The fear of what has happened to her parents is weighing on her mind, as she knows nothing and can only hope that they are safe.
Cora tosses and turns as a storm brews in her dreams.
Now that she has met Nelia, her dreams have more meaning than she had ever known.
Nelia sits in the corner of what appears to be a conservatory, hurt, angry, and fearful. Drenched from the rain, she shivers as the coldness of the room wraps around her.
The plants and flowers start to wilt as her pain intensifies, and a faint cry calls out. The thunder shakes the windows, and the lightning strikes a nearby tree, casting a fiery flame as far as she can see. The tree branches dance in the wind, casting long shadows into the room, and an unsettling rupture of rain collides with the land.
Charnell breaks into the building unexpectedly, causing Nelia to jump as the wind slams the door against the wall. He approaches her calmly, not in a threatening manner but more concerned as he holds on to the family heirloom.
Grabbing onto the pendant, a blue aura surrounds them as she reconnects with the power of her ancestors.
Charnell grabs an old cloth and a cup of water from a workstation to help clean the soil off her face. There are no words between the two, but more of a somber silence that both need in the moment. The love between them is very apparent with the gentleness of his touch and the glances they share.
The dream shifts quickly to the king’s death, a memory she has not seen before.
Nelia’s pain is unbearable as she realizes she failed once again. If only she could have avoided the warlock’s ambush or defended herself, but she was not strong enough and unable to fight back. She should have foreseen the plan unfolding before it happened, and everything would have been preventable.
Cora stands on the balcony, taking in the night air, as she can no longer sleep and doesn’t want to wake Kyle while she tosses and turns. The smooth edge of the railing is comforting to her as she brushes her hand back and forth, as the intrusive thoughts plague her mind.
“I see you can’t sleep either,” says Kyle.
“The last few days have been daunting. We have been faced with challenges, and there has been no communication with our families. Our worlds collided for a reason neither of us could have predicted, and what awaits us is unforeseen. If my parents were not forthcoming with me, I would be lost in chaos, weak, and easily influenced. However, here we are, two lost souls searching for something neither of us knows.”
“What do you know?”
“Everything. I am a descendant of black magic can consume me at any time, if I am not careful. I was trained by my aunt Aurora at an early age and received another mentor later. However, I was forbidden to use magic, as doing so would be a beacon for my father to find me. The morning we traveled to the market, I defied my family by using magic, and I have placed them in danger, and we are on the run. You should return to Splintered Vale and allow me to undertake this pilgrimage on my own. There is no need for you to sacrifice your duties for the mistake I made.”
Kyle rests his hand on hers.
“Charnell asked me to protect you, and that is what I am going to do, no matter the cost. If my uncle or your father finds you after I abandoned you, I could not forgive myself. We are in this together.”
“I am afraid this situation will destroy us both.”
THE RAYS OF THE MORNING sun stream through the window, casting a hazy glow throughout the space.
Cora dresses in a dark red warrior outfit, with long sleeves and pants, a hooded cloak, and a face covering. Her family pendant hangs from her neck, giving off a faint blue aura. She places daggers into the side holders as she waits for Kyle to dress.
Never has there been a time that there has been more of an awakening, being hunted by a father she has never met and the realization she is a descendant of the rulers of the Hidden City.
The dark brown outfit clings tightly to his body, and his wavy brown hair tussles in the wind. He places his sword into the sheath on his back and grabs a few other weapons he may need from the arsenal left for them.
“You look handsome,” Cora says as she causes herself to blush. “I didn’t mean to.”
“You are beautiful yourself.” He winks. “I believe Sylora is waiting for us at the stables with supplies. Let’s go.”
Kyle attends to the horses as Sylora and Cora catch up, before they leave on their expedition. Cora has many questions, and she doesn’t have time to get the answers. However, perhaps one day she can return to Ravendell to learn more about the druids.
“After speaking with Elena, we have decided it’s not in the best interest to send word to either Nelia or Aurora about your plans or current whereabouts. Our messages may be intercepted, which would place everyone in danger. Kyle and his allies, whom you will meet up with in a few days, can navigate the landscape to send you safely to your aunt.”
“It’s been nice to meet both you and Elena. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
“Our alliance will never falter. Remember, you are the only one who can control your magic, and allowing the darkness to consume you will be the end.”
“I understand.”
Kyle says, “We are ready to leave.”
“The horses will take you through the Forbidden Forest, which will seem like eternity, but after a few days, you will arrive at Clifford Point, at which time, you will be united with unexpected allies. Each of you will face challenges throughout this journey. Some will try to break you, while others will make you stronger. Remember, your overall goal is to reach Aurora in the Hidden City.”
“I give both you and Cora my oath as the next king of Splintered Vale we will not forsake this quest.”
35
Charnell
Orchard Ridge
Charnell and a few knights arrived in Orchard Ridge a few days ago to complete a final search loop before turning back to Splintered Vale. If Kyle ever needed to vacate the castle grounds, the plan was for him to travel to Orchard Ridge and stay low until Charnell arrived to protect him. However, there have been no signs of the prince or Cora during both of Charnell’s visits.
He takes a drink of water, staring out the window, trying to figure out his next move. He has taken the prince under his wings since Jonathan’s death, and Kyle is like a son to Charnell. He is not the father figure Kyle deserves, but he would never expect think that way.
The dishes clatter as the innkeeper’s daughter cleans up a table.
“Charnell, can I join you?” asks Lord Ryan, interrupting Charnell’s thoughts.
He nods.
“There are no signs of the prince or any evidence he has been here within the last week. We will continue to keep an eye out for him, and if he does show up, we will send a carrier.”
“I appreciate it,” he says as he traces the top of the cup with his finger. “He is very smart and will keep a low profile as long as he needs to, but I am worried that once word gets out he is missing, we could have chaos.”
“I only told those whom I can trust. I have sent out another search party in case they had traveled into the Forbidden Forest, but the last few searches have come up empty.”
“I have even traveled to the bridge that enters the Phantom Isle, and there were no signs of travel. My informants from Broken Rest have reported nothing as well.”
“What about Ravendell or Needle Point Chasm?”
“I don’t see him traveling to the desert or Ravendell, if he doesn’t know whom to trust there. I have sent word to Nelia to see, if she can reach the druids. I did not want to stir up any conflict by bringing our army, even though it’s only a group of us, onto their sacred land.”
“That is understandable. I would say traveling west to continue the search would be beneficial, and we can continue to check the forests as long as things remain safe.”
“I will ensure that the queen knows of your cooperation in this matter. Send someone immediately if he does show up, but not a carrier. It may be intercepted, and we would not want a war brought to Orchard Ridge.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with you again, Charnell,” he says as they shake hands. “If the prince shows up, I will send my best rider to inform the queen.”
Charnell gathers up his belongings to meet his company at the stables. He doesn’t want to leave, but he has no choice but to abandon the search. His heart tells him the prince is fine, but part of him worries that something terrible has gone wrong.
A few people wave as he makes his way to the stables. The land is still hazy, as the morning sun has just arrived. He clips his bag onto the saddle, listening to other knights talking amongst themselves.
“On the way back, we will travel by the Forbidden Forest one last time. We will regroup after I consult with Alexander and the queen.”
THE BARRACKS HOUSE NEWLY arrived individuals, who have joined the knighthood. At this time of day, most people are sleeping. The main wall displays a variety of weapons that each person will be trained with, to give them an advantage over any threat.
Alexander joins Charnell.
“There are no signs of the prince. He has not been to Orchard Ridge, and our informant has reported no signs of him at Broken Rest. I do not want to give this news to our queen.”
“You arrived without her son. Therefore, she knows his whereabouts are unknown.”
“Nelia?”
“I have not spoken with her since your departure. She has been staying isolated in her tower. The relationship between her and the queen is not well.”
Charnell punches the wall. “What other choice did I have, Alexander? We could not afford another war in our home, not after the last one, not after our king was murdered.”
“You’re the only one who is second-guessing your decision.”
He runs his hands through his thick hair before throwing a bucket across the room in frustration. “If you are done talking reasonably, then I will return to my quarters. The queen is waiting for you on the balcony overlooking the gardens.”
“Fine,” he snaps.
A few stars flicker in the sky as clouds try to conceal them. Charnell watches Constantina from inside the room connects to the terrace, not wanting to disturb her. A cool breeze filters in from the gardens, and the queen pulls her robe tight. He places his weapons on a table, taking a deep breath.
“You can stand inside all night or come out and join me, Charnell. I would rather get this over with so I can sit here in peace.”
“Your Majesty, please forgive me.”
“Your responsibility is to protect my son, but you sent him away to face an unforeseen danger from his uncle and the warlock,” she says, brushing her hair back. “Have you found any signs of him?”
“No.”
“He is very resourceful and has the determination of his father. I will take no news as good news, because you trained him in survival and combat skills, did you not?”
“I did.”
“He has the stamina to get him through whatever is going on, but we need to know what that is, and that will help us locate him. I have sent word for Nelia to meet me shortly after we are done, but she is also empty-handed with news.”
He does not respond.
“Tomorrow, you, Alexander, and Nelia need to consult about all the details each of you has and discuss suggestions to come up with a plan for the next step, no matter what that plan may be. Afterward, Alexander will bring that information to me.”
“I can do that, Your Majesty.”
Charnell runs into Nelia as he is leaving the room, but they share only a faint smile.
36
Cora
Clifford Point
Cora exhales deeply to see a clearing visible in the distance, signaling the end of the Forbidden Forest. It seemed like time was at a standstill, as they were trapped in the endless forest for days, with no signs of life other than the animals that scurried away. Smiling slightly, she tugs on the reins and makes a clicking noise to grab the horse’s attention as they leave the tree’s protection.
The downside of exiting the woods is the smoldering heat that almost takes her breath as they emerge from the protection of the shadows. She continues to follow Kyle, as neither of them has said a word for miles, not because they are mad at one another. Because they are exhausted and hungry. The uncertainty of what they may encounter in the days ahead is both frightening and worrisome.
“Welcome to Clifford Point,” he says as they stop at a barn on the edge of town. “I need you to wait here while I investigate the area.”
He ties his horse to a railing by the water trough.
“I don’t want to wait here, alone,” she frets.
“It’s easier for me to stealth into town without having to worry about you. You must trust me.”
She rolls her eyes as she joins him.
“I have friends here that we can trust, but you need to allow me to meet with them first. It’s going to be hard enough to explain why I am traveling alone, and I am sure rumors circulate I ran from my duties with a beautiful lady.”
“Your flattery is not going to work. You need to hurry.”
Cora brushes the horse’s slick coat as she waits impatiently for him to return. Her belly grumbles because she hasn’t eaten anything since midday yesterday. The trudging of someone’s gait catches her attention as a young, slender man enters the stables, muttering to himself, and he drops a large bag of feed.
“What brings you here, my lady?” he asks as he wipes the sweat off his forehead. “It’s a beautiful morning, I do say myself.”
